Franchisee stories

Meet the Happy Kids Yoga family

Teachers, childminders, swimming instructors and parents who wanted work with more meaning. Here they are in their own words.

Our network

Meet our franchisees

Ten territories, ten people who chose this work. Hover or tap a photo to read what each of them says about it, and click through to their classes.

Warrington, our founder

Hi, I'm Jen

I founded Happy Kids Yoga more than ten years ago, inspired by a passion for yoga and a desire to support children's wellbeing through movement, mindfulness and play.

One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been growing our franchise family.

I still teach in Warrington every week, and I love supporting our franchisees as they build their own purposeful businesses.

Find Jen's classes

Canterbury

And I'm Keely

I'm the franchisee for Canterbury and the surrounding areas, from Faversham and Whitstable round the coast to Margate, Ramsgate, Sandwich and Deal.

I'm passionate about giving every child early access to the tools they need to grow up happy, healthy and resilient.

After my twins arrived in 2024 I was ready for a fulfilling challenge that could fit around family life. I'm a qualified yoga teacher and currently studying for a master's in Mindfulness and Compassion.

Find Keely's classes

Durham

Hi, I'm Hannah

After ten years teaching Spanish in secondary schools I saw how often anxiety shows up in young people. Yoga became my own daily habit in lockdown, and a necessary outlet after losing my Dad.

Children should be better equipped with tools to cope and manage their emotions.

I joined Happy Kids Yoga because I'm fascinated by how yoga works wonders for children, mentally and physically.

Find Hannah's classes

East Manchester

And I'm Elmarie

I'm a yoga teacher who has just retired from fifteen years as a childminder. I discovered yoga eight years ago and never looked back.

Modern life can be overwhelming for little people too. It seemed fitting to bring them the mindfulness that yoga offers.

Having worked so closely with children, I'm laying the same foundations I did when childminding, this time on a yoga mat.

Find Elmarie's classes

Grantham

Hi, I'm Imogen

My yoga journey began in lockdown as a way to keep moving, and quickly became a passion. Movement meditation fascinated me, especially as someone who finds it hard to sit still.

The children were blown away by these slower sessions, right after conquering giant swings and climbing walls.

That is when I knew my next goal was to bring the magic of yoga to as many young people as I could.

Find Imogen's classes

Harrogate

And I'm Vanessa

I've been a Drama and English teacher for nearly thirty years and I thrive on inspiring young people. I've practised yoga for over twenty years, all over the world.

I ran a class for my colleagues at work, and the benefits were overwhelming. That inspired my dream of becoming a yoga teacher.

I cover Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Wetherby, Pateley Bridge, Poppleton, Otley and Ilkley.

Find Vanessa's classes

Leeds Bradford

Hi, I'm Sam

I studied Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring, then spent over a decade working with vulnerable children and adults. Along the way I discovered the power of mindfulness.

It was a real epiphany for me, both personally and professionally.

I qualified as a Mindfulness Practitioner in 2023 and have practised yoga myself for more than ten years.

Find Sam's classes

Preston

And I'm Amy

I swam competitively for Wigan and Lancashire, then taught swimming and water safety in schools and pre-school classes for five years. I found yoga in lockdown.

As a SEN mum I love learning how best to support my son and other children who need extra help with their wellbeing.

I create welcoming, fun and inclusive yoga experiences in schools and nurseries across Preston.

Find Amy's classes

Reading

Hi, I'm Hannah

For over 22 years I've taught dance, fitness and performing arts to children in nurseries, schools and colleges. During the pandemic I saw first hand the emotional toll on children.

Discovering Happy Kids Yoga felt like everything coming together.

I trained in children's mindfulness and emotional literacy, and now deliver joyful, nurturing sessions across Reading.

Find Hannah's classes

Shrewsbury and Telford

And I'm Sally

My background is in children's sport and health, and in support roles with children and young people. I also run adult yoga classes and work as a Sports Massage Therapist.

I've seen how breathwork and simple movement can calm an active mind and build strength and confidence in children.

I'm mum to two girls, and they are another inspiration for working in children's yoga.

Find Sally's classes

Head office

The team behind every franchisee

Jen's head office team supports every territory with training, marketing and the technical side, so franchisees can concentrate on the children.

Charlotte

Marketing support

Charlotte supports our franchisees day to day and keeps the HKY brand bright, consistent and engaging.

Emma

Team support

Emma is our lead teacher and supports our team with care, insight and experience.

Simon

Technical stuff

Simon manages the tech side of things, ensuring our systems and website run smoothly.

Chester

Wellbeing officer

Chester is our wellbeing officer and provides essential support to the team.

What schools say

What schools and nurseries say

Lesley DavisArea Manager, Bright Stars Nursery Group★★★★★

Emma PerkinsDeputy Headteacher, St Barnabas CE Primary★★★★★

Kyla MiddletonLittle Bollington Primary★★★★★

Nicola DowneyWhitley Village Primary★★★★★

Your story next?

Start flowing with us today

Everyone on this page started with the Info Pack and a chat with Jen. If you love working with children and want work that fits around your life, that’s the first step.