Tessie Jo Ortega
Tessie Jo is a dedicated practitioner who discovered yoga in 2006 during her first trip abroad. Happiness research, based on her psychology and biology studies, landed her in Australia. At the airport bookstore she vividly remembers the book “Awakenings” capturing her attention, foreshadowing the path that beckoned her. An initial stay with a host family who was deeply immersed in the yogic lifestyle led to late night conversations riddled with the healing powers of Ayurveda, the profundity of yoga philosophy, and deep inquiry about our oneness. This serendipitous encounter planted the seeds of curiosity and opened her heart and mind to explore the depths of yoga, before ever doing a single pose.
With deep reverence for the wisdom that yoga holds, Tessie’s offerings are grounded in authenticity and integrity embedded in a heart-centered awareness that results in the coherence, harmony and truth of our divine nature.
In 2014, after completing her first YTT and moving to Chile , another serendipitous yoga encounter propelled further awakenings. Seeking a new yoga community, Tessie stumbled upon her first Ashtanga yoga class and a deep love affair was born. A personal mission to study with devoted pioneers of this tradition, Tessie has furthered studies with Annie Pace, Tim Miller, David Swenson, Kino MacGregor, Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor. Tessie strives to pass along these collective teachings by fostering direct experiences on the mat for students to navigate the nuances of their heart, mind, body and spirit, setting forth personal liberation.
Holding curiosity, courage, compassion and connection at the heart of everything she does, Tessie often teaches the youth in our community to nurture the seeds of mindfulness and self-awareness for the next generation. With over a decade of teaching experience, Tessie is well-versed in Vinyasa, Hot 26, Restorative and Yin styles of yoga. Tessie offers private sessions, immersions, workshops, and retreats and loves to co-create customized experiences to foster deep connection, learning and transformation.
Off of the mat, you’ll find Tessie living her yoga by caring for her loved ones, and encouraging teens in our community as a career counselor. A passionate earth tender and lifelong learner, Tessie loves to homestead, alongside her honey, cat, puppy and chickens.
Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, Tessie invites you to embark on a journey of self-discovery that honors YOUR unique and personal awakening to the wisdom and love that lies within each of us.
Credentials:
YOGA
2013-2014 Asana: 200 hr Vinyasa YTT w/ Libby Lyons at Elan Yoga Fort Collins, CO
2014- 2015 Asana Mysore/ Ashtanga classes w/ Daniela Garcia & Evelyn Melo Pucon, Chile
Feb 2015 Asana & Meditation 5 Day Ashtanga Immersion w/ Eliza Marzuca Pucon, Chile
Nov 2015-Jan 2016 Asana Mysore/ Ashtanga led classes w/ Daniela Garcia & Evelyn Melo Pucon, Chile
Feb 2016 Asana & Meditation 200+ hour Ashtanga Intensive w/ Eliza Marzuca Nunoa, Chile
Sept 2017 Asana 3-Day Ashtanga Intensive w/ Tim Miller Denver, CO
March 2017-2018 Meditation Mindfulness coaching & Buddhism Studies w/ Denise Ackert Salida,
April 2019 Asana 2 Day Intensive Ashtanga Intensive w/ Sammy Brown Phoenix, AZ
May 2019 Asana 15 Hour Trauma Informed Ashtanga Yoga w/ Jen Matsuke Peters Denver, CO
August 2019 Asana 3 Day Ashtanga Intensive w/ Kino MacGregor Denver, CO
April 2022 Technique & Breath 20hr Ashtanga Learn to Count Course David Robson & Yelena Vesic Online
April 2022 Women and Bandhas 5 hour Ashtanga Course w/ Yelena Vesic Online
April 2022 Learn to Float Course 8 hour Ashtanga Course w/ David Robson & Yelena Vesic Online
June 2022 Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Chanting 8 Day Intensive w/ Richard Freeman & Mary Taylor Boulder, CO
October 2022 Pranayama, Asana, Meditation, Chanting 300 hr YTT w/ Doron Hanoch Tzununa Guatemala
Feb 2017-2023 Asana/Philosophy Mysore practice, retreats, Ayurvedic cooking classes w/ Annie Pace Crestone, CO
April 2023 Asana, Philosophy 2.5 Day Ashtanga Intensive & 40 Hour Teacher Training w/ David Swenson Austin, TX
July-Aug 2023 Asana, Pranayama, Chanting, Meditation, Philosophy Month Long Teachers Intensive w/ Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor Boulder, CO
September 2023 Asana, Philosophy 2.5 Day Ashtanga Intensive w/ David Swenson Live Online
April 2024 Asana/Philosophy 2.5 Day Ashtanga Intensive w/ Taylor Hunt Colorado Springs, CO
REIKI
May 2021 Reiki I Usui Shiki Ryoho w/ Elayna Kay Howard, CO
September 2021 Reiki II Usui Shiki Ryoho w/ Elayna Kay Howard, CO
January 2022 Reiki III & Master Teacher Usui Shiki Ryoho w/ Natalie Cowden Poncha Springs, CO
February 2023 Holy Fire III Karuna Reiki Master Teacher w/Julie Speetjens Colorado Springs, CO
