Meet Our Staff

Jessica Pennella has been practicing yoga for over 20 years, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that it’s transformed her life. Her path to yoga started during her first year as an elementary teacher in New Orleans. Her roommate suggested trying yoga to combat the pressure and uncertainty of teaching in the New Orleans public school system. Her Thursday night yoga class soon became a sacred space, quickly relieving the day-to-day anxiety of inner-city teaching. Yoga helped her develop patience, presence, and an ability to respond rather than react. 

Jessica continued her yoga practice as a dedicated student for many years. Several years after returning home to Pennsylvania, she enrolled in TriYoga of Central Pennsylvania’s Teacher Training program, located in State College. She was certified in TriYoga Basics in 2017. Jess started a weekly yoga class in Sullivan County and added a TriYoga Level 1 certification in 2020. She is also certified in Yoga for Parkinson’s. Besides her weekly classes, Jessica works with yoga students one-on-one, teaches outdoor yoga during the summer months, and offers 4-week yoga sessions for teachers in the Sullivan County School District. She often returns to State College for yoga teacher training, special events, and retreats.

Off the mat, Jess was an elementary teacher for 15 years. She now works as the Community Outreach & Project Manager for Loyalsock Foundation and also works part-time as the communications coordinator for TriYoga of Central Pennsylvania. She lives in Shunk with her husband and two kids, plus too many pets to count.  

TriYoga was founded by internationally renowned yogini, Kaliji (Kali Ray). It’s taught in 40+ countries by over 2450 certified teachers. TriYoga is a flowing yoga, suitable for ALL types of bodies, abilities, and ages. It focuses on keeping the breath steady as the body moves into different postures. “Relaxation in action” is the goal with TriYoga. TriYoga focuses on opening the hips and freeing the spine, creating flexibility and strength throughout the body. Students will feel relaxed, open, and energized after class.