One of my favorite childhood memories is I would never be able to think of just one! I have four incredible older siblings; one brother and three sisters. My parents have been married for nearly forty years and they are my rock—my biggest supporters and my very best friends. Their passion for life, love and family has been pivotal for me throughout my journey. They have never stopped believing in me… never stopped encouraging me to reach higher. My childhood was filled with a lot of giggles, singing, dancing, family trips, parties and Sunday dinners. Family gatherings and getaways are still the traditions I cherish most… tons of food, wine and happiness. The memories we have shared will always be the ones that I hold closest to my heart. I truly love watching our family grow bigger and bigger… and I look forward to all the precious moments, craziness, laughter, and adventures that are yet to come.
I love teaching yoga because It’s transcending. It’s a feeling that is almost impossible to describe. Looking out at all the bodies who showed up on their mats is amazing… it makes me feel so humbled—so grateful. Every individual person has a different story… different backgrounds, different joys, different tragedies. And yet, we are all still the same. We are connected by these moments of vulnerability; when we begin to remove our masks and allow others to see us for who we truly are… when we finally set ourselves free. Witnessing the growth that others experience; mentally, physically and emotionally, is such a privilege. I think the most rewarding aspect of teaching yoga is that moment—that brief glimpse of time—when you realize that there is only one person in the room. We are all one.
A life lesson I’ve learned from my yoga practice is Set your intention. Know the “why” behind all that you do! Ground down into the roots of who you are so that you may rise into all you are yet to be. My yoga practice has taught me to embrace all that once was… that every place I have been has led me to exactly where I am right now… and will take me exactly where I am meant to go. There is no moment more perfect—nowhere else I am supposed to be—but right here, right now.
Three words that describe my teaching style: Creative, Mindful & Fun!
When I’m not teaching yoga, you’ll find me Spending time with my fiancé, family and friends, going to yoga (obviously!), drawing (my passion), painting, making jewelry, crafting pretty much everything (ha-ha), writing, reading, shopping, arranging flowers, potting plants (succulents are my favorite), listening to music, going to concerts, traveling (favorite), planning our wedding (yay!) and of course, working—teaching nursing at Nazareth College.
Three people who inspire me are There are WAY more than three! My parents, siblings, fiancé, family, friends, many yogis (couldn’t name them all!), a million artists, numerous writers, and powerful women!
One of my favorite quotes is: : “Somewhere between what she survived, and who she was becoming, was exactly where she was meant to be. She was starting to love the journey. And find the comfort in the quiet corners of her wildest dreams. They say people don’t change…Well, she wasn’t always this way. Even if she didn’t change the entire world, she would change her part of it. And she would affect the people she shared it with. A butterfly whose wings have been touched, can indeed still fly. Whether something was meant to be, or meant to leave, didn’t matter as much anymore. She would soak up the sun, kiss the breeze, and she would fly regardless."
~J. Raymond