Student & Employee of the Month: Stories That Inspire
Student of the Month: Jennifer Helfenbein
There’s something powerful about slowing down—about learning to listen to your body, tune into your breath, and find stillness in the midst of a busy life. For Jennifer Helfenbein, yoga became the gentle shift she didn’t know she needed.
What started as a once-a-week stretch at the gym slowly unfolded into something deeper. After years of physical discomfort and a fast-paced fitness routine, Jen turned to yoga to ease stiffness and bring balance back to her body—and found so much more in the process.
Since joining Soul Society, she’s discovered the strength of stillness, the peace of presence, and the power of simply showing up. With each practice, Jen continues to build a life that feels calmer, more focused, and more aligned—on and off the mat.
Here’s more from Jen, in her own words:
How long have you been practicing yoga?
Since 2015, though it was just once a week at the gym—until recently.
Why did you start practicing yoga?
My body was giving me clear signs that something needed to shift. I was feeling discomfort, stiffness, and like my workouts were working against me instead of with me. I knew I needed something that would help me stretch, slow down, and reconnect.
How has yoga transformed your life—physically, mentally, or emotionally?
Yoga has taught me stillness—and I didn’t realize how badly I needed that. It’s helped me become more patient and present. The breathing techniques I’ve learned have been especially powerful. I feel less stressed and more focused, and while I’m still a work in progress, I’ve noticed that consistency makes all the difference.
What is your favorite Soul Society Yoga memory?
Definitely the chakra sessions taught by Posey. They helped me go deeper into my practice and my understanding of myself.
What keeps you coming back to your mat, even on the hard days?
Yoga makes me feel happier, healthier, and more balanced. Even on the days when I don’t feel like moving, I always leave class feeling more relaxed—and my muscles stronger and more flexible.
How has your yoga practice shown up in your life outside the studio?
I’ve noticed a shift in my daily habits and mindset. I approach life with more clarity and calm now—and that feels like a big win.
From the Soul Society Yoga Team:
Jen is one of those people who brings a quiet strength and steady light into every room she enters. Her willingness to slow down, stay consistent, and do the inner work has not only transformed her practice—but also made her a true inspiration to our community.
We’ve watched Jen deepen her connection to mind, body, and breath with grace and heart, all while showing up for herself and others. Congratulations, Jen. Your presence, patience, and peaceful energy make Soul Society a better place, and we are so grateful to walk this path with you.
Employee of the Month: Esmeralda Regalado
Some people are born to teach—not because they have all the answers, but because they’re endlessly curious, deeply compassionate, and naturally in tune with others. That’s exactly how we’d describe Esmeralda Regalado.
Esmeralda first came to Soul Society Yoga at 17 years old, seeking a deeper connection to her body and a break from the pressures of school, sports, and college applications. What started as a team-bonding experience with her lacrosse team quickly turned into something more: a transformative, grounding practice that helped her move through life with more clarity and calm.
Since then, Esmeralda has grown from a dedicated student into a certified yoga instructor—and a beloved part of our Soul Society family. Her classes are thoughtful, creative, and spiritually enriching, always designed to meet students where they are and leave them feeling stronger, steadier, and more connected.
Here’s more from Esmeralda, in her own words:
How long have you been a part of Soul Society Yoga?
I’ve been part of Soul Society since I was 17—so a little over three years now.
Why did you start practicing yoga?
My high school lacrosse team took a yoga class here for team bonding. I loved how it challenged my body, relieved my pain, and calmed my mind. I left feeling pure bliss. Not long after, I joined the studio and enrolled in Soul Society’s first yoga teacher training. Becoming a teacher here has been such a gift.
How has yoga transformed your life?
When I started yoga, I was balancing school, extracurriculars, work, and the college application process all on my own. My parents didn’t know much about that world, but they supported me fully. Yoga became a lifeline—it helped me manage stress and stay grounded. Mindful breathing, especially, changed everything. It gives me power during exercise and peace during chaos.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned from your students?
To meet people where they are. In the studio, that means adapting my class in real time—offering advanced options when the energy is high and softening things when the vibe is more relaxed. Outside the studio, it means showing up emotionally present and holding space for others.
What inspires your teaching approach, and how do you hope students feel after class?
Yoga is such a powerful way to build strength and flexibility, but I also want students to leave feeling connected—to themselves, to their spirit, and to something meaningful. I theme each class intentionally, hoping it resonates in a deeper way.
If your teaching had a mantra, what would it be?
“Let your practice be a dance.”
Let the movement be fluid, let the mind soften, and let the experience unfold with grace.
From the Soul Society Yoga Team:
From the moment she walked through our doors, Esmeralda has embodied the heart of Soul Society: open, resilient, and always willing to grow. Her journey—from teenage student to inspiring instructor—reminds us how powerful this practice can be at every stage of life.
Esmeralda leads with presence, listens with empathy, and teaches with intention. Whether she’s guiding a morning flow or creating a spiritual theme for class, her goal is always the same—to help others feel supported, inspired, and empowered in their own unique journey.
Thank you, Esmeralda, for being such a radiant light in our community. We’re endlessly proud to have you on our team.