WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

When I was in Medical School at Ohio University, I took my very first yoga class. One of our anatomy professors and her husband (two yogi’s in Athens, Ohio) offered free yoga to medical students who wanted to “de-stress” a little…In an empty lecture room, we pushed desks to the side, rolled out borrowed mats, and started to learn how to breathe and move together, working towards our first Sun Salutation! It was probably one of the most impactful parts of my journey towards becoming a doctor because from that day on I was hooked!

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

When I became a physician in 2005, I started recommending yoga to patients on a regular basis. The benefits in my own life were so positive and plentiful – I felt like I wanted to share this magic secret yoga practice with everyone! During my first “Believe in CLE” event I was inspired by the speaker who encouraged the “because I said I would” Mantra – I wrote down on a small piece of paper that day that I would one day become a yoga teacher. The dream became a reality when I was accepted into Yoga Teacher training in 2017.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA OUR COMMUNITY?

I love the concept of making yoga available to everyone. It is a dream I am proud to be a part of and support. I see yoga as a tool for healing – connecting our mind, body and spirit – achieving balance between all three…No matter who we are or where we come from, we all have similar struggles and challenges in our lives. Cultivate Yoga Space is able to connect us ALL. In becoming a part of the Cultivate community I am excited to give back and spread this breathing practice around to everyone who wants to participate!

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga has given me an alternate way of viewing or approaching a situation by encouraging me to first take a breath, and then dive in. It has given me a greater ability to listen…and has cultivated within me the strength to respond instead of react.

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

My 4 kids – Grace, Maria, Faith & Frankie (who are twins!), our family adventures, traveling, cooking, wine, and listening to lots of great music!