Why I Teach Yoga
About MeI double majored in Sociology and Religion at Meredith College because I wanted to apply the knowledge I learned from these fields in a job that would make a difference in the world. I bring the knowledge of these fields into all I do and I believe they complement my yoga teaching and Life Coaching.
I've been practicing meditation for over 25 years in an effort to quiet my mind so I can hear what's in my heart. I found Yin Yoga in 2006 and immediately fell in love with the practice for the still, quiet, meditative aspects. I delved deeper into the practice as I worked to recover from Chronic Fatigue by learning more about Traditional Chinese Medicine and its application in Yin yoga. I find the practice to be an important balance to an active life. I teach Yin Yoga as a way to offer relaxation and meditation techniques to others in hopes of aiding everyone in a healthy lifestyle and in finding peace of mind. I received my certification to teach Yin Yoga in 2010 with Shala Worsley of the Asheville Yoga Center (AYC). I have been fortunate to study with Master Yin teachers Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers. I currently have over 75 hours of Yin specific training. In 2012, I completed a 230 hour Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training at AYC. This training included restorative, gentle, Yin, and a module of Viniyoga with founder Gary Kraftsow. During this training I learned the healing benefits of restorative yoga and immediately added restorative classes to my teaching schedule. Like Yin, Restorative Yoga is beneficial for those suffering from autoimmune illnesses as it works to calm the overactive sympathetic nervous system. I have since participated in restorative training with Master Restorative Teacher, Judith Hanson-Lassister, and have completed an additional 100 hours of therapeutically focused yoga training including workshops with Doug Keller and J. Brown. In 2021, I completed a 300 hour training through OM Yoga with Cyndi Lee. I have also had the pleasure of participating in meditation workshops with long-time meditation teachers Lama Sura Das, Sharon Salzberg, and Doug Veenhof. I am certified to teach yoga at the RYT-500 level as well as being an experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) with Yoga Alliance. I am also a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP). |