teacher feature

Q-Do you specialize in any particular form or approach?

 A-I trained 500 hours with True Freedom Yoga in Cincinnati under Jeff Emerson. 300 hour Trauma Sensitive Trauma Centered Yoga (TCTSY) with Justice Resource Institute (JRI) under Jen Turner and David Emerson. I have additional training in the Yoga of 12-Step Recovery (Y12SR). under Nikki Meyer.

 Q-How do you envision the future of your teaching and practice?

A-The future I envision is one where I am able to meld Clinical Counseling, mindfulness, and body-based practices to help facilitate healing in survivors of trauma and substance abuse.

Q-What personal experiences have shaped your approach to teaching yoga?

A-My personal experience has influenced my teaching greatly, I found yoga in a time when I was very lost and craved a deeper connection with myself. Due to this experience, I encourage students to be curious, investigate sensations, and have an experience that is unique to themselves. I enjoy laughter and a light-hearted approach. I am human and so are the students I teach, so let's enjoy our humanity together without all the seriousness!!

Q-What advice would you give to someone just starting their yoga journey?

A-Often, I work with beginners who have never felt they could do yoga due to not being flexible. I suggest to people to show up however they are in the moment. Yoga is much more about finding a connection with your body than it is about the shapes you can make with your body. Make a start, be gentle with yourself physically and mentally, may your yoga practice bring peace, growth, and connectedness not to be a pretzel!! Comparison is the thief of JOY!

Q-How do you continue to deepen your own practice and knowledge?

A-I am a life-long learner whether it be in academia or yogic teachings. I am looking forward to starting a Meditation Teacher Training in January 2025 with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfeild. I am usually looking for trainings cultivating accessibility and inclusiveness.