The Full Story
About
I have personally experienced great healing in using nature to guide my self-care, reduce stress, manage chronic pain, and help me find a greater work-life balance. My faith has deepened greatly since I started this work and I also feel a greater connection to my ancestors. I enjoy helping others uncover the tools and practices that can cultivate a greater sense of connection and holistc wellbeing.
My Path to Yoga Therapy
My journey into yoga therapy began unexpectedly nearly 15 years ago. After a decade of living with chronic pain resulting from a car accident, I sought respite at my parents' farm in rural Minnesota. During a casual outing to a local pizza place, my typically reserved father surprised me by passionately extolling the virtues of yin yoga to another farmer. Intrigued by his enthusiasm, I decided to join my parents for a few classes.
In just four sessions over two weeks, I noticed a remarkable shift in how I related to my pain. This experience ignited a profound curiosity and commitment to exploring yoga as a means of alleviating not only physical discomfort but also mental, emotional, and spiritual unrest that often accompanies chronic conditions.
Embracing the ancient wisdom of yogic philosophy and connecting with the natural rhythms of the world became integral to my daily life. As someone living with fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial pain syndrome, these practices became essential tools for optimizing my well-being.
Motivated by the transformative impact of yoga therapy in my own life, I pursued certification through the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). This journey involved over 1,000 hours of rigorous training and apprenticeship, equipping me with the skills and knowledge to empower others facing similar challenges.
My Path to Teaching
With a lifelong passion for teaching, I've been sharing my knowledge since my younger sister could hold a crayon. Teaching and training have been central components of every job I've held, spanning over 25 years. As a curriculum developer, program implementer, and trainer, I've honed my innate ability to convey complex concepts clearly and understandably to the layperson.
Since 2016, I've served as staff for a 200-hour yoga teacher training program, and since 2020, I've also been involved in an accredited yoga therapy training program. My love for learning and teaching permeates every session I facilitate. I not only suggest exercises and practices, but I also ensure an understanding of how and why they work, and how to adapt them to meet individuals wherever they may be on their journey - whether in remission, experiencing a flare, or somewhere in between. My ultimate goal is to provide individuals with a multitude of tools to mitigate suffering caused by chronic conditions.
