About
Experience and compassion empower me to be a knowledgable and caring facilitator, bringing the gifts of mental and physical health to anyone with the desire to achieve a superior sense of well being. We begin with the physical, eventually moving toward the mental and if the student is curious or willing, the spiritual. The student ultimately decides what the student gets. The endgame of my work is to lead the yoga student toward a greater self-awareness, a higher consciousness. I am an instructor who will inspire and motivate you! And I bring a lot of patience, so come as you are. I lead without judgment, no matter what your level of health or ability, size, shape, color, age (my students range from 4 yrs to 91!) or belief. If you're human I'll work with you!
The path I've walked has allowed me to lead sessions in recovery centers and in mental health clinics and I've had the opportunity to work with children, college students, professional athletes (surf champions to NFL players), baby boomers, double hip replacement and double knee replacement patients, cancer sufferers and cancer survivors and everything in between.
Since 2010, my work has been rooted in Hatha yoga and includes various styles: Bikram, Yin and Anusara yoga. Now, my foundation has grown to include meditation, mantra and vibration, pranayama (control of the breath); along with these are interwoven aromatherapy, audiotherapy and many different kriyas and breathing techniques. It's your choice: we can stick with one or try them all.
I especially enjoy working with novices. Because these are often resistant, or at least self-doubting students who I've seen, firsthand, experience "Aha!" moments of self-discovery that emerge through the practice of postures and control of the breath. I can assist all students who are ready to look deeply at themselves to examine how all behavior is either compulsive or it's conscious. When this is revealed through yoga, it's often accompanied by a higher regard for the self and a better experience of life. Awakening!
Teaching yoga is my contribution to humanity. What moves me to serve others are big questions. What does humanity need? What can I provide right now? What can I contribute to the student, or to the organization to make a positive shift?
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Typically, when I meet a new student, I want to know for them, “why yoga, why now?” It’s important to discover if there’s an injury or a medical condition we can heal or mitigate through the practice. I also want to do everything possible to quell fears or misconceptions about yoga. But mostly, I just want to build a rapport starting from a background of relatedness, listening for and reliably delivering what the student desires. In this way, through sharing, I have come to value very many of my students as friends, both on and off the yoga mat.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
At the urging of a friend I began my own practice in 2010, and it didn't take long before I knew I wanted to share the kinds of results I was getting with others. So, in the Fall of 2011 I attended my first training. Nine weeks later I was leading classes at the very studio I came to know as my 'home studio' in Bayport, Long Island. My interest in the ancient science grew and led to more trainings and more opportunities to share what I was learning. Eventually, the kinds of yoga I was seeking to learn grew to include the entire 'eightfold path' which is the entire realm of yoga as passed down through the ages, most of which is ignored today in the US.
Additionally, my background in Education (Bachelor's degree) and my work in various organizations, and various courses in personal development through the years have all helped to inform the work I do today.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
There are many variables that affect the fee I collect for services rendered. For example, is the student or is the teacher traveling? Group lesson vs. individual lesson, packs of classes vs. single classes (price varies by volume: more classes=lower rate/lesson . Trading (quid pro quo) is also an option.
A great way to keep cost down is to invite a spouse or good friend to participate. Yoga can be a very memorable shared experience and enhances relationships. Many of my students are couples or family members who practice together on a regular basis.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with all ages between 4-91 years old and I am just as comfortable leading beginners as I am leading advanced. I have led the sick and the injured, every possible shape and size, the mentally ill and drug and alcohol recovery patients. I've seen it all and each one teaches me something about how to reliably and sensibly deliver a great class to all. If you want to transform some area of your life, mind, body, or spirit, please allow me the opportunity to help you.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
A student should always speak candidly with the teacher about limitations due to chronic pain or injury. The teacher's main concern should always be safety and therapeutic healing. The teacher should be a good listener and always give clear instructions and be respectful and gentle while leading students in and out of poses. The teacher should embody yoga and embody peace and be understanding and practice non-judgment everywhere with everyone. The student should follow her/his own heart and make sure the pairing is 'right'. The heart always knows, so listen to your heart.