When I was a child, my mom brought me to my first yoga class where we practiced with hand-woven yoga rugs before sticky mats had become popular. This experience laid the groundwork for a lifelong fascination with yoga, and I have practiced consistently for the past 15 years. My previous career as a freelance cellist and teacher left me frequently overworked and stressed with auditions, gigs, and lessons. I found yoga to be a centering practice that helped me to maintain balance.

A new job as a Board Certified Music Therapist brought me to Madison in 2022. I soon found Inner Fire Yoga after having suffered a minor ankle injury that was taking a long time to heal. With limited prior experience practicing in a heated space, it took me some time to acclimate, but I came to love the heated practice for the way it allows muscles to loosen and helps to focus the mind. Before long, my ankle was back to normal, which I attribute to heated practice. I also found other benefits - greater clarity of thought and kindness toward others.

As a long-time cello teacher, I love helping students find their way with a new instrument and begin to make music while also engaging in self-discovery. For years I wanted to complete yoga teacher training because I love teaching and helping students to realize their potential. After moving to Madison, I enrolled in Yoga Teacher Training at Inner Fire Yoga in 2022, completing my 200 hours of training. It was a wonderful experience that helped me to deepen my own practice as well as prepared me to teach yoga effectively, with a focus on alignment and safety. 

In my music therapy practice, I enjoy exploring the intersection of music and movement and how music affects the body and mind on a physiological and emotional level. While music is not necessary for yoga practice, it can be a wonderful addition. The right playlist or live music can create focus and depth in an asana or vinyasa practice. My yoga classes feature music that is intentionally designed to provide a space for mind-body connection.