Insights from Jacqueline Crockford on Trauma-Informed Yoga in Correctional Facilities

Prison Yoga Project Podcast

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In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jacqueline Crockford, DHSc, a seasoned facilitator with the Prison Yoga Project (PYP), who has been working at Richard J. Donovan (RJD) Correctional Facility and the Las Colinas Detention Center for women for over seven years. Jacqueline shared her inspiring journey into yoga and what led her to become a part of the Prison Yoga Project. We delved into the valuable lessons she’s learned from working with incarcerated individuals, both men and women, and how her initial expectations evolved over time as she deepened her understanding of trauma-informed yoga. Jacqueline also discussed the significant impact this work has had on her approach to fitness and mental health.

Hosted by Bill Brown, PYP’s Director of Programming, Publishing, and Advocacy—and Jacqueline’s long-time co-facilitator at RJD—this episode provides a rich exploration of the intersection of yoga, trauma, and the unique challenges of teaching in correctional settings. If you're interested in the transformative power of yoga and its role in supporting mental health within the criminal justice system, this conversation is not to be missed.

About Jacqueline Crockford, DHSc

Jacque Crockford, DHSc, is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach. She has been a personal trainer and performance coach for 20 years. Jacque grew up in the fitness industry, participating in YMCA sports and teaching gymnastics and swimming from a young age. She was on Kansas State University’s women’s rowing team, and is a three-time Ironman triathlon finisher. Jacque’s professional trajectory has evolved to include content production, product management, with a specialty in adult online education. She has been featured in several publications as an fitness and wellness expert, including the LA Times, New York Post, Health, USA Triathlon, Shape, and Women’s Health. Her journey to yoga began with a desire to improve mobility and reduce stress for athletic performance and has evolved to understanding the broader benefits as it relates to trauma. She began facilitating yoga inside correctional facilities in 2017 with Prison Yoga Project.