What drew you to yoga?
The first time I practiced yoga was when I was 16, with my parents; so, I’ve been practicing since then. After, I started to practice martial arts, and my body was really tired; I had to find something to balance my training, so I went back to yoga to focus on cross-training. The balance kept tilting back more and more towards yoga. Really, the spiritual part happened after the physical part. Now it is an essential part of my life.

Why do you practice?
To honor my personal space. I practice to ground; to find physical and mental space. To deal with day to day life and recharge my batteries for everything else I do, that’s why I practice. It’s fun; it takes me out of my comfort zone. I can learn new things every time I step on my mat (which I need to get the new one btw!).

(Life+) How does yoga change you off the mat?
More than changing me, it connects me back to my human-self. It brings awareness to my always-changing nature.

What is your style?
I have an integrative style of all I’ve learned, and it depends on who is on the mat, who is in my class, and who I’m serving yoga to: From the sassy dynamics of salsa-dancing to ass kicking kung-fu to mindful moving like the ocean waves and softness; it’s rooted to bringing the body to the level of the strength of an oak tree, allowing the roots of traditional yoga to keep the structure of the class.

Where are you when you’re not teaching?
With my daughter, sleeping, eating delicious vegan food, with friends, playing music. Sometimes I travel, and I practice martial arts.

What illuminates you?
Honest hugs, true moments, connection, dance parties, karaoke nights, jamming with friends, the rewarding smile of a student after class, sleeping, and sleeping more.