Team Hope • Jackie Walsh

Born and raised in Fairview Park, Jackie first encountered yoga during her high school gym class. While she practiced intermittently throughout college, her commitment to yoga deepened in 2012 as she cared for her father during his last battle with cancer. Yoga became a vital tool for navigating the stresses and uncertainties of that time, teaching her that while much of life is beyond our control, our response is what truly defines us.

In October 2014, Jackie traveled to Bali, Indonesia, where she completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Alicia Cheung and Oliver Reinsch of YogaWorks. While in Bali, she also completed a 100-hour yin yoga certification with the same instructors, further deepening her practice and understanding of yoga.

For Jackie, yoga has been instrumental in processing grief, allowing her to transform pain into resilience. This powerful journey led to the creation of Hope Yoga—a sanctuary where she aims to help others transform their own griefs into resilience—healing, growing, and thriving in community.

In her classes, Jackie focuses on using breath to bridge the connection between the body and mind, helping students feel more aligned with their authentic selves. Her goal is to leave students feeling lighter, less weighed down by life’s stresses, and more present to the simple joys of everyday life. She offers modifications and enhancements for all levels and body types, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. Above all, Jackie hopes that students carry the lessons from the mat into their daily lives, feeling empowered to live with greater authenticity.