About Jamie

At the age of three, Jamie discovered what made her most happy: movement. She began her formal dance training at the age of eight, and at fifteen moved across the country to attend the North Carolina School of the Arts where she studied classical ballet and modern dance techniques. While in North Carolina, she was introduced to Vinyasa based Hatha yoga and principles of Pilates based work. In 1998 Jamie moved to Los Angeles to complete her degree in dance from the California Institute of the Arts. Upon graduating, she joined the Los Angeles based Helios Dance Theater.

While working through a back injury, Jamie sought out yoga classes in the area, and eventually stumbled into a Max Strom class. The joy she found in this class was unlike any practice she had experienced. He soon became her main teacher, and the practice of healing became her main focus.

Jamie completed her Yoga Teacher Training with Max Strom in 2001. That same year, she completed her Pilates certification at Long Beach Dance Conditioning. Her practice and style of teaching has also been greatly influenced by the work of Sherry Brourman, P.T., focusing special attention on alignment of the body as a means to openness and balance.

Recently, Jamie has been inspired by her cultural exchange trip to Northern India, where she spent time trekking in the Ladakh region and learning from the native culture.

For 2007, Jamie has begun work on a solo dance project dedicated to her late brother, Layne Staley. The piece is based on her writings and journals from 1985 - 2004.

She currently teaches yoga classes at Exhale Center for Sacred Movement and in her private studio, both located in Venice, California. In addition, Jamie teaches workshops and teacher trainings in Los Angeles and nationally.