What drew you to yoga?
I was drawn to yoga during my sophomore year at Ohio State. I needed a physical outlet, a movement practice I could stay consistent with even during the cold winter months. I started taking classes a couple nights a week at a gym that was in walking distance of my apartment. Something clicked for me almost instantly—and hence my yoga obsession began. Throughout college, I made a point of maintaining and growing my practice, trying out various studios around Columbus and soaking up the different styles I observed. Finally, when I graduated from Ohio State in 2014, I enrolled in a 200-hour teacher training program.

Why do you practice?
I practice because I believe that mobility and feeling at ease in your own body is a privilege, a gift that many of us take for granted. I also practice because it helps me to sort through my thoughts and dilemmas without actively thinking about them. Sometimes I will go to a class with my mind inundated with “conflict”—I often struggle to make decisions (big or small) and tend to really dwell and stress myself out about dumb stuff. But after (or even during) a rigorous practice, the answer will suddenly present itself, and then I feel at peace in carrying out whatever it is I need to do.

(Life+) How does yoga change you off the mat?
I think that a regular yoga practice has made me a jollier and more relaxed individual, which in turn helps me to be a positive force in the lives of my friends, family, and coworkers.

What is your style?
Powerful and intense, perhaps a bit sensual. I’m all about those dynamic, dance-like transitions. With a theatre and dance background, I like to think I bring a flare of drama to the mat. I tend to incorporate a lot of balance poses into my sequencing, with long holds (particularly in warrior III) to build strength both physically and mentally. I’m also fond of long flows full of twists and turns.

Where are you when you’re not teaching?
I’m all over the place! When I’m not teaching, I’m selling real estate, modeling for figure drawing classes at CCAD, or watching Forensic Files with Princess (my angelic teacup poodle). I quite enjoy a leisurely grocery shopping session—I love hanging out at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. When I’m not gallivanting around grocery stores, I love to be at home—cooking vegan meals, cleaning, or gardening (weather permitting). And of course, when I’m not teaching, I make a point of catching other instructor’s classes and trying out new studios. It’s so important to me as a teacher to keep developing my personal practice and draw inspiration from others. I strive to keep a perpetual beginner’s mindset—there’s always something new to learn.

What illuminates you?
Having the freedom to make my own decisions in life and create my reality