MY STORY
In 2001, I was introduced to yoga by a dear friend who moved here from California, one month after my 40th birthday. I was a full time Mom and homemaker with a small personal training business on the side. I was an avid tennis player, and had just run my first marathon. Excited to add something extra to my workout routine, Power Yoga was a challenging new form of exercise. Little did I know, but my life was about to change significantly. The practice of yoga, for me, evolved into a vital lifeline that kept me sane and grounded.
My passion grew deeper to learn all that I could about this ancient practice. At that time, there was only one yoga class in town that I could attend regularly. Yoga classes were even forbidden at some facilities. I started to travel across the country to seek out training from very well-known and highly respected yoga teachers from different schools and styles. I read lots of books. With a background as a Registered Nurse and having worked in the fitness industry for most of my adult life, I felt confident to open my own studio in 2002.
Out in the community, in 2005, I began work at Pine Grove Behavioral Health Women’s Center teaching yoga and wellness principles to women in recovery from eating disorders and chemical dependency. I eventually developed the Behavioral Health Yoga Therapy Program at Pine Grove Gentle Path, now called Gratitude, where I currently work with men and women in recovery from multiple addictions, including relationship and sexual addiction. In June of 2022, I added Pine Grove’s Professional Enhancement Program and Next Step to my weekly agenda.
I have promised my students and patients to remain on a continual path of study and to share all that I have learned from my teachers. My more recent studies, in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, have involved Functional Movement and Mobility Training. As a Movement Specialist I help yoga students and athletes to recognize movement patterns, to heal and to prevent injury and to optimize athletic performance. I completed the Movement and Mobility 101 training with Physical Therapist, Dr. Kelly Starrett. I am certified at the highest mark with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT 500) and am a Continuing Education Provider (YACEP).
Finally, after submitting more than 2200 hours of Yoga Therapy group and private sessions, in 2017, I became a Certified Yoga Therapist with The International Association of Yoga Therapists. For this, I am especially grateful, as I have always believed that yoga practices are effective as alternative and adjunct therapy for the prevention of illness, the management of symptoms, and a companion on the road in recovery. I am a Senior Consultant with the Gulf Coast Trauma Institute and am available by appointment for private sessions at the studio.
