Jo Ann was trained in the Iyengar tradition, and started to practice yoga in the 80's, initially with B. K. S. Iyengar in the US, then subsequently with Ramanand Patel in the US and India, and repeatedly with Patricia Walden. Her pursuit of yoga practice complements her education in Asian Studies from Puget Sound University in Tacoma, WA, and a Master's degree in Special Education from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Jo Ann also holds a Shiatsu massage license.
In her yoga practice, Jo Ann emphasizes the power of breathing, while offering individual attention and guidance leading students towards healing and strength.