Hello Friends! Everyone has a story...Here's mine:
I began my yoga journey over 30 years ago, looking for a way to relieve stress caused by my insurance career. In addition, I was an avid hiker and was looking for a physical yoga practice to keep me in better shape for hiking. I found a yoga class at my community library and began practicing yoga with my husband as part of a "date night". I fell in love with yoga, not only for the physical exercise, but for the deep relaxation and powerful connection with my community and myself. Over the years, I explored various styles of yoga – Vinyasa, Iyengar, Power, Yin, Gentle, Restorative and Acro/Partner Yoga.
In 2009 I earned a black belt in Combat Tae Kwon Do and became an Assistant Instructor at Mills Martial Arts in Rockville, Maryland. I noticed that my yoga practice was helpful in improving the balance, flexibility and strength needed to safely practice martial arts. I wanted to bring that awareness to my students and began to incorporate yoga poses into my pre-class warmups. This inspired me to become a certified yoga teacher.
In 2013 I completed the Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training with YogaFit under the teachings of Beth Shaw. I began teaching yoga to my co-workers in an office setting and added a yoga class at the martial arts studio.
In 2015 I studied with Christa Mastrangelo Joyce at Jala Yoga in Shepherdstown, WV and completed the 200 Hour Teacher Training Program. I also completed a 25-hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training and a 14-hour Trauma Informed Workshop. I taught weekly Vinyasa Style Classes (both Gentle and Vigorous) at Jala Yoga until the school closed in 2021 due to the COVID19 Pandemic. After the school's closing, I continued teaching online via Zoom and eventually began teaching in person at Roots & River Yoga in Brunswick, MD.
In 2024 I retired from my 36 year career as an insurance professional and began teaching yoga full-time. I completed a 300-hour Advanced Teacher Training Program offered by Christa with a focus on cultivating curiosity, adaptability, and engagement in the practice of yoga. This led me to become an ambassador for the Accessible Yoga Community, a resource for offering yoga to marginalized individuals and communities.
I am currently teaching weekly Accessible in-person yoga classes at Roots & River Yoga, Brunswick MD; Mountain Spirit Yoga, Middletown MD; Hickory Hill Wellness, Keedysville MD; and Mohalu Wellness, Shepherdstown WV. I teach one on-line class weekly and maintain a video library for students. I also teach private and small group classes upon request.
My husband and I love to attend Yoga Festivals, International Yoga Retreats, and teach Partner Yoga Workshops - so I will often share details about upcoming events!
Contact me to get started on your yoga journey!