My Yoga practice has mainly been influenced by the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli and Erich Schiffmann. I emphasize "undoing" and softness, surrendering the weight of the body towards the earth, an effortless breath, length/space and flexibility in the spine, and learning to quiet the mind. Over the years, I have also been influenced by the teachings of Donna Farhi and Angela Farmer.

My Yoga Journey began in 1999 when I was living in California. I remember feeling as if I were in touch with myself for the first time...and feeling truly alive and well. I started taking one Iyengar class and one Ashtanga class per week. After several months, I began to feel a shift in my perspective. Life presented itself to me in a new way.

It wasn't long after I began practicing Yoga that I knew I wanted to become a Yoga Teacher. I wanted to offer the gift of Yoga to others. I moved to the Dallas area and fell in love with the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli. The freedom of this approach was quite refreshing. I enrolled in the Namaste International Teacher Training program, directed by Irene & Bill Beer. This program is registered with Yoga Alliance and is based in the Toronto area. I received my 200-hour teacher training certificate in 2003 and my 500-hour teacher training certification in 2005.

During my training, I did a 1 1/2 year Yoga apprenticeship with Carol Stall Carol has been practicing Yoga for over 30 years and is a gifted teacher. She is also trained in Vanda's teachings, along with Donna Farhi. Her guidance, insight, and compassion have always been appreciated.

I am also greatly influenced by Erich Schiffmann. In 2006, I completed Erich's Teacher Training course in Venice, CA, and continue to train with him at workshops, etc. Also, since March 2005, I have been a member of Erich's online Yoga discussion board, MIS. Erich has a unique passion for Yoga, and a giving, "egoless" nature. He has a loving and gentle teaching style and his approach to Yoga allows one's expressive nature to shine through. Erich is an excellent Teacher and one can easily recognize his genuine love for his students.

I believe both Vanda's and Erich's teachings are similar in many ways, and I am finding they blend very nicely together.

In 2005, I created a beginner-level Yoga DVD entitled: From the Ground Up: Experience the Freedom of Scaravelli Yoga, The Fundamentals. I had two inspirations. One was my students. I had several students ask where they could find a DVD using Vanda's approach. There were none of which I was aware. My second inspiration was my fervent belief in Vanda's work. Making the DVD was truly a joyful process, and sharing Yoga with others has been a blessing.

I now offer Yoga video clips that you can download from my website. You can also take my full-length class at yogavibes.com.


Namaste & Much Love