E-RYT-500; 200hr & Assistant Training through Yoga One (Baptiste); 300hr through Vira Bhava Yoga School; The Yoga and Neuroscience Connection training through Subtle Yoga

 

Specialties: Slow Flow, Vinyasa, Deep Stretch, Baptiste and Tantra

 

Favorite Yoga Pose(s): Toe Squat, Malasana (love/hate), Supported Bridge, Sphinx, Half Frog

 

“My mom used to take me to yoga classes with her at our local sub base where she and my dad worked, and at our local elementary school where the parks and recreation department would hold classes. I remember thinking initially that I was doing it all wrong because I was so sore afterward. I am forever grateful to my mom for exposing me to yoga, as it was my source of sanity in my early 20’s when I began (or rather continued and was just finally realizing it’s impact on my life) experiencing anxiety. I initially attended a class at the local gym taught by a baptiste certified instructor and fell in love. I began practicing at the local baptiste studio, and explored other local studios and different styles of practice in my home state of CT.  I had a lot of professors in my graduate program in college who were yoga instructors and it seemed to help their practice as counselors and educators (I have a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling), and it encouraged me to make a lifetime practice of it. 

 

When I landed in NC one of the first things I did was find a local baptiste studio. I found Yoga One and my LIFE FREAKING CHANGED. I started volunteering, working at the front desk, completed my assistant training, became a manager, and then finally completed my 200hr YTT there. I have since taught at 6 different studios between Charlotte and Lincolnton. It was working at my own studio in Lincolnton that I was introduced to the teachings of the Vira Bhava Yoga School out of Asheville through a couple of our instructors, and knew it was where I needed to be. I completed my 300hr YTT in tantra yoga in the spring of 2021.  

 

Yoga has helped me get to know and accept myself. It has helped me be more compassionate with myself and listen to my body. The practice of yoga is also more than just physical postures and I am amazed at the power of our breath and the subtle energies that flow throughout our bodies. I believe that yoga is accessible to any and everyone, and instead of preaching about it to others, I try to live by example, maintain my own personal practice and let my authenticity and presence speak for themselves. I love teaching a juicy Slow Flow these days, with powerful postures and long holds. I also enjoy teaching a powerful vinyasa and deep stretch and I LOVE assisting. I am a middle school counselor, have 2 dogs and a pretty great partner in life who also works in the field of education. I do HIIT workouts, weight lifting and a little cardio in addition to my yoga. I am excited to be back in the Belmont yoga community as this is the first town I taught in even before I was fully certified to teach. I look forward to practicing alongside everyone in the studio and in life.”