“Every treatment protocol should be dictated by the wisdom of the patients’ own body.” -Dr. John E. Upledger
About the workshops
OG Yoga’s unique series offers accessible, trauma-informed 2-hour workshops designed to support connection, awareness, and embodied resilience. Rooted in Yoga philosophy principles and informed by modern, body-based approaches, each workshop creates space for participants to explore the relationship between body, breath, and lived experience.
Through gentle movement, guided reflection, and choice-centered practices, participants are invited to engage at their own pace, without pressure to perform or achieve.
Workshops will be held on select Saturdays from 10:30am-12:30pm in June through August. Space is limited to 10 in-person participants at OG Yoga’s studio in Normal Heights and up to 10 participants via Zoom.
Sign up for individual workshops or the entire series. All levels of practitioners are welcome, and YACEP Approval is in progress.
Investment
$40 per workshop or $200 for the entire series of 6 workshops
Unlimited Membership holders receive a 20% discount on workshops!
What to bring
Water
Journal and pen (optional)
Wear clothes that are comfortable for movement (we recommended light layers)
We provide yoga mats and all necessary props at no additional charge, however you are free to bring your own if you prefer
Meet your hosts
OG Yoga is celebrating its 10th year delivering trauma-informed, diversity-sensitive, mindfulness-based yoga through partnerships with organizations serving marginalized individuals to support healing, resilience, self-development and positive social change.
JoAnn Jaffe created San Diego nonprofit OG Yoga in 2015 with the mission to make healing yoga accessible to vulnerable communities. JoAnn’s yoga credentials include E-500 Registered Yoga Alliance training, Uprising Yoga for Youth & Underserved Communities, Yin Practice Certification, and Prison Yoga Project. She brings a blend of private and public sector experience as a fundraiser, leader, social change advocate, passionate yogini, and instructor/mentor.
Kaitlynn Hardy is a trauma-informed E-500 Registered Yoga Teacher, Massage Therapist, CranioSacral Therapy Practitioner, Reiki Master, and Navy Veteran with a professional background in Traditional Chinese Medicine and nervous system-focused care. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology, associate degrees in Yoga Philosophy and Exercise Science, and certification in CranioSacral Therapy.
Alison Scutti is a trauma-informed RYT 200 and OG Yoga’s Director of Operations. She believes that yoga is for everyone, and is passionate about removing barriers and increasing accessibility for all. She holds a Masters of Science in Molecular Cell Genetics & Genetics from Drexel University College of Medicine and works as a Clinical Trial Manager.
Workshop Details & Registration
Register to attend the complete series of 6 workshops
$200.00
Links to register for individual workshops can be found in each description below.
Tailoring Trauma-Informed Yoga for Survivors and Specialty Populations
Developing inclusive yoga practices that honor lived experience and individual needs.
With JoAnn Jaffe
Saturday June 6, 2026, 10:30am to 12:30pm
How trauma lives in the body and why yoga can be used as a supportive, body-based approach to healing. This workshop emphasizes choice, consent, and personal agency.
The impact of trauma on the nervous system and body
Gentle practices to support awareness and regulation
Breathwork, rhythmic movement, supported poses, and meditation
Reconnect with the body at a self-directed pace
There is no expectation to share personal experiences. All practices are invitational, and participants are encouraged to rest, modify, or opt out at any time.
This space is designed to be inclusive, respectful, and accessible to all.
Trauma-Informed CranioSacral Therapy (CST): Listening Through the Nervous System
A gentle, light-touch manual therapy to soothe the nervous system, release deeply held physical and emotional tension, and support trauma resolution.
With Kaitlynn Hardy
Saturday June 27, 2026, 10:30am to 12:30pm
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) aids in trauma recovery by facilitating the release of stored stress and tension within the body helping the nervous system return to a state of balance for those dealing with the lingering effects of trauma.
CST is a gentle, hands-on technique that works with the nervous system and fascia to support the body’s relaxation, regulation, and natural ability to restore balance. Utilizing light pressure to regulate the nervous system, CST supports transition from a state of fight-flight-freeze-fawn to a calmer, rest and digest state.
This space is designed to be inclusive, grounding, and respectful of diverse experiences.
Eight Limbs of Yoga as a Path for Living
Exploring yoga beyond the poses through practices of awareness, connection, and embodied living.
With JoAnn Jaffe
Saturday July 11, 2026, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Accessible to all levels, participants explore yoga as a holistic practice of awareness, connection, and personal meaning—both on and off the mat. Rooted in the teachings of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Yoga philosophy, participants are guided through all eight limbs of yoga in a way that is accessible, grounding, and respectful of diverse lived experiences. This space is designed to be inclusive, respectful, and accessible to all.
Through discussion, gentle movement, breath practices, and guided reflection, you will:
Deepen understanding of yoga beyond the physical practice
Explore the relationship between body, mind, breath, and awareness
Engage practices that support clarity, balance, and well-being
Cultivate connection through choice-centered, embodied practice
Curiosity, self-study, and compassionate exploration within a supportive community setting explore the Eight Limbs of Yoga:
Yama – relationships and ethical connection
Niyama – self-reflection and personal practice
Asana – embodied awareness through movement
Pranayama – breath as a tool for regulation
Pratyahara – turning inward with choice
Dharana – cultivating focus and concentration
Dhyana – meditation and presence
Samadhi – integration and connection
The Chakras and the Subtle Body: Cultivating Awareness, Connection, and Well-Being
A journey through the chakra system to deepen balance, presence, and inner connection.
With JoAnn Jaffe & Alison Scutti
Saturday July 25, 2026, 10:30am to 12:30pm
A chakra is a center that receives, integrates, and expresses life force energy. The word chakra means “wheel,” describing the dynamic nature of these energy centers within the body. Originating in India more than 4,000 years ago, the chakra system maps seven primary centers along the spine - from the base to the crown - each associated with aspects of physical, emotional, and inner experience.
Explore the chakra system as a supportive framework- not something to “fix,” but something to notice and work with in ways that feel accessible to you.
This workshop will include guided discussion, breathwork, rhythmic movement, supported physical poses, meditation, and crystal bowl sound bath. Emphasis is placed on choice, consent, and self-paced participation. You are always encouraged to modify, rest, or opt out at any time.
This space is designed to be inclusive, grounding, and respectful of diverse experiences. No prior experience is needed.
Trauma-Informed Yin Yoga: Slowing Down with Awareness
Exploring stillness, breath, and embodied presence through gentle, choice-centered practice.
With JoAnn Jaffe
Saturday August 1, 2026, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Yin Yoga is a slow, meditative practice of holding supported postures for longer periods of time, often close to the ground. This approach invites stillness, supports connective tissue health, and creates space to notice internal sensations.
In this trauma-informed offering, Yin is approached with care and flexibility. Rather than pushing into intensity, participants are invited to explore what feels accessible and supportive in their bodies. Emphasis is placed on choice, consent, and self-paced participation.
Prop supported, longer-held postures with options and modifications
Breath awareness to support regulation and tolerance of sensation
Language that encourages agency and personal choice
This space is designed to be inclusive, grounding, and respectful of diverse experiences.
Yoga to Support Addiction Recovery: A Trauma-Informed Approach
Exploring accessible yoga practices that support nervous system regulation, self-awareness, and connection in recovery.
With JoAnn Jaffe
Saturday August 15, 2026, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Recovery is not linear, and healing looks different for everyone. This is a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore yoga as a tool for self-awareness, regulation, and connection. Bringing ease to the body-mind system is a key ingredient on the path of recovery from addiction. The practice of gentle and adaptable yoga poses, along with breath, mindfulness, and meditation can help detoxify the body, calm the fluctuating mind, create community, and lower depression/anxiety.
Grounded in trauma-informed principles, this experience emphasizes choice, consent, and personal agency.
There is no expectation to share personal stories or to perform in any way. You are always encouraged to rest, modify, or opt out. This space honors the complexity of recovery and welcomes you exactly as you are. Designed to be inclusive, respectful, and accessible to all.
Reconnect with the body in a safe and gradual way with 12 Yoga poses in support of each of the 12 Steps
Build awareness and tolerance of sensations, emotions, and thoughts
Grounding and nervous system regulation tools
Cancellation Policy
Workshop registration is nonrefundable. Cancellations will receive a credit which can be used toward our studio classes or a future workshop or event.