Meet Lisa Clemens of Joshua Tree California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Clemens.

Hi Lisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I had been transitioning from tourism and hospitality for some years into wellness. Hosting retreats and enjoying being around a more relaxed and sensible group of connected humans. From there, we developed the concept to offer educational programs in wellness.

We started originally on Isla Mujeres MX, but in 2020 branched our school out into the Joshua Tree / Yucca Valley area. We found an incredible property that was designed by LA resident and artist Leslie Satterfield. The property spoke to us immediately – and has become a living dream to operate from.

Our programs includes 200HR immersive teacher Trainings for those with the dream of becoming a certified yoga teacher. We also offer professional development courses in areas such as sound healing, reiki, Yin, and more!

Our goal is to share our love of yoga, to provide accessible education – to feed the soul and deepen the practice.

All of our programs are based around authentic practice and respecting the tradition of yoga. We include beautiful unique accommodation, in the peace and quiet of the desert. Three vegan meals per day sourced with local offerings, a beautiful cedar sauna, spring fed ice baths, inspired education, an inclusive and supportive learning environment, adventures, and community!

Enjoying vibrant sunrises and sunsets is one of the best ways to start and finish the day.

Its an incredible life we are living by not only working on these projects, but by equally getting to experience the beautify and tranquility of the area. Its truly the nicest back drop to complete an immersive program as such.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always unique challenges along the way. We offered programing through the covid period – which was incredible in terms of supporting safe connection and travel opportunities, but it definately raised our level of responsibility and safety precaution.

Other areas of challenge have been maintining our commitment to offering these programs in an affordable way. The costs in California have risen significantly, but we have reduced our rate structure by over 30% to ensure that the program is accessible, without stress or sacrifice in our students regular lives. Its about sharing the learning and deepening the practice – not breaking record sales. We want to ensure that the integrity of the program and the art of yoga is intact and well respected.

We pride ourselves on keeping people before profit and always will.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In 2018 I developed a yoga school with the intention of sharing my love for wellness, and preserving the history and tradition of yoga intact in an authentic and true way. Since then, we are offering around 40 yoga teacher training programs per year – sharing the opportunity for our students to become yoga teachers, to participate in ongoing professional development, and deepen their practice.

Our comittement does not end when our students complete the program. We support ongoing goals, share employment oportunities, and cultivate a community of students who share and grow together even beyond the in person portion of the education.

What I am really proud of, is keeping our program authentic – and fun. Our team is a family. Our teachers are like sisters. Its a collaborative, and loving class environment – designed to ensure our students feel safe and supported.

Our program is set apart from others because we care from the most genuine position. Our students come to us from varied levels of experience, and from all over the world. We are meeting these students where they are at….paying attention to their objectives and goals, and working hard to support them in achieving these.

Our locations ( both Isla Mujeres and Joshua Tree California ) are striking – locations that we carefully selected with this work and this learning in mind.

Pricing:

• $2795 Per person inclusive of the 15 day program, the accommodation , the manuals, education, three vegan meals per day – and much more!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kootenayyogaschool.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kootenay.yoga.school/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kootenayyogaschool
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KootenayYogaSchool-zi1uo

Image Credits
Katie Grant