About Jackie

After graduating from Princeton University with a degree in Neuropsychology, Jackie Long, MA (formerly Jackie Schwenker) was on a path to study the effects of yoga and meditation on the brain. She realized along the way, however, that practicing and teaching yoga fulfilled her much more than researching it. Stepping out of academia and onto the yoga mat has changed her life and she finds great inspiration from her own practice and from each of her students. Jackie studied extensively at the Sivananda Yoga Center and moved on to study at the Integral Yoga Institute (established by Swami Satchidananda, a devoted student of Swami Sivananda) where she received her teaching certificate in 2001. That year, she also began her studies at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, where she graduated in 2004 with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and a certificate in Creative Expression.

Jackie is inspired by the rich overlap between Western psychology, Buddhist theory and yogic philosophy (also known as raja yoga). She aims to incorporate the psychological aspect of yoga into each of her classes. Her classes focus on stress relief, relaxation, the development of inner awareness and the cultivation of metta (loving kindness). With her warm and nurturing voice, she creates a non-competitive atmosphere so students can move inward and can begin to rediscover their true nature.

Jackie lives in Half Moon Bay, California. During her free time, she enjoys walking on the beach, surfing, writing music, playing guitar, reading and cuddling with her husband.

"I would like to express my most sincere gratitude for the many wonderful teachers who have graced my life. I give thanks to the senior monks, Ajahn Nayanarato and Tan Ajahn Gavesako, at Ajanh Cha's forest monastery in Kanchanaburi, Thailand (Wat Pha Luang Ba Tua) where I spent 2 months, and Ning Benjakorn Sukkrom who guided me there and was the first to introduce me to the power of the metta practice. I feel sincere gratitude for Swami Satchidananda, Swami Vimalananda, and Madhuri for their commitment to teaching yoga in all its varied froms - not just the physical. I offer thanks to Sarah Powers, who so eloquently and artfully shares her wisdom of yoga, Buddhism and Taosim. I offer thanks for all of my teachers and mentors in psychology including John Firman, Ann Gila, Jan Fisher, and Alice Sklar. I have learned so much from all of you and have benefitted tremendously from your guidance. I would also like to thank every student that has ever attended my classes, as I learn something important and new from anyone who ever steps into the room. Thank you..." - Jackie Long