About Us
Get To Know Us
When the world experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and shut down our small businesses within one day, I really had to pull from my years of practice on every level to maintain my anxiety and fear for my livelihood. In addition, I witnessed so many members of our commUNITY equally struggling and friendships dividing because of social confusion informing individual belief systems. Knowing that my yoga practice gave me the tools to withstand the pressure we were all facing, I began considering how I could introduce more of my commUNITY to the practice. Start locally and think globally, right? In 2019, the idea of the YTOB Foundation was born.
Now serving as a Co-Chair on the Board of Directors, my dream of making yoga accessible for more of my commUNITY; creating more educational opportunities for teachers; and supporting locally-owned small yoga studios has materialized as the YTOB Foundation 501(c)(3) non-profit. I know there are many modalities and services that offer similar and effective techniques for people to maintain physical and mental health, and I know for certain that yoga is one of them. This is my education, commitment, and passion. By using tools to better ourselves individually through yoga, we can begin to see positive growth in our community.
Jennifer Knight, Co-Chair
Our Pledge
We believe that everyone deserves access to the benefits of yoga, regardless of their background, identity, or ability. We are committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive community, and addressing systemic barriers to wellness and mindfulness practices. We recognize that there is always more work to be done and we are committed to continuous learning and improvement.
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors were selected based on their experience, passion, and contribution to our community. Our well-rounded Board is committed to this community and dedicated to the success of the YTOB Foundation. Please meet our Board of Directors!
There are many reasons why someone decides to practice yoga. For me, it was about finding meaningful ways to connect with myself and my baby while pregnant with my first child. Through labor and delivery, it was the power of my breath that provided me with an epic birth experience. At that moment, I knew everyone deserves and should experience the profound benefits of yoga. Having a faithful, daily practice since 1999, I began my journey of in-depth study in 2002. Compelled by the calling to share yoga with my community, I turned my passion into a profession by opening the Yoga Tree of Boise studio in 2008. At that time, the Yoga Tree of Boise was the fifth brick-and-mortar yoga studio in the Treasure Valley.
Transitioning from a full-time career as a proposal manager and writer for an international engineering and construction firm, I turned exclusively to small business ownership and haven’t looked back! My yoga career embodies teaching everyone from beginners to experienced practitioners including all ages from in-utero to senior citizens and all physiques. I’ve had the privilege to teach group classes; one-on-one sessions; sports teams such as the Idaho Stampede; therapeutic; meditation; breathwork; teacher training; workshops and festivals.
It’s my desire to continue evolving into the best version of myself while helping others expand into their best selves using the tools from yoga. Yoga is truly a lifestyle for me. Watching how people feel when they arrive at a yoga class compared to the energy shift when they leave a class is my ultimate joy. I see daily the impact the practice has on an individual. Being a yoga teacher is my dharma (my calling) in life.“Come Find Your Yoga” is my motto. Because yoga is embodied within me, (my lifestyle and family), I have something to live for every day by walking my talk. Outside of a yoga class, you can find me enjoying this one and only wild earth!
There is something undeniably powerful in bringing people together and uplifting local communities using a multidisciplinary approach and community partnerships.
Over the last 20+ years, I have had an ‘on again, off again’ personal yoga practice at home and in community settings. Through my practice, I have experienced profound changes in my understanding of the mind-body connection and the importance of social connectedness.
Years as a Public Health Professional with a background in Anthropology, allow me to bring a unique combination of education and experiences to this foundation. My passion for public health will enhance in-depth collaboration at the YTOB Foundation by creating and promoting programs that improve health, wellness, inclusion, and our goals for societal betterment.
In my free time, I enjoy boondocking with my husband and exploring the wild areas. Incorporating my love for landscape design and gardening as often as possible with my precious pup Dublin is my happy place. Books, travel, and music are also a big part of my life and I’m always looking for ways to expand my connections and creativity.
I believe that we can heal ourselves and bolster those around us through cooperation and openness.
Erica Wallace brings with her a deep passion for wellness and community impact. As a past recipient of the YTOB Foundation’s yoga scholarship, Erica saw firsthand the transformative power of accessible yoga programs. Her personal experience solidified her commitment to helping others on their wellness journey, and she is excited to give back to an organization that played such a vital role in her own life.
Erica’s background is as diverse as it is inspiring. She has been working with animals since 2000, starting her career in Bellingham, WA, where she developed a deep sense of empathy and care for all creatures. In 2010, Erica moved to Boise and earned her associate degree in Veterinary Assistance from Brown Mackie College. She is currently the hospital manager at Treasure Valley Vet Hospital, where her strong administrative and leadership skills have been key to the smooth operation of the clinic.
With a natural talent for connecting with both people and animals, Erica is an outstanding communicator, a thoughtful writer, and a highly organized administrator. She brings a wealth of skills in writing, editing, planning, and computer literacy—qualities that will make her a tremendous asset to the board. Her enthusiasm for well-being, whether for animals or people, makes her a perfect fit for helping our nonprofit expand its fundraising and outreach efforts.
Outside of work, Erica enjoys kayaking, camping, and exploring the beautiful outdoors of Idaho. She loves traveling with her husband, David, and spending quality time with friends. Her dedication to wellness and community involvement is a wonderful addition to our board.
I am a lifelong exercise aficionado, but I began having chronic problems with my lower back in 2020. A friend recommended yoga, so I contacted Jennifer Knight at the Yoga Tree of Boise. She quickly assessed my issue as a combination of posture and core strength. She set me up with a program of regular daily stretches and exercises, with some modifications to my other exercise regimen. I also started attending yoga classes. Yoga has made dramatic changes to my life, both physically and spiritually. I no longer suffer from lower back pain, and the spiritual aspect of yoga has allowed me to calm my restless spirit and better focus my mind. I believe that everybody should have access to yoga, even if they cannot afford the regular fees. That is why I support the Yoga Tree of Boise Foundation.
I am a retired civil engineer, and since retirement, I have become much more active in non-profit organizations that I believe in. I currently volunteer for the Water Engineers for the Americas, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and for the Idaho Foodbank. I serve on the board of directors of the Lincoln Family Educational Foundation, the Water Engineers for the Americas, and the Yoga Tree of Boise Foundation. I have been a long-term member of the board of directors of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, concentrating on programs and financial/accounting issues.
I live in Boise and regularly enjoy many outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and fishing. I have a wonderful girlfriend who shares most of my outdoor interests, and we travel extensively, both internationally and within the US. And—I attend yoga classes as much as our travel schedules allow.
