Bio

I found yoga 11 years ago after a decade of ballet. The bendy poses were an easy and fun transition, though once I delved deeper, I realized the amazing benefits of yoga in every aspect of my life: yoga has helped me to see the big picture of situations, taught me the importance of breath and reminded me to be in the present. I spent many years around yoga studios, from cleaning them to signing people in for class, just so I could keep up my practice. More recently, I have been involved with yoga outreach programs - bringing yoga to people who would not normally have the access. I have studied with various teachers in the Ashtanga and Vinyasa styles in California,  Washington DC, Mysore, India and Germany. My teaching style is straightforward and no nonsense, peppered with some humor and sarcasm. I teach with the belief that yoga is completely personal - yoga is you! I offer a welcome space for all levels of yogis to discover their own potential and have a good time. 

EDUCATION

v  Atmavikasa Center of Yogic Sciences, Mysore, India; Teacher: V. Venkatesha                     

      Advanced study of asanas, back bending techniques and meditation

     

v  Yoga District, Washington, DC; Teachers: J. Chehrazi, M. Mai                                             

      Yoga teacher training at the 200-hour level

v  Additional study with: Tim Miller, David Swenson, Sharath Jois, Joe London, Simon Park

v  The George Washington University, Wash., DC - Master of Arts, Global Communication               

     

v  University of California - San Diego, Bachelor of Arts, Communication                                           

CERTIFICATIONS

Registered Yoga Teacher’s (RYT) Certification, 2010, with Yoga Alliance

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Pure Pilates und Power Yoga, Heidelberg, Germany

Yoga Instructor

Conduct challenging and safe yoga classes for groups and private clients of all levels in the vinyasa, ashtanga, yin-yasa and power styles. 

Washington Sports Club, Washington, DC

Yoga Instructor

Conduct challenging and safe yoga classes for students of all levels in the hatha, vinyasa and power style.

Howard University, Washington, DC                                                                                  

Yoga Instructor

Conduct challenging and safe yoga classes for students of all levels in the hatha, vinyasa and power style.

Yoga Activist, Washington, DC                                                                                             

Yoga Instructor

Conduct outreach yoga classes for beginner-level students, survivors of trauma, recovering addicts, and some with limited mobility.

Yoga District, Washington, DC                                                                                            

Yoga Instructor

Conduct challenging and safe yoga classes for students of all levels in the hatha, vinyasa or power styles.

IONA Senior Services, Washington, DC                                                                                   

Yoga Instructor

Developed chair yoga routines and safely guided staff in an energizing office yoga practice.

So Others May Eat, Washington, DC                                                                                                     

Yoga Instructor

Guided recovering addicts through gentle yoga practice

SKILLS & INTERESTS 

• Over 11 years of yoga experience in various styles, including Ashtanga and Vinyasa
• English, Russian (fluent); French (intermediate speaking and writing); some German, Spanish; Independent travel to 30+ countries  
• Personal and professional interests in human rights, international development, public diplomacy, animal welfare