Jess (she/her) is a white, cisgender female who believes in the healing power of community and knows that it can be found at Sangha. Jess views the yogic path as an opportunity for one to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to better understand their lived, human experience and how that relates to the world around them.

Jess found Sangha in 2015 when she had to change her relationship with movement. Jess grew up as an extreme soccer athlete and suffered a severe hip injury at the age of 13. She didn’t know at the time, but this misfortune ultimately sent her on a long term journey of navigating chronic pain and self acceptance. Through the years, Jess has since received four hip surgeries, resulting in a total hip replacement, and one reconstructive knee surgery. Jess is grateful for the lessons of patience, self-compassion, and wonder that these experiences have taught her, as they inform her both as a teacher in class and human in the world. Jess feels proud of how far she’s come with accepting her disability and for discovering supportive ways to move and feel good in her body. Yoga taught Jess how to cope with life’s struggles in ways beyond movement, such as breath work, meditation, self study and service, and Sangha provided her with a sense of belonging. Jess is so thankful that she had already established a deep connection to Sangha prior to her last two surgeries because it played (and still does) a major role in the outcomes of her healing and has shaped her outlook on life. 

Jess aspires to create a friendly and safe teaching space so folks can show up as themselves and feel welcome. You can expect a sustained slow, strong and steady flow during her classes with an emphasis on the use of props to make shapes feel more accessible and inclusive. Jess prompts students to become curious about their experience in class, guiding them to listen to their bodies, create an awareness of their unique needs (beyond the physical,) and learn how to support those needs. Jess sprinkles in imagery and weaves attention to the breath throughout class, while adding a sense of playfulness to complement the peace that can be felt in the time spent together.  

Jess completed her 200-hr YTT at Sangha Studio with the 2019-2020 cohort, and has since received training in restorative yoga, trauma informed language, and size-inclusive teaching methods. 

Aside from her yoga role, Jess is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at the Adams Center for Mind and Body, where she specializes in nutrition therapy for eating disorder recovery. In her free time, Jess enjoys being active outside, tending to her houseplants and gardens, practicing magick, writing poetry, and singing. She loves that she gets to share a home with her partner, Dan, and special dog, Kuya.

Certifications
200 HR Yoga Teacher Training
15 HR Restorative Yoga Training
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist