Hi there, I'm so glad you made it along!
My own Yoga journey began around 20 years ago when a progressive doctor, suggested I try yoga to help my anxiety. So, as a nimble 19 year old, off I trotted to the local yoga studio to give it a try. Hailing from a gymnastic, dance and gym 'bunny' background much of the subtlety of the practice was lost on me as i found myself trying to 'out-bend' everyone in the room. Back then my motto was something along the lines of "go hard or go home" and "no pain no gain" (it was the early 90's after all).
I would like to say I was hooked from my first class but that was not the case. I practiced yoga, on and off (more off than on) for the next 8 years or so and it was not until traveling, and spending some time in North America, I really began to discover the deeper benefits of yoga.
From here my passion for the practice grew and yoga began to play an important role in my life. I was beginning to glimpse subtle changes in my body and mind which could only be attributed to the consistently mindful practice of yoga.
On returning home from my travels I studied Herbal Medicine and Massage for one year and then undertook a 3 year Performing Arts degree with a major in Contemporary Dance. The physically and emotionally demanding nature of this course of study required a practice which supported, nourished and refueled my body and mind. Enter.........yoga. Once again the regularity of the practice sustained and assisted me in retaining balance during an intense and challenging time of my life.
NOW i was hooked!
My own Yoga journey began around 20 years ago when a progressive doctor, suggested I try yoga to help my anxiety. So, as a nimble 19 year old, off I trotted to the local yoga studio to give it a try. Hailing from a gymnastic, dance and gym 'bunny' background much of the subtlety of the practice was lost on me as i found myself trying to 'out-bend' everyone in the room. Back then my motto was something along the lines of "go hard or go home" and "no pain no gain" (it was the early 90's after all).
I would like to say I was hooked from my first class but that was not the case. I practiced yoga, on and off (more off than on) for the next 8 years or so and it was not until traveling, and spending some time in North America, I really began to discover the deeper benefits of yoga.
From here my passion for the practice grew and yoga began to play an important role in my life. I was beginning to glimpse subtle changes in my body and mind which could only be attributed to the consistently mindful practice of yoga.
On returning home from my travels I studied Herbal Medicine and Massage for one year and then undertook a 3 year Performing Arts degree with a major in Contemporary Dance. The physically and emotionally demanding nature of this course of study required a practice which supported, nourished and refueled my body and mind. Enter.........yoga. Once again the regularity of the practice sustained and assisted me in retaining balance during an intense and challenging time of my life.
NOW i was hooked!
After completing my degree I began the journey toward becoming a yoga teacher. (see below for more detail)
Since that time many years have passed, I am now a 500hr certified yoga teacher, through Ashram Yoga New Zealand, and have been fortunate to learn from great and knowledgeable teachers including Swami Shantimurti Saraswati, Atma Okan, Donna Farhi, Simon Borg Olivier and Wilhemeena Isabella Monroe. Throughout the past 15 years I have attended many yoga workshops, courses, retreats and classes and, for the past 10 years, have been teaching regularly in my home town. We have recently returned to Auckland and I am excited to spread my wings and see where this next journey takes me. I look forward to sharing yoga around North and Central Auckland. |
I continue to be inspired by the endless possibilities yoga and mindful movement present every day. I have first hand experience in the healing power of yoga and movement, both within my own body and the bodies of those I have had the privilege of working with. I truly believe we have the power to heal and transform ourselves; body and mind and to discover new and more sustainable ways in which to be in the world.
Now in my 40's, and with 2 decades of yoga, dance and conscious movement practice behind me, I feel I am finally beginning to scratch the surface. Yoga has sustained me in all times of life. Through a busy working life to pregnancy, birth, post partum, and beyond. Yoga has helped me through times of depression, anxiety, heartbreak and fear, and has been with me in times of joy, discovery, abundance and love. It has become my constant companion and my 'go-to' in times of need and it is my great joy and humble privilege to offer this experience of yoga and conscious movement to others.
I hope to be dancing and practicing yoga, daily, until I am old and withered and no longer able to stand, at which time i will dance and practice yoga lying down. It is my intention to never cease learning, growing, discovering and sharing these profoundly simple and effective practices with all who wish to know them.
Now in my 40's, and with 2 decades of yoga, dance and conscious movement practice behind me, I feel I am finally beginning to scratch the surface. Yoga has sustained me in all times of life. Through a busy working life to pregnancy, birth, post partum, and beyond. Yoga has helped me through times of depression, anxiety, heartbreak and fear, and has been with me in times of joy, discovery, abundance and love. It has become my constant companion and my 'go-to' in times of need and it is my great joy and humble privilege to offer this experience of yoga and conscious movement to others.
I hope to be dancing and practicing yoga, daily, until I am old and withered and no longer able to stand, at which time i will dance and practice yoga lying down. It is my intention to never cease learning, growing, discovering and sharing these profoundly simple and effective practices with all who wish to know them.
I honor the place in you where spirit lives
I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace
When you are in that place in you
And I am in that place in me
We are one
NAMASTE
I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace
When you are in that place in you
And I am in that place in me
We are one
NAMASTE
Qualifications and official stuff...
Jessica holds a Bachelors Degree in Contemporary dance and is a 500hr certified yoga teacher through Ashram Yoga NZ. She has been practicing for over 2 decades and teaching yoga and movement for more than 10 years. In June of 2016 Jessica began training toward becoming a registered Shin Somatic Movement Therapist and in 2017 joined Ashram Yoga's teaching Faculty as an assistant teacher on their teacher training courses.
Having been a gymnast and dancer as a child a love affair with movement, exercise and healing was a natural progression for Jessica and in the early 90's she ran her own personal training business and worked as an aerobic instructor and lifestyle coach. From there she discovered her love of yoga and dance. Gradually yoga began to play more of a main role until, after graduating from UNITEC School of Performing and Screen Arts with a BPSA Jessica decided to pursue yoga teaching and movement therapy as her main focus. Since then she has attended and completed numerous courses, workshops and retreats and counts herself lucky to have studied with several of New Zealand's leading senior yoga teachers. Jessica has also completed the following courses/workshops:
- Wellpark College Diploma of Herbal Medicine year 1
-Wellpark College Massage Modules 1 & 2
- Ashram Yoga teacher training modules 1, 2 and 3 (to 500hrs)
- NetFit Pilates Teacher Training workshop
-Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga certificate, through Yoga Synergy Australia
- NZGymsports Gymnastic Coaching qualification to Elementary level coach
-YogiKids Storybook Yoga Teacher Training
-Ashram Yoga Natal Teacher training for pregnancy, pre and post conception
- Ashram Yoga Kriya Yoga Meditation retreat
- Donna Farhi 'Origins of alignment' and 'Centering Down' workshops
- 'The art of resting' with Karla Brodie and Neal Ghoshal
- 'The skeletal body' with Lisa Peterson
- 'Vector Of soul' Open Floor Movement retreat with Geordie Jahner
- 'Body Song - intrinsic Dance and Integrative Bodywork.' Module 1 Shin Somatics Movement Therapy Training through Soul Centre NZ and EastWest Somatics - Institute for Yoga, Dance and Movement Studies, Utah U.S.A
- 'Dancing Down The Bones' - Module 2 Shin Somatics Movement Therapy Training through Soul Centre NZ and EastWest Somatics - Institute for Yoga, Dance and Movement Studies, Utah U.S.A
- 'Bare Bones' Open Floor Movement retreat with Geordie Jahner
- 'The Embyological Foundations Of Movement' with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen
Jessica has an excellent understanding of anatomy and physiology and a sound personal practice spanning more than 2 decades. She is a confident teacher who is well versed in working with injury and recovery, stress and anxiety as well as with those looking to increase strength, flexibility and fitness. She is a sensitive and knowledgeable teacher and her classes are enjoyable, holistic and carefully planned.
Having been a gymnast and dancer as a child a love affair with movement, exercise and healing was a natural progression for Jessica and in the early 90's she ran her own personal training business and worked as an aerobic instructor and lifestyle coach. From there she discovered her love of yoga and dance. Gradually yoga began to play more of a main role until, after graduating from UNITEC School of Performing and Screen Arts with a BPSA Jessica decided to pursue yoga teaching and movement therapy as her main focus. Since then she has attended and completed numerous courses, workshops and retreats and counts herself lucky to have studied with several of New Zealand's leading senior yoga teachers. Jessica has also completed the following courses/workshops:
- Wellpark College Diploma of Herbal Medicine year 1
-Wellpark College Massage Modules 1 & 2
- Ashram Yoga teacher training modules 1, 2 and 3 (to 500hrs)
- NetFit Pilates Teacher Training workshop
-Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga certificate, through Yoga Synergy Australia
- NZGymsports Gymnastic Coaching qualification to Elementary level coach
-YogiKids Storybook Yoga Teacher Training
-Ashram Yoga Natal Teacher training for pregnancy, pre and post conception
- Ashram Yoga Kriya Yoga Meditation retreat
- Donna Farhi 'Origins of alignment' and 'Centering Down' workshops
- 'The art of resting' with Karla Brodie and Neal Ghoshal
- 'The skeletal body' with Lisa Peterson
- 'Vector Of soul' Open Floor Movement retreat with Geordie Jahner
- 'Body Song - intrinsic Dance and Integrative Bodywork.' Module 1 Shin Somatics Movement Therapy Training through Soul Centre NZ and EastWest Somatics - Institute for Yoga, Dance and Movement Studies, Utah U.S.A
- 'Dancing Down The Bones' - Module 2 Shin Somatics Movement Therapy Training through Soul Centre NZ and EastWest Somatics - Institute for Yoga, Dance and Movement Studies, Utah U.S.A
- 'Bare Bones' Open Floor Movement retreat with Geordie Jahner
- 'The Embyological Foundations Of Movement' with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen
Jessica has an excellent understanding of anatomy and physiology and a sound personal practice spanning more than 2 decades. She is a confident teacher who is well versed in working with injury and recovery, stress and anxiety as well as with those looking to increase strength, flexibility and fitness. She is a sensitive and knowledgeable teacher and her classes are enjoyable, holistic and carefully planned.