About Joyful Pose Yoga

As a physical therapist, I have the privilege to work with Kristen daily in the clinic and I would say her expertise has enhanced my own practice, as well as my patients overall recovery. I have learned alternative theories on alignment, as well as various cueing that has helped with instructing patients. She pays close attention to form and ensures good alignment during each pose. I often say my best workouts come from Kristen’s classes! 

Recently, I asked Kristin for suggestions on a sciatic/hamstring injury I have been dealing with for 20+ years. Kristin was more than willing to take me onto my mat and show me some exercises. This was right before a yoga class. And it was the first class in over a year that I was pain free. I couldn't believe it. Kristin's yoga classes are infused with the knowledge she brings about the physical and spiritual body. She teaches postures correctly and explains why the posture is good for the body. Kristin brings a very peaceful, mindful, and knowledgeable expertise to the yoga room. I highly recommend Kristin, she will forever change your practice! 

I have had the privilege of working with Kristen on a daily basis in an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic. She is a valuable member of our care team, and brings a knowledge base that is irreplaceable. She has not only helped MANY patients with their physical/emotional dysfunctions, but has also helped me on. The classes (group and private) that she teaches are beyond anything I've experienced previously, and I always feel like I learn something new about myself.

Having suffered sciatica and overall stiffness in my back and lack of flexibility I began to see Kristen after the pain started getting so severe it was interrupting my sound sleep. Kristen’s treatment was most effective in regaining the range of motion in my lower back and down the back of my left leg where sciatic nerve pain had been growing more severe for sometime. Kristen took a whole body approach to treating my sciatica including some gentle yoga, showing me proper range of movement and showing me how important proper stretching was. She made my sciatica basically go away after 3 treatments. I’d highly recommend Kristen and give more than 5 stars if possible! I’ve been completely free of sciatica nerve pain since my visits. I’m so grateful ! I’d also recommend Kristen for both gentle and power yoga classes as well!

Kristen has an incredible combination of knowledge between physical therapy and yoga. She truly understands how your body works and how to address your issues and truly heal you. I can't recommend her enough! She helped me so much I would recommend her to anyone!!!

I went to Kristen after losing all strength in my calf, the result of a spinal disk injury. She was able to pinpoint my structural posture problems, recommend strength exercises and therapy, and between our sessions and yoga classes, she corrected my back and got me straightened out. I cannot recommend her enough.

Went to Kristen following a mountain bike accident in which I separated my shoulder. She was able to get me quickly back up to speed and able to practice yoga again. Additionally she recognized where I was not as strong and gave me a number of “homework” exercises to work on.

I was in Kristen's yoga class and she offered to help me after 3 back surgeries. I had several private sessions with her which really helped me learn to move correctly and alleviated a lot of my pain. She is also a wonderful yoga instructor and knows how to guide gentle movement without causing injury. I highly recommend her for pain, flexibility and core strength issues.

I have been battling injuries now for over 4 yrs which started with my back and into my feet. I have tried what I "thought" was everything including foot surgery about 12 weeks ago (partially ruptured plantar, surgery for plantar release and tarsal tunnel). I took this class really on a wing and a prayer trying to keep an open mind and wrapping my brain around how a few balls might help me and improve my overall health. Afterall I have spent thousands on medical, shoes, massage, PT, medications, you name it, I've probably tried it in hopes of some relief, even if temporarily.  Kristen's explanation with the orange, step by step process and examples was great! While rolling my feet was pretty unpleasant I pushed through it while trying to be kind to my body. Needless to say, I bought these balls, felt so much better overall and super excited to continue this journey. Before I left the parking lot I texted my friend who opted not to come due to superbowl prep that she really missed out! I have tried rolling my feet per PT but it always made the pain worse, no one has ever shown me how and only told me to use a racquet/tennis ball, frozen water ball or the dreaded bumpy hard roller. I walked out of the class today standing taller, energized and relaxed at the same time. The Mat has someone special as part of their classes and I cannot thank The Mat and Kristen enough for sharing this.  In addition, I would LOVE to see a class added just for fascial ball rolling, I would be there! Sincerely

Traci Johnson