testimonials from students and colleagues
- Becky Bostian (PRIVATE STUDENT) "I have known Jessica for about eight years. She is a peaceful and caring soul. I first took yoga with her privately for a year in 2014, until I started a new job which created schedule conflicts. Our time together in that year benefited me not only physically but spiritually. I have back problems, and also carry tension in my neck and shoulders. Jessica designed a practice for me that was sensitive and effective. One silver living of the pandemic has been the Zoom Boom. Jessica began offering classes online and I am very happy to be practicing with her again. She takes great care in planning each class with the individual needs of her students in mind. She frequently asks for feedback regarding her teaching style, the poses she teaches and any difficulties we have in achieving them. We are an older group, each with our own physical challenges. One of us may be able to do something easily, with which another may struggle. During practice, Jessica approaches every move with each student's needs and abilities in mind, presenting a variety of approaches in which the move can be safely and comfortably, while still effectively, accomplished. And since she has taken the time to personally learn about me and my physical challenges and hopes for yoga, I have been able to pinpoint certain poses that are beneficial to particular creaky-old-parts-of-me and use them outside of class. I also enjoy how educational Jessica's classes are. Every week I learn the names of different body parts and muscle groups, and how each move benefits a specific area. I never feel let down by myself or discouraged. There is no failure in Jessica's class - only encouragement, success, and praise."
- Bruce Whealton (PRIVATE STUDENT) "I am writing to enthusiastically recommend the services of Jessica Martinez who teaches yoga and meditation for physical and mental health. I have been attending the classes of Jessica for over a year now. It is clear that Jessica is informed and educated about anatomy and physiology as well as mental health – the latter is a skill that we share. Jessica takes the time to listen and to get to know each participant as a unique individual and our unique individual needs and concerns. I cannot overstate the value of this kind of empathy, compassion, support, and kindness in helping you heal, grow, or maintain health and wellness. Whether you are young or old, have had experience with yoga or not. You will discover a range of benefits as you get to know how your mind and body are integrated and you develop strength, flexibility, and balance in mind and body."
- Susan K. (PRIVATE STUDENT) “I have participated in a "Chair Yoga" class and a "Self-Discovery" class. These were the best experiences I've ever had with yoga. The classes are gentle and relaxing - perfect for my anxiety issues! As a bonus, Jessica's adorable dog makes appearances. :) They say that "teachers" come into our lives when we need them most, and Jessica's classes are just what I need to remind me to be more present and to practice self-care. The combination of yoga and meditation is very healing, and her knowledge is deep. I'm looking forward to my next class!”.
- Sophia Moimeme (Former YOGA TEACHER) "I have worked directly with Jessica for over 25 years in the study and practical everyday application of the principles of yoga and leading a conscious life. She is very knowledgeable about Yoga and all things related to working with Mental Health Issues. She is successful in showing others how they can lead happy, healthy and productive lives. Jessica is easy to communicate with, understands others needs and is able to communicate to others a clear path for wholistic living. I am and will always be inspired by her work. She is clearly a leader in her field. "
- Linda Myerholtz (Psychologist, University of North Carolina Family Medicine) "Jessica has been teaching gentle yoga in a mindfulness class, Living Life Well, that we run at our family practice, University of North Carolina Family Medicine. She has graciously volunteered her time for this grant funded program that allows us to provide a free 6 week introduction to mindfulness for our patients and community. Jessica has been able to modify her teaching to meet the physical needs of the participants and the space limitations that we have. Her teaching is gentle and supportive and the feedback from participants has been very positive. Jessica has also provided resource lists that we have incorporated into our class workbook. Her skill and compassion have truly enhanced our program."
- Jessie Cornett (Recreational Coordinater, Veterans Agency Medical Center) "Jessica has been working with our hospitalized Veterans on the inpatient acute psychiatric unit for a year and has become one of our most valuable assets. She has the utmost respect for each individual that walks through the door and puts her heart and soul into bringing these Veterans into a safe and caring environment. So many leave her session feeling relaxed not just physically but mentally and emotionally. She is quick to adapt to any needs that a Veteran may have in order to make sure they can participate at their highest ability. She truly understands where each of these Veterans have been and more importantly are going on their journey and it definitely shows in her teaching."
- Teresa Partridge (PRIVATE STUDENT) "I just recently started yoga and I'm only sticking with it because of Jessica! I've never been able to focus and enjoy it before, but her teaching style keeps me engaged and even though I'm a beginner, I'm able to keep up."
- Randi Bell (PRIVATE STUDENT) “ Jessica is an AMAZING yoga teacher. Her classes are well organized and have a great flow. She does mindfulness and meditation as well. She explains all the different types of yoga, what they are called and what they are used for. She takes the time to make sure each student is comfortable with the flow and positions and is doing them correctly. She loves getting to know her students personally and teaches with kindness and compassion.
- Hannah S. (PRIVATE STUDENT) "I thought that the chair yoga class was amazing! Your teaching style made me feel super cared for and affirmed, and I felt like it was a nice mix up of things in my wheelhouse as well as stretching my strength and ability. I definitely am planning on being a regular because I felt GREAT after class. I really enjoyed it and felt very empowered and connected to my spirit and body. I haven't really gone to a yoga class that has made me feel like that! So thank you <3"