Happy to connect with you! Jill “So Chill” Weiss Ippolito here— trauma-informed educator, coach, comedian, and the founder of UpRising Yoga. If this is our first newsletter in a while, thank you for your patience. I’ve been deep in the work — rebuilding, refining, and reigniting what matters.
Here’s a quick look at what’s been going on in the last month:

•  Led a 2-day CE workshop at CAMFT: We explored trauma-informed tools like vagal toning, reparenting, and somatic inquiry — content that’s changing how therapists care for themselves and others.
•  Sold out The Comedy Store: Healing through humor isn’t just a catchphrase — it’s a calling. I brought comedy and vulnerability to the stage, and the audience met me there.
•  Close to finalizing our probation contract: Ready to launch UpRising Yoga’s programMING inside juvenile halls — a full-circle moment that started with my own story.
•  Writing a book: It’s part memoir, part guide — raw stories and real tools to navigate transformation, joy, and recovery from systems that weren’t built for us. 

I’ve undergone my own deep shift — now I’m helping others create theirs.Let’s keep this connection alive:  Reach out- respond to this emailFollow me on Instagram @jillsochill @yoga_for_healing_trauma @UpRisingYoga

Subscribe on Substack @fallingintobalance for insights, resources, and upcoming events. (We’re pausing Mailchimp due to costs ) Donate to help keep us alive!
Let’s make healing accessible, embodied, and a lot more fun!
With care,
Jill "So Chill" Weiss Ippolito
www.yogaforhealingtrauma.com

Ways we can work together:

•  Book me to speak or perform — from keynotes to comedy, I bring evidenced based healing techniques, lived experience, and laughter to every room.
•  Deep Shift Coaching for individuals and organizations.
•  Bring UpRising Yoga to your org: Especially if you serve youth, first responders, justice-involved populations, or educators.
•  Donate: Your support helps us keep going — into locked facilities and underserved communities.
•  Save the Date: June 27 at UnCabaret — I’ll be performing at LA’s favorite alt comedy show, generously hosted by the legendary Beth Lapides as a fundraiser for UpRising Yoga. I’m so excited!

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For years, UpRising Yoga has brought trauma-informed yoga into juvenile halls, offering young people a moment of peace in an otherwise chaotic system. We’ve seen firsthand how these practices create transformation—how a single breath can help shift anger, anxiety, and trauma into something more manageable. And yet, despite our proven impact, getting back into these spaces has felt like climbing a mountain while carrying the weight of bureaucracy on our backs.

After a long hiatus, we are finally on the brink of returning. Our team has been cleared—our background tests are officially approved. This was a moment of deep relief for me, as I had my own worries about the process. But just when I thought we had broken through the biggest barrier, another one appeared: insurance.

Yes, insurance. A single policy stands between us and these young people who need us the most. We’re currently navigating the process of securing a quote, a task that should be straightforward but instead feels like another hurdle designed to keep programs like ours out. Why should bringing healing and mindfulness to incarcerated youth be so difficult? Why are systems that claim to support rehabilitation so resistant to it?

It’s frustrating. But it’s also fuel.

This moment is a reminder of why we do this work in the first place. If it were easy, the need wouldn’t be so urgent. If it were simple, it wouldn’t be transformative.
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So, we keep pushing. We keep advocating. We keep fighting to make sure that the young people who need these tools the most actually have access to them. And I will not stop until we are back inside, mats on the floor, breathing together again.
If you’ve ever fought for something you knew was right, you know the feeling. You know the exhaustion. You also know the fire that keeps burning despite every setback.

And we’re not giving up.

If you’d like to support us in this battle—whether through connections, resources, or simply sharing this story—please reach out. Because this work matters. And because every young person in that facility deserves the chance to find their breath again.

Follow:
https://substack.com/profile/256574619-jill-sochill/note/c-100601654

Today, I am navigating a maze of jaw tensing hurdles to bring our nonprofit organization, UpRising Yoga, back into juvenile hall—paperwork, endless emails, background checks, and the weight of running a program that demands everything. It’s a battle I know well, but this time, I refuse to lose myself in it.
I’ve been here before. Overworked, underpaid, burned out to the point of landing in the hospital. I won’t do it that way again. I am building this differently—leading with clarity, balance, and the same tools I teach. I remind myself daily: this mission is too important, but so is my well-being.
This process is frustrating, but it won’t break me. We are cleared to go back, and now we push forward. The final step is securing an insurance policy—a necessary hurdle, but not an impossible one. We will return. The young people inside deserve this, and I am committed to making it happen—with persistence, support, and a clear vision of sustainable success. 
If you want to help—connections, donations, or sharing this message—it all matters. This is happening. We’re going back in! 

Follow our journey: https://substack.com/@fallingintobalance?utm_source=user-menu

Dear Friends,
As 2024 comes to a close, I’m taking a moment to pause, reflect, and soak in the lessons and accomplishments that have shaped this whirlwind of a journey. This year has been about growth, creativity, and living life with passion.
Last year, I blasted out full force, diving into a kaleidoscope of creative expansion: stand-up comedy, performance art, acting, storytelling, keynote speaking, writing, painting, yoga practice, coaching, and keeping UpRising Yoga's doors open.

Whew! It’s been a ride, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
One of the most joyful parts of 2024 was embracing my split persona, Jill So Chill, with a heart full of passion and celebration. How did I pull that off? By practicing contrary action—celebrating ahead of time, pumping myself up with joy, going where the love is, insisting on doing what I love, and following the path that energized me most.
Behind the scenes (and often center stage) was my incredible husband, Nick Ippolito, my biggest cheerleader, reminding me to keep going. The unwavering support of close friendships, my success team, and family created a safety net that allowed me to leap higher and dream bigger.
This year, I also leaned deeper into my morning rituals of spiritual connection and writing, which fueled my purpose to transform trauma into laughter and joy.
A highlight was performing Trauma-Rama on stage—a dream come true. But life had its twists: just a week later, I faced a health scare that jolted me awake to focus on what truly matters most. That moment of clarity has shaped my vision moving forward.
Some 2024 accomplishments that I’m proud of include:

• Expanding Trauma-Rama performances.
• Growing UpRising Yoga’s reach to serve more communities.
• Writing, painting, and keeping the creative juices flowing.
• Visiting family on both coasts and starting a long-awaited home upgrade project.

As we step into the new year, I’m excited for what’s to come. Some major announcements are already in motion—stay tuned for the big news!
To everyone reading this, thank you for being part of my journey. Whether you showed up to a performance, supported UpRising Yoga, joined a class, or simply cheered me on from afar, your energy fuels my mission to create, laugh, and heal.
Here’s to a beautiful 2025 filled with celebration, connection, and doing what sets our souls on fire!
With love and gratitude,

Jill "So Chill" Ippolito
Executive Director, UpRising Yoga
Deep Shift Coaching

Dear Friends,
As we gather with loved ones to reflect on 2024 and embrace the holiday season, I want to share my deepest gratitude for your support and dedication. At UpRising Yoga, we are driven by the mission to bring healing and empowerment through yoga to incarcerated and underserved communities, and this work would not be possible without you.
This year has been one of incredible growth and impact for UpRising Yoga. Together, we expanded our reach, introduced new programs, and deepened our commitment to creating a world where trauma can be met with compassion and healing. Through partnerships with probation departments, schools, and community organizations, we have continued to offer trauma-informed yoga trainings that equip individuals to bring these transformative practices to those who need them most. We are especially proud of the strides made in advocating for restorative approaches to justice and well-being.
Highlights of 2024 include:

• New Partnerships: We have forged meaningful collaborations with institutions eager to integrate trauma-sensitive programming, including yoga sessions tailored for youth in juvenile detention and system impacted individuals. 
• Keynote Speaking: Thank you for inviting me to offer Twist & Laugh: Chair Yoga & Self Care.
• Trauma-Informed Trainings: This year, we offered online training to dozens of yoga instructors, educators, and mental health professionals, empowering them with tools to bring healing practices to their own communities.
• Community Impact: UpRising Yoga offers online coaching participants through direct programming, providing tools for resilience, self-regulation, and connection. The feedback we’ve received affirms the life-changing impact of this work.
• Advocacy Efforts: We have been honored to be part of larger conversations around reforming probation culture, with the goal of making restorative practices an integral part of justice systems nationwide.

We extend the invitation to include new team members and board members who bring passion and expertise to further propel our mission. Please join us! 
While we celebrate these accomplishments, we know there is so much more to be done. As we look ahead to 2025, UpRising Yoga remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering healing and equity through mindfulness and restorative practices. We invite you to join us in this journey by continuing to support our work, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about our mission.
If you’d like to learn more about our programs or contribute to our year-end campaign, please visit uprisingyoga.com. Your support helps us remain adaptable and ready to meet the needs of our community.
Thank you for believing in the power of healing, collaboration, and transformation. Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with love, peace, and connection.
With Blessings,
Jill Ippolito (pic with husband Nick Ippolito)
Executive Director
UpRising Yoga

Grateful for workers, jobs and unions. We all want to feel our lives are purposeful and we matter.
Thank you for supporting our mission to serve those incarcerated and communities in need.
Our newsletter went out that welcomes us into September:

It's my birthday month and I'm in full celebration with great news!
UpRising Yoga will be bringing trauma informed yoga services back into juvenile hall soon! We are ready and waiting for the date to begin.

This Thursday I will be offering mini sessions of chair yoga which I like to call "Twist & Laugh with Jill So Chill" at the California Alliance of Child and Family Services Conference in San Diego. I can't wait to see you there!

Join me for 6 or 12 months of Deep Shift Coaching. I can help you step into the highest version of yourself with trauma sensitive mindful techniques. Show up for a subtle gentle change and be open for a massive, life changing transformation. You are worth it!
 
Please reach out with any questions and Let's Go! 
From my heart to yours,

Jill Weiss Ippolito aka Jill So Chill
UpRising Yoga
Yoga For Healing Trauma 
Deep Shift Coaching

WE ARE PROUD & PLEASE TO PRESENT TRAUMA-RAMA!
OMGoodness! A show about the making of UpRising Yoga: a love story, a yoga healing story, addiction recovery and nonprofit global activism outreach, all stemmed from recovering childhood trauma from the mean streets of Malibu - and what, a trauma informed comedy fundraiser? A must attend!
#traumainformed #comedyshow #theatre #uprisingyoga #nonprofit #mindfulness #yoga #recovery #mentalhealth