What's your story? 

My Yoga journey began when I was in my early 30's. My first Yoga teacher, Barbara Delledonne, Santi Yoga, taught a 90-minute Hatha Yoga class in a local Dojo. At the time this was standard for yoga classes. Her instruction left me feeling stronger in my body, and peace in my mind as I had never experienced before. I became committed to learning more about the practice. What surprised me was how much the practice would teach me about myself. I will be forever indebted to her for shining her light on my yoga path. 

Fast forward about 15 years... I was entrenched in some of the most painful struggles of my life. I do not believe it was a coincidence that I made the decision to become a yoga teacher at this time. Because yoga is a course in self-study I found the answers to the adversity I faced from within. I was able to move forward in my life with grace. I wanted to share my passion for the practice so right away, I began to teach Vinyasa & Hatha-style Yoga classes in both heated and non-heated studios. I continued my yoga education with certifications in: Hot Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Kids Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Ashtanga Primary Series, and also became a Reiki Master. This work was satisfying to me, but I felt called to do more with my instruction. Since most of my life was spent as an educator, I felt compelled to bring these two skills together. I trained with an incredible Yogi and gifted Healer, Danielle Rae, who certified me in Yoga for Special Needs. I began working in her studio providing private Yoga instruction to students with special needs. Soon I began offering special needs yoga classes at a local YMCA, and in several private schools for students with disabilities. I expanded my services into the Public Schools and my business continued to grow exponentially. As an experienced educator, I had seen firsthand the impact of stress and anxiety on our youth. The statistics regarding youth at risk for drug use, depression, and suicide are staggering. I believe more must be done to teach students real-life coping skills to manage everyday stressors in a world that is increasingly overstimulating and demanding. I believe the practice of Yoga, Mindfulness, & Meditation can shift these trends. In time, I became a vendor for the Eastern Suffolk BOCES, Arts in Education Program and my business (and my life) soared. My business now offered wellness programs to schools for little to no cost for week-long residencies at the elementary level, and 2-3 day wellness programs at the intermediate and secondary levels. I also offered Staff Programs/Workshops & Training. 

Then the world changed for us all. The pandemic hit. It has been a long time for us all to "re-boot," our lives and my experience for my business was no different.