Julia Yifeng Zhao (she/her)
Julia is a trauma-informed yoga therapist, community space holder, and first generation Chinese immigrant. Her work bridges the intersection between yoga, somatics, and social justice. Known for her intuitive grounded presence, Julia offers spiritual and embodiment practices that guide us back toward our inner wisdom, power, and creative potential for personal and collective liberation. She works bi-coastally with individuals and groups and often incorporates her love of singing, meditation, and the natural world.
The experience of immigrating as a young child and years of struggling with mental health have fueled her search for spiritual meaning and wholeness. Yoga has helped her build resilience and stability through the tumultuous ups and downs of life. It is her humble joy to share these teachings so that we may all experience more ease, vitality, and freedom from suffering.
Julia’s practices are grounded in the ancient wisdom and science of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Tantra. She has received over 1,000 hours of training and continues to study and practice these vast traditions daily. As an empathic introvert, she takes a heart-centered and intuitive approach with clients and students. She believes that meeting ourselves with compassionate awareness helps to guide us from fear back into connection.
Julia currently lives on occupied Squaxin, Nisqually, Cowlitz, and Coast Salish land. She is immensely grateful to all the Black, indigenous, and people of color who have shown and continue to show us the way of true justice and resilience. She dedicates her life’s work to holding space for individual healing and awakening, so that we may each contribute to creating a more just, peaceful, and free world.
Education & Experience
Yoga Trainings & Certifications
Inner Peace Professional 800-hr Yoga Therapy Certification (C-IAYT expected 2023)
Shiva Shakti Loka Tantra Yoga Secrets Course (2022)
Shiva Shakti Loka Ayurvedic Comprehensive Foundation Level 1 (2021)
Relax & Renew® Restorative Yoga, Level 1 (2021)
Shiva Shakti Loka Structural Yoga Therapy (2020)
Sundara Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy, Levels 1&2 (2019)
Accessible Yoga Training (2019)
Kripalu Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra Training (2017)
Dirk Bennewitz Yin Yoga Training (2017)
Breathing Room Yoga Center 200-hr Teacher Training (2015)
Other Experience
Weaving Earth Under the Auspices of Summer Program (2021)
Skill In Action Weekend Intensive (2020)
Community Leadership Program New Haven, Cohort 29 (2020)
Mama Gena School of Womanly Arts - The Experience (2019)
Vipassana 10-Day Meditation Course (2016, 2017, 2019)
PADI Rescue Diver Certification (2014)
Heal the Soil Permaculture Design Course (2014)
Phool Chatti Ashram Yoga & Meditation Retreat Program (2013)
University of Michigan BA in Asian Studies & International Studies (2009)
My Teachers
With great respect and love, I honor the teachers and seekers who have been a light on my path. Namo namo. Idam na mama.
Mother India, Mother Ganga, Mother Earth
Yoga & Meditation:
Breathing Room Yoga Center, Chinnamasta Stiles, Dr. Gail Parker, Indu Arora, Inner Peace Yoga Therapy, Jivana Heyman, Judith Hanson Lasater, Khushi Malhotra, Krishna Das, Lalita-ji, Margot Broom, Michele Lawrence, Michelle Cassandra Johnson, Mooji, Mukunda Stiles, Padma Wolff, Sri Ramana Maharshi, Seane Corn, Sharat Arora, S.N. Goenka, Susanna Barkataki, Thích Nhất Hạnh, Tobie Shuerfeld, Yogarupa Rod Stryker
Healing Justice:
Adrienne Marie Brown, CEIO, Enroue Halfkenny, Ericka Hart, Hanifa Nayo Washington, Isha Vela, Lama Rod Owens, Niyonu Spann, Rachel Cargle, Rachel Ricketts, Resmaa Menakem, Thema Haida, Weaving Earth
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Much gratitude to the many more beings not named here who have taught, supported, and nurtured me.