Yoga Teaching Background

I have been teaching yoga asana practice since 2017, when I earned my initial certification while living in Nicaragua.  The emphasis of my training and personal practice is rooted in the Ashtanga method of yoga. Historically and culturally, "yoga" is a broad term originating in India that is linked to sacred texts, ancient philosophies, traditions, and various methodologies designed to support the process of self-realization.  Here in the West, we generally understand 'yoga' to mean guided stretching and breathing exercises, which is one aspect/methodology of the broader and complex yoga traditions. 

There are many different branches of yoga asana practice. The method I practice is the traditional Ashtanga yoga method, which is preserved and passed down through teachers who hold a particular advanced authorization from a lineage originating in India. I am not authorized in this complex lineage-based traditional method; however, this is the method I practice. I am experienced and qualified to teach basic Ashtanga-influenced accessible yoga classes tailored to the unique needs of students and groups. This is an essential distinction because here in the West, we are still in the early stages of understanding the power and complexity of yoga methods and their impact on our nervous systems, especially when it comes to healing from trauma. The Ashtanga yoga method is potent, and authorized Ashtanga teachers have met rigorous, specific requirements to teach it safely. I have learned all of this firsthand, which has made me a conservative and responsible teacher of basic Ashtanga-influenced yoga fundamentals.

Since 2024, my personal Ashtanga practice has been supported, when possible, by Level 2 authorized Ashtanga teacher Vivian Bedford at The Bandha Room in Olympia, Washington.

In 2025, I spent five weeks practicing with Guru Ma-ji Saraswathi Jois at KPJAY Shala in Mysore, India.