I started practicing yoga in 1999 while in graduate school and loved it instantly. I understand now that my story has been repeated over and over during the thousands of years yoga has been done: I tried it on a whim, was challenged more than I expected physically and mentally, plus had fun, and kept doing it. Eventually, I gave up the gym, I was more focused, more calm, more able to tap into an inner well of strength. Because yoga had resonated so much with me, I wanted to learn more and share it with others, resulting in my 200 hour Yoga Alliance certification in 2004.

I came to Uptown Yoga years ago simply to take classes, and found a home I didn’t even know I was searching for. I fell in love with the studio: the brick of the walls and the wood of the floor grounded and balanced me; the way the light came in and how I could see the sky and treetops (and the occasional squirrel) through the windows made me take a step away from my own worries and just watch the earth pass.

I also fell in love because the teachers there constantly taught me new things and new ways of looking at old things. Even though most of those teachers have moved on, they imbued the space with their energy, creativity, dedication, and love. I am profoundly grateful to be able to teach there now in their stead and to have found a space where my own creativity (and occasional wackiness) fits in perfectly and where my personal practice can still continue to grow thanks to the amazing group of teachers with whom I am so fortunate to work and practice.