What first brought you to yoga? What were you looking for and what did you find?

I started taking Bikram Style Yoga at 19 years old. I was experiencing some lower back pain while waiting tables and a fellow waitress suggested I try a class. I fell in love instantly. The back pain subsided and I knew that sometime in the future, I would become a teacher.

Can you share a bit of your teaching story with us? When did you decide to go to training? What was the impetus?

It took almost 26 years to get myself to teacher training. Life had taken so many twists and turns, good and bad. When I began practicing regularly again in 2017, I once again, was reminded how beneficial yoga was to my peace of mind and my sobriety. I wanted to give back what this yoga has given me and the timing was right. I was blessed with encouraging and inspiring teachers and studio owners. It finally fell into place.

What’s your favorite thing about teaching?

The one thing that used to cause me the most unease while teaching quickly has become my most favorite. Watching students struggle would spark the empath in me so much it hurt, but I have learned to remember that struggle leads to strength. I want nothing more than to lead students through the experience of discovering their own personal power.

Is there anything that surprises you about teaching?

I am consistently learning from my students as I teach. There are so many varied bodies in the hot room and each of them move in such different ways. Seeing this helps me to create verbal cues that help them and myself in my own personal practice. It happens often, but it’s always a sweet surprise.

Favorite posture?

Cobra (Bhujangasana) is my Jam. The set-up is so important and it yields such a satisfying result! Ssss…

What’s keeping you busy outside the yoga room?

I am a Mom to the most amazing 11 year old boy. I practice as often as I can. I credit Hot Yoga with being a present and compassionate parent. Also, I am getting back into the Acting/Musical Theater career that brought me to NYC 20 years ago. Yoga helps with those fears and anxieties that accompany auditioning and performing!

Any guilty pleasures you care to divulge?

Dark Chocolate and Netflix binge watching make me happy!

How about leaving us with a favorite quote?

I try to apply this to my yoga asanas as well as my life choices:

“Don’t Move the way Fear makes you Move. Move the way Love makes you Move. Move the way Joy makes you Move.” -Osho