OUR TEAM
At School Yoga Institute, our team is more than facilitators—we are a family of visionaries, teachers, and guides dedicated to walking this path with you. Each member brings unique wisdom, heart, and experience to create a space of connection, transformation, and authentic community.
Keri Nelson-Pennell
Co-Owner, Head of Operations, Chief Visionary Officer
Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Oregon
ABOUT ME
I am a modern mystical momma who grew up in Oregon. I spent my childhood in the wild, playing outside with my brothers and sister, and I became a lover of all things athletic. After graduating high school, I went on to Oregon State University, where I met my beloved husband, Jed Pennell, and earned my master’s degree in Exercise Science and pedagogy. It was at Oregon State University that I felt a deep connection with my yoga practice!
Jed and I quickly became well-loved Health and Physical Education teachers in Point Arena, California. It was there that our first child, Kalani, was born. I instantly realized that my life’s passion was to be a mother! Since then, I’ve become a mother to three more children: Phoenyx, Orion, and Lotus Jewel!!
Jed and I travel the world, spreading the love and light of yoga through yoga teacher training courses! When we are not traveling, we make our home base in Oregon. I’m also a vegan food creator and have cooked for many of School Yoga Institute’s Yoga Teacher Training courses in Costa Rica, where we resided for many years. I find my inspiration in home birth, vegan food creations, conscious living, nature walks with my family, and fermentation! You can find Jed, our four beautiful children, and me on a sports field or hiking trail, making yummy vegan treats together in our kitchen, or at a Yoga Teacher Training in Guatemala, Peru, Costa Rica, Portugal, or Bali!
What’s your favorite yoga pose?
Seated Twist- Due to a back injury, I often have back pain! Seated twist helps alleviate this pain and I am forever grateful it does!
What’s your favorite quote?
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou
What inspires you in your practice?
Connecting with the true essence of what it is to be human, the bliss and blur!
Background and expertise
I have a strong foundation in Exercise and Sport Science, earning both my Bachelor’s (2004) and Master’s degrees (2005) from Oregon State University. Additionally, I obtained a Master’s in Teaching in 2005, which launched my career as a Physical Education and Health teacher from 2005 to 2008.
Since 2017, I have been the owner and operator of School Yoga Institute, where I’ve combined my academic background and passion for wellness to lead and inspire others. My commitment to education extends beyond the classroom; I served as PTA president and vice president at Helman Elementary School from 2017 to 2020 and continue to contribute as a member and co-chair of the Helman Site Council since 2018.
Education:
- Bachelors of Exercise Science, Oregon State University, 2004
- Masters Degree in Exercise and Sport Science, Oregon State University, 2005
- Masters in Teaching, Oregon State University, 2005
Professional Experience:
- Owner and Operator of School Yoga Institute, 2017–Present
- Teacher, Physical Education and Health, 2005–2008
- PTA President and Vice President, Helman Elementary School, 2017–2020
- Helman Site Council Member and Co-Chair, Secretary, 2018–Present
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