Senior Teacher
CYT-200 through Charlotte Family Yoga Center; Yin & Rocket Yoga Certifications
Specialties: Power Flow, Vinyasa Flow, Deep Stretch, Rocket
Favorite Yoga Pose: Arm Balances & Headstand
“I was hesitant to try yoga at first because I didn’t know what to expect and I wasn’t sure if it was something I would be able to do. But In October of 2013, I decided to attend my first class. It was challenging, but I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. I began practicing at studios all over Charlotte, taking classes from as many instructors as I could. I loved the variety of experiences and I learned something from each teacher. Over time I grew to enjoy the challenge yoga provided because it helped me to focus on my physical and mental health. Throughout my initial years of practice, I was in the midst of a toxic relationship that affected me more than I realized. I noticed that I was processing a lot of my anxiety and emotions in the classes I took, which helped me to find perspective and make positive changes in my life. I was able to move on from the relationship, and while difficult, I knew that my yoga practice was there for me, along with the new relationships I had built along the way. I don’t think I would have made it through that time without both.
Fast forward to 2017 and I’m contemplating attending Yoga Teacher Training. Then, in a class taught by one of my favorite instructors, a question is asked that would begin the next chapter of my life: what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? That gave me the courage to sign up for YTT, and I received my certification in 2018 from Charlotte Family Yoga Center. I initially taught power flow, as that was my favorite style of yoga to practice. I enjoy the sequencing, and how it helps me to decompress from a stressful day of work. From there I began to explore other styles of yoga, like deep stretch and Yin. I found benefit in slowing down and learning how to breathe, allowing my body and mind to feel more calm. It was also a nice complement to the running and hiking I had taken up.
My yoga journey helped me overcome so many obstacles, and I found my true self as a result. As a teacher I want to help my students do the same. What started out as practicing yoga in order to prove something to myself turned into practicing because it makes me feel good. I feel powerful when I practice. I feel like I’m enough. I want to create a welcoming, safe space for all people in my classes, no matter if it’s their first time or 100th time practicing. When someone says “I could never do yoga”, I want to show them that they can. I want them to understand what is possible when they arrive on their mat, without feeling nervous or judged. I want them to feel powerful. I want to tell them that they are enough.”
