Overview
Just Breathe for Kids operates as a specialized emotional development space for children, explicitly distinguishing itself from a traditional yoga studio. Founded by Jamie Castaño, MSW, RYT 500, its mission is to inspire essential life skills for children to navigate the world confidently, sparked by the simple insight that children possess an internal ‘superpower’ to ‘just breathe.’ The core philosophy creates an inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to be themselves, feeling connected, accepted, and enough through themed classes blending mindful movement, breathing techniques, and mindfulness activities. Programs include kids yoga classes for ages 5+, grownup + me events, after-school classes, themed events, mini-camps, and private sessions, supported by a sliding scale and scholarships to ensure accessibility.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Open | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Open | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | Open | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | Open | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | Open | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed | – |
Studio in Details
A Specialized Space for Children’s Emotional Development
Just Breathe for Kids operates as a unique yoga space specifically designed for children, though it explicitly states it is not a traditional yoga studio. The organization’s core identity is built around fostering emotional intelligence and resilience in kids, starting from age five. The founder’s inspiration came from her young son’s simple observation after a class: “So… you just breathe.” This moment revealed what the organization sees as an internal superpower accessible to all children. The mission is to inspire the essential life skills necessary for ALL kids to confidently navigate the world and embrace their individuality. People describe the environment as a safe space where children are encouraged to come exactly as they are, with a focus on self-discovery rather than perfection. The approach blends mindful movement, breathing techniques, and mindfulness activities to cultivate self-awareness and a sense of connection. The goal is to provide practical tools that children can carry with them always, helping them grow into the best versions of themselves.
The studio’s philosophy is deeply inclusive, striving to create a space for all children to come where they get to be themselves, feel connected, accepted, enough, included, and special. This sentiment is repeated across the organization’s communications, emphasizing a commitment to welcoming every body and everybody. The classes are thoughtfully designed to be impactful and relatable, often centered around specific themes like “I am ready” or “I am me” to help children connect the practices to their everyday lives. The foundational belief is that children already have everything they need within them; the classes simply help them slow down their thinking minds to tune into that knowing. No prior experience is ever necessary, as the practice meets each child exactly where they are.
Programs, Instructors, and Practical Logistics
The primary offering at Just Breathe for Kids is kids yoga classes, which the organization describes as mindful kids yoga. These are recommended for children aged five and up, though four-year-olds who can participate for an hour are also welcome. The studio also hosts special grownup + me events for caregivers and children to attend together. Beyond the regular studio classes, the organization runs several other programs. These include after school classes held at partner schools, various themed events like Kids Night Out and Pajama Pizza Party, and shorter mini camps. For those seeking more personalized attention, private sessions are available with different instructors at varying rates. The organization also offers school year scholarships and a sliding scale payment system to ensure financial constraints are not a barrier to participation, reflecting a strong commitment to accessibility.
The instruction team brings a blend of yoga certification and child-focused expertise. The founder, Jamie Castaño, holds an MSW and is a RYT 500, combining a background in social work and school-based mental health with yoga principles. Other lead instructors and assistants are also RYT 200 certified or are certified specifically through the Just Breathe for Kids program. People note that the teachers bring warmth, creativity, and a profound yet playful approach to their classes, aiming to create a grounding and inspiring presence. The studio itself is located in a specific area of Columbus, Georgia, behind the parking lot of a local business in midtown. It’s described as a smaller space perfect for maintaining small class sizes. Practical logistics are clearly outlined: visitors should arrive no more than five minutes early, park across the street at a park due to limited parking, and ensure children use the restroom before class begins. The studio provides mats for use, and children need only bring themselves, comfortable clothes, and a closed water bottle.
Structure, Policies, and Community Focus
The business operates on a structured tuition model aligned with the academic year. For the studio classes, options include a school year studio membership with a monthly fee, class packs of five or ten sessions, and a drop-in rate. There is also a separate monthly event membership that offers a discount for registering for all studio events in a given month. Payments for memberships are typically automatic through a parent portal. The studio follows the Muscogee County School District calendar for closures on major holidays and breaks, and for weather-related decisions. A clear set of studio policies governs participation: no food or drinks besides water are allowed inside, and electronic devices like cell phones, smart watches, and earphones are prohibited. Personal belongings are kept in cubbies outside the studio space.
Cancellation policies vary by program type. For most events and private classes, cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance receive a full credit to the account. Cancellations within 48 hours may receive a partial credit. Memberships for the school year are recurring and generally do not offer refunds for early termination, though a temporary hold policy allows for pauses due to travel or illness under specific conditions. The organization emphasizes that it is not a licensed child care facility. The overall impression from the available information is of a dedicated, community-focused organization that uses the framework of mindful movement and breathwork not as a physical fitness destination, but as a pathway for children to build emotional resilience, self-confidence, and a lasting sense of calm.