taken by surprise….

A decade ago, I would have politely declined an invitation to yoga, dismissing it with common stereotypes—it wasn’t a real workout, I wasn’t flexible, and so on. But nine knee surgeries have a way of humbling a person. Desperate to stay active without further harming my knees, I tried various fitness programs before stumbling into a hot yoga class. It was challenging, but I loved how my body responded—strength, flexibility, a good sweat, and, most importantly, no knee pain. I was hooked.

Over time, my practice deepened beyond the physical. A quiet shift occurred—I began to experience a sense of peace and contentment that extended beyond the mat. Life’s struggles, which often manifested as physical tension, were easing through my practice in ways I couldn’t quite explain. Yoga became an essential part of my physical and emotional well-being. Hatha, Kundalini, Bhakti, Nidra, and Yin each played a role, offering new dimensions to my journey.

In my 50s, my path took an unexpected turn when C-PTSD upended my world. A history of childhood trauma resurfaced, bringing emotional and physical symptoms that disrupted every aspect of my life. For three years, I devoted myself entirely to healing—I had no other choice. I sought every available resource: talk therapy, trauma-informed practices, and holistic healing modalities. It was a painful process that led to significant life changes, but I came to understand that trauma isn’t just in the mind—it’s stored in the body. Bessel van der Kolk’s book, The Body Keeps the Score, resonated deeply: “If the memory of trauma is encoded in our senses, in muscle tension, and in anxiety, then the body must also be involved in the healing process.”

My journey led me to Yandara, which became the gateway to Kripalu and, ultimately, to training as a Yoga Therapist. Initially, my goal was personal healing, not professional certification, but the deeper I went, the more my hunger for knowledge and inner healing grew.

Why Yoga Therapy Matters

Yoga therapy is more than a physical practice—it’s a pathway to healing the whole self. I discovered this firsthand. Yoga didn’t just help my knees; it helped me reclaim my life from trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain.

Trauma lives in the body, and healing must include the body. Yoga therapy combines time-tested yogic principles with modern science to create individualized, accessible paths to healing. It’s not about touching your toes or mastering a perfect pose—it’s about meeting your body and mind exactly where they are, and helping you move forward with strength, clarity, and self-compassion.

Training & Certifications

Training matters—but so does connection. You deserve a guide who brings both knowledge and empathy. My path to becoming a Yoga Therapist wasn’t just about earning certifications; it was born from personal healing and a desire to help others do the same.

I trained at Kripalu Institute of Yoga, known as the “Harvard of Yoga.” It’s a highly respected, accredited school with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). My education is extensive, but it’s the lived experience, combined with training, that shapes my approach.

• Yoga Therapist / Professional Yoga Therapist Program, Kripalu Yoga Institute (800 Hours)

• Advanced Teacher of Therapeutic Yoga, Kripalu Institute of Yoga (300 Hours)

• RYT Yandara Yoga Institute, Baja Mexico (200 Hours)

• Foundations of Yoga Therapy, Kripalu Institute of Yoga and Health (103 Hours)

• Yoga Therapy Clinical Practice, Kripalu Institute of Yoga and Health (219 Hours)

• Custom session design & protocol formation for individual clients

• Yoga Therapy Applied in Medical Settings (75 hours)

• Yoga Therapy Applications Within the Mental-Health Field (75 hours)

• In-Depth Anatomy of Asana (75 hours)

• Pranayama, Mudra, and Subtle Anatomy Applied in Yoga Therapy (75 hours)

• Embodying the Principles and Practices of Ayurveda in Yoga Therapy (75 hours)

Specialized Trainings:

• Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma: Kripalu Institute of Yoga and Health — Instructors: Bessel van der Kolk and Licia Sky

• Restorative Yoga Therapeutic Teacher Training: Kripalu Institute of Yoga and Health — Instructor: Jillian Pransky

• Positional Therapy for Chronic Pain Relief, Levels 1 & 2: Kripalu Institute of Yoga and Health — Instructor: Lee Albert

• Reiki Training: Yandara Yoga Institute

Academic Background:

• B.S. Arizona State University — Business

• Master’s Degree Fuller Theological Seminary

Who I Am Beyond Yoga

My life experiences have shaped how I show up as a yoga therapist. I’ve walked paths that challenged my beliefs, resilience, and faith. I’ve sat in abandoned buildings in the Middle East to meet with “the enemy,” shared meals with strangers across 30+ countries, stood in fear with Sudanese nuns under gunfire, and wept in awe at inexplicable miracles.

I’ve seen the world from the Oval Office and a prison cell. I’ve played guitar in a foreign airport, gathering a crowd to sing along. I’ve traveled alongside people who kill for a living and been moved by the teachings of the Bible, the Koran, and the Bhagavad Gita.

These experiences taught me that no matter where we come from or what we’ve endured, healing is possible. Compassion, resilience, and humor are essential parts of the journey.

I’m honored to walk with others on their path to healing — I’ve been there, too.

They say you’re supposed to include a professional headshot on a site like this — to look like an “expert” or at least reassure people you’re not a psychopath. Truth is, I’m not the type to stage a polished website photo. So instead, here are some “slice of life” photos — a glimpse of who I am beyond the yoga mat. Lucky you… :)