what justice work are you most passionate about?
“Supporting BIPOC midwifery schools , specifically local midwifery groups/midwives who can best determine what their unique communities need.”
What would be the title of your autobiography?
“Is It Anxiety or Are You Hungry?”
Jess Emilfarb (she/her)
Jess is co-owner/co-founder of The Portland Yoga Project with Elizabeth April. In 2011 she made the jump into teaching yoga after completing her Master's in Occupational Therapy at Boston University. While not the most financially savvy life-choice, she loves integrating her knowledge of anatomy with her love of functional movement to create an experience that is chock full of new and interesting perspectives. Jess never intended to open a yoga studio, but after completing a barre teacher training with Elizabeth April she was compelled by their shared vision for a studio that values education, community, and social justice.
Jess teaches barre and yoga classes and teacher trainings that are based in curiosity and specificity rather than aesthetics and competition. Although she takes her work seriously, Jess brings a grounding silliness to every class. She wants her students to walk away from every class feeling cared for and safe in body and mind and believes that strength and intention can create more space for joy and humor.
When Jess is not at the studio she is amusing and cleaning up after her 1 year old kid, wrangling her many dogs and fiddling with her innumerable house plants.
See Jess’s schedule here.