John Yasenchak
John Yasenchak
John Yasenchak has been an Iyengar and Kripalu yoga instructor for over twenty years, as well as a counselor at Indian Island. He teaches counseling courses at the University of Maine and offers consultation and training services to his students.
Yasenchak’s professional experience includes teaching and clinical work. He served as President of the Maine Counseling Association and Chair of the North Atlantic Region American Counseling Association, in addition to being a member of both Coexisting Collaborative Serving Maine and Maine’s Substance Abuse Commission.
Early Life and Education
Early childhood is a period of rapid brain development and it is during this time that children develop social skills, self-esteem, an understanding of the world and moral outlook. That is why early childhood education (ECE) programs are so crucial for young children.
ECE (Early Childhood Education) is an umbrella term for prekindergarten, preschool, nursery school and other educational activities for children aged 0-5 years. These programs help young learners build social, emotional and cognitive abilities necessary for success in school.
Early childhood education lays the foundation for all future learning and behavior, with significant benefits. Studies show that children who attend high-quality early childhood programs are more likely to succeed academically, are less likely to repeat a grade, and are more likely to graduate high school on time. Furthermore, these kids enjoy greater career prospects as well as improved health outcomes.
Professional Career
Yasenchak holds a doctorate in Counselor Education from the University of Maine and has been teaching graduate counseling courses since 1996. As an experienced clinical counselor and supervisor, he has worked in numerous settings since 1985, including inner city work with coexisting disorders as well as university student development initiatives.
He is a faculty member at Walden University and president of the Maine Counseling Association. Additionally, he sits on the board for Coexisting Collaborative Serving Maine and belongs to the American Counseling Association.
He is an enthusiastic supporter of Maine and its numerous mental health advocacy initiatives. Recently, he led a team of top mental health and wellness professionals to meet with Senator Susan Collins (U.S. Senator for Maine) to make the case for improved access to mental healthcare services.
Personal Life
John Yasenchak’s personal life is primarily focused on his yoga practice and family. A graduate of the Iyengar yoga program in Washington DC, he has been teaching yoga for over twenty years.
He loves reading, gardening and spending time with his family. Additionally, he has a keen interest in traveling; having visited numerous countries throughout his lifetime.
He has been a mental health counselor for over thirty years, working in various clinical settings such as inner city work with coexisting disorders, university student development and twenty years as the clinical supervisor at a Native American counseling center.
John is a faculty member at Walden University and an advocate for social justice and mental health advocacy within counseling.