Jessica ‘Jyoti’ Tavares Smith

CEO & Founder, Jyoti Mind and Body

  • Certified RYT 500

  • Over 1,000+ hours of training in the modalities of Kriya, Raja, Vinyasa, Hatha and Bhakti Yoga and Meditation

  • Certified Sound Practitioner

  • My trainings have occurred across Brazil, India, Australia, Costa Rica and The US, where I was previously trained and instructed at Anuttara Yoga in South Florida.

  • In addition to Joyti Mind and Body, I also teach at ATHA Yoga Shala in Delray Beach, Florida.

I was born in the USA but raised in Brazil. I have been connected to dancing since my childhood and it was a big part of my life. I have been a full-time dance teacher, personal trainer, choreographer, and even babysitter!

I used to practice yoga without being aware of it because I have always enjoyed taking a pause to give thanks.

During a particularly difficult time in my life, I decided to go to India. There, my practice of yoga expanded, and I saw, felt, and experienced things that changed my life forever, learning from great teachers, ancient traditions, and cultures.

I started teaching yoga the same week after my first teacher training finished. Early on, when I was trying to establish myself, I wouldn’t take “no” for an answer and I would even teach for free just because I loved it so much.

Yoga allows me to create a more disciplined, healthy, fun, and spiritually connected life. I love having a space set aside for devotion, to chant mantras, or to share a song that I play on the Harmonium or Guitar. This is a great exchange of gratitude back for this practice.

I previously taught at Anuttara Yoga Shala in both Deerfield Beach and Delray Beach, Florida, and as a teacher in different rehab centers and facilities.

I moved to Costa Rica for a year to experience deep immersion in the jungle and my own practice of Svādhyāya; a Sanskrit term which means “self-study”.

Upon my return to South Florida, I founded Jyoti Mind and Body, LLC with the mission to continue the work of service to others.

Aside from the work I do at Jyoti Mind and Body, you can also find me teaching at ATHA Yoga Shala in Delray Beach, Florida.

Depending on which of my offerings you choose, you will get to know another part of me and of yourself.

That is my promise.