I grew up in Washington’s Crossing, a suburb of Philadelphia,on a 10-acre retired farm where my sister and I were free to run around the woods, talk to wildlife, and sing at the top of our lungs. Of course, that kind of romantic childhood makes awkwardness a sure thing once you leave the comfort of the homestead, and I spent most of my first 18 years with either my nose in a book or my head in the clouds.
Fast forward to 2003, when I enrolled at NYU as an English major and Creative Writing minor. I met unbelievable people, learned amazing things, and got schooled by the greatest city in the world. Perhaps most importantly, New York City became the place where I discovered my passion…
Yoga & I found each other in 2006, when I reluctantly came to the mat at the suggestion of my mother, who felt yoga would help manage my mysterious & severe joint pain. I strolled into my first class and was instantly intrigued by the joy & openness I felt, the sense of possibility infusing the air, and the grace I glimpsed in myself even on that first day.
Gradually my asana practice led me to explore Buddhist philosophy. The more I learned, the more I felt the dharma resonate with my innate sense of being, and I am continually awed by the compassion, humor, and curiosity of Buddhist wisdom.
In the summer of 2008, after completing my MA in English Literature at NYU, certain stars aligned and I found myself enrolled in Raji Thron’s Yoga Synthesis Teacher Training Program, which I completed in May 2009. Raji’s highly eclectic program helped me develop a multi-faceted style of teaching & practice that draws on elements from various aspects of many prominent yoga schools: pacing and intensity from Ashtanga, creative vinyasa sequencing, alignment specifics and the use of props from Iyengar, energetic principles of Anusara, and the breath-movement coordination that is the hallmark of Viniyoga. This “synthesis” is complemented by meditation techniques and pranayama (literally “energy manipulation” ~ breath work), which allow practitioners to explore more deeply the intimate connection between mind and body. The result is a curious, challenging, creative, intelligent practice that begins where you are and travels with you on the Path.
In the summer of 2009 I completed the Road to OM Advanced TT program and attended the Yoga Posture Adjustment workshop with Stefani Pappas (Devalila Yoga).
I am endlessly grateful to the teachers I have been so blessed to work with at Om Yoga, Flip Dog, and Yoga Synthesis; to my sister, Sarah, my lifelong friend and confidante; to my partner, Dan, for supporting me on the path; and to my root gurus, my parents, for teaching me more than they will ever know.
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, Om