Welcome,
I'm Jennifer. I took my first yoga class at San Jose State University in 1993. I fell in love with how I felt after that class, and yoga became a primary tool for nourishing myself. Now that I am a parent to young children and caretaker to an elderly parent, I've found consistent yoga and meditation create steadiness and ease in my life. When my daily life feels too frenetic, when I feel disconnected from the people I love and from my own clarity and joy, I know it's time to look again at how my habits are serving me each day.
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I've been given plenty of opportunities to practice coming back to myself. My daughter was stillborn in 2008, and the mental and physical recovery
were a long process. My mother suffered multiple strokes and has needed more care. I've been the primary advocate for my son with sensory processing and anxiety challenges, after years being of service as a teacher and social worker. It is easy to lose sight of ourselves when we are healing, tending to others, or trying to contribute our best selves to our work and families.
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I've spent much of the last decade studying and practicing wellness. I became a certified wellness educator in 2016 through the WellGrounded Institute. From Lisa Grace Byrne, I learned the power of making subtle shifts in my habits around food, movement, sleep, and connection. In 2017, I began studying with Jennifer Prugh, learning how to combine the physical and mental practices of yoga, and receiving my 200 hour YTT certification from the JOY of Yoga school. I am currently pursuing my 500 hour YTT certification and diving deeply into the latest research on yoga and meditation's effects on the brain and body.
My goal is to empower others to look within, and to elevate how we respond to the challenges we face. When we notice how we respond to stress, and make small shifts, we have the energy and clarity we need to live our purpose.
In addition to my passion for yoga and meditation, I love to kayak and bike with my family. I support the March of Dimes and volunteer at my sons'
elementary school teaching yoga, art, and engineering. I currently live in San Jose with my husband, 2 sons, and our rescue Lab-Border Collie mix, Izzy. I look forward to hearing from you!
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Wishing you vitality and joy,
Jen
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Education and Experience
General Education
200 hour YTT Certification, JOY of Yoga School, 2017
Wellness Educator Certification, WellGrounded Institute, 2016
Feng Shui Practitioner Certification, West Coast Academy of Feng Shui, 2012
MA in Education, emphasis in Equity in Education, thesis "Closing the Latino Achievement Gap", San Jose State University, 2007
Preliminary Administrative Credential, San Jose State University, 2007
Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential in English and CLAD Certification, San Jose State University, 2003
Post-graduate work in Comparative Mythology, San Jose State University, 1995-2000
BA in Sociology, emphasis in Social Change, minor in Environmental Studies, San Jose State University, 1995
Rough Terrain Rescue Certification, Mission College, 1993
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Yoga and Ayurveda Workshops
Ayurveda Foundations 30 Hour Immersion, Jana Kilgore, Breathe Together Yoga, 2017
Teaching Yoga and Mindfulness to Youth, Christina Enneking, Breathe Together Yoga, 2017
The Art of Yin Yoga, Paulie Zink, Kripalu Institute, 2017
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Recognition and Awards
Dorothy C. Wright Award for Outstanding Teaching, San Jose State University, 2007
Robert M. Thorson Teacher of the Year Award, Santa Clara High School, 2004
Excellence in Multicultural Education, San Jose State University, College of Education, 2003
Staff Member of the Year Award, Santa Clara High School, 2003
Excellence in Specialized Youth Planning Services Award, Santa Clara County Social Services, 2001
Associated Students 55 Award for Leadership, San Jose State University, 1995
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General Experience
Noddin Elementary School, Hospitality Coordinator, 2015-2016
Explorer Parent Participation Preschool, Executive Board Member, 2012-2013
Co-Author, ELL Biology textbook in collaboration with ck-12.org, 2009-2010
Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction, Leadership Public Schools, 2007-2009
English Teacher, Santa Clara High School, 2001-2007
ELL Coordinator, Equity Task Force, WASC Accreditation Coordinator, Literacy Liaison, 12th Grade Lead Teacher, School Planning Team, Understanding by Design Site Mentor Teacher, Cultural Proficiency Team
Student Teacher, Independence High School, 2001
Social Worker I, Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children Services, 1998-2001
Family Court Liaison, Foster Parent Trainer, Out of State Court and Home Supervision Liaison, Facilitator of Living Skills Group for adolescent foster youth, Drug Testing and Addiction Trainer
Writing Center Tutor Supervisor and Graduate Assistant, San Jose State University, 1997-1999