My bio

My life is a journey, I hope to share a little with you to let you know where I’m coming from. On January 8, 1997 when I was 3 months pregnant with my first child, my Jeep was rear ended while en route to my job at the 6a rehab unit at U of M Medical Center. The accident left me with severe whiplash and terrible back pain. I worked in back pain rehab, had back pain rehab (several times) and knew what I had to do to help myself. I couldn't break the vicious cycle of chronic pain, trying to get in shape to help the pain, and frustration at my failure. I gained 60 pounds with my first pregnancy, as a result of the chronic pain limiting my physical activity. I lived with severe, often debilitating pain that led to massive muscle spasms and skeletal misalignment. My PT told me that my spine had the rigidity of a 90 year old woman’s, I was only 26! During labor with my second child, three years later, the epidural failed due to my spine being so out of alignment. I struggled with weight gain and a lack of energy, asthma and frequent tendon injuries. I was literally a physical mess. My husband had traveled internationally quite often over the past 10 years, so I played the single mom role quite a bit. This lifestyle led me to take time away from my counseling profession three years ago. I have focused my energy on my children and the community in which I call home. Up until 39 months ago, I was a very sedentary, out of shape, in pain, stressed out mother of two sons, and two dogs. That was until I found fitness yoga classes. I have devoted much time and effort during the past few years to learning and ever expanding my practice. However, I claim to know nothing as I have so much yet to learn. I finished the 200 hr. level teacher training at the Johnny Kest Center for Yoga and have become a fan of Ashtanga yoga. I continue to look for ways to expand my knowledge and an excited to share yoga with so many wonderful people.

My Yoga practice has evolved into my own mini rejuvenating break from reality. It’s become a way to balance volunteering at school, play dates, kids soccer and football games and all the other things that consumed my time and left me feeling a little drained. I often tell others that you can only give as much as you have, then you begin to feel empty. Yoga fills me up, it allows me to focus on myself. I almost felt selfish at first, kind of like “ Am I doing something completely for myself?” Anyone who is a parent, caregiver, or busy professional can attest to the need to refill yourself, so you can continue to give. The positive beliefs that formed the practice of yoga are beautiful and inspiring. The focus on breath control gives one the ability to remain calm in a sea of turbulence. Richard Rosen, a well respected Yoga teacher and author writes about a journey to the land of Self. Yoga gives me the tools to take this journey and make the most of it. Namaste