Pita Betancourt
Yoga Instructor
Short Bio: Guadalupe “Pita” Betancourt, a physical-emotional mental health educator, was born in México and moved to the U.S. in 1997. Pita has always advocated for social justice and equal rights for underserved groups. She has worked for DIF Estatal (children and family services), Human Rights Watch, YWCA of Elgin, The Larkin Center, and was founder and director of the theater group “Los Desarraigados”. Pita, under her business “Accepting Yourself”, offers personalized yoga instruction for kids, teenagers, adults and seniors, individual and group counseling (featuring her own self-esteem and nutrition workshops) and public speaking on nutrition, mental and emotional issues.
What is your favorite thing about working with BGCDT?: Partnering with an organization that really cares about the emotional and physical well being of kids. It is a gratifying experience to be able to influence the present and future life of the kids.
What is your favorite memory or moment with the Club over the years?: Every time a kid discovers something new about their body while performing yoga movements. The face expression and comments are priceless.
How did you get started with BGCDT?: Thru my friendship with board of directors’ members I learned about the BGCDT objectives and programs. Then I met Curt, Amalia and Mike who got me involved with the site programs.
If you had to pick one program, activity or event that you enjoy the most at Club, what would it be?: The art and yoga programs.
What is your guilty pleasure?: Snacking on raisins covered with dark chocolate while watching suspense movies.
What is your favorite TV show and favorite movie?: TV show: “Breaking Bad”. Movie: “El Laberinto del Fauno” (Fauno’s Labyrinth).
Who has had the most influence on your work career?: My brothers, since they always have worked on what they like or interest them, no matter the economic gain.
What is number one on your bucket list?: Travel to France and Greece for a month.
