Jessica Jo Janowsky
Jessica Janowsky is a Trauma Informed Care Specialist at the Elmira City School District in New York, where she supports students, staff, and families through Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and trauma-sensitive approaches. She is the creator of the Yoga M.A.G.I.C. (Mindfulness, Acceptance, Gratitude, Integrity & Compassion) and Y.O.G.A. (Your Objectives Get Accomplished) programs, which teach children self-regulation, mindfulness, and coping strategies. Jessica is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher (RCYT), teaching community yoga classes and providing one-on-one Tier 3 supports for young children. Her approach emphasizes relationship-based healing, non-judgmental guidance, and family-centered support, helping students regulate emotions, build accountability, and form trusting relationships with adults. In addition to her work in education, Jessica is a passionate author and fitness professional. She has written three children’s books: A Mountain of Wisdom, There Was a Young Yogi Who Did Cow Pose, and Minka’s Menagerie of Friends (to be released April 2026) all available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Jessica integrates yoga, mindfulness, and movement into her programs to empower children and adults to achieve physical, emotional, and mental wellness. Jessica began her career as a probation and parole officer before returning to school to become an educator. She taught lower elementary grades and developed a district-wide yoga and mindfulness program launched in 2018. In her current special assignment role, she focuses on students affected by trauma and provides professional development for teachers and aides. She holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice and Early Childhood Education, two Master’s degrees in Education and Curriculum Instruction Administration and Management, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Health Psychology at National University, exploring mind-body-spirit connections and holistic wellness. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, conducting research, and playing Euchre competitively in a league.
• Trauma-Informed Organization
• Worksite Wellness Specialist
• Mindful Warrior Yoga Teacher
• SUNY Brockport - BS, Criminal Justice
• Elmira College - MSEd
• Columbus State University - BECEd
• Nova Southeastern University - M.Ed. in C&I
• Coalition for Educating Mindfully
What do you attribute your success to?
A strong support system (family encouragement), an internal drive and a love of learning.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A message from her mother about accepting help and encouragement.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Recognize cultural and socioeconomic differences between schools and families, avoid judgment, and work holistically with families to support children's readiness and wellbeing.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenge: widespread childhood trauma and limited family engagement make school-based interventions difficult to sustain. Opportunity: scaling proven SEL and mindfulness programs, training more educators, and conducting research to support non-pharmacological interventions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, kindness, compassion, persistence, hope and gratitude.