What drew you to yoga?
Growing up, I quickly found out I was pretty uncoordinated in most sports besides running. So I quickly learned to love running + the way it made me feel, but I knew I was missing something to help lengthen and stretch the muscles I worked during a run. So my senior year of high school I discovered a small in-home yoga studio through a friend and began practicing once a week to help supplement my running. However, it wasn't until college when my anxiety crept in that I truly learned to love yoga and all that encompassed it (the breath, movement + mind/body connection I was looking for).

Why do you practice?
I love exercise. I love what the body can do, how it moves + all that it can handle. I'm a total science nerd and love anatomy and physiology + love challenging my body. Naturally I find myself gravitating towards HIIT workouts, running, and strength training, but there was always a part of yoga that drew me back. Somehow I kept finding myself back on my mat, again and again. I think in the same way that running allows me to clear my thoughts and focus on only what I'm doing, yoga helps me to rejuvenate my mind. I can come into a class completely overwhelmed and full of external stress, but as soon as I can let myself breathe + let go I'm in a much healthier place and that sort of clarity motivates and re-energizes me for the rest of the day. Practicing yoga helps me to be more connected to myself + puts my anxiety at ease.

(Life+) How does yoga change you off the mat?
I think I mentioned this a little above but yoga helps me to be a calmer, more focused version of myself. Without yoga, without breath, I can be very sporadic in my thoughts and not feel centered, so having a yoga practice guides me to continue connecting with how I feel.

What is your style?
I currently teach barre at L I T so I would say my style is a faster pace movement than your typical vinyasa or flow class. I love challenging myself and my students in a way that makes them feel so empowered, that they can handle anything life throws at them, while still coming back to your breath. Always.

Where are you when you’re not teaching?
Oh goodness, so many places, I love staying active and being outside! I recently started school again for occupational therapy, so maybe at school, running, or hanging out with my husband, Bret and our friends. I feel so at-home with friends + family around, so I would so I'm happiest when there is good food and good company around!

What illuminates you?
A community of individuals all striving to be the best versions of themselves they can be. I think with a good community comes friendship, accountability, passion and FUN! All of these things keep me motivated, wanting to put my best foot forwards always and a happy + healthy individual. Oh and ice cream, I love me a double scoop waffle cone from Jeni's.