Hi, I’m Jess Ford :)

My Yoga journey began in India.

I had no idea the life change that would come along with this spontaneous journey in 2019.

Through my studies in India and personal Yoga practice, I have found Yoga to be a philosophy for living a meaningful, wellness-focused life. My personal practice of Yoga has allowed me to come to a radical acceptance of myself and alleviation from so much of the suffering I was experiencing. Yoga has given my life direction and a deep connection to myself and the world around me.

I believe my life’s mission to be this Sanskrit Mantra-

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

which has been translated as-

“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may I in some way contribute to that happiness and freedom for all.”

Education

Master of Science (M.S.) in Yoga Therapy, Maryland University of Integrative Health, August 2023

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology, Eastern University, 2017, St. Davids, PA, May 2017

200-Hour Ashtanga/Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training, Kranti Yoga Academy, Goa, India, November 2019

100-Hour Chakra/ Hatha Flow Yoga Teacher Training, Kranti Yoga Academy, Goa India, December 2019

500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (RYT-500), Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, MD, August 2023

Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT)- International Association of Yoga Therapists, August 2023

Prenatal-Post-partum Doula Training, Community Doulas of South Jersey- Uzazi Village, March 2024

85-hour Prenatal-Postpartum Yoga Teacher training, Vinyasa Yoga Ashram, Rishikesh, India, March 2024

The name Gayatri Health was inspired by the Gayatri Mantra- a powerful Sanskrit mantra. The mantra’s meaning has inspired me since I studied mantra chanting while in India, and it has become a vision for my work as a yoga therapist and teacher.

This mantra has a literal translation, but many interpretations of it’s meaning. One of which is:

“Let us meditate on the radiant light of the rising sun. Just as the sun dispels darkness, may the divine light within enlighten our minds, making darkness and suffering distant.”