How would I describe my teaching style? I have been told by students that they feel safe above all else in the classes I teach. Safe to express, safe to play, safe to mess up, safe to let go. Whatever that means to them, whatever comes up for them I am there to create that space. I enjoy teaching a class that integrates different breathing techniques, different styles of yoga, including thematic, ashtanga, vinyasa flow, tantra, free flow, and breath work. The overall feeling of the class tends be one of collective group energy with enough space to have your own experience. Using various sequences and themes, and using many genres of music I hope to create a truly unique experience. I have been trained in many styles and schools and appreciate Cloud Nine Yoga for its non dogmatic teaching approach. This process of yoga and learning is never ending in so many ways and so I continue to take trainings and educate myself on the wonderful world of yoga.

I recieved my 200 hour certification in 2003 and then in advanced 500 in 2006. My journey as a Teacher Trainer for CNY begain in June 2008. From there I have kept on rolling along my yogic path in ways that I have yet begun to understand…but embrace completely. In the fall of 2005 I began teaching Yoga at Vistamar High school, an Independent High School in El Segundo, as part of the P.E. Department. I cannot begin to describe the positive shifts I am able to observe in these teenagers. Each year is a joy as I am introduced to new students and become reacquainted returning students. I see these High School Students ready to live their yoga. I am lucky enough to have met some of the most amazing people and been able to call many of the students over the years of teaching my friends. I feel that we have so much to learn from one another. A constant reminder that as a teacher you have the chance to come back to “beginners mind” once again. I am so blessed to be a part of the most amazing community of body workers and healers.

I have only praise for mentor and friend, Erika Faith Calig for being an inspiration and reminding me to “keep it real”, Saul David Raye for his patience and creativity, Julian Walker for his ability to weave poetry and music into his transformational classes and workshops, Jerome Mercier for the art of bringing his depth of knowledge and anatomy into the Yoga room, as well as and Max Strom for grounding presence and “ocean breathing”. Coming up in January of 2011, I will be attending a Yin Yoga and Anatomy Training with Paul Grilley.

Aside from teaching Yoga my passion is travel. Anywhere and everywhere. To experience culture and unpredictability is what I crave. As I travel I am able to learn so much more about myself and grow from those I encounter during my travels. My passion in both teaching yoga and traveling has brought me to hosting yoga workshops as well as retreats. In 2005 I began hosting yoga retreats locally in Big Bear, and have continued on with repeatedly hosting in Ojai and Santa Barbara. Guest teaching, workshops and lecturing for the big Island Branch, Hawaii. Hosting retreats internationally including Costa Rica and upcoming Australia in 2011. Stay tuned as I will continue to search the globe for wonderful places to retreat and adventure and share with loved ones. Thus I continue to nurture my spirit by traveling to amazing destinations including backyard barbecues, surfing, and spending plenty of quality time reading, writing, drawing and being with friends, playing, and of course taking yoga classes, trainings, and workshops from the amazing pool of instructors available in Southern California.

“Of what is the body made? It is made of emptiness and rhythm. At the ultimate heart of the body, at the heart of the world, there is no solidity. Once again, there is only the dance.” ~ George Leonard