08/19/2025
🎊 Congratulations to Jacqueline Baron-Lee - she's in our Student Spotlight for August! 👏
In any given week she'll be in Vinyasa, Slow Flow, Gentle Flow, Yin or Nidra. We often see her in our special workshops as she seeks the deeper exploration of yoga. She's brought in the Girl Scouts to reinforce mindfulness with our youth. And she's made it a family affair by introducing her daughter Lourdes and hubby Brian to the practice.
What keeps you coming back to the mat?
"I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition—ankylosing spondylitis—when I was 23. It first showed up as inflammation in my eyes, and my ophthalmologist told me: “Yoga would be a great complement to your diagnosis.” Since 2003, yoga has been part of my life in many forms: hot, aerial, sattva - and everything in between. What keeps me coming back is the reconnection it offers. It’s where I find clarity, balance, and grounding. Every time I return to the mat, it’s a reminder that healing isn’t just physical, it’s also emotional and spiritual."
Can you share a benefit of your yoga practice that's helped the most?
"The greatest benefit has been the “self-work” - the inner exploration and growth that yoga supports. Through movement and breath, I’ve learned to listen to my body, regulate my nervous system, and connect with something deeper than myself. It’s given me tools to respond to life with more compassion, presence, and resilience."
How do you enjoy time off your mat?
"Off the mat, I pour myself into meaningful work - designing safety and quality improvement interventions that promote equity in healthcare. I also spend time with the people and pets I love, cook nourishing meals, and recharging in nature. Whether I’m leading a project, connecting with those I love, or making dinner, I try to bring the same mindfulness and care that I cultivate through yoga."
Jacqueline, you're a shining example of what yoga is all about, and we're a stronger community because of your presence. Thank you for your commitment to this practice! ✨
