Meet Jessica: Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga Instructor

Meet Jessica – perinatal yoga instructor of Movement With Jessica and one of Om Mama’s founding collective members! 

Q: Your Story – a little “About You” – How long have you lived in the Seattle area? Where are you from/why did you move here? What do you do for a living? Have you always done this?  

I moved to Seattle a little over a year ago, from Virginia by way of New York! I lived in Brooklyn for about 5 years, but the Pacific Northwest called strong and I’ve loved getting to know Seattle. I teach yoga – to all levels, all ages, privates and group classes, children and families, and with a special focus in prenatal/postpartum yoga. When my partner and I moved to Seattle, it was a great opportunity to take my teaching full time, and I’ve loved every minute.

Q: Why did you decide to pursue prenatal & postpartum addition to your yoga teaching skills?

My family always had a really positive outlook on birth and pregnancy growing up. Because of that, I always thought of pregnancy as a powerful, beautiful, amazing, real, and deeply transformative experience. Being able to teach prenatal and postpartum yoga has allowed me a small window into a very special time of these women’s lives, and I’m really honored to witness their practice and to hopefully alleviate some of the common discomforts of pregnancy.

Q: What is your favorite thing about connecting with your clients?

People have such amazing stories! I’ve met so many amazing people – people who have been through tough times, who have traveled to great places, who have dealt with injury, who have lived these amazing lives they’ve crafted for themselves. It’s really great to be able to meet new people and to connect with them – and the anatomy geek in me just loves watching people move and explore their bodies.

Q: How do you practice self-care?

My self-care changes depending on what I need! A lot of time self-care is more work than I expect it to be, or more effortful, less indulgent, often simple (sadly Netflix and ice cream does not fit well into my self-care regimen- or not often!) Often my self-care means cooking myself really yummy, nourishing food. Sometimes taking a bath or doing some breath work. My dog, Moose, actually fits really well into my self-care practice – he encourages me to take long walks, insists that I pet him as a way of sharing love, and reminds me by his example that naps are good for the soul. If nothing else, self-care is deep breaths.

Q: What do you do for fun when you aren’t teaching yoga?

I love cooking yummy food, going on hikes with my partner and pup, and doing creative things – gardening, knitting, quilting. Oh, and every now and then I am able to take a yoga class!

Q: Who are significant mother role models in your life & why?

My mom of course – for so many reasons, but I’m grateful for her for sharing her experience of motherhood and birth in such a powerful and positive way. I’m really grateful to Colette Crawford of Seattle Holistic Center who led my prenatal yoga training – Colette is an amazing human being, incredible teacher, and she knows more than anyone I’ve ever met about pregnancy, labor, birth, and babies. I’m very grateful to learn from her and to have her as a mentor.

Q: What does living a fulfilled and happy life mean to you?

How easy it would be to be long winded on this question! But in an effort to be succinct: good food, yummy movement, loving company.

Do you have any personal mantras?

Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed or scattered, simply asking myself “what’s the next step?”(Not what are the next 32 steps and what does my 5-year plan look like, but what is the one next step) The answers are often helpful and clarifying.

Q: What is your morning routine?

The ideal version first: Wake up early, a bit of journaling, a bit of meditation, a bit of breath work, a bit of movement. Walking my dog and then a big yummy breakfast with some vegetables and fruit, all while drinking lots of water or tea.
The reality sometimes looks like the above, more often looks like 10 minutes for journaling and meditation, a hurried walk for the pooches, and eating breakfast in the car, all while drinking lots of water 🙂

Q: What is your favorite gift to give? To receive?

When in doubt, books!

Q: If you could have a super-power, what would it be?

Transporting/Apparating! I’d love to avoid long flights and traffic to see my family and friends instantly 🙂

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Seattle?

More for the whole experience but The Triple Door is a really fun place for music and food!

Q: Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you?

“This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before” – Maya Angelou

Q: What makes you excited about Om. Mama Co.?

A group of women committed to building a community for other women during their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum time? What is not there to be excited about!

Q: Where can readers find you?

Right now I teach group classes at Seattle Holistic Center and the Dale Turner YMCA, but you can always find my updated schedule and contact info at Movement with Jessica. I can’t wait to connect with you!