jo bregnard

welcome!

Hi! I'm a caregiver touched by breast cancer offering everyday selfcare experiences from my homestead in Southern Vermont.

I know from experience how hard it is for those who tend to others~~as part of their careers or as personal support for friends or family members~~to find the same attention for themselves. I'm here to provide you with a variety of practical tools (think tai chi, yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, acupressure ...) to give your body and soul the support they need so you can continue doing the things that bring you joy in life. I look forward to working with you!

about me

I was crushed when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. I had always been active and healthy, so I couldn’t imagine what I had done wrong. My diagnosis arrived just three months after my husband’s life-changing serious burn injury, making for a challenging second year of marriage. The yoga practice I started regularly in 2009 kept me moving, and it gave my mind a break while boosting my self-confidence ... despite the wardrobe malfunction I regularly experienced when my breast form kept slipping out of my yoga top! I finally tossed it to the side of my mat during practice one day, and when no one seemed to notice or care, I realized that a yoga studio was a sacred space, indeed.

As difficult as my own health struggles were, it wasn’t until my husband faced some sudden and severe heart issues that my practice was elevated to another level. That was when I found true comfort on my mat, and a peace that seemed unattainable anywhere else.

I was inspired to share the practice with others in 2014 when I took my 200-hour yoga teacher training. Since then I've done additional study in teaching to beginners, prenatal and restorative yoga, and Fluid Yoga assisting; I'm Yoga 4 Cancer certified, and I obtained my 300-hour yoga certification in 2019 with a focus in therapeutic essentials. I also have Level I and II certifications in Reiki, yin yoga and Thai yoga bodywork, and I'm a Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide. I'm certified in Acupressure Meridian Therapy and Bodywork, the Five-Element Theory, Qi Cultivation and other Traditional Chinese Medicine topics, as well as Fall Prevention Tai Chi.

In 2020 I opened my virtual selfcare sanctuary for those who spend their days caring for others. I offer live classes and weekend retreats based on this six-"petaled" system that I've come to rely on:

I live in Southern Vermont with my husband Gus, our sweet mutt Olive, our bonded brother felines Tai and Chi, and pet cows LouLou and Posy. My mom passed in 2021, so when I'm not traveling to support my dad, I enjoy spending time outdoors tending to our veggie and fruit gardens, and staying in tune with the rhythms of the natural world.

I truly delight in making my sessions accessible, and I love the serenity mindful movement fosters, as well as the community it helps create. Practice time reminds us to be present, and we can’t be any more ourselves as when we’re moving organically and breathing. I've used mindful movement to nurture myself while caring for others and I know what a difference practices like this can make. They're the ultimate in selfcare, and there’s no one who can’t use an extra helping of that.

here's what folks have said about my offerings ...

“I love how accessible Jo is ... she is extremely likable and down to earth. She makes us beginners feel like rock stars simply by showing up and trying our best. I know that when I come to class I’m going to instantly relax and feel zero anxiety or pressure to perform. It’s apparent that yoga is Jo’s passion and love ... it’s easy to see where her heart is. ”

— jeanne ellis, nanny

“The nurturing and compassionate energy Jo radiates sets her apart both as a human being and a one-of-a-kind teacher. Her willingness to take the time with each individual student to make sure they have a personalized experience that meets their needs is special. Jo goes above and beyond to ensure every person feels welcomed and at ease by creating a space that is supportive and encouraging. Her teaching style guides the student to heal, connect and journey inward, exploring the practice in a way that authentically speaks to them on all levels~~mentally, physically and emotionally. Jo’s passion for teaching and her wide variety of holistic knowledge and specializations helps her create an unforgettable and powerful experience that is both highly regarded and in high demand.”

— jodi ashbrook, inspirational speaker + author + yoga teacher/former studio owner + entrepreneur

“I really appreciate Jo’s teaching style because she recognizes that each person has unique abilities when practicing yoga and she tailors her instruction accordingly. When taking her class I learned some modifications to poses that had been challenging for me in the past~~it is nice that she takes the time to offer alternatives. I also like her coaching, which provides correction but also challenged me to push myself just a little bit harder. Jo’s love for the practice of yoga and its health and wellness benefits are infectious~~she makes everyone feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the yoga practice.”

— sarah connole, president & founder, trouvaille creative