“To say I am a yoga novice would be an understatement! I exercise and run on a regular basis, but I have always wanted to improve my flexibility. I have been a long time member at the Spears Y. When I saw Jo’s class, I thought I would give it a try. I found a corner in the back of the room for that first class. I was uncomfortable as the class started. I did not know any of the names of the poses, much less how to get into them. And I was the only guy in the class. As the class got underway, Jo did a great job of making me feel at ease. She is wonderful at describing the poses and walking you through them. She also stresses the importance of listening to your body. I have been coming back to Jo’s classes on a regular basis and look forward to them, although I still like to find a corner in the back of the room!”
~Pete E.
“Spears YMCA is very lucky to have Jo as a yoga teacher. Her knowledge and expertise makes for a great class. During the day, I always look forward to her class because I know I will relax and leave totally stress free. Thank you, Jo, for all you do in your classes.”
~Sally R.
“I am new to yoga, and Jo has made it such a great learning experience. She has a gentle, kind, and respectful approach. She modifies for various levels and makes us all feel comfortable and welcome. I am definitely enjoying the practice of yoga with Jo.”
~Shelby S.
“Jo is a welcoming person, she exhales joy and energy and her laugh is contagious! I appreciate very much her classes and the fact that she takes the time to explain the pose and the purpose of that pose. Needless to say, I love the relaxation part of her class as well. I get so relaxed, I feel so good that I go home always smiling!”
~Valeria S.
“Jo has given me tools to navigate this stressful world. You can tell she loves her art and is not just someone teaching a class.. It is who she is. I look forward to taking her classes because they are balanced and she helps me grow. Her voice is very calming and I enjoy hearing the Sanscrit names of the poses from this very experienced yogi and learning to ‘just let it go’!”
~Mary L.
Photo credit: Lynn Donovan Photography
“What separates Jo from other instructors is her ability to include the all important mind, body, and spirit connection. It’s not just about teaching yoga moves and positions, but incorporating these key elements to our practice. I always leave her classes with a sense of well-being.”
~Beverly
“I have taken yoga from Jo for several years. Her passion for yoga and care for her students is amazing.”
~Dona D.
“I am always impressed how Jo stays active in the yoga community by going to workshops and staying current with literature. She brings new ideas back to her classes and is always looking for our feedback once we try them out. She is always prepared, but open to requests. Her classes are my favorite part of the week!”
~Dorina M.
“Jo knows what she’s doing when she hits the yoga mat. She taught me how to actually let things in my mind go and listen to what my body is telling me and go from there. In her class I have stretched muscles I didn’t even know I have. I have never been so in touch with my body.”
~Carly Z.
“I love coming to Jo’s class because she puts me in the right mind-set. She is always reminding me how to observe without judging and always encouraging me to enjoy what I’m doing by not only her words but also her very personality and essence.”
~Carrie F.
“I joined Jo’s yoga class after I graduated from college. It was a difficult period of transition in my life filled with anxiety about my future, but I always had her classes to look forward to every week. I am so grateful for her teaching–more than a fun experience, I always left class feeling more centered and energized. My favorite part is that she teaches at a gentle pace, while still incorporating a few surprises so that it’s never quite the same routine. I’ve learned to be kinder to my body and mind. Moreover, I’ve learned how progress can be made through tiny steps, a deeper breath, and little more stretching. I am grateful to Jo for bringing me so much joy, and I look forward to her future workshops.”
~Leeann
Photo credit: Lynn Donovan Photography
“Jo is a great yoga teacher. I have been attending her classes lately at the Y. It helps me with flexibility, and I feel relaxed after the class. I have been lifting weights in the past, and yoga helps a great deal with flexibility. She takes time to explain the poses and alternative moves as needed.”
~Akshay
“I would like to take a few minutes to express my heart felt appreciation for all Jo has brought to my life, as my yoga instructor. Her passion for yoga and deep understanding of the practice of yoga has inspired me to learn more, practice more, and become a better person. Because of her teaching, I have been able to avoid a major 4 level cervical spine fusion procedure that would have limited my mobility for life. Jo has inspired me not only to practice yoga, but to complete a 200 hour teacher training program. She brings such a sense of love, inspiration, hope and kindness to my world.”
~Cindy J.
“I usually (try to) attend your Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 PM yoga classes at the Spears Y and I love it! It has been a very centering and calming experience, and I am always looking forward to our meetings.”
~Cristina
“Jo is genuine and giving. Her practice unites my physical and mental selves. She explores important aspects of a harmonious yoga practice and allows for all students to benefit in her class. Namaste.”
~Heidi
If you’ve taken a class with Jo and would like to share your thoughts, please fill out the following form.