Sherman’s journey into teaching began in 2012, when her children were in middle school and she was searching for a deeper way to serve others. She had always loved fitness, but it wasn’t until she completed the Susan G. Komen 3‑Day Walk that everything shifted. “The experience was life‑changing,” she recalls. “At 45, I realized that I wanted to be part of the wellness community—especially for those struggling with cancer and other illnesses—and that traditional yoga spaces were not going to work for them. I needed something more adaptable, more forgiving, more human.”
That realization became the foundation for Yoga Gal, Sherman’s signature program built on one core principle: meet people exactly where they are. Instead of expecting students to fit a mold, Sherman created a practice that adapts to every body, every ability, and every emotional state. Her sequencing emphasizes inclusive modifications, gentle progressions, and the freedom to move without judgment.
Her classes quickly became a haven for individuals with physical limitations, cognitive challenges, and emotional hurdles. Athletes recovering from injury, teens navigating anxiety, adults with mobility issues, and seniors seeking balance all found a home in her studio. One of her favorite groups to work with is Dylan’s Day Program, a joyful group of young adults with disabilities—Jason, Riley, and Alex—guided by their two dedicated coaches, Dylan and Heather. Together, they create meaningful moments, laughter, and steady progress as they learn to stretch, breathe, and balance. “Yoga Gal is about embracing your body, your story, your moment,” Sherman says. “There’s no comparison, no pressure—just progress.”
Sherman’s influence extends beyond yoga. She is a passionate NEDvocate, supporting individuals with physical and mental challenges through movement, mindfulness, and community connection. Her work aligns with the national NED movement—No Evidence of Disease—which celebrates resilience, healing, and hope. Sherman brings that spirit into every class, reminding her students that strength is not measured by perfection, but by presence.
Her impact has also reached the world of youth sports. Many junior golfers and their families have embraced Sherman’s breathing techniques, mobility routines, and mental‑focus strategies. Young athletes who once struggled with nerves or physical tightness now credit her methods with helping them find calm, clarity, and consistency on the course. “Golf is as much mental as it is physical,” Sherman explains. “When young athletes learn to breathe, to ground themselves, to move with intention, everything changes.”
Sherman’s commitment to service is shared by her husband, Hal, who has been by her side in their work with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Together, they have played an active role in FOJ adoptions throughout the greater San Diego area—including at Torrey Pines High School—helping connect pediatric cancer warriors with supportive athletic teams. Their partnership brings warmth, stability, and genuine love to every family they meet, extending Janice’s mission of inclusion far beyond the yoga studio.
Today, Sherman continues to teach in Del Mar, offering private sessions, group classes, and specialized programs for individuals with unique needs. As she looks ahead, she hopes to expand Yoga Gal into a broader platform for adaptive wellness, bringing her message of inclusion to more athletes, more families, and more communities.
“Everyone deserves a practice that meets them where they are,” she says. “Everyone deserves to feel strong.
