Yoga is magical but not magic. Yoga demands discipline within practice. Discipline is required to be present. Being present allows you to be aware. Awareness is the force of true change. True change is the unveiling of the real you. You were perfect all along - now you see it.
My goal is connection. All animals, humans included, are deserving of joy and release from suffering.
I was drawn to yoga, which highlights this principle. Certified as an E-RYT 500 (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) and YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider) through Yoga Alliance, I study regularly with renowned yoga teacher Rodney Yee. I founded Yoga Culture in Danbury, Connecticut, and ran this fun-loving, easy-going studio for 10 years, closing in the pandemic of 2020. I aim to be as welcoming as possible in yoga, and my backgrounds in animal science, gymnastics, dance and acting give my instruction a rounded and down to earth style. I enjoy sharing and discussing yoga philosophy and buddhist philosophy, as they have brought much happiness to my life. For more about me, see my resume.
My yoga style.
I teach a combination of vinyasa yoga and held poses to study movement and its effects on the mind and spirit.
My teaching style
Fun and informative - that’s what I’m going for. I encourage my students to work hard without being hard on themselves, to be adventurous without being reckless, to approach the difficult and unknown with a sense of ease and devil-may-care-ness. We do best when we take the middle path, because the place between vigor and calm is the sustainable way.
I have reasons for doing everything I do in a sequence. My parents were schoolteachers. I create lesson plans. I don’t wing it. You may see me check my notes from time to time.
My classes
We study the body and its effects on the mind and spirit. How does this joint move? How do we contract this muscle? How does this position affect the breath? Why are we doing this at all?
We never forget that yoga comes from the beautiful culture of India, that it has a history and a philosophy that inform us how to live a happier life. I share what I’ve learned from ancient texts and great teachers.
Though the practice of asana (the poses) is well-rounded, I have found over time that certain types of cross-training have enhanced my yoga. I use a self-invented series of mat exercises I call “Bodywork” to strengthen + stabilize the body. As another complement, I implement therapy ball rolling from the Yoga Tune-Up system to massage muscles + to release + hydrate fascia for ease of movement. Yoga’s gifts comes from awareness. These techniques awaken the body’s intelligence, complementing and catalyzing awareness.