Breathe For Change helped me reconnect with who I truly am and give back in ways I never imagined.

As a school counselor working in a system where every student was expected to follow the same path, Jackie felt something was missing. She longed to better support each student’s individual goals — not just push them toward college, but listen, honor, and guide them based on who they were. At the same time, Jackie had a long-standing desire to teach yoga and uplift her community.

Through Breathe For Change, Jackie found the courage to step into her full potential — not just as a counselor, but as a leader, healer, and changemaker.

“I felt like a flower finally opening up — and my students blossomed with me.”

Background

Jackie is a devoted school counselor and educator who had always dreamed of bringing yoga and healing practices into her school and her community. For years, she had wanted to become a certified yoga teacher — but never found the right time, path, or confidence to take the leap.

Everything shifted when a former student shared his own transformation with her — he’d completed Breathe For Change and had become a happier, more grounded educator. Jackie saw the change in him firsthand and knew she was ready to start her own journey.

Challenges Faced

Before enrolling in the training, Jackie was:

• Working in a school system that didn’t allow for individualized, equitable student support
• Feeling disconnected from her deeper purpose and long-held dreams
• Unsure how to step into a bigger role as a wellness leader in her community

Transformation

Jackie came to Breathe For Change hoping to gain a yoga certification — but what she discovered went far beyond that. With each live session and every lesson, she uncovered a well of untapped potential. The training gave her the courage to try new things, grow into leadership, and reconnect with her true self.

She began teaching yoga and bringing mindfulness practices into her community. But one of her most meaningful accomplishments was giving back to her home country, Jamaica. As part of her Master’s practicum, she led an initiative to gather classroom donations for a school in need. The outpouring of support was overwhelming — and seeing the smiles of the young students and the gratitude of their teachers deeply moved her.

Today, Jackie brings the lessons she’s learned — and the self she’s rediscovered — into every space she enters, from classrooms to community centers, from the U.S. to Jamaica.

Q&A

Why did you choose the Breathe For Change program?

“I’d wanted to teach yoga for years, but I also wanted to help students in a way that truly honored their needs and identities. When I saw the change in my former student — now a colleague — I knew I had to try it.”

What’s been your biggest transformation?

“I realized I had so much potential waiting to be unlocked. Breathe For Change gave me the courage to grow, to lead, and to dream bigger.”

How has it impacted your life and community?

“I now teach yoga, and I’m giving back to my community in Jamaica. I worked with a school to provide them with the classroom resources they need — and it was one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done.”

What would you say to someone considering Breathe For Change?

“Just do it. You’ll grow in ways you never imagined — and so will your community. You’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come without even noticing the climb.”

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Jackie’s journey is a beautiful reminder that when educators heal, dream, and lead — entire communities benefit. Breathe For Change helped her reconnect with her roots, fulfill a lifelong dream, and show up for her students and her country with renewed purpose.

Learn more about our program or apply today to start your journey!