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Instructor Bio - Jessica Aiken, R.Y.T. specializing in Ashtanga Yoga, certified Jivamukti Yoga Instructer- Chicago, IL

Reading Deepak Chopra as a teen and studying Buddhism as a elective in College, Jessica always had somthing pulling her towards Eastern Philoshophy but not until a adult in her twenties did she experience the asana side of yoga. Jessica was first introduced to yoga in 2001 while in college and by 2002 was hooked on a vigorous regular vinyasa practice.Soon after vinyasa she found Ashtanga Yoga and a whole new world opened up! Ashtanga Yoga lead her to her first teacher training with San Francisco Ashtangi; Larry Schultz in 2005 and later lead her all the way to South India twice for more in depth studies in 2007/08 and 2012.

Jessica began teaching yoga full time since 2005. Some of the teacher trainings she has completed are: 200 hour teacher training in Ashtanga with Larry Schultz (It's Yoga) in 2005, 300 hour Jivamukti with David Life, Sharon Gannon and Yogeswari in 2009 and 3 primary series adjustment clinics with Nancy Gilgoff and Christine Hoar in 2011, 2012, 2013, and a 1 second series adjustment clinic with Nancy and Christine in 2014.

In her local Chicago yoga community she is forever thankful to the many gifted teachers that are very inspirational to her; especially: Patricia Hyland, Cara Jepsen, Amy Beth Treciokas, and Bill Shapleigh.

Over the years Jessica has been lucky to attend numerous Yoga workshops with senior teachers. A few of these teachers she found herself going back to and feeling a deep connection and gratitude for becase of the impact they made on her practice, life, and teaching. These are: Guruji (Shri K Pattahbi Jois), Sharath Rangaswamy, Rolf and Marci Naujokat, Nancy Gilgoff, David Life, and Sharon Gannon.

Teaching Resume

Jessica has taught for the following Yoga studios and gyms throughout Chicago: Arabesque Dance studio, Bally Total Fitness, Fitness Formula Clubs, The Peninsula, The Yoga and Therapy Studio, Lakeshore Athletic Club, Soulistic Studio, Yoga Now, Namaskar, and a number of Private Clients, Universities, Business, and special events and festivals. Jessica has also taught workshops and at conferences for The Chicago School of Yoga, Yoga Now, Namaskar, Fitness Formula Clubs, and Reflections Yoga. In 2008, Jessica assisted Owner/Director of Yoga Now Amy Beth Treciokas in the very first 2 of Yoga Now's 200 hour registered yoga alliance teacher trainings .As a teacher Jessica is very precise with a emphasis on verbal cueing and physical adjustments matched with a friendly down to earth attitude. In all of her classes her teaching is based on Ashtanga alighnment and theory. Jessica believes it's important to teach to the individual even in a group setting. Students that attend Jessica's classes say one of her best attributes as a teacher is the ability to modify challenging poses for all levels and break things down in a approachable way.

Current Schedule Jessica currently teaches private, workplace and group studio classes. Her group yoga classes are currently at Yoga Now (sunday, monday, tuesday, thursday, and friday). She also leads workshops in Pranayama and Meditation, Jivamukti Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga as well as Yoga and Creativity at various studios around the Chicagoland area most regularily she can be found teaching workshops at her home studio Yoga Now.

Contact Information - Smile Yoga - Chicago, IL
For all inquiries please contact Jessica Aiken
email: jessica@smileyogachicago.com, jesseaiken123@yahoo.com
web: www.smileyogachicago.com