Rooted in Wellness: Jennifer Dutton McCoy’s Journey of Yoga, Herbalism, and Community Care

Jennifer Dutton McCoy (C) 2025 All Rights Reserved 

Richmond, Kentucky (SPA)---When you walk into Cedar & Sage Massage and Wellness Center, there is an unmistakable sense of calm space where healing, balance, and connection come together. One of the driving forces behind that atmosphere is Jennifer Dutton McCoy, a yoga instructor and herbalism practitioner whose work blends ancient practices with a modern commitment to community wellness.

Jennifer’s journey into yoga began in an unexpected place: a workplace class offered at no cost. What started as a casual opportunity quickly evolved into a life-changing passion. “I enjoyed it very much and noticed my body felt so much better overall,” she reflects. That sense of transformation inspired her to pursue formal training. Today, she holds six certifications in yoga, including trauma-informed practices and yoga for pain resilience. She continues to deepen her knowledge with new specialties such as Yoga Nidra, Senior Chair Yoga, and Yoga Therapy.

Her dedication extends beyond movement. Rooted in family traditions of natural healing, Jennifer integrates herbalism into both her personal and professional life. From foraging with her uncle, Dan Dutton, to learning from her mentor, Andrew Bentley, she has developed a thoughtful approach to using herbs and natural remedies as complements to wellness practices. She often shares her knowledge with friends, students, and her online community—spreading both practical wisdom and encouragement.

Jennifer’s connection to Cedar & Sage came through a shared vision of uplifting others. After meeting co-owner Shedara Gibson at a women’s wellness retreat and reconnecting with high school classmate and co-owner Georgeanne Hamlin Bastecki, she joined their team as a yoga instructor. “Their energy is positive, and I choose to be around people who lift and support others,” she explains. That focus on mutual support and empowerment has become central to her teaching.

Her yoga classes reflect that same philosophy. Favoring a gentle, restorative approach, Jennifer emphasizes mindfulness, breathwork, and accessible movement over challenging postures. “I consider my class a place where students can feel safe to relax and explore movements that strengthen and relax their bodies,” she says. Whether guiding a first-time student or a long-time practitioner, her goal is to leave each person with a sense of accomplishment and peace.

Beyond her classes, Jennifer sees yoga and herbalism as tools for cultivating resilience and inner balance—significant in today’s fast-paced world. She explains that yoga isn’t about being “bendy” or perfecting poses; it’s about connection. “Yoga is a union of the mind and body,” she says. “The greatest reward is inner peace.”

Looking ahead, Jennifer is focused on expanding her impact. She is preparing to co-host a fitness and holistic health retreat next summer, and has plans for herb walks, tincture workshops, and private yoga sessions. Her long-term dream is to open a wellness center that integrates yoga, herbalism, and community-based learning.

At the heart of it all is Jennifer’s unwavering commitment to helping others better themselves. “It makes me feel good to know that I helped someone else to feel good,” she says. Her advice to anyone beginning their wellness journey is simple yet profound: “Consider your wellness to be a journey with many steps along the path. Anytime you step away, step back in and keep moving forward—without judgment.”

Through her teaching, healing practices, and community involvement, Jennifer Dutton McCoy embodies the spirit of wellness as both a personal journey and a collective effort. Her work at Cedar & Sage is more than instruction; it is an invitation to live with balance, mindfulness, and compassion—for oneself and for others.

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