Build Emotional Superpowers This School Year!
About Just Breathe for Kids
Imagine the world I will design when I am inspired to trust that I have everything inside me to be my best…and I learn to believe it. This is why we practice. THIS is Just Breathe for Kids.
“Just Breathe was born when my four-year-old son left his first class and said, ‘So… you just breathe.’ In that simple sentence, he revealed the superpower we all carry within us — one we can return to anytime once we’re aware of it. Just Breathe was created to teach this and other vital life skills, giving children practical tools to navigate their feelings, their bodies, and their world with calm and confidence.”
-Jamie Castaño, Founder MSW, RYT 500
Since its inception, Just Breathe for Kids has been dedicated to teaching social-emotional skills through yoga and mindful movement across the South. Our mission is to make the practice of yoga and mindfulness accessible to children everywhere, fostering emotional resilience and self-awareness one breath at a time.
Our Approach: At Just Breathe for Kids, we focus on empowering children to become the best version of themselves. Our classes are designed to encourage self-discovery, emphasizing that there is no right or wrong, no pursuit of perfection, and no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we guide children on a journey of understanding their emotions, learning how to pause, breathe, and connect with their inner selves.
We see there are so many places our children are asked to fit into a one-size-fits-all box. In our kids classes, every body and everybody is different (and welcome) and that is exactly how it should be!
What sets Just Breathe for Kids apart is the unique blend of my background in social work and extensive experience in schools with the principles and practices of yoga and mindfulness. Each Just Breathe for Kids class is centered around a specific theme, carefully chosen to teach life skills that are valuable for all children. Themes like “I am ready” or “I am me” provide a focal point during yoga poses and mindfulness exercises, allowing children to connect these practices to their everyday lives.
This approach ensures that our sessions are impactful, relatable, and inclusive for every child.
Meet Our Awesome Team
Jamie Castano, 500 RYT
Founder
Jamie is the heart behind Just Breathe for Kids. With a background in social work, school-based mental health, and child development, she created Just Breathe to give every child access to tools that help them feel safe, seen, and strong—exactly as they are.
Her “why” lives in the stories:
The athlete who repeats a mantra before a game to calm his nerves.
The anxious student who finally raises her hand.
The gamer who breathes instead of yelling when time’s up.
The child who says, “It’s okay to fall. I’ll try again tomorrow.”
Jamie’s vision is simple yet powerful: to create spaces where all children are encouraged to be their whole selves, to feel connected, included, and enough—and to carry those feelings into the world.
Christie Bell, 200 RYT
Lead Instructor & CAO
Christie is a 200HR certified mindfulness and movement facilitator, a trusted Just Breathe for Kids class leader, and our beloved Chief Art Operator. She brings warmth, creativity, and heart to every class and event—especially during camps and Kids Night Out.
Her passion for working with children is matched by her belief in the power of mindful practices. Christie sees the impact of these tools in both her own life and her children’s—and she’s dedicated to helping other kids experience the same growth, confidence, and joy.
Email Christie.
Callie Timme, 200 RYT
Studio Manager and Lead Instructor
Callie is our Lead Instructor at Just Breathe for Kids, where her presence is as grounding as it is inspiring. With a Master of Fine Arts in Performing Arts and over a decade of experience teaching students of all ages, Callie brings depth, wisdom, and heart to every class she leads.
Profound in her approach and playful in her delivery, she seamlessly weaves imagination, movement, and emotional awareness into each lesson. Her greatest joy is creating a space where children feel seen, safe, and empowered to grow into their most authentic selves.
Email Callie.
Cecilia Buenrostro
Certified JB4K Instructor
Cecilia is a Just Breathe for Kids Class Leader who brings light, energy, and an open heart to every class. With a natural connection to children and a passion for growing alongside them, Cecilia brings curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm into every space she enters. Still early in her journey as a mindfulness and movement guide, Cecilia is committed to learning and evolving—making her a relatable and inspiring presence for our students. Her playful spirit shines in our classes and events, reminding kids (and grownups!) that being yourself is the best place to start.
Email Cecilia.
Takiya Willis, 200 RYT
JB4K Instructor
Takiya is a Just Breathe for Kids Teacher-in-Training with a background in psychology and a deep passion for supporting children’s growth. With experience working in a variety of youth-centered spaces—including as a behavioral tech for nonverbal children—Takiya brings patience, presence, and purpose to every class she assists. She is currently on the path to becoming a certified Just Breathe Instructor and is already a calming, grounded force in our studio. Her commitment to understanding the whole child makes her a powerful guide in helping our kids feel seen, supported, and safe. Email Takiya.
Melanie DeQuadros,
Business Manager
Melanie DeQuadros is the Business Manager for Just Breathe for Kids, helping lead our next chapter as we continue to grow and expand. With a strong eye for detail and a heart for service, Melanie oversees backend operations, customer communication, scheduling support, and studio logistics. She’s your go-to for billing, scheduling questions, registration, and general program inquiries. We’re so grateful to have her on board as a steady, thoughtful partner in bringing our mission to life! Email Melanie.
Just Breathe for Kids FAQ
Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Please send us an email.
Just Breathe for Kids mindful kids yoga classes, are recommended for children age 5+ (or 4 year olds that are able to join us on their mat for 1 hour). Be sure to check social media and our website for grownup + me events and drop in classes.
No experience is ever necessary in any Just Breathe for Kids class as we believe (and practice), that our children have everything they need within them already to practice with us…we slow down our thinking minds to tune into this knowing.
We believe your child(ren) already has everything they need to join our classes. All of our classes are designed to meet our children exactly where they are. In our Just Breathe for Kids class we will welcome your child into the space that they will help design and create.
All you need for a Just Breathe for Kids classes is…YOU!
Nope—we’re so much more than that!
While our classes include yoga-inspired movement, Just Breathe for Kids is not a traditional yoga studio. We’re a space where children explore emotional intelligence, mindfulness, creative expression, and self-awareness through movement, breathwork, games, storytelling, and community connection.
Our focus isn’t on poses or perfection—it’s on helping kids build the tools they need to feel grounded, connected, and confident in who they are.
We use movement as a pathway, not a destination.
So whether your child is doing a yoga pose, practicing a calming breath, or sharing how they feel, it’s all part of learning how to show up as their full, authentic self.
General Studio Information
Please come dressed in clothes comfortable to move in. It is recommended to remove socks prior to practice as they make for slippery mats and floor.
A mat or towel (yes, we have mats available for use)
Water bottle (with water) that closes
Just Breathe for Kids is located behind the parking lot of Jarfly in midtown Columbus. You will see signs pointing to our space. 1365 Warren Williams Rd, STE B, Columbus, GA 31901
You will notice our space is perfect for our small class size, which means…please wait with your child(ren) outside, in the park across the street, in the car until class time.
Please arrive no more than 5 minutes early for class
Please stay with your child(ren) until they enter the studio
When you bring your child(ren) inside the main building (before reaching our studio) you will notice a yellow rope marking off our space. PLEASE DO NOT CROSS THE ROPE. IT WILL SET OFF AN ALARM.
As always, we will enter the studio together after removing our shoes.
Please bring a mat and closed water bottle (with water) to each class. Yes, we have mats to borrow should your child need one. Dress is comfortable to move our bodies. This space is smaller and although it has air (and heat) when moving it will get hot. Please dress your child(ren) mindfully.
No food or drinks other than water are permitted inside the studio.
No cell phones, smart watches (like Apple Watch), smart earphones (like Air Pods) are allowed in the studio at any time.
All personal belongings may be kept in the cubbies outside the studio.
Parking is super limited right outside the studio. We recommend parking at the park across the street and walking your child(ren) over to our space right before class time.
All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times unless they are in class.
Younger yogi’s Parents: Please take your yogi to the restroom BEFORE class begins.
We start our class on time to honor the tradition and end on time to honor you.
Notice of Exemption Just Breathe is not a licensed child care facility. This program is not required to be licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and this program is exempt from state licensure requirements.
We follow Muscogee County’s decisions on inclement weather school closings. However, you should always use your own judgement when deciding to travel due to weather. We will also communicate all schedule changes on social media.