Yoga studies – 1998 – Present
Yoga teaching – 2006 – Present

Chronic pain led me to begin yoga studies in 1998. I suffered from intense and frequent migraines as well as complications from a broken tailbone injury. I tried physical therapy and chiropractic care and found little relief so turned to yoga as an alternative. I began practicing a form of Hatha yoga for a couple years and was able to find some relief for both problems. Later I began practicing Anusara® yoga with Kara at Spacious Heart Yoga. It was in Anusara® that I found a new meaning to my own yoga practice.

Anusara® embraces the beauty in all of us, no matter the skill level or the perfection of the poses. It allowed me to learn to open to grace, to accept my flaws and embrace the beauty I bring to my own practice and individuality. I have learned to open to the breath and recognize its healing power in my own body, to increase the awareness of my attitude and view of the world and myself.

Each time I teach, I hope to share what I have learned about self-acceptance and individual beauty. My desire is to help students discover the amazing “letting go” that can happen as one becomes aware of all the amazing things he or she is capable of doing.

In my professional life, I spend my days as a Social Worker at the Elkhart County Jail. In my personal life, I am a proud wife and mother of an amazing son and soon-to-be little one. I have a beautiful, supportive family that enjoys traveling, sports activities, movie nights and spending time together. I enjoy my own “me” time reading, practicing yoga, playing piano and being involved in our church.