About
I specialize in and have a passion for working with beginning yogis. I teach SmartFLOW yoga, which is rooted in classical yoga and Vinyasa flow, but distinguished by intelligent pose sequencing - with a focus on a specific kinetic chain or particular anatomical inquiry - as well as a rigorous focus on proper alignment and modifying poses safely, as needed.
Our classes together will be 60 or 90 minutes in length, at your location or in my home studio in Oakland. Class structures are similar, although a 90 minute session affords more peak pose time, and the opportunity for deeper, more complete relaxation at the conclusion of class. We'll begin by warming up your body safely, then flow through a series of basic beginning poses, adding moderate holds to build strength. We ground attention by aligning presence, breath, and movement. I provide modifications/adjustments as needed to ensure comfort and appropriate challenge. Proper alignment is a huge priority. Our session concludes with restorative poses, mindful breathing, and finally resting the body completely, in order to recieve the benefits of your asana practice.
I ask students to provide their own yoga mat.
As a former professional dancer, ten-year yoga practitioner, a certified 200-hr RYT, and all around movement and anatomy nerd, I am passionate about helping others become more present and mindful with their body usage. I derive great satisfaction in helping you articulate and execute goals for personal practice - both on and off the yoga mat. I believe the body is an extension and metaphor for our interior life, and by working from "the outside in," we are able to bring our complete being into better alignment, presence, and joy. I will not impress dogma or ideology onto you; your yoga (and life!) journey is your own. I view my role as a facilitator and teacher of physical presencing and refinement.
As a teacher, I am smart, empathic, accessible, encouraging, and also not very funny.
For more on me, and videos of my personal practice, find me on Instagram: @practiceimperfect
Highlights
Reviews
Dave S.
Emily W.
Adam S.
Patti P.
Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BFA & MFA in performing arts modalities
200hr RYT
SmartFLOW certification
Certified Somatic Coach Trainee at The Strozzi Institute (completing Spring '18)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
1 hour - $75.
90 minutes - $115.
Additional travel fees may apply, if I am commuting to you.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching dance and movement fifteen years ago, as an apprentice instructor at a professional studio on the east coast, where I grew up. Working under master teachers afforded me the opportunity to see how building a carefully considered and creative class makes a huge difference in the way people maximize their learning. I started leading my own classes soon after.
As my knowledge, skills, and personal practice evolved over the years, the desire to reflect my understanding of intelligent, expressive body usage and the mind-body capacity grew - leading me to pursue various degrees and certifications in order to become a highly competent, educated educator.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students as young as 3 and as old as 92, with beginners and pros, and also those requiring special needs and considerations.