ABOUT MY TRAINING...

I'm a Certified Advanced Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher: I've received 110 hours of training under clinically trained therapists and somatics professionals: Hala Khouri, MA, E-RYT, SEP; Kyra Haglund LCSW, SEP, E-RYT; and RW Alves, C-IAYT, SEP, E-RYT500 of Collective Resilience. I'm also a Certified Accessible Yoga Teacher: I've received 35 hours of training from The Accessible Yoga School under Jivana Heyman, C-IAYT, E-RYT500. 

​

I have two, 200-hour yoga certifications. The first in Hatha Yoga through Aura Wellness under the guidance of Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT500, YACEP. The second through Yoga Works in Vinyasa Yoga with Camille McCarroll (formerly Camille Moses-Allen) and Emily Plauché (formerly Emily Lodge), who trained under the late Maty Ezraty. My 300-hour certification is through My Vinyasa Practice under Michelle Young, M.Ed, C-IAYT, E-RYT500.

​

I'm currently taking courses toward a BS in Psychology with plans to pursue a Master's in Cognitive Neuroscience/Clinical Therapy. Aside from my designations and certifications, I have over 1000 hours of training and over 25 years of experience in the practice of yoga.

​

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & PHILOSOPHY...

My teaching integrates my interpretation of yogic philosophy and asana through the lens of my studies in human biology, anatomy, and psychology. While I bring a deep awareness to proper alignment and muscle engagement, I encourage my students to approach each posture with curiosity and explore poses in a way that is comfortable in their individual bodies.

 

I'm a trauma-informed and accessible yoga teacher at Rolling Brook Yoga in Catonsville, Maryland, where I offer group classes as well as private sessions. I also work at Thrive Emerge Mental Health Counseling Services as a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher/Somatic Therapist and Life-Skills Coach. I serve on the Health Advisory Board of Hope Works: a domestic violence prevention organization in Howard County, Maryland where I also teach Yoga for Survivors and am a vetted alternative healthcare practitioner. I recently started with with the University of Maryland, Baltimore, teaching yoga to students in the DREAM Disability Justice program through the School of Social Work. I teach at three preschools: Montessori Luna Bilingual Micro School, Blooming Buds Learning Center, and Creative Little Minds Learning Center. Additionally, I've served multiple times as a guest lecturer on trauma-informed practices in medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Mindfulness in Medicine course.

​

I teach all ages and abilities. I love teaching children. I'm an RCYT (Registered Children's Yoga Teacher) with specific training in teaching yoga & mindfulness to children with special needs and children with trauma. I received all of my children's yoga training (95 hours) through the ChildLight Education Company. I've worked in public schools in special education classrooms, private preschool settings, studio/group classes, virtual classes, and private sessions with children ages 3 months to 17 years. Please feel free to request references!

​

I also founded and serve as director of a charity that supports families of children who have life-threatening and terminal liver disease and liver transplants: Liver Mommas & Families.

​

LET'S GET PERSONAL...

I'm Mom to three amazing kiddos of my own - all with a variety of diverse/special needs, chronic health issues, and neurodivergent diagnoses. They inspire me every day to learn and grow in directions that better support and advocate for those with diversity and various challenges.

​

I'm diagnosed as neurodivergent, myself! I'm AuDHD - or Autistic and ADHD. 

​

I have Hyper-mobilty Spectrum Disorder (HSD). For me, this means that I practice yoga in a way that supports and strengthens my joints, and I teach my students to do the same. This also means that I live with chronic pain and a collection of cooccurring conditions. I often have to practice what I teach! For this reason, I encourage all of my students to listen to their bodies and not push past their individual comfort zones. 

​

I am a trauma-survivor. I've found peace, resilience, and strength through my own practice, and I love to share that gift with others.