Jess Robertson

Student of Life :: Teacher :: Speaker :: Founder Entrepreneur :: Breathwork Leader :: Community Architect.

Jess Robertson is an entrepreneur, breathwork and yoga specialist, and co-founder of Modo Yoga.

Due to a hidden disability in her spine, Jess began experiencing debilitating back pain in early adolescence. The pursuit of freedom from chronic pain fueled a lifelong commitment to learning—and to helping herself and others live vibrant, pain-free lives. Her own healing journey became the foundation of her studies and the inspiration to share yoga, rooted in tradition, with as many people as possible.  

As Modo’s co-founder and CEO for 18 years, she helped grow the company from six studios to 75 worldwide before the pandemic.

Her background in medical anthropology and Buddhist studies shaped her lifelong dedication to mindful living, leadership, and innovation. On a quest to overcome her own chronic pain Jess explored every form of alternative healing under the sun - first through her wonderful hippie parents, and then on her own.  Since passing the torch as CEO Jess has turned her focus back to teaching, writing, and music.

Jess is passionate about community based innovation, vision development, and fostering soulful productivity.

Urban Retreats

Overwhelm and stress are at epidemic levels - affecting all areas of physical and mental health. 

The Urban Breathwork Retreat is designed to offer a deep, restorative reset for leaders, teams and anyone looking to reconnect with renewed purpose and clarity. 

Urban Retreat Testimonials

  • I was in a dark place at the start of the Urban Retreat. I just wanted to attend and I hoped it would help me find peace of mind. Jess’s presence is genuine and warm, engaging by being herself - caring, intuitive, and sincere. She used her energy to heal my pain. She identified my need - and my physical and mental pain - and I felt a strong, guttural release during her class. She is a healer, a gifted healer and I am honored to have been able to be in her presence. After the experience I felt truly empowered and fulfilled with meaningful direction. I hope to see her again. I feel like I have so much to learn from Jess. Anyone who considers Jess’ retreat - should not hesitate to sign up.

    Marissa

    Columbus

  • I needed a retreat. But as a busy mom and business owner a weekend away isn't in the cards right now. This 90 minute retreat was everything! It was exactly what I needed to drop into myself while being fully supported and connected to others. Jess's offering is a true gift. It was grounding, healing and beautiful and it was only 90 minutes!

    Karen Murphy

    Director, Modo Yoga Charlottetown

  • You always learn something From Jess and then she serenades you with her sweet songs. she never fails to envelope your mind, body and soul! I loved the Urban Retreat because it felt like taking time for myself was a priority. A retreat allows you to come home to yourself while away - this was the version while staying.

    Michelle Corbeil

    Director, Modo Yoga Danforth

  • I love Jess’s classes for many reasons but mostly because she’s the only teacher that always gets me into a deep meditation in Savasana!!

    Chad Underwood,

    Director, Modo Yoga Columbus

  • My Urban Retreat experience became a sanctuary for my soul, a place where I could connect with the deep silence within. At first, the movement awakened a flood of raw emotions. But as the soothing lullabies surrounded me and stillness settled in, I found a sense of peace washing over me. I was able to hardwire this calm feeling into life.

    Lianne, Manager

    Modo Yoga Columbus

  • The Urban Retreat was first of all, an opportunity for me to be surrounded by and within the space of one of our Modo Yoga communities. Secondly and most importantly to be led by our fearless leader Jess Robertson. This made the retreat personal as her presence immediately reminded me of how much I have evolved and that it doesn’t matter how often we practice together because she is with me every time I practice and teach. Jess gave me the gift of “her” ModoYoga 10 years ago and I carry it with me everyday, every practice. To be led by Jess and her salt of the earth presence, was an affirmation of All that Modo Yoga stands for.

    Cindy D’ambrosio

    Toronto

Upcoming Urban Retreats

Fall dates coming soon…

Wellness Consulting

Jess offers in person and remote consulting to individuals and teams on a sliding scale.

Who consults with Jess?

Jess brings decades of experience to wellness and vision consulting sessions, offering fresh perspective on leadership, team culture, conflict management, attention science, energy optimization, community based innovation, vision and personal growth.

Inspire. Connect. Transform.

Jess delivers talks that inspire meaningful change, foster connection, and empower individuals to live with purpose and vitality.