What happens when movement becomes more than exercise and turns into service?

In this episode of Three Questions with Meghann Koppele Duffy, I sit down with Jessie Lee and Jojo Bowman, two women who went from the ballet studio to working with wounded veterans in Denmark. Together, we explore how curiosity, compassion, and a refusal to take “no” for an answer built a program that helps people rediscover movement, meaning, and hope.

In This Episode You’ll Hear:

• How creating safety starts long before movement begins

• How “small goals” can rebuild hope and identity after trauma

• Why purpose and sustainability matter as much as passion in service work

• The unlikely connection between ballet discipline and military resilience

Whether you’re a movement teacher, a healthcare professional, or someone searching for a deeper connection to your work, this episode will inspire you to see movement as a vehicle for service, healing, and human connection.

More Info About Jessie Lee
Jessie Lee, NCPT, is the founder of Copenhagen Pilates Studio and co-founder of the medically endorsed Danish Wounded Warriors Project (DWWP), established in 2010 to support veterans and civilians recovering from severe trauma and limb loss. A former professional ballet dancer, she began her Pilates training in 1987 at Alan Herdman Studios in London and is also certified in Gyrotonic®, Gyrokinesis®, and CoreAlign®.

Her humanitarian work with DWWP earned her the Medal of the Danish Society of Military Medicine and the Anders Lassen Award from the Danish government. Jessie later co-founded Being Able, an education and research initiative developing programs for individuals with complex injuries.

Known for her curiosity and clinical rigor, Jessie lectures internationally on trauma-informed rehabilitation and has contributed to Pilates Applications for Health Conditions (Handspring). She continues to teach globally, integrating science, artistry, and compassion in her approach to movement.

More Info About Jojo Bowman
Jojo Bowman, NCPT, AMRSPH, is a former professional ballet dancer with English National Ballet, Berlin Ballet, and The Royal Danish Ballet. She co-founded the Danish Wounded Warriors Project (DWWP) and helped develop the Being Able Method, a research-based approach to trauma and limb-loss rehabilitation.

Certified by Alan Herdman in 2006, Jojo has pursued advanced studies with Elizabeth Larkam, Madeline Black, and John Sharkey, focusing on movement strategies for complex injuries. Her work has been recognized with the Medal of the Danish Society of Military Medicine, the Anders Lassen Award from HRH King Frederik, and a commendation from the Royal Society for Public Health.

A contributing author to Pilates Applications for Health Conditions and Arts and Health – An International Journal of Research, Policy and Practice, Jojo lectures internationally and teaches workshops for movement professionals and Paralympic athletes.

Links & Resources For This Episode:
Get the book, Pilates Applications for Health Conditions, HERE! (use code - PAHC15 for a discount!)
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