Our Story
Jen Gorman is a scoliosis and spinal fusion patient, advocate, and teacher. She teaches yoga for scoliosis, yoga for spinal fusions, back care yoga, and strength training in the Chicago metropolitan area and nationwide. She is passionate about inspiring people to live healthier and happier lives!
Jen was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of eleven. Less than a year later she underwent spinal fusion surgery where bone from her right iliac crest fused her thoracic vertebrae (T3-T10) secured by a Harington rod. Jen danced professionally in high school and then attended the University of Notre Dame where she studied accounting. She became a Certified Public Accountant and then quickly returned to dancing professionally. Although these experiences differed significantly physically, her back was sensitive regardless of whether she sat all day or danced all day. She frequently experienced a certain level of discomfort and pain.
Jen began practicing yoga to balance her body from the many hours of dancing. She discovered that yoga combined with other methods of cross training allowed her to manage and all together avoid pain. Eventually, she found her way into a yoga for scoliosis class and then a yoga for spinal fusions class in New York City. These classes brought to light an even deeper understanding of her body as well as the effects of scoliosis and her spinal fusion.
Jen has studied yoga with and assisted classes for Elise Miller Browning, Allison West, and Deborah Wolk. She is proud to be a teacher, member, and founding officer of the highly esteemed Samamkaya Back Care & Scoliosis Collective in New York City. She is also a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and holds certificates in Functional Movement Systems and TRX Suspension. For more information on classes, private lessons, and upcoming workshops please visit www.scoliosisandbackcare.com or email Jen at info@scoliosisandbackcare.com.
