Jessica Schachtner

Jessica completed her 200hr yoga teacher training here at the studio in fall 2025. She was introduced to yoga after retiring from competitive soccer in highschool due to knee injuries and found that it was the perfect alternative for physical exertion while also sparking joy, peace, and purpose in her life. Jessica took her first class at roots about a year ago and stayed for the HEAT and welcoming community. She specifically fell in love with a set sequence because it brings consistency to her demanding and ever-changing schedule, yet still challenges her mind, body, and spirit each time she shows up on the mat. 

Jessica moved from San Francisco, CA in 2022 to pursue a clinical psychology PhD at the University of Arizona where she conducts clinical research, teaches undergraduates, and sees patients as a training psychologist. Her research focuses on developing and testing new treatments that target the specific neurobiological processes believed to be responsible for depression and anxiety-related disorders. As a training psychologist, she also finds a deep sense of purpose in directly supporting those experiencing severe mental illness using cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness. She looks forward to incorporating more yoga principles into her clinical work!

When she’s not in the lab, at the clinic, or at Roots, Jessica is an explorer! Whether it’s a day trip to the mountains, a music festival, road trips in Heidi the HiAce, or a flight to a new city, her wanderlust keeps the next adventure within arms reach. She also thoroughly enjoys being a homebody, thrifting, singing, playing the guitar, and spending time with loved ones. Jessica has 4 dogs (Appa, Khaleesi, Glacier, and Ponyo) and 2 cats (Momo and Haku), plus TWELVE (plus?) fur-siblings back in Montana. She grew up with at least 7 pets at all times, so naturally she couldn’t wait to create a fur-family of her own. As a true libra, Jessica is always striving to find balance in her life. 

Jessica hopes to merge her skillsets as a psychologist and yoga instructor to continue developing and administering effective treatments for various mental health disorders, which may lead to one day opening a holistic treatment center that integrates western and modern medicine, historical mind-body practices, and the healing power of nature to improve human suffering."