teacher feature

Q-What styles of classes do you teach?

 A-Traditional 26/2, Hatha, Vinyasa, Flow, Slow Flow, YinYasa/VinYin, Yin, Buti

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

A-I approach each class with as much openness as a student walking in, the movement and style of the class is harmonized based on the energy of the humans attending.  Together we create!  I know that despite many years of education, practice, application, study, training and knowledge, I still no very little when it comes to the vastness that is the practice of yoga.  I know that I am sometimes a teacher, but always a student.  Yoga is a form of self discovery, so I strive to provide an environment where students can embody their own path of self love, while exploring how incredible their bodies are and expressing gratitude for all that our bodies do for us each day..

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

A-Let go of expectations and judgement, take time to let your body and mind merge with your breath, and practice often.  Understand that even lifelong practitioners haven't "arrived". 

Q-What makes your teaching style unique? 

A-As the community of yoga has evolved over the years, so have I as a student and a teacher.  While my early years were spent primarily feeding my ego by taking and teaching the hottest, hardest, highest calorie burn classes, and squeezing in all the extra chataranga push-ups, ab sets and advanced asanas.  This is what many westernized forms of yoga had become and I was here for it!  But over the years, I saw a transformation in my personal practice and in my teaching.  I realized that feeding my ego and always pushing myself to physical limits, was actually going against the traditional practices and meaning of yoga itself.  Through teacher trainings and deeper understanding of the history and philosophy of yoga, I began practicing yoga from a place of self-acceptance.  Not punishing my body and pushing it to the max, but guiding my movement solely through breath connection and internal conversation.  I found myself teaching from this place and learned that students really responded to the same techniques I was discovering myself.  

Q-How do you integrate mindfulness and spirituality into your teaching? 

A-I love incorporating meditation, breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, visualization and chanting into my teaching.  

Q-What classes and workshops do you offer? 

A-Workshops that I enjoy teaching are Working with Props (straps, blocks and bolsters), Goddess Energy, Hands on Adjustments, Buti Glow Flows, and private instruction.

Q-How would you encourage consistency and growth in a yoga practice?

A-Such a great question!  Yoga is not just a series of shapes we twist our body into, it is a lifestyle.  We can practice techniques from yoga throughout our day, by honoring the Yamas and Niyamas, by listening to our body and providing it nourishment, by finding settled comfort during moments of heavy discomfort, by spreading love to others, and by focusing on our breath to calm our mind.  Find a home practice that suits you, perhaps that is dedicated time on your mat each day, or maybe its a meditation you do in the shower, or brushing your teeth.  Yoga doesn't have to be an hour class, it can be even a moment of stillness and connection to breath.  I try to take as many of those moments as I can throughout my day, especially when getting to class is a challenge.  And lastly, take yoga on the road with you!  I always pack a yoga towel (the kind that lays down on my mat) when I'm traveling, and lay it out on my hotel room floor somewhere.  Even if I only sit on it a couple times or do minimal poses/meditation/breathwork, it will benefit me.

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

A-By continuing to expose myself to new facets of yoga and the community.  I have gotten the opportunity to practice, teach and train new teachers at many different studios, all with their own unique vibe, all across the country.  That exposure to the yoga culture has been transcendent in my own practice and teaching.  I learn something from every single yoga experience I have.  

Q-Are there any future projects, events, etc you are working on?

A-Working on adding in yoga retreats!!  Taking a deep love and respect for the practice of yoga combined with a love for travel, I'm beyond excited for this next step in my journey.  I am also seeking a Kundalini training so that I can incorporate that style into my teaching repertoire.  Kundalini has been a practice only recently discovered for myself within the past few years, and it has had phenomenal benefits so I can't wait to share it with others.