"The community that inevitably develops in any class . . .  keeps bringing me back.  Even if every person has a different disability or challenge, the environment is mutually supportive and many of us look forward to that time of the week when we get together."
- Patrice Wagner, March 9, 2010

"[The classes] help me learn more about my body, they way I move it, the way I hold it, the way I should shift it to have a better alignment to be safer, healthier and stronger. I am more aware of my body, what works for me and how to use props to get myself into postures I never thought I could. I also like learning how to engage the specific muscles and organs."
- Kim Gillette, March 9, 2010

"I remember a time when there were only two students in the Special Needs class but over time, as many as 16 or more have attended the class.  I've seen a sense of community develop, which is a warm and nurturing experience I hope exists in other studios.  Shared companionship and compassion before, during or after every class, making it very unique and gratifying."

"As someone with a low level spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia, I appreciate the knowledge and sensitivity of my teachers at PYS.  Also, I'm grateful for their trust to allow me to be able to get up into a head stand independently, where as I need their assistance in most any other yoga pose.  The interdependence between teacher, aid and student is one to be recognized and emulated."
- Ramona Arellano, March 6, 2010

"The classes I have attended at Piedmont Yoga, especially those for disabled and/or people with special needs have been the best I've attended anywhere.  It's a little hard to explain why but I'll give it a try.  First, I feel so safe at your Yoga classes.  The amount of personal, individual attention each participant receives is extraordinary in my experience.  I truly appreciate it.  Also, I learn things about my body that I would not discover if I was not working with people as experienced as you are.  I never feel that I will be asked or encouraged to do something that would hurt me.  I learn what the different Yoga poses are and what benefits they provide.  I am inspired by the number of truly qualified people who volunteer to assist you in these classes.  Largely, though, it's kind of an intangible thing.  I just feel more comfortable and "at home" in the environment at Piedmont Yoga than I have at any other Yoga studio."
- Marty Selnick, March 7, 2010

"I'm 35 years old and I have moderate athetoid cerebral palsy, which means that I have poor muscle coordination.  This lack of coordination primarily affects my balance and my speech. . .  I navigate the outside world using a power wheelchair.  I have been taking JoAnn's class at Piedmont Yoga Studio twice a week for the last three months.  The classes are often among my favorite activities of any given week.  I usually feel stretched out and relaxed (JoAnn is going to laugh at me for using the "R" word) after class.  Most weeks, I take away a sense of accomplishment after mastering some tricky new position.  I think my favorite aspect of the class is it's supportive, non judgmental nature.  In short, the class has a very cool vibe! 
- Melissa Crisp, May 9, 2010