Jana began practising yoga to recover from physical trauma caused by accumulated dance injuries. She received a Therapeutic Recreation diploma from Douglas College in 2007 and a bachelor's degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria in 2025, and has carried the benefits of yoga into every helping role she has held since.
In 2018 Jana completed her 200-HR RYT yoga certification in Integrative Yoga Therapy. She believes yoga should stay rooted in traditional teachings, be culturally respected, and be accessible to everyone. She has developed adaptations and modifications for children in daycare settings, youth in mental health and addictions settings, young adults with diverse abilities, and Elders.
In 2019 she completed trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive yoga training, which deepened her ability to hold a nurturing, steady space. Emotions often need release during practice, and Jana has the experience to support people when that happens.
Since 2023 Jana has facilitated Recovery Dharma in the Comox Valley, a non-profit offering Buddhist principles and practices for recovery from addiction of all kinds. Guiding meditation has shaped how she brings stillness into yoga practice.
At Halo Ridge, Jana has developed yoga approaches that meet both individual and group needs. Participants are encouraged to listen to their body and are given the instruction they need to keep practising once they return to daily life.
Jana is a Metis citizen and finds connection between yoga and Indigenous teachings of interconnectedness among all living things and the land. Lived experience with chronic health issues, childhood trauma, and recovery informs how she teaches. She offers an exploratory space to strengthen the union of body, mind, and spirit, and is grateful to offer yoga and Recovery Dharma at Halo Ridge on the mountain.