Julie Madewell, leader of Spencer Pride’s newest program, COMMUNITY Yoga, recently sat down (virtually) for an interview with Jonathan Balash, Spencer Pride’s Director of Programming. They discussed the program, Julie’s history with yoga, and what people can expect if they attend a COMMUNITY Yoga session.
Jonathan: Let’s start off with a simple question. Can you tell me about yourself?
Julie: I am a former Spanish language instructor, having taught at Indiana University for 18 years. Teaching has always been a calling for me—I knew I wanted to be a teacher and healer before I could really talk or walk. Opening the world to others, providing knowledge, encouraging exploration and autonomy, and witnessing people grow is something I find deeply fulfilling. Beyond teaching yoga, I’m a Reiki practitioner and budding herbalist. I’ve always been drawn to practices that nourish and heal both the body and spirit, and I love creating spaces where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered. I live in Bloomington, where I share my home with my incredibly supportive and loving husband, and a small menagerie of rescue animals.
Jonathan: When did you first begin doing yoga? When did you start teaching it?
Julie: I started practicing yoga over 20 years ago and, like many people, had an intermittent practice for years. But it was a sudden onset of chronic illness, severe pain, and mobility issues that led me back to yoga in a much deeper way. I realized that yoga could be a tool for healing—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. When I entered teacher training a few years ago, I wasn’t thinking about teaching at first. But as I went through the program, I recognized the immense need for accommodations—both for myself and for others. That realization set me on the path of seeking out additional trainings in accessible and trauma-informed yoga, and opportunities to teach began arriving in my life.
Jonathan: That’s great! Why are you so passionate about yoga?
Julie: Yoga has been transformative for me, not just in terms of movement but in how I relate to my body and navigate the world. I love that yoga meets people exactly where they are—whether they’re seeking strength, stillness, healing, or just a moment to breathe. Teaching yoga allows me to create a safe, nurturing, accepting space in a world that can often feel unwelcoming. I have the honor of guiding people through breathwork, mindfulness, meditation, and physical practices that can help them feel more at home within themselves. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see people feel empowered, rejuvenated, and connected—not only to themselves but also to a supportive community.
Jonathan: Why is it important for you to offer yoga that is accessible for as many people as possible?
Julie: I know what it’s like to live in a chronically ill body, to experience pain, and to feel disconnected or unwelcome in certain spaces. Yoga should never be something that feels out of reach. While I may not always get it perfectly right, I strive to create classes that are inclusive, adaptable, and welcoming. We are all unique individuals with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and needs—yoga should reflect that. I want people to know that there is a place for them here, exactly as they are.
Jonathan: What are some of the benefits of yoga, from your perspective?
Julie: Yoga offers so much more than physical movement. One of the most profound benefits is how it helps to regulate the nervous system. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with stress—whether from our daily lives, personal challenges, or the overwhelming amount of information we consume—yoga provides a way to slow down and reset. Breathing exercises, in particular, can nourish both mind and body, provide pain relief, and help us feel more centered. Yoga offers us a chance to find stillness in a chaotic and often unjust world, helping us reconnect with ourselves and with others in a meaningful way.
Jonathan: That feels like the prescription we could all use right now. Tell us more about COMMUNITY Yoga. What can people expect if they attend it?
Julie: COMMUNITY Yoga is about coming together, supporting one another, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome. The name itself reflects the core values:
COMMUNITY Yoga
Connection through shared practice
Openness in embracing all abilities
Movement that meets you where you are
Mindfully practicing self-compassion
Unity in collective presence
Neighbors supporting one another
Inclusion for every body, mind, & heart
Togetherness in community spirit
Yoga as a path to wellness for all
COMMUNITY Yoga is designed to be accessible to all—regardless of experience level, body type, age, or ability. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this space is for you. The sessions are gentle, and I offer multiple options to modify movements based on individual needs. But beyond the physical practice, COMMUNITY Yoga is about creating a space where people feel supported, valued, and encouraged to show up exactly as they are.
Jonathan: Those types of spaces certainly are important, and definitely in alignment with Spencer Pride’s mission. Was there a particular reason that you wanted to launch COMMUNITY Yoga at the Spencer Pride commUnity center?
Julie: I believe deeply in recognizing and honoring the inherent worth of all human beings. I personally have family members and many close friends within the LGBTQIA+ community, and I have been looking for ways to offer meaningful support in my local community. This is one way that I can uplift, inspire, and empower others through wellness practices—especially in these unprecedented times in our society.
Spencer Pride has built an incredible space that fosters connection, safety, and affirmation. I wanted to contribute to that mission by offering a practice that can help people feel at home in their bodies, find a sense of inner peace, and build community with one another.
Jonathan: Having you join our family and lead this program beautifully complements what we’ve built at Spencer Pride. Did you have a connection with Spencer Pride prior to launching this program?
Julie: While I didn’t have a direct connection before, I was always aware of the incredible work Spencer Pride was doing. The opportunity to teach yoga there came through my connection with Mitch Teplitsky and Lessie Frazier. I met Mitch years ago while I was still teaching Spanish at IU, through mutual friends. We stayed in touch on social media, and it wasn’t until a Puppy Yoga class last December that I was teaching at Celtic Glen—where Mitch attended—that we reconnected in person. Over coffee, the idea of yoga at Spencer Pride began to take shape. From there, I was connected with you and Jacob, and after meeting you in person at the February meeting, we set the launch in motion.
Jonathan: What would you say to someone who is considering attending COMMUNITY Yoga but is “on the fence”?
Julie: I would say: Come as you are, exactly as you are. There’s no pressure to be flexible, strong, or experienced—this is a space for you to simply be. If you’re nervous, know that you’re not alone. Many people feel hesitant about trying yoga for the first time, but COMMUNITY Yoga isn’t about performance—it’s about finding what feels good for you. And if it helps, bring a friend! You will be welcomed with warmth, and I will do my best to offer accommodations so that everyone can participate in a way that feels comfortable.
Jonathan: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Julie: I’m truly honored to be a part of this growing community and to offer a practice that fosters connection, healing, and empowerment. COMMUNITY Yoga is more than just a class—it’s a space where people can come together, embrace their unique strengths, and support one another. It’s about openness to all abilities, finding movement that meets each person where they are, and practicing mindful self-compassion, which allows us to be gentle with ourselves and accept where we are in each moment. Through COMMUNITY Yoga, we cultivate a sense of unity that goes beyond just physical presence. It’s about creating a space where we lift each other up, build meaningful connections, and foster a collective spirit of support and encouragement. Ultimately, this practice can help people find a sense of inner calm, grounding them in the present moment and providing the balance and peace needed to face life’s challenges with strength, grace, and resilience. I look forward to deepening these connections and continuing to build something truly meaningful with Spencer Pride!
Spencer Pride’s newest program – COMMUNITY Yoga – launched in March. This free program takes place on the second Wednesday of each month at the Spencer Pride commUnity center. There is no cost and no advance registration required to participate, however, individuals should bring their own yoga mat.