A wee bit about Jo-Anne
Come and join us at the studio and we can continue to learn together :)
Enjoying the fun side of yoga asana
Jo-Anne Hopkins
Certified Aromatherapist,
Registered Holistic Nutritionist,
Experienced Yoga Teacher,
Live Cell Microscopist
I believe that it's my life's purpose to learn and then share that knowledge with those around me. I do my best to not be pushy with awareness or knowledge, but sometimes am so enthusiastic about what I've learned that it just bursts out. It is my hope to help those who wish to learn more about their physical bodies, their spirit and their true selves will join me in the joys of yoga practice and holistic lifestyle. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you.
Jo-Anne Hopkins is the owner of Live Love Laugh Do Yoga. She is a multi-faceted health nut. She brings 3 decades of holistic health care experience and appreciation to her practice and health offerings.
Jo-Anne believes that her main purpose in life is to learn and then share that acquired knowledge with others. Her learning journey has been filled with joy, struggle, frustration, hard work and ultimately an understanding that she will never be finished learning.
She prides herself on providing a positive, enthusiastic and welcoming environment for students and clients to learn about their body, mind and spirit, as they share their learning journey with her. Currently building home, soon to be studio/wellness centre and good vibes for our "forever" place in what has become her favourite place in the world.
Over the years, she has provided various holistic health care services to her clients both two and four-legged. She continues to offer services for both people and their pets. She looks forward to practicing and sharing her peaceful land and space with you.
Jo-Anne's brief history:
1999 - Canine Massage Pracitioner Certificate
1999 - 2004 - Owned Lap up the Luxury (offering holistic health care exclusively for companion animals - dog & cat massage, dog grooming, holistic pet nutrition & basic training for dogs - began teaching career)
2000 - Obtained Ear Candling & Aromatherapy Certification
2004 - Obtained Registered Holistic Nutrition Diploma (RHN)
2005 - Completed various health courses through Queen's University
2005 – 2010 – Private Practice – Natural Alternatives Wellness & Nutrition (offering aromatherapy & body care services including massage, spa services, nutritional consulting, pet services, as well as offering natural body care products. Also offered regular teaching seminars on various health subjects)
2005 – 2010 – Operated the Kingston Branch of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition as the Branch Manager and active teacher
2012 – Obtained her Registered Yoga Teacher Training Certification (200 hr) – Hatha from Janati Yoga School
March 2015 – Jo-Anne qualifies for E-RYT (Experienced Yoga Teacher +1000 hrs. teaching) designation with the Yoga Alliance.
July 2015 - Table Thai Massage Level 1 from Lotus Palm Montreal & Intro to Yoga Therapy w/ Susi Hately-Alderous.
August 2015 - Aqua Yoga Training w/ White Crow Yoga
April 2016 - accumulated 2000 hours teaching yoga
February 2018 - Certified Live Cell Microscopy Training through Health House & Capillary Puncture Certification through Anderson College.
February 2020 - accumulated 3000 hours teaching yoga
April 2020 - Completed YTT 300hr Certification through Janati Yoga School, which grants me the new designation of RYT500 with the Yoga Alliance.
May 2022 - Completed Practical Herbalist Certification through the Wild Rose College of Natural Healing.
Jo-Anne has had an active & diverse yoga practice for over 30 years. She brings well versed understanding of yogic lifestyle, philosophy and principles to her classes, sessions and retreats. Outside of her work life, Jo-Anne lives in her off-grid home with her husband, 2 dogs and a cat. Enjoys gardening, kayaking the river, ultimate frisbee, spending time hugging trees and enjoying nature, crocheting, napping (when she can), learning & continuing to find yoga in all things.
What students have to say about their
Live Love Laugh Do Yoga experience...
"I’ve been doing yoga with Jo on and off for a few years now. I started doing private sessions and then transitioned into her public classes. I love how fluid her teaching is. She is amazing at intuitively reading the room and creating the perfect balance for what everyone needs from the practice. She challenges your body and mind and creates a beautifully well-rounded practice, which does not stop when you leave the studio. She is so knowledgeable and I’ve never worked with a teacher who knows more about the human body and how it moves. When I heard that the studio was reopening after the initial covid lockdown, being a new home-schooling parent, I jumped at the chance to sign my family up for private classes. My 7yo and 9yo love their weekly time with Jo and I’m seeing positive results in their everyday lives. Not only is it beneficial physical activity, it’s a practice that connects mind, body and soul and instils habits which can be carried throughout a lifetime . We absolutely live, love, laugh and do yoga!"
A.S. Odessa, Ontario
" I want to say thank you for 100 yoga classes, hours of laughter, miles of information on health, wellness, personal care; and encouragement to everyone in the room no matter what their skill level. Also for sharing your lovely yoga studio with us - a space of joy, healing and above all the practice of yoga!"
S.F. Moscow, Ontario
I am really enjoying the variety of yoga styles you are teaching and love each and every class. :)
A.P. Yarker, Ontario
"Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for today. Your enthusiasm and energy is so inspiring! I loved the class!"
J.C., Odessa, Ontario
"That was great Jo. Well taught. I look forward to another."
S.W. Kingston, Ontario
"Thank you so much for tonights class. I'm glad to be back to yoga. I think for some reason, I'm supposed to be in your class specifically. I feel so much better every time I leave. Thanks again"
K.L. Yarker, Ontario
"Jo-anne is the whole package, and teaches Body, Mind and Spirit. I feel very balanced after a class. I sometimes find her calming energy and voice coming into my brain between classes, telling me to breath and reassuring me; "Everything is as it should be" Jo-anne is truly a teacher you need to experience for yourself!! "
A.S. Yarker, Ontario
"Thanks again for last night's class. I enjoyed the whole session, but was particularly pleased to hear your 'blurb' about disc/spine/budging and the importance of keeping straight and tall to avoid injury. I find it helpful and motivating when I understand why I'm moving/holding a posture. "
B.S. Yarker, Ontario
"Thanks, Jo-Anne. That Yin class was awesome. My lower back was free of its usual pain and stiffness the next day and my hip joints feel more open. Can’t wait til the next one!"
M.T. Odessa, Ontario
I have to tell you today's practice was AMAZING!!! I truly enjoyed it
B.F. Kingston
Thank you for sharing your gift with your students. I feel comfortable and capable in my practice now, despite my challenges, you always offer options making the practice accessible for each of your students.
A.M. Harrowsmith
You are my whole life favourite teacher. I'm 50 next month so I can say whole life with meaning.
M.E. Yarker
Just want to take this opportunity to say how much I enjoy your classes! You hit just the right tone all around – music, pacing and level of challenge, and attitude/approach. So glad I found you/your studio J Thank you! The posture clinics have been a very valuable learning experience.
G.W Kingston
I feel that the strength that you have as an experienced teacher with our group is that you can develop your class “on the fly” with a focus on our identified problem areas that day. I love each class.
C.S. Harrowsmith
Thank you so much for a great class last night. I must say I have never experienced Yoga in this way. You are the best teacher that I have had. I enjoyed it so much that I’m looking at doing the ‘prana pass’. You’re voice is so relaxing. Thanks again for an amazing yoga experience.”
B.M Yarker, Ontario
Just a quick message to you to thank you for opening up a whole new world to me. I’m loving yoga class and look forward to every class I attend. You have a way of mixing things up so that they don’t become the same repetitive routine week after week, and I always feel so incredibly refreshed after your classes.”
C.B. Yarker, Ontario
Jo-Anne is a wonderful, enthusiastic, easy-going and extremely knowledgeable instructor. Her anatomical knowledge is such that she could be regarded as a therapist as far as I am concerned. I really enjoy her class. ”
N.L Kingston, Ontario
I’ve been doing yoga for 8 years. Since I’ve been coming to your class, I love that I learn something new each time. I really appreciate all that you do for us.
N.M. Odessa, Ontario
I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful retreat. I can't tell you how nourishing it was- to mind, body and spirit - and how it will continue to be for some time. And it was a nice group! You have many gifts - thanks for sharing so generously.
M.T. Yarker, Ontario
I thought the retreat was perfect. I enjoyed the pacing and time for discussion.
G.W. Desoronto, Ontario
I love Jo-Anne's sense of humour and passion for yoga. Her explanations and adjustments are very helpful. Love the meditations at the end which are the perfect ending. So glad to have discovered her!
L.D-M. Tamworth, Ontario
I love Jo-Anne's sense of humour and passion for yoga. Her explanations and adjustments are very helpful. Love the meditations at the end which are the perfect ending. So glad to have discovered her!
L.D-M. Tamworth, Ontario
Thanks for all you do. You are an incredible instructor. I enjoy yoga so much!!.
K.K. Odessa, Ontario
I can honestly say that I will never forget my first Jo-Ann yoga class!
I love the way you guide and give possibilities.
R.D. Napanee, Ontario