about me
I’ve always been an active, outdoorsy person, loving hiking, backpacking, running, swimming, and gardening. In my adult life I’ve been a lifeguard/swim instructor, track coach, personal trainer and worked at the (Rady’s) Children’s Hospital in San Diego as a kinesiological technologist in their gait analysis laboratory. I find the dichotomy of the complexities and straightforwardness of the human experience fascinating, which led me to study movement science as both an undergraduate and graduate student. When yoga entered my life, it enhanced everything I love – adding meaning and depth I had previously been unaware I was missing.
My personal yoga and meditation practices inform my group session offerings, both in theme and in structure. I promote biomechanically sound movements interspersed with philosophical wisdom to aid in each person’s physical and emotional discovery/recovery. I work closely with my yoga therapy clients, striving to hold space and provide guidance for each individual and follow their progress through so they can meet their desired outcomes.
Regardless of the setting or specific focus in any given session, I love to create safe, nurturing, and ultimately joyful experiences for everyone – and look forward to working with you!
education & certifications
Masters Degree Exercise Science - SDSU
Certified Yoga Teacher 200 & 500-hour YogaWell YTT
E-RYT500 Yoga Instructor - Yoga Alliance
YACEP – Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider
Certified Yoga Therapist - International Assoc. of Yoga Therapy
Musculoskeletal and Energetic Yoga Therapy
Meditation Facilitator
Certified Usui Reiki 2 Facilitator
experience
Author – Instructing Hatha Yoga: A Guide for Teachers and Students, 2nd Ed.
>4800 hours group yoga instruction
>2200 hours private yoga instruction/therapy
>550 hours YTT instruction
my yoga story
My interest in yoga began over 25 years ago. I found myself drawn to the movement, meditative nature and breathwork of yoga. I was curious to see how asana, eastern philosophy, and intentional breathing might increase my energetic and spiritual awareness and overall wellbeing. Through these practices I found I was better able to calm my often-overactive mind and there was a noticeable shift in my thinking and overall demeanor.
My first yoga mentor, Kathy Lee Kappmeier, guided me through many aspects of the Himalayan tradition of yoga and meditation. Our time together led me to branch out and try a variety of different hatha yoga and other contemplative physical disciplines. This exploration informs my eclectic personal practice and teaching style.
In 2006, Kathy Lee and I created, “Instructing Hatha Yoga”, a highly successful yoga text published by Human Kinetics. In 2015, I revised the book to highlight the poignant and changing issues facing the modern yoga community. This newer edition offers a wider variety of pose options which helps instructors better serve the needs of a more diverse practitioner population.
Today, as a yoga therapist, movement instructor, and reiki facilitator, the vast array of knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years colors my session formatting. Whether I’m creating for one-on-one yoga therapy, group asana classes, or specialized workshops, I blend eastern philosophical wisdom with western scientific practicality. Everyday my intention is to create safe, nurturing spaces where each person I have the privilege to work with can find more peace, ease, and control in their lives.
my book
Instructing Hatha Yoga: A Guide for Teachers and Students has proven to be a great resource for yoga instructors teaching in studios and schools, campus recreation and leisure settings, fitness centers, dance studios, hospitals, and community settings. Non-teaching students of yoga also find the text easy to read and to use as a guide for their own personal yoga practice.
Developed in line with Yoga Alliance Standards and Yoga Teachers’ Registry requirements, Instructing Hatha Yoga is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide to becoming a confident and qualified yoga instructor. Both students of yoga and yoga teachers will not only learn how to practice and teach yoga poses, but they will also discover ways to move toward deeper self-awareness and positively affect their lives for years to come.
stay in touch
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