Kerri Thyne
I am a long time yogi who just so happened to have made my way to this community in 2016 as a yoga student and friend to Jennifer! From years of practicing yoga in gyms or at home, I finally nestled in at JOY-and never looked back. The sacred space that JOY provided not only taught me what it felt like to explore the science of yoga and meditation as such but invited me to open myself to the sacredness within. I often share this story with my class of how I came to switch from student to staff and it goes like this:
One day, after a heart opening experience on my mat -under the yellow painted solar plexus chakra in the studio, I knew I wanted to be a part of the bigger picture with JOY. I actually said "I'm going to work here.” I wanted to teach others how to feel liberated and free just how I felt lying in that harmonious state during savasana.
Not long after in 2019, Jennifer presented me with an opportunity to work with people on the healing side of JOY as a practitioner!! She trained me in the sacred service of foot soaks, private meditation sessions, and relaxing sauna soaks. I relished in taking care of others and how it weaved into my yoga practice. With 15+ years in education as a pre-k teacher turned public school educator working with all kinds of students; this new chapter was paved by my previous undertakings.
In my first year in public school, I worked with middle school students who were faced with emotional and behavioral challenges which brought me to special needs students with autism and spectrum disorders. My last two years in public school were spent working with elementary students new to the country with limited communication.
I had students from Iran, Burma, and Africa. These experiences gave me a very deep understanding of the world, the many cultures and the need for connection. It fostered my nurturing side and still holds a presence in the way I view the world. In 2012, I chose to stay home with my own children and fully immersed myself in motherhood. (That’s whole chapter
In itself!!)
Fast forward to 2020-when the world was standing still on shaky grounds, I leaped into my first Yoga Teacher Training with JOY School of Yoga! At the height of some of the most challenging times, I dove into my practice head first! Completing my 200 hours, I taught my first class in June of 2020! Most recently, I completed my 300 hour YTT with JOY in May 2023 and found myself diving even deeper into yoga philosophy, Buddhism, energy work, and my own spiritual philosophy. I will be starting my reiki master program and sound healing certification this summer here with JOY and look forward to bringing that to my students!
My greatest inspirations come from my 4 amazingly wild (or wildly amazing) children; Ricky 21 (USAF active), Brooke 14, Madelyn 10, and Willow 21 months! Their soul’s presence in my life has given me the fortitude to heal myself-and to live with an open heart!
My long time partner/husband, Rick, who has supported me through all my endeavors is my best friend. He is usually my Guinea pig for trying new methods or practices.
I am a lover of: music, being outdoors, my (smelly, old) rescue dog Pokey, and being with others. I delight in simple things-like a good cup of coffee and the birds.
A couple of fun things about me; I am the baby of 9! (Yes, 9-bless my mother.) When I was little, you’d find me outside making “soups” in my buckets with rain water and things from my yard-and ironically, I love making soups in my kitchen and sharing with the ones I love! I am Leo, a lover of writing, and I live to make people laugh! I'm a true Mamarazzi with my iPhone. Oh, and I have 3 chickens and a fish!
My passion for teaching yoga and meditation is rooted in healing, empowerment, and self reflection. It is the work of the heart that keeps me motivated and inspired always.