I come from a fitness and martial arts background. I hold a first degree black belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate and also competed and won the Fitness America New York Pageant in 2001. Although I no longer compete in fitness or practice martial arts, I found love in Yoga, preferably Power Yoga. My practice has helped me grow even stronger, more flexible and fearless, both on and off the mat. Yoga has really inspired me to live each moment more mindfully.
After practicing yoga for just a little over 8 years, I felt strongly that I wanted to explore a teacher training program that would deepen my connection to a new found passion. I am a graduate of CrossRoads Yoga Teacher Training Program and am also a Registered Yoga Teacher through National Yoga Alliance. I believe that I will always be a student of the practice and am very deeply grateful for the loving wisdom my teachers have shared with me.
I also have worked with kids for an after school program called OPMAD (Organized Parents Make a Difference). OPMAD is a grassroots organization started by parents of the Hartford Public School. Created to broaden the experiences and interests of students and give them positive peer and adult role-models. The kids range anywhere from K-8th grade. Working with the kids has been one of the most rewarding things I have done.
I love to create an energetic, vigorous, sweaty practice for those looking to move and breathe. My classes are powerful and I love to combine creative sequencing, a spirit of playfulness, and a dose of inspiration to help you deepen your practice. I thrive in challenges and will encourage growth of the physical self. Inversions and arm balances are my strengths and I believe that by focusing on breath and being fully present in the body, any athletic activity can be enhanced and supported. I seek to help others thrive in life by challenging and nurturing the body, mind and soul with yoga, and my hope is that you step off the mat feeling energized, refreshed and balanced.
I am the owner of Core & Restore Yoga in Portland, CT. We offer a variety of classes from Beginner, Gentle, Power Yoga and Barre.
Namaste