About me

I began teaching yoga in 1999. I was young, healthy, and energetic. I was teaching yoga in the evenings and working in the accounting field during the day. In 2007, I found myself feeling constantly fatigued and could barely get out of bed. It felt as though I was dragging an anchor around. After seeing countless doctors with very few answers, I was diagnosed with Endometriosis. It knocked me off my feet and introduced me to depression. I used my yoga tools (breathing and restorative postures) to regain some sense of control. In 2013, I attended a four-year Clinical Yoga Therapy program at Loyola Marymount University. I was seeking answers for myself and others living with a chronic illness.

It was shocking to me how many people struggled with chronic issues, which no doubt lead to depression, anxiety, and fatigue. The grief, isolation, and loss of control you feel managing a chronic disease are overwhelming. Welcome to the life of a Spoonie! The spoon theory is a way to explain to others what having a chronic illness feels like. If you aren’t familiar, it’s worth looking up. I am truly grateful for my journey at LMU and for what I have learned about myself through this illness. Sometimes we can’t help but feel defined by our illness or pain. After all, it takes over your life and becomes a full-time job to stay well. Who wouldn’t feel frustrated or depressed?

Yoga has taught me that I can reconnect with my true self. I remember that girl so very well. She was full of energy, gusto, and ambition. Well, I am still that girl. I poured all my energy and enthusiasm into my Yoga Therapy work. That’s what I rely on when I feel myself drifting toward feeling defined by an illness. Working with others who are learning to manage their pain gives me purpose and reminds me of the importance of self-care and self-awareness. Yes, it changed my yoga practice in ways I never expected. But it also opened my eyes to what I genuinely need to feel more rested, connected, and balanced.

I now understand how stress affects my mind and body. I recognize when I’m burned out and need to replenish my nervous system. I know when my breath feels shortened or rapid from physical and emotional stressors. When I step onto my yoga mat, I am practicing movement and breath work tailored to what I need in that moment. It provides me with strength, flexibility, and balance while maintaining ease in my body.