Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Ann Yoe.
Hi Julie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began teaching in the Euclid City School district in 2001. During my 18 years in Euclid, I taught grades kindergarten, first, and second grade as well as coaching high school cross country. While working on my second master’s degree in Educational Administration I began to truly reflect on my educational career. My coursework at Ursuline College focused on self-reflection as well as learning how to care for emotionally well-being. It also provided and encouraged time to notice how my students needed more social and emotional guidance, especially with the high poverty rate in my district. I began exploring mindfulness with my students and started with various breathing exercises. I found by having the children use these strategies before a test it helped to calm them and encourage better focus. Soon enough I was adding yoga practice into the classroom which also had a positive effect on the students. After 18 years in education, I took a year off to focus on my daughter’s needs (ADD) and lend support during her first test-taking year. I was also extremely interested in children’s yoga and decided to become certified. I was able to volunteer and teach yoga to second-grade classes during my sabbatical. I never imagined opening up my own yoga studio but I feel that path was chosen for me. Two months before the pandemic I opened the doors to Storybook Yoga Balanced Minds & Bodies! Not an ideal time to launch a business but with the use of zoom and the connections I have developed in my first two months I was able to remain in business and reopen my doors July of 2020. After several location changes, I was blessed to find my current and hopefully my forever home! Although I traded my classroom for a yoga studio, I’m still educating children each and every day. I am able to educate them on how to take care of their bodies, minds, and souls. I teach ages 6 months-16 years and each yoga session ends with a craft. The younger children enjoy the seasonal/holiday crafts and the older yoga students look forward to a variety of “intentional” crafts. Besides teaching in my studio, I also travel to Hudson Montessori School and Brecksville Cooperative School where I work with middle schoolers and preschool students. Every day is different!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in teaching yoga to children. Each lesson and class changes to meet the needs of my students. I am most proud of receiving positive comments and stories about how our yoga sessions are helping the children in other parts of their life. The most unique part of my business is incorporating an art project at the end of the story!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Flexibility is key! Literally and within one’s mindset! I have learned that developing meaningful and genuine relationships with the children and their families
Pricing:
- Class Savings Pass $40 (4 classes)
- $12 per single session
Contact Info:
- Email: storybookyogabalancedminds@gmail.com
- Website: www.storybookyoga.com
- Instagram: storybook.yoga
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063630907029
Image Credits
Robert Yoe
Kate Emrick
