Jen Gorman is a scoliosis and spinal fusion patient, advocate, and practitioner. She teaches yoga, Pilates, and strength training nationwide for people with spinal fusions, scoliosis, and other back care conditions. She is passionate about inspiring people to live healthier, happier lives.

At the age of eleven, Jen’s ballet teacher noticed an asymmetry in her shoulders. Soon after a doctor diagnosed her with scoliosis and within a year she had spinal fusion surgery. Bone from her right iliac crest fused the thoracic vertebrae (T3-T10) and was secured by a Harington rod. Jen danced, became a Certified Public Accountant, then returned to dancing professionally. She discovered that movement and breath could alleviate discomfort in her back.

Jen teaches yoga based on the principles of the Iyengar yoga system coupled with influence from the Schroth Method and Pilates. She offers props and modifications, paying special attention to each individual’s needs. Ultimately, she strives to create a consent forward space where there is no reward for saying yes and no punishment for saying no to what she is teaching. When working with people with spinal fusions and scoliosis she focuses on poses that stay neutral through the spine, stabilize the adjacent segments, and help the body support the fusion.

Jen has taught yoga for 20 years and is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance (ERYT-200). Some of her other certifications and trainings include:

•  Yoga for Scoliosis Teacher Training Program with Elise Browning Miller

• Polestar Pilates graduate and National Certified Pilates Teacher

• Adaptations for People with Scoliosis Supporting the Schroth Method Teachings
  with Hagit Berdishevsky and Lise Stoltz

• Scoliosis and Spinal Fusions Master Course with Hagit Berdishevsky and Lise
  Stolz

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer

To learn more about Jen, see a schedule of classes, or make an appointment for a private session, please visit www.scoliosisandbackcare.com.