Who I Am: I'm one of the owners of Yoga Pearl. I grew up in Los Angeles and now live in NE Portland. I enjoy a simple life, with simple comforts, time to surf and time to enjoy my human and furry family. My daily practice of yoga is incredibly important in creating a sense of balance in my life.

Why I teach yoga:
Yoga helps people feel better about their bodies, their minds, their lives. As a former social worker, I know the importance of having the right tools to create change. I believe in the power of yoga to effect change on many levels, and have witnessed firsthand the difference a daily yoga practice can offer people seeking a better life.

About my training:
Jen Hayes began practicing Vinyasa yoga in 1997 in Los Angeles. The physical challenge of the practice and the stress relief it offered immediately hooked her. Jen most recently completed an ashtanga teacher training with Tim Miller. She has also had Ashtanga teacher training under the guidance of the lovely Sarah Hall in the Fall of 2003, as well as the Bikram Teacher training in Spring of 2000. Jen’s Ashtanga instruction follows the tradition of the discipline and is also guided by principles of alignment and attention to detail. Her love of the practice comes through her teaching which both pushes students to explore the limits of their practice, and at the same time encourages students to honor their own inner teacher.

Jen is also a licensed massage therapist. She offers massage on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Yoga Pearl.