about jeanne

Jeanne Heileman has been practicing yoga for over 24 years and has been teaching for over 13 years. She was first introduced to yoga while studying at the American Conservatory of Theatre in San Francisco in 1985. She fell in love with yoga and kept practicing while acting took her to London, Chicago, Colorado and Los Angeles, where she now resides.

After completing her first teacher training at Los Angeles’ Center for Yoga in 1996 she began teaching right away. In 2000 Jeanne met Rod Stryker, and began training in his ParaYoga program. Initiated into the Tantric lineage of Sri Vidya, she continues to study with Rod and assists him in his workshops. Jeanne also studied with Lisa Walford, taking YogaWorks’ teacher training, where she was invited to join their Teacher Training Faculty. She has traveled to India twice, studying Tantra with Rod’s teacher, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, and studying asana & Ayurveda with Shiva Rea. Jeanne has been blessed to study closely with Desiree Rumbaugh, John Friend, Erich Shiffman, Kofi Busia, Tias Little, Judith Lasater, Gary Kraftsow, Suddha Weixler. She has found a union in blending these styles and philosophies with those of her current teachers.

Eight years of study in yoga therapy have given Jeanne the knowledge to spot an individual’s specific needs and to tailor private instruction to bring relief. Her own scoliosis has provided personal experience in managing back-related aches and injuries. She has worked with pregnant clients, elderly clients (over 70 years old), students with medical obstacles, psychological issues, and those who simply want to improve their yoga practice and get in shape. Her private clientele includes celebrities, musicians, award-winning writers, directors and managers.

For three years she served on the faculty as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California, teaching yoga in the School of Theatre. A member of the Yoga Works Teacher Training Faculty, she teaches trainings nationwide, teaches Subtle Body and Ayurveda content for accompanying trainings, and serves as a Mentor/Teacher in the 300 Hour Professional Program. A senior ParaYoga teacher, she teaches workshops around Los Angeles and the country. Jeanne is registered with the Yoga Alliance at the E-500 Level.

Jeanne’s classes are multi-faceted and fun! They offer an opportunity to work deep and strong on a physical level, while combining a spiritual/mental practice. She brings enthusiasm, joy, delight, a sense of humor, energy, passion and playfulness in all yoga experiences. Poses are used to search for love within, to chip away misperception and help students find peace. "The practice of yoga can bring a sense of peace and a feeling of joy from deep within that reveals to us who we are meant to be. That, in addition to a fun workout for the body, is why we do yoga!"