Why did you start teaching?
I decided to complete YTT because of how yoga made me feel physically and mentally. I wanted to learn more and be able to share with others, especially the high school students I work with daily. I attended some professional development workshops of bringing yoga and mindfulness into the classroom, and this inspired me to go further.
What keeps you motivated?
Bringing accessible yoga to everyone keeps me motivated to keep learning and teaching. I love trying to accommodate yoga for anyone. Making myself better mentally and physically also keeps me on my mat, practicing new things. The other teachers at RBY also keep me motivated to keep growing in my yoga journey.
What should students expect of your class?
Regardless of what class students attend with me, my goal is to make them feel welcome, safe, and supported. I generally teach restorative yoga at River Bend. I believe one of the hardest parts of restorative yoga is being present and freeing the mind of the stresses and thoughts of every day life. I try to help students focus on feeling relaxed and refreshed through gentle movement and holding supported poses for extended periods of time. I occasionally offer chair yoga, and a class with all the yoga props and accessories a student could want. I love offering classes with blocks, chairs, straps, bolsters, and anything else to make yoga accessible to any and all students.
What do you love about the studio?
I love so many things about RBY! I love the variety of classes offered and all who teach there. I love the beauty of the physical space of the studio. However, most importantly, I love how I feel when I’m there, both as a teacher and as a student. I know that no matter what crazy things have happened in my day, the second I walk through the door, my mood will immediately change to calm. It’s a feeling of being at home with those who love and accept me exactly the way I am. It’s my extended family who support and encourage me, and project this to all who come through the door. No matter who you are, at RBY, you are enough!