A good friend introduced me to yoga, and I am so thankful for her encouragement to try! Being an athletic person, I wasn’t sure if yoga would be enough for me. Would I get bored? Would it be enough of a work-out? Would I be flexible enough? Would I fit in? I wasn’t sure about the images I associated with yoga: chanting, incense, and bodies contorted into pretzel shapes. Though, like so many of us, I was stressed out from work, felt anxiety about world issues seemingly out of my control, and was restlessly tired.

What I have discovered through my own yoga practice, and eventually as a yoga teacher, is that the benefits of a regular yoga practice are innumerable. Yes, there are the physical benefits of stronger supportive muscles, increased flexibility, and improved balance. As we age, these are imperative to sustaining functional movement. However, what has proven to be most powerful is the ability I’ve cultivated to calm and center myself and to find softness and clarity within intense experiences. Sound sleep comes easier with a regular yoga practice too.

With my educational and professional background in communications and movement therapy, I knew I wanted to share all the benefits I’d been experiencing with others, to help the circle grow! So, in spring 2015, I became a certified yoga teacher through Inner Fire Yoga’s Teacher Certification Program. Since that time, I’ve engaged in on-going trainings that focus on yoga for healthy aging, yoga to engage kids, breathwork and mindfulness, principles of Ayurveda, creating an inclusive yoga space, and anatomy and physiology.

I teach Vinyasa Flow or “power yoga”, slow flow, and Inner Fire Flow classes at Inner Fire Yoga. Whenever teaching, my aim is to help each student connect with their breath and their deep core or centerline. It is by integrating these facets that students can experience pain free and powerful movement that fosters a deeper connection to self. During classes I provide a range of options and modifications so yoga students, no matter their experience, can be challenged in a supportive way. I strive for a non-judgmental, compassionate, and inclusive approach to my teaching. Please join me for a class, new folks always welcome. I look forward to seeing you soon!

TRAINING l CERTIFICATES

• Transformational Core Strength Anatomy Training, 15hrs, with Sadie Nardini, January 2021

• Teaching Yoga for Older Adults Training, 2hrs, with Jenny Loftus, September 2020

• Strength, Grace, and Healing Workshop, 2hrs, with Max Strom, November 2019

• Opening Arms and Shoulders Workshop, 2hrs, with Max Strom, November 2019

• Yoga for Healthy Aging Training, 4hrs, with Paul Mross, February 2018

• Backbends Master Class, 2hrs, with Danni Pomplun, November 2017

• Inner Axis II: The Alchemy of Transformation Workshop, 2hrs, with Max Strom, May 2017

• Ayurveda Workshop, 2hrs, with David Lincecum, September 2016

• The Gift of Assisting Training, 2hrs, with Georgia Curry, September 2016

• Yoga Therapeutics Training, 14hrs, with Theresa Murphy, February 2016

• Open Hips, Quiet Mind Workshop, 2hrs, with Theresa Murphy, February 2016

• Ayurveda Immersion Training, 14hrs, with David Lincecum, January 2016

• Breath, Body & Mind Workshop, 2hrs, with Scott Lamps, November 2015

• The Gift of Assisting Training, 2hrs, with Sandra Homburg, October 2015

• Ignite Children’s Minds Through Yoga Training, 2hrs, with Barb Phillips, October 2015

• Registered Yoga Teacher Certification (200 RYT) at Inner Fire Yoga, 200hrs, Joan Bliefernicht, Fall 2014 through Spring 2015

• Art of Assisting Training, 2hrs, with Karen Erstad, October 2014

• Rock You to the Core! Forrest Yoga Workshop, 2hrs, with Erica Mather, March 2014

• Core Strength Vinyasa: Flying From the Foundation and Core Workshop, 2hrs, with Sadie Nardini, February 2012

• Core Strength Vinyasa: Transformer Workshop, 2hrs, with Sadie Nardini, February 2012

• Introduction to the Dynamics of Dance Therapy Fieldwork, 2credit University of Wisconsin-Madison course, with Rena Kornblum, Spring 2006

• Introduction to Dance/Movement Therapy Training, 2credit University of Wisconsin-Madison course, with Rena Kornblum, Fall 2005