Mindful Movement- Meet Jacky!

My name is Jacky Zientowski , and I bring my unique knowledge and expertise to the Mindful Movement and Meditation Class at the Tosh Collins Senior Center.

I am a Graduate of Buffalo State University, where I studied Health & Wellness, Adult Fitness, Dietetics & Nutrition and Theatre & Performing Arts. 

During my studies and upon graduation, I continued to work for The Athletics and Fitness Department at Buffalo State University as a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. 

My Post Graduate Education has included almost a decade of verbal and non-verbal communication studies with achievement of official Diplomas in Long Form and Short Form Improvisation from The Second City Toronto.

My time spent studying and performing with PUSH Physical Theatre in Rochester and Annoyance Theatre in Chicago inspired me to continuously emphasize the importance of being present in the mind and body as it’s the collaborative effort that gets you to the next step. 

AND, as always in life, my unexpected turns have gained me years of experience in home health care, in physical therapy, the music industry, show production (The Movin’ & Groovin’ Improv Show), clown, boxing, mixed martial arts, contact improvisation, aikido and more. 

I envision students becoming more at peace with their bodies and the community, developing love, enjoyment and acceptance for their fitness journey rather than complete focus on the destination. 

After commitment to a few or more mindful movement sessions, my hope is that students will develop and increase their mobility, flexibility, awareness, focus and communication within their own bodies. This in turn will help them notice more positive results from any other activity they partake in such as walking, gardening, strength training, dancing, etc. There will always be music at a mindful movement & meditation class and exploration of everyday objects in relation to how the body moves in class. 

I enjoy working with the older adult population as their commitment to themselves reminds me of the importance of self-care and love at any age. The community at South Buffalo Community Association is super supportive and welcoming.