I'm an experienced 200-hour Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT), a Certified Relax and Renew Trainer,a Certified Yin Yoga Teacher , a Certified Mindfulness Teacher, a certified Chair Yoga teacher, a Brain Longevity Specialist through the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation, and Certified Memory Maintenance Yoga Teacher,and a certified First Degree Reiki Practitioner. My teachers include Judith Hanson Lasater, Peggy Profant, Liz Heffernan, Sundari Lucey, Yely Staley, Serena Lucchesi and Kate Lombardo and Kelsey Lyons.
Restorative yoga is one of my passions. It's an antidote to life's daily turbulence. In a restorative yoga practice we slow down by creating the conditions of relaxation. With mindfulness, we use props, like bolsters and blankets, to support our body in asanas (postures) that are grounded and longer held, in order to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system's response. We turn our attention inward, noticing areas of tension and stress, and allowing them to melt away. Our bodies feel the benefit of increased awareness and the re-balancing of energy. (Prana). As our bodies fully relax, our minds begin to feel safe and slow down. Rather than jumping from thought to thought, calmness sets in. We get the chance
to learn from the pause between the thoughts, and the opportunity for self-knowledge expands.
Yin yoga is another passion. By intentionally targeting our body's connective tissue, we hold poses for 3-10 minutes and release we release any imbalances that may be blocking our physical and emotional energy (Chi).
Teaching students how to experience mindful meditation is another joy. In a mindful meditation practice we explore the myriad types of meditations including quiet and guided meditation, mantra, movement, sound and especially the practice of yoga nidra,in order to deeply connect with our own inner voice and wisdom in a way that will create inner clarity and peace.
I am also deeply committed about teaching yoga for brain health. Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of cognitive impairment are on the rise, and studies show that yoga practice is an important aspect of maintaining brain health. Drawing on my love of restorative yoga, my Yoga for Brain Health workshops and classes focus on gentle asana, mantra, meditation, mudra, pranayama and yoga nidra to help improve and maintain brain health.
My teaching style is warm, welcoming and nurturing, focusing on helping each yogi integrate body mind and spirit in a safe environment.