My personal journey
My journey began in 2001 when during peri-menopause I felt stressed and was not sleeping well. I started practicing yoga at home with VCR tapes and the results were very positive. After several years of looking for a change in career direction, I participated in my first Kripalu yoga class and it spoke directly to my heart. That was the moment I knew that I wanted to become a yoga instructor. It has become a passion of mine that I never knew existed!
In 2008, I completed the 200hr Kripalu yoga teacher certification from Sunlilyoga and in 2017, completed my 500hr professional level.
I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in 2001 and began a weight training and cardio program to help slow down the bone loss. I also went to a nutritionist to help manage my weight. All of this helped me slow down the rate of bone loss and manage a healthy body weight. I still work out 3 times a week and follow a similar nutritional meal plan.
Just prior to beginning the 200hr yoga teacher training in 2007, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer and subsequently used some of the breathing techniques to manage the pain from a post surgery complication. The breathing techniques and regular meditation also help me reduce my level of stress and calm my mind down which results in me sleeping better and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
That same year, I discovered a bakers cyst at the back of my knee. It is a pooling of synovial fluid that creates a pocket. After having arthroscopic surgery, I was told it was osteoarthritis. Yoga has slowed the progression by reducing the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
I love music and dance which combined with my love of yoga, led me to become a Certified Let Your Yoga Dance instructor for regular and special populations in 2009 & 2010.
In 2011, I also became a Certified Yoga Nidra instructor and teach regular yoga nidra classes and include it in my annual See What Moves You retreat.
I began working with seniors as a teenager which is why I have a passion for teaching to and working with seniors of all ages. I have taken 2 - 20 hour senior yoga courses, Yoga for Seniors and Therapeutic Yoga for Seniors. As I share some of the same health issues, I understand some of the needs of this special population but mostly just love helping seniors feel calmer and more alive!
I am most passionate about working one-on-one as a yoga therapist to help people manage their specific and unique health needs and challenges in order to achieve their health goals. I completed a 500hr yoga therapy hands-on internship and certification with Pranakriya yoga in 2015. Through weekly one-on-one classes, I have worked with several clients including those with Osteoporosis, Arthritis, and Cancer. Most of them also wanted to gain muscle strength where I applied my extensive fitness knowledge as part of their plan.
I am very grateful to have yoga to help me maintain my overall health and wellness.
I am also a Professional Accountant and have owned my own accounting firm for over 25 years. I provide accounting services to several yoga/healthcare professionals. I have also presented the business module to several 200hr Yoga Teacher Trainings.
