What: A life-altering opportunity to expand your capacity for joy, vitality and service through the path of yoga. This training is designed to develop and empower conscious leaders who embody all limbs of yoga while respecting the tradition of the practice regardless of whether you formally “teach” yoga.
When/Where: Feb. 28-March 15, 2026 in Belize, CA
& April 10-12, May 22-24, June 19-21 2026 JNY Studio in Green, OH
Who: Lead-Kristie Comsia, BA, ERYT-500/YACAP, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner
Co-lead & Host-Julie Norman BS, ERYT-200/YACAP, CDCA, Body Empowerment Coach
Why: To contribute to the collective healing of the planet & all her inhabitants
How: See details below & set up an info session to discuss further. Read on!
International Immersion: 2 weeks in Belize
- daily sadhana development (personal practice)
- curriculum & local karma yoga (service projects)
- community living & whole food meals
- preparation & travel planning
- transfers from BZE airport
- local transportation throughout training
Integration, Teacher Development,* Business of Yoga: 3 weekend retreats back in Ohio (virtual option)
- curriculum & practice teaching
- community meals & overnight accommodations (optional/space limited)
- transfers from CAK airport
- local transportation for out of town participants
*Post-immersion requirements also include mentee scheduling (2) community classes in April, May and June totaling (6) non-contact hours. Mentee and Mentor will schedule (2) hours of 1:1 time for each community class, totaling (12) contact-hours.
International Immersion Schedule Formats:
Schedule Format A
7-8:30 Morning Sadhana
8:30-8:45 Personal Journal
8:45-9 Group Reflect
9-12 Morning Content (anatomy &physiology, history, philosophy)
12-1 Lunch
1-4 Afternoon Content (asana/posture clinics)
-free evening-
Schedule Format B
7-8:30 Morning Sadhana
8:30-8:45 Personal Journal
8:45-9 Group Reflect
9-12 Morning Content (anatomy & physiology, history, philosophy)
12-3:30 (Long Lunch/Free Time)
3:30-6:30 Evening Session (Sacred Ceremony, Movie Night, Restorative/Yin/Nidra)
Schedule Format C – Excursion Days: eco-education snorkel adventure, sea moss farm visit, eco-village tour/education
Weekend Retreats In Ohio Schedule:
Friday 6-8:30p, Saturday 9a-5p, Sunday 9a-5p (30min for lunch-provided by Julie & Dave)
Core Competencies:
Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle & Ethics
Techniques, Training & Practice
Teaching Methodology
Anatomy & Physiology (physical & energetic)
Practicum (practice teaching & mentoring)
Yoga Professional Essentials
Additional Competencies:
Trauma-informed approach
Accessible Yoga Training
Yoga & Social Justice
Meditation, Mantra & Mudra
Ayurvedic Nutrition Education, Meal Prep Training
Investment: $4200
Includes all accommodations, training/mentoring, travel planning support, meals during training (scroll down for images of Belize accomodations)
$500 deposit to reserve your spot
Transferable but non-refundable after 1/15
$200 off with full payment by 12/15
Individualized payment plans offered w/ 60% paid before Belize (no later than 2/27)
Additional Costs: approx $1500
books/supplies
travel to/from Belize
trip insurance
Belize excursions
off site meals & beverages
other purchases/shopping
Interested parties can set up a 1:1 zoom session by emailing Julie: [email protected]
Meet Your Guides
Click over to the “About” page HERE to learn more about Julie
Kristie Leahy Comsia, 500 ERYT, BSECE, Certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach
Kristie is an experienced and trauma-sensitive yoga instructor who integrates evidence-based practices in a subtle and inclusive manner, catering to all bodies and abilities. Holding a certification as an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500), she brings a wealth of knowledge accumulated from over 5,000 hours of diverse teaching experiences. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Kristie infuses her classes with a sense of playfulness, creativity, and a never-ending thirst for learning. She specializes in feminine-form Ayurveda skillfully blending ancient wisdom with the demands of contemporary society, free from any intimidating dogma. Her approach is rooted in a deep respect for individual needs and a commitment to creating a nurturing, empowering space for all. Most recently, Kristie became the co-owner of Yoga Central/Yoga Place in Canton, OH.
FAQ’s
Where is Belize? Belize is a small country about the size of New Jersey with a population of only 400,000. It’s located just below Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in Central America. It lies against the Caribbean Sea and has a gorgeous tropical climate.
What language is spoken there? English is the main language. Also Spanish and Caribbean Creole.
Is it safe? Yes. Julie’s been there multiple times from 1999 to September 2025 alone, with family and with two groups of clients for retreats. There are safety warnings for parts of Belize City which is the case for most major cities in any country.
How, and how much, to get there? From Ohio it’s typically 2 domestic flights, one to Dallas/Ft.Worth or Houston, Atlanta, NC or Miami and then on to Phillip Goldstein International Airport in Belize City. Total flight time is about 4.5 hours. Round trip domestic flight averages $600. We will assist you with setting up and booking all your travel arrangements.
Can I drink the water? Yep! No problem with the tap water. You do have to throw used toilet paper in a trash can rather than flush due to the sensitive plumbing at sea level.
What’s the money like? Can I use my credit/debit card? It’s easy peasy. They take both U.S. and Belize currency and you can use your cards. Just be sure to alert your bank. There is even an ATM. The US dollar is double Belize so whatever is listed in Belize, the cost is half that in U.S.
Will my cell phone work? Yep. If you have an international plan you don’t have to do anything. If not, contact your provider to buy coverage while you’re there.
What’s the health care situation? Do I need special vaccinations? Placencia is equipped with medical facilities capable of handling basic medical needs. The village has several clinics and pharmacies stocked with a wide range of medications. For more complex medical issues, the nearest hospital is in Dangriga, approximately a 1.5-hour drive or 15 min. flight. Most insurance companies cover medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury, this evacuation however, is to the nearest hospital in Belize. If you want to be extra cautious, there are companies like Global Rescue who offer short term evacuation services to bring you back home in an emergency. No vaccines are required and we’ve never done any additional. There are recommendations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Good to check with your insurance carrier on how things would be handled. Julie and Kristie are First Aid/CPR certified as active yoga teachers.
How fit do I need to be for this? Contrary to the popular westernized view of yoga, it is not actually heavily focused on fitness. That said, the accommodations do have stairs, we walk around a lot and there’s bumpy car and boat rides and depending on the excursions you choose. We can discuss any concerns you have on our exploration call to make sure it’s in alignment for you.
How much are the excursions? Do I have to go? How do I book them? Excursions average $150 including tip. You don’t have to go on any or you can do all the things! We aim for 2-3 during our stay. The boat trip is a must and we’ll have the option to do that twice if enough folks are interested. We can discuss these on our call too!
Is the food expensive? What’s it like? Not at all. Food prices average about 75% of U.S. prices. Beans, rice and stewed chicken are the traditional foods. Also seafood! Lots of yummy, fresh fruits and veggies. INCREDIBLE coffee and chocolate. We provided most meals and lean towards vegetarian and gluten -free. Our nutrition training enable us to accommodate special needs if advised ahead of time. We’ll happily make things work for you.
What do I pack? Should I bring my own yoga mat? Be ready for the heat! Think shorts, tanks, sundresses, flip flops, sunhat and sunglasses. Good water shoes or active sandals. A pair of good tennis shoes and whatever dressy cloths/shoes depending on your vibe. It’s super casual there but you are welcome to glam it up. Bring your meds, vitamins, skin care and any special foods if needed. We provide an extensive list and support each other in the packing process. Most folks just bring a carry on. And yes, please bring your own yoga mat. We will provide blocks, bolsters and yoga blankets. The condos provide all bedding, plenty of towels, hair dryers and basic toiletries.
How much spending money should I bring? That depends on you. Do you like getting fancy coffee drinks and higher end meals when we go out? Are you a shopper? Do you want to load up on souvenirs? We suggest a minimum of $250 in addition to what you plan to spend excursions. There is the ATM as mentioned. It distributes Belizean funds but that can be traded back to U.S. at the airport or at Julie’s friend’s business if needed.
How do I officially register and can I do a payment plan? Book a call below so we can connect officially and be sure this is the right fit for your yoga journey. If it is, then we require a $500 deposit due within a week of your verbal commitment along with a signed waiver.
