About Johanna:

Johanna grew up New York City and currently resides in Santa Cruz, CA. As a teenager, Johanna developed a passion for movement and creative expression which she explored in dance and gymnastics. In her early 20's, Johanna built and maintained trails in Massachussetts state parks and taught environmental and outdoor education in Big Bear, CA. Today, Johanna continues to enjoy the outdoors by hiking, biking and rock climbing.

Johanna is committed to discovering practices that help her achieve a sense of balance and serenity so that she can assist others to live in peaceful, joyful states as well.
For her, these experiences include practicing yoga and other forms of movement, receiving bodywork, and being in nature.

At the moment, Johanna wears two hats: in addition to doing massage and teaching yoga, she is completing a BA at the University of California, Santa Cruz in Community Studies. As a part of her studies, she is working as an intern with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, piloting a new program to promote the physical and mental health of girls in Santa Cruz schools.

Click here to view the website for "Healthy Girls Santa Cruz"

Johanna's Professional Experience:

Johanna has been practicing Massage since 2003 when she took her first massage class at UCSC. In 2004, she was certified as a massage practitioner at Kripalu, the nation's largest center of yoga and holistic health. Before starting her own business, Johanna had experience working as a massage therapist in a chiropractor's office, a therapeutic massage center and a fitness center. Johanna was an assistant teacher for the Kripalu School of Massage Certification course in spring of 2006.

Johanna has completed advanced bodywork studies at the Esalen Institute, Twin Lakes College of The Healing Arts, The Lotus Palm School of Thai Massage, and has studied Myofascial Release Techniques with John Barnes.

Johanna has been practicing yoga since 2001. Her studies have included classes in many traditions including Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar, and Kripalu. In 2005, she was certified as a yoga instructor at the Mount Madonna Center, and in 2006 was an assistant for the program.