I was born and raised in Chicago, IL USA and, until recently, had lived my whole adult life in that bustling city. My family had a restaurant where I quickly developed a strong work ethic and learned the essentials of running a business. That foundation set me along a business centered path, yet part of me wasn’t being nurtured. My willingness to explore alternative avenues for life enrichment led me to yoga, which launched a full-fledged voyage.

My first introduction to yoga was during my training for a 35-day Mount Everest base camp hike, a physical endeavor requiring agility, stamina, and persistence. A friend suggested I include yoga in my preparation for cross-training purposes and benefits. After that first class I noticed a presence of mind; I was engaged in the moment feeling light in my body and standing taller than before.

In 2007, I committed to a 300-hour Jivamukti teacher-training course at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. As expected, the practice calmed me but I didn’t fully feel aligned between body and mind. Soon after this endeavor I was introduced to Iyengar yoga, and the questions that persisted found answers and resolve. Since that initial introduction I am grateful to have studied with mentors like Bob Whittinghill, Lois Steinberg, Randy Just, Gulnaaz Dashti, and Marla Apt.

Through years of dedicated practice, I am able to see how yoga bestows upon me calmness, stability, discipline, compassion, and confidence. Iyengar yoga teaches me how to create space within my body using awareness, expansion, and extension. Yoga is an inward journey that increases my mental and physical resilience, emotional and physical balance, and all aspects of stability. It fulfills my need for deep relaxation. These realizations lead me to pursuing an Iyengar yoga teaching certificate to be able to guide others on their paths to explore the joys and healing benefits of Iyengar yoga.