Hometown:

Indiana

What led you to yoga?

After 12 weeks of bedrest during pregnancy and at which time I suffered a neck injury from a car accident, I found myself at the chiropractor on a regular basis.  By accident/chance/coincidence, I found myself in a yoga class offered one night a week at the Y and immediately could feel the benefits not only on my body but my mind (that one night could get me through the week).  However, I soon needed more and I searched and found more classes.  I began to practice several times a week and have not had to see the chiropractor since.      

How do you begin each day?

With 3 boys, my mornings are very hectic but I do give myself 10 minutes before it all begins.

What three words describe how you want to BE each day?

Calm ~  Positive ~ Happy!!!

What pose still makes you feel like a beginner?

Upavistha Konasana (seated wide angle)

What three things cause you to be fully present, other than yoga?

My three boys

What is the best trip you ever had?

A trip to Florida – the magic of Disney through my little guy’s eyes, the beauty of the beach, and the thrilling site of a shuttle launch – was a great family trip with lots of memories.

What is the most beautiful sight you’ve ever seen?

Obviously, the first time I saw each of my boys – what a miracle (especially after enduring high risk pregnancies).

What qualifies you to be a yoga teacher?  (certification, additional studies, etc.) 

I have completed certifications through IFTA, YogaFlight, FitTour, YMCA Group Exercise and am currently pursuing my 230 hour teacher certification through Asheville Yoga Center at Clearspring Yoga.  I began “subbing” for other yoga teachers in 2004 and have taught my own classes since 2007.  I love yoga & have a strong passion to gain the knowledge needed to continue my yoga journey.

What is one of the first things someone would notice about your teaching style?

I have a calm/soft-spoken teaching style (even when the class is more of a level 2 or a power style).

What is your favorite thing about teaching yoga?

I love sharing what I’ve learned about yoga with others -- seeing them feel the benefits and the changes that it makes in their lives.  I love when I can help someone else make their day better! Patanjali defines yoga as the ability to direct the mind exclusively toward an object and sustain that direction without any distractions.

How do you define yoga?

For me yoga is about giving oneself the time to join the mind, body, and spirit together as one – in that moment of unity there is calm & rejuvenation!

What three things break your heart?

Dishonesty ~  Not being grateful ~ Cruelty

Of what three things are you most proud of accomplishing?

• Raising 3 caring, giving, & honest boys (I think everyday is an accomplishment, but always a work still in progress)
• Maintaining a healthy marriage with my hubby through the years
• Knowing that I have chosen the right paths in life

Professional or personal life outside of yoga?

I am a mom 24/7 – and do my best to support my boys with their opportunities and interests, whether I’m shuttling from one practice to another, volunteering at their events, or baking goodies for one of their events.  So in those moments that I do have to myself, I love to read (mostly yoga material) and I love to watch HGTV!

Any other juicy tidbits you want to share?

One aspect that I love about yoga is the sharing -- as the teacher of a yoga class I also learn from those taking my class.