What drew you to yoga?
When my husband and I moved back from NYC we decided we needed a way to get healthy together. He was a long distance runner in high school, but I was a miserable failure at that so we took our first yoga class. It was awkward and alien, the room was carpeted, and I kept sliding around on my cheap Target mat like a greased pig. So I went back again. And again.

Why do you practice?
I practice to connect with my body. We have become close allies because I’ve learned to listen to what it needs, and it in turn nourishes me.

(Life+) How does yoga change you off the mat?
I am (still) working on lengthening the time between actions and my reactions to them. As an Aries and a pitta dosha, my go-to has always been quick to overreact, so yoga has helped me to create that mental space.

What is your style?
My style is about alignment and integration of parts. How the bandhas, the breath, and everything tie together into a cohesive whole. I find alignment to be very important not just because I’m Type A (although I am), but because I think it not only prevents injury, it also provides the foundation for growth and strengthening.

Where are you when you’re not teaching?
I like to spend my time cooking, gardening, being a cat mom, and other ways that keep me grounded in the present.

What illuminates you?
Creative dialogue, and nerding out over topics that are close to my heart (grammar, yoga, animals). Also new recipes, playing piano, being outside, and the people in my life who never fail to inspire me.