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BIO: My mission is to share yoga with others: to elevate, educate, support, and inspire those I teach to be true to themselves, feel better in their bodies, and fulfill their wildest dreams.
I found yoga while working on my MA thesis. All-nighters, minimal showers, and an overall lack of self-care finally got me onto my mat, which changed my entire life trajectory. I completed my Master's in Clinical Psychology at the Michigan School of Professional Psychology in 2006, focusing on adolescent and substance abuse treatment. Upon graduation, I signed up for my first 200hr teacher training - I had no interest in teaching and a massive fear of public speaking, but I figured it would help me become a better therapist. Since then, I've completed a second 200hr training, level 1 yoga therapy through Loyola Marymount's Yoga Therapy Rx program, mindfulness and restorative yoga teacher training with Sam Akers, a 300-hour teacher training, and a whole lot of continuing ed. I am a big fan of learning!
After my first training in 2006, I accepted a position as a yoga teacher at an inpatient treatment facility where I had hoped to work as a therapist (and eventually did). What I found, to my surprise, was that I felt more connected and more impactful in my work as a yoga teacher than in my one-to-one work as a therapist. Soon after, I started working the front desk at the studio where I completed my training, and eventually moved out to LA with them to open and manage a studio.
It was a dream of mine to open a yoga studio/wellness center to serve as a space for community and connection. For years I told myself it wasn't possible because I had no money or business background. But, during my 300hr teacher training, I was tasked with writing my wildest, craziest dream and allowed myself to really feel it. Then, in 2013, after many twists and turns, One Down Dog became more than just an idea; it became a reality!
Outside of work (and inside), I am a big fan of loud music, and I love a good dance party. I spend as much time outside as possible, taking walks/hikes with my mini-schnauzer, Steve. Fun fact: our logo is my first pup (also a mini-schnauzer), Patrick, who passed away in October 2021.I miss him so much, but he's always with me as the ODD mascot! I am married to my high school sweetheart and have a kiddo named Max. Food is the key to my heart, and I will never say no to french fries.
