I started practicing yoga causally, as many do, taking random classes randomly. I didn’t know the difference between the different styles, all I knew was that the classes were close to home and at times I was available. The poses and concepts were new enough that it kept my interest, challenged me and I felt really good afterward. This continued for a couple of years until I took my first class with Pretzel in Potrero Hill. Her style of vinyasa flow was new to me and it kicked my butt. It felt like I was sore for a week. But, I was hooked–the movement, the heat, the challenging poses. After a couple of years with Larry Shultz and my wonderful mentors at It’s Yoga, I took the leap, took one month off and immersed myself into training to teach yoga. I’ve had the opportunity to teach lots of students in San Francisco, New York and Dallas.
Now the challenge–what practice is right for me? What teachings are right for my students? I have strived to fill my toolbox with as much and I can about yoga, health and wellness and emotional/spiritual wellbeing. Rather than one-size-fits-all teaching, I make every effort to tailor my classes to the students and offer lots of choices for modifications or more advanced expressions of the postures.
Certification
I am a registered yoga teacher through The Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level.
Courses of Study and Workshops
Embodied Anatomy Training with Judith Lasater, 2010
Advanced Relax & Renew Training with Judith Lasater, August 2009
Embodied Breathing with Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthew, June 2007
Co – instructor – Yoga for Metabolic Syndrome – UCSF Pilot Study, Jan. 2007
300-hr. Yoga Therapy training – Ananda Seva, August 2006
Assistant – Menopause/Yoga – UCSF Pilot Study, April 2006
Therapeutic Yoga Workshop with Judith Lasatar, August 2005
Restore & Renew Basic Training with Judith Lasatar, June 2005
Related Education:
Non-Violent Communication Training with Judith Lasater, Dec. 2010
Graduate – Institute for Holistic Health Studies, San Francisco State Univ.
Yoga Therapy, 300-hours. – Ananda Seva, August 2006
Memberships:
California Yoga Teachers Association
Green Yoga Association
International Association of Yoga Therapist (IAYT)
Yoga Alliance
Teaching Experience:
San Francisco Bay Area - All Yoga Tree locations, The Yoga Loft and The Yoga Studio, APFS (Alliance Professional Fitness Services), YMCA, Genentech, Equinox, Primetime Fitness. New York City – East Yoga, Levitate Yoga. Dallas – Uptown Yoga, DragonFire Yoga, Larry North Fitness, Trophy Fitness
Current Classes: Yoga Studio Ganesha, Graton Community Center, Westside Yoga (subbing), Sebastopol, California. Yoga on Center, Healdsburg, BodyWorks, Petaluma, California.
Insurance:
I carry a $4,000,000 aggregate limit insurance policy.
Philosophy:
It is important to teach to the level of the class and most of all to make the experience fun. I emphasize paying attention to the breath and moving through all poses gently and with intention. I make an effort to encourage my students to make a connection between their experiences during class and their life off the mat.