Experience

Prison Yoga Project

• United States
• Wellness and Fitness Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Founding Director/CEO

  • Jan 2019 - Present

  Oversee the activities of the Prison Yoga Project (PYP) and work closely with the Executive Director and staff to ensure the quality of program services and dedication to the mission. Originator and trainer for PYP's unique trauma-informed and mindfulness-based training for yoga teachers, social workers, therapists, and prison staff. Direct PYP International's activities with programs in Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Media spokesperson for PYP and advocate for U.S. prison reform, restorative and transformative justice, and innovative rehabilitation programming. Show less

• Founder/Executive Director

  • 2010 - 2018

  The mission of the Prison Yoga Project (PYP), a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is to provide trauma-informed yoga and embodied mindfulness practices to bring a holistic approach to the healing and overall wellness of those within prisons and rehabilitation facilities worldwide. The project originated at San Quentin prison and is based on years of experience within a restorative justice framework to support character change and improved mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Yoga a Path for Healing and Recovery, written by James Fox and illustrated by program participants, highlights many of the practices employed by the project. Published in 2010, as of 2022 the book has been sent free of charge to more than 35,000 incarcerated people who have written requesting a copy of it. Freedom From The Inside, A Woman's Yoga Practice Guide, a book specifically for incarcerated women published in 2021, was co-authored by Fox and PYP Europe Director Josefin Wikstrom. It is now being sent to incarcerated women who request a copy of it free of charge. Show less



Insight Prison Project

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Program Director

  • 2002 - 2014

  Insight Prison Project, a Restorative Justice non-profit organization, seeks to transform conditioned patterns of negative behavior through a comprehensive rehabilitation curriculum for the purpose of reducing recidivism and helping prisoners to transform their lives. As Program Director, responsible for the coordination of more than 20 weekly diverse classes at San Quentin Prison with prison staff and administration. Helped to develop programs, supervised teachers, and oversaw the monitoring and assured the quality delivery of classes. Additionally, taught weekly yoga and mindfulness classes and was formally trained to facilitate classes in Emotional Intelligence, Victim/Offender Education, and Violence Prevention which resulted in conducting weekly courses in those topics with incarcerated groups of men for several years. Show less



Innovative Nutriceuticals

• United States
• Professional Training and Coaching

• Managing Partner

  • 1997 - 2007

  Formulator and contract producer of liquid nutritional supplements for dietary supplement companies including for the brands Source Naturals and Natrol. Formulator and contract producer of liquid nutritional supplements for dietary supplement companies including for the brands Source Naturals and Natrol.