Who am I? This is the essential question asked in Jnana Yoga, the Path of Knowledge. While it is a worthwhile and lifelong personal pursuit, this blog will merely describe me in terms of 30+ years of yoga practice and study.

Yoga’s therapeutic application benefited me greatly. I have scoliosis (an S curvature of the spine). Within a year of practice, I regained an inch in height, had more flexibility, less pain, and could breathe more deeply.

Learning effective breathing reduced anxiety and increased energy. I became calmer, more joyful, and wanted to share this with others, making the decision to leave a career in the visual arts for one in the healing arts.

Later, life granted me a TBI (traumatic brain injury) in a car accident, a mangled leg after a bad fall while hiking, and a two craniotomies following the discovery of a brain tumor – fortunately benign. Yogic practices were essential to healing, positivity, and maintaining wellbeing.

Yoga and Ayurveda view us as levels of subtle bodies called koshas that must be balanced for optimum wellness. A Yoga Therapist seeks to locate patterns of imbalance and guide the client to return alignment and achieve stability. Although all Yoga is potentially therapeutic and healing, Yoga Therapy is the specific application of yogic tools—postures/exercises, breathwork, meditation techniques—to address an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional goals.

My specialty is teaching accessible yoga practices, stress management and meditation. For 7 years, I served as Yoga Therapist for two DC Court programs for women in a residential recovery setting, and 16 years teaching a therapeutic yoga program for seniors via Prince George’s Community College. I was also the Director and instructor at St. Mark’s Yoga Center on Capitol Hill. Besides Advanced Experienced Yoga Teacher registration, additional certifications include Raja Yoga (Philosophy), Yoga of the Heart® for Cardiac and Cancer Healing, Healing Relationships, and Laughter Yoga. I am certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapy (C-IAYT) and serve as a mentor to several yoga therapy interns. It is my honor to be an ordained Integral Yoga Minister.

My group classes emphasize finding Peace through physical practices, breath work, and mindfulness to help students distinguish between effort and tension, and bring ease to their movement. All levels and abilities are welcomed. Individual appointments are available on request.

Yogic healing is Integrative, and can be combined with other traditional modalities to bring vitality, clarity and wellness. Practiced at its deepest level, Yoga Therapy reunites us with our authentic Self.

My gratitude to the teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda and my Integral Yoga® instructors, who are leaders in the field of Yoga Therapy.