In 1998 I took my first yoga class with Elaine Wintman and immediately fell in love. At the time I was drawn to the easy of the physical practice and the way it helped me to deal with stress and anxiety. As a dancer and runner for many years I was accustom to a strong physical workout. What struck me about yoga was there was no competition; my mental response was important; and relaxation was integrated into the practice. I used yoga to help overcome depression and an eating disorder and manage stress.
When I started teaching art to child with severe emotional challenges I felt it would be important to share yoga them. I found the Yoga for the Special Child® training with Sonia Sumar in 2003. When I signed up for the basic training, much like my first yoga class, I had not realized the profound effect it would have on my life. Yoga was about to become an even bigger part of my life.
Over the next 2 years I studies all 5 levels of the Yoga for the Special Child® training, which lead to my first 200 hour Yoga Alliance recognized certification. I began teaching yoga not only to children with special needs but also to adults.
The following year I decided to supplement my yoga education with a 40 hour Yoga Ed training. In 2007 that I studied Prenatal Yoga and Yoga for Labor and Delivery at the Integral Yoga Ashram in Virginia. Following a difficult decision to put my graduate degree in art education on hold, Elaine Wintman asked me to teach the special needs part of her Swallowtail Yoga Teacher Training™. It was her first teacher training and I was excited by her work with Body Mind Centering® and embodied yoga. I signed up for the year-long training which lead to my second Yoga Alliance recognized 200 hour certification, which I completed in December 2009. Swallowtail Yoga™ has increased my understanding of alignment and anatomy.
I am dedicated to practicing and studying yoga. I strive to offer the best quality yoga classes within my capability and knowledge. Yoga has profound healing potential, of which I have had direct experience . I hope to help my students discover the healing powers of yoga for themselves within their own practice.
