How did you get into yoga? What aspect of yoga got you on the mat in the beginning?

I met my mat to get healthy.  I had heard about the many amazing physical and psychological benefits of asana, and during my sophomore year of college I was in dyer need of both.  My first class was an Led-Primary Series (Ashtanga) class with Cara Jepson, who taught at DePaul’s campus gym.  

What would you consider your yoga style and who were a few teachers that influenced you the most?

It’s funny because Ashtanga is my love and it’s what I practice 95% of the time, but I don’t really enjoy teaching Ashtanga.  However, I adore teaching Vinyasa classes, and I use my passion for Ashtanga in my sequencing.  I would consider my yoga style to be very traditional and the teachers I have been most influenced by are Yogaview’s Claire Mark and Geri Bleier.  I have also taken trainings and seminars with Manju Jois, Dice Ida Klein, Tim Miller and Jason Crandell.  

If you could change one aspect of the modern yoga world, what would that be?

I will say that I don’t always “live” my yoga, but I have never brought my phone into a class with me.  That is the one aspect I would change about modern yoga.  Leaving during savasana is a close second.

Why do you love teaching at yogaview?

I have never taken a bad class at Yogaview (Wilmette or Chicago).  So I am humbled to be upon the great quality instructors here.  I also love how organized the studio is, there is always someone smiling at the front desk when I arrive and the studio is ready for me so that all I have to worry about is teaching my class.   

Within the 8 limbs of yoga, the experience of Samadhi is often described as the top rung of the ladder. It’s considered by many to be indescribable, yet it is often described as such and more. Can you please describe your personal experience of this state or what the concept represents to you?

Because I have two small children (6 month old and 2.5 year old) I am only really immersed in the physical practice (Asana) right now, so I can only speak in terms of that.  Samadhi to me, is an amazing savasana (the kind where you’re not asleep but your not awake, your body is calm and relaxed, your mind is still, your breath is not forced and you’re just kind of there.)  That to me is Samadhi.  One day I hope to get deeper into the meditative aspect of the practice.  

What was one of the funniest or most humbling moments you’ve had while teaching a class?

Hardest question of the bunch because there have been so many!  I’m going to go with when I was demonstrating a handstand and a couple of cheerios fell out of my bra.

In less than 140 characters, like that of a tweet or much like a sutra, describe your inner experience going about daily life pre vs. post developing a regular yoga or meditation practice.

Most things I do revolve around my practice.  (How will this meal make me feel when I start moving on my mat?  If I meet this person at this time will I be able to squeeze in a practice?  This is a good song, it would be great for my playlist.)  I am fortunate enough to have many things to live for, but for the past ten years I have LIVED for my practice (and around it as well).

If there was one spiritual teacher or guru that you would desire to study under (dead or alive) who would it be?

Thich Nhat Han

What is your favorite non yoga activity?

Being with my family

Write a question of your own or write about an aspect of yoga you’d like to share!

If you could participate in another Yoga Teacher Training who’s would you take?  Answer: Ana Forrest

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