Jill Pagano

In 1996 at the height of her career as a hard-driving aerobics instructor and specialized personal trainer, Jill took a Nia class with co-founders Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas. And in that moment, she reconnected with the joy of moving in a way that was comfortably athletic and filled with passion and personal expression. Overjoyed with the feeling of "this is for me" she completed her Nia White Belt in Dec. 1996 and began teaching in January of 1997. Over ten years from this paradigm shift and now a certified Black Belt Nia instructor, Jill loves bringing to others the opportunity to discover more joy, passion and personal expression through movement. In 2006, Jill began Nia at Youngstown and soon partnered with Lesley Tinker, and her webmaster husband, Don Tinker to create NiaDivas, Inspirational Fitness for an Exceptional You. Beyond NiaDivas, Jill loves to experience and share inspiring philosophies and techniques that help people feel better about themselves and the life they are living. Her passion is learning and then sharing these approaches with people as a compassionate story teller, inspirational public speaker and future podcaster. Her philosophy of Love it, Learn it and then Share it drives her aspirations to become the Oprah of the Internet. Jill shares her life with her adorable two little people" ages 6 & 8 and her "rock star" partner Joel. Personally Speaking:

Favorite color: Purple
Favorite stuffed animal: Mubbles, my webkin penguin
Favorite foods: Chocolate, raspberries (me too, Lesley!)
Favorite self-help book: The Way of Transition, by William Bridges
Favorite spiritual writings: Ernest Holmes
Born in North Brunswick, NJ; moved to California and then Idaho (after the death of my parents), graduated Sandpoint (Idaho) High in 1984, graduated University of Idaho with a BS in Communications (1988), moved to Seattle 1989...and never looked back!, Married once (upon-a-time), two children ages 6 & 8.
You May Never Guess: I was a sorority girl (Kappa, Kappa, Gamma), I was Sandpoint's Junior Miss and placed third in the Idaho State Junior Miss Program. My talent?? Dancing to the 80's hit song "The Main Event"