I consider myself an educator of the yogic arts, and guide in wellness practices and sacred support.
Life is a gift, and it is complicated, particularly during these times of swelling change. I believe we have immense resilience as humans, we long for belonging and meaningful relationships, and we all interface with challenge and suffering. I show up to support others during all of life’s seasons to help build capacity, healing, and recognizing one’s worth and unique gifts as contributions to share in this world- unlocking opportunities of truer expression. I do this work through the pathways of yoga and meditation, personal coaching based on needs, goals and current life circumstances, and offer opportunities to experience nature and adventure through travel. When we prioritize health, identify our self-defeating unconscious patterns, accept the pain we’ve experienced, embrace support through our relationships and community, and employ consistent practices and lifestyle choices that buoy our sustained well-being, we step into a deeply fulfilling way of being.
The main influences that have shaped my life story are the opportunity to live and work in the wilderness, and the discovery of yoga and meditation, which happened concurrently around 1999. My time in the wilderness provided the opportunity to shed a lot of fear and disconnection I felt with nature. Nature inspired awe, helped me learn to be with discomfort, and allowed me to witness its extraordinary interconnectedness. It also taught me how strong I can be. Yoga and meditation opened me in extraordinary ways, physically but more importantly internally, to who I am and what is possible, which continues to unfold. Since that time alongside the cultivation of many years of dedicated practice and sincere study, I regard the system of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness as some of the best technology available to improve the health of our body, to instill stability and resilience in our mind, and to open the pathways to the supreme treasure in every heart. The best part is it is accessible to everyone. As long as you can breathe, you can practice.
I received my first yoga teaching certifications in 2003 and 2004 through the Integral Yoga Institute.
In 2007 I began studying with Yogarupa Rod Stryker, founder of Parayoga, an approach that preserves the wisdom and potency of the yoga tradition while remaining relevant to the modern day practitioner. I am currently a 500hr level teacher and received the comprehensive ParaYoga Level 1 certification in the spring of 2014. Mentorship with Parayoga led me to become versed in the practices and profound impacts of pranayama, meditation, and yoga nidra. These studies also led me into the system of Sri Vidya, tantra and the lineage of the Himalayan Sages and became initiated into the lineage in 2010. I continue to study with Pandit Rajmani Tigunait of the Himalyan Institute, and offer group classes, regional and international retreats, and work privately with individuals. I have been serving the Madison, WI area as a passionate yoga and meditation teacher since 2004. I teach group classes and courses ranging from 4 weeks to 9 months, lead regional and international retreats, cultural excursions, and work with individuals one on one to support wellness and deepen sacred pathways.
I venture regularly back into the wilds and around the world, and in 2017-2018 traveled with my family via a camper trailer for one year, our radical sabbatical, which emphasized time in national parks around the western US. The practice of being with land, and learning from unique cultures and animals that live upon it, are an endless source of inspiration, connection, and celebration. I derive joy from stewarding others in these kinds of experiences as well.