Jim is a Certified iRest Yoga Nidra Teacher and Yoga Instructor (200 RYT) and owner of Oakes Healing Arts with his wife, Lisa Marie Oakes. He leads weekly Meditation and Movement classes, blending traditional yoga practices, iRest Yoga Nidra and somatic techniques to help align the body and mind as well as iRest Yoga Nidra Workshops. Jim came to yoga and meditation in the midst of seeking balance, connection and alignment in 2011. An athlete, coach and corporate executive at a crossroads of health and wellbeing Jim embraced yoga and meditation and sharing this pathway to health has been a passion of his ever since. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy and proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 8 years before joining the civilian workforce. He is a Program Director with BAE Systems, having worked there for over 25 years. He also coached Men’s Crew at UC San Diego and at San Diego Rowing Club, and continues to share his passion for coaching and guiding students to be the best they can be.