1. When did you start practicing yoga?

I started practicing yoga in 1997. 

2. What has yoga brought to your life?

Wow. Tough question. Yoga has enhanced my life in so many ways. I find that my practice is my constant companion, a friend, a therapy session, a chance to reconnect to what is truly important, and so much. I've learned that yoga is exactly that - a practice! It's not 'yoga instantly' or 'yoga immediately' it's a practice that changes from day to day. It's not about doing the most challenging poses or flipping upside down or balancing on your hands. It's about returning to your yoga mat over and over and working through all that comes up.

3. Why did you become a yoga instructor?

After practicing one day I came home to my apartment and sat outside on my balcony. I had a moment of complete clarity and peace that I will never forget. Colors seemed brighter, my breath seemed deeper and I felt so peaceful. It was that moment when I decided I needed to learn more about yoga and the philosophy so I could possibly share it with other people.

4. What impact can a regular yoga practice have on a person's life? 

Appreciation of the breath which is our life force, love and respect for the physical body and a feeling that we are so much more powerful than our minds and often times, society, will allow us to believe. 

 
5. What advice would you give to someone that is just starting yoga? 

Your breath is the most important part--without it there is nothing. Breath naturally, rhythmically, and without forcing it. Keep up with your practice and don't take yourself too seriously. Laugh and have fun. Know it's a process.

6. What is special about the style of yoga you teach? 

I teach vinyasa with a strong grounding in the alignment of ashtanga. I try to teach in a way that's accessible so that people can see and feel the many analogies between a strong yoga practice and a healthy happy life. 

 
7. What is your favorite yoga posture to teach, and why? 

I love teaching arm balances because they can be so empowering. I love love love seeing people surprise themselves and do more than they think they can. 

8. Please share some words of wisdom or advice for your YogaDownload yoga students. 

Keep practicing!!! The more time we spend on our mats the more we realize yoga is so much more than the physical. The more we practice the more our yoga weaves it's way into our life's existence off of our mats and benefits everyone we come in contact with...so powerful!!!

9. Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share? "We need to heed the words of Dali Lama....Or at least the words of your mama" -  Michael Franti from the song Stay Human. I Love that!!!

10. What do you like to do "off the mat"? 

Spend time with my husband and children, painting, having crazy dance parties with my kids, bike riding, hiking, and anything outside in Colorado.