At Radiant Hot Yoga, our teachers are the heart and soul of our community, guiding students with expertise, compassion, and inspiration. Each month, we recognize one exceptional instructor who goes above and beyond to create a transformative and supportive environment for our practitioners. Our Teacher of the Month section celebrates these dedicated professionals who bring passion, wisdom, and a personal touch to every class. Join us in honoring their contributions, learning about their unique teaching journeys, and appreciating the profound impact they have on our yoga family.
Meet Joanne T., fondly known as “JoJo,” , our inspiring Teacher of the Month of February at Radiant Hot Yoga. She has been a dedicated member of Radiant Hot Yoga since its inception, maintaining a consistent practice every week since 2013.
What inspired me to become a yoga teacher and how did my journey begin?
I had been practicing yoga years before Radiant opened. I had been teaching dance fitness since 2007 and used hot yoga as my personal sanctuary where I could be a student in a group fitness setting. I bounced around between different hot yoga studios, and then in August 2014 (the year Radiant opened) I discovered Radiant. I took one class, found my forever yoga home and never turned back. Darlene picked up on my love for yoga and knew my skill for group fitness instruction and encouraged me to become yoga certified and teach for her. In 2018, I felt a creative calling to bring a new class to Radiant, a fusion of yoga and dance fitness, which we named Hot Bounce. I jumped into a teacher training session, became certified and by November 2018, I was teaching both the 60 and 80 minute hot sequence as well as Hot Bounce.
What do I find most rewarding about teaching yoga at Radiant?
So many things!!! Where do I even start!!! Personally, I find teaching yoga at Radiant a healthy challenge! Teaching a hot class requires an instructor to manage many things simultaneously – the students, the heat, the doors, the lights, the music, the dialogue. Students don’t realize how challenging all of this can be. In every class, I personally feel a duty to dig deep to motivate and inspire and energize while also providing intimate moments in the room for self reflection and relaxation. I feel so fulfilled knowing how students feel both during class and after class. Our Radiant class is more than a class. It’s an EXPERIENCE. It’s hot and hard. It’s full of highs and lows (yin and yang). I love being instrumental in guiding students through such a unique journey.
Can you share a memorable teaching experience?
Every class is special and filled with so many special PEOPLE! That is truly what makes teaching special – my students, many of whom have become dear friends. I absolutely love seeing couples in the room together, holding hands in savasana when the room is dark. Or mothers and their sons and daughters practicing together. It makes my heart happy to witness the shared experience. One memorable experience was my first class back after the pandemic in January 2021. As a practicing physical therapist, I took time off from teaching. My first class back was packed and filled with so much love! It was overwhelming and something I will never forget.
How do I incorporate the principles of yoga into my everyday life outside of the studio?
I cannot say that I intentionally incorporate yoga principles into my everyday life, but rather the way I treat myself and others are consistent with the principles of yoga – being kind and understanding and non-judgmental, doing no harm, giving grace, and being patient. Every single person (including myself) walks into the yoga room with stress, both good and bad, with struggles and sometimes heaviness. In life, we never know what another person is going through. I never judge and my heart is always open, in and outside the studio.
What advice do I have for someone considering beginning yoga?
Do it! It’s so healthy for the both the mind and the body. My favorite two words are GO SLOW. Ease into your practice. And at Radiant, arrive early to get a spot by one of the doors.
How has the community at Radiant influenced your teaching and your personal life?
I have met some of my dearest friends at Radiant. Radiant is a community. And a family. My life is enriched by the friendships and relationships I have with students and teachers and staff.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of yoga?
I am a pelvic floor physical therapist – a profession which I absolutely love! Outside of yoga, my greatest joy is a being a wife and mother to my three incredible children.
What do you feel is your soul’s calling and how does teaching at Radiant fulfill this?
Without a doubt, my soul’s calling is to be a safe space for others as a healer and a confidante. As I like to say, my favorite part of my body are my two hands. In my Radiant classes, I try to give adjustments to as many people as I possibly can – knowing some people never get touched in a day. I also love giving adjustments to mothers, as I know as mothers we tend to give so much and rarely receive. As a physical therapist, I truly believe that my hands heal. Radiant gives me a platform to do all the things I love – teach, mentor, inspire, promote health and wellness, offer love and friendship and heal.
