WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I started yoga as a way to incorporate stretching into my cycling and running route. I read an article about how yoga increases strength, flexibility and helps reduce the risk of injuries. So, I bought a few yoga DVDs. I remember thinking yoga was slow, boring and why couldn’t I touch my toes in a forward fold. At this stage in my life, I was all about the “need for speed” - not realizing I was really running from my problems. A co-worker invited me to a Yoga in the Park event, my first live yoga class. Afterwards she recommended I try a hot power yoga class. I was hooked, that was back in 2012.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

Deciding to become a yoga teacher was a long journey for me. I've always encouraged and brought friends to classes with me but never really considered becoming a teacher, I liked being the student. On my 50th birthday, I thought about what truly makes me happy and how could I share that happiness. A month later I enrolled in Yoga Teacher Training at Modern Yoga in Strongsville, Ohio and completed August 2020. After a decade of practicing yoga, I want to spend the next decade teaching others what yoga brings to my life.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? 

I envision Cultivate Yoga Space providing a safe, supportive and accepting community for everyone. A place to learn and practice yoga, make friends and generate happiness.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga taught me to listen to my mind and body but most importantly to breathe. By listening to my whole self I accept my limitations (letting it go), explore my edge (going for it) and live in the moment. My yoga truly became a practice when I learned that my breath will get me through life on and off my mat. Yoga makes me a better person - full of peace, love and joy.

BESIDES YOGA, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT CULTIVATES JOY IN YOUR LIFE?

Being outside hiking, camping, exploring new places and spending quality time with family.