When I was five years old my parents took me to kids yoga classes and gave me the book, Be a Frog, a Bird or a Tree.  A seed of Yoga was planted early on, but it took some years of wandering and experimenting for it to sprout.

I’ve always enjoyed movement and exploring.   As a teenager and young adult I achieved peace of mind and happiness by challenging my physical body and spending time in the wilderness.  I tried yoga occasionally and the classes were enjoyable but I never knew what to practice when I was on my own.   

When I was 28 a friend suggested I try a “Mysore” style Ashtanga class.  After the first class I was hooked.  I loved the 1:1 instruction, hands-on adjustments, and feeling the sound and power of Ujjayi breathing.  I now realize that I had been craving a “self-practice” and the personal empowerment that comes with it.

A couple years later I discovered Vipassana meditation.  Ashtanga Yoga is a moving and breathing meditation while Vipassana meditation is a seated practice.  Together they are like two wings of a bird.  When both are developed: power, grace, and compassion can be developed and help carry you through life.  I still love the wild and being active, but these new practices have helped me experience the same peace and harmony anywhere and anytime. 

My primary Ashtanga teacher has been Kathy Cooper.  Kathy began practicing in 1976 and her light, energetic spirit, and passion for life is contagious.  I have also attended Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor’s one month Teacher Intensive.  They are creative, insightful, and their knowledge of the Ashtanga method is profound.  I hope some of their wisdom comes through in my teaching.  I’ve also studied in Mysore, India multiple times.