Sweethome Teacup

I have been studying yoga since 1992. I began on quite a solitary journey reading books and practicing on my own. I found a wonderful woman named Colleen Swantner who offered an Astanga practice which opened my eyes to the intensity of the Asana. I continued inquiring through books learning about the philosophy, history and subtler practices.

           It was not until 8 years later that I found teachers that inspired and touched my heart in such a way that I felt completely devoted. I went to the Yasodhara Ashram in Canada and studied with Sharon Gannon.  That directed my life towards embracing the practices of Yoga as the vehicle for my life to unfold and evolve. Since then, I have studied with David Life, Tias Little, Donna Farhi, Angela Farmer, and Victor Van Kooten, and many other teachers far less known. Even the instruction from teachers that aren't yoga teachers, such as Ruth Zaporah, improvisational theatre work, have influenced and enhanced my study of Yoga.

       I received my teacher training over the course of 7 months studying with Kathleen Hunt of Samadhi Yoga in Seattle, Washington in 2007. I have been teaching at The Yoga Shala of Portland since the summer of 2008, and have also made North Portland Yoga my home.

I have offered Yoga instruction in my daughters' classrooms since they were in preschool, so have touched upon every age group. I  volunteer for a non-profit called StreetYoga. We offer yoga and wellness programs to homeless youth and kids at risk of homelessness. I have worked with cognitively, mentally and physically disabled adults through this program, as well. I must say this is the most powerful and satisfying interactions that go on in my life. With my devotion in that realm I have begun training others to work with at risk youth through the StreetYoga program.

         In the fall of 2010,  I traveled to India to study vedic chanting at the Krishnamacharya yoga Mandiram. Sound and vibration have a huge influence in my classes as well as self inquiry.  I love playing the harmonium and integrate that into most of my classes.

         My desire in offering classes, retreats, and workshops is to learn and grow with you and to cultivate compassion and loving kindness as an individual and a group force for the benefit of all beings.

        Hands together. Love, Sweethome