my story

Growing up, I didn’t think of myself as an athletic person (my track coach would have agreed). I loved ballet and other forms of dance but stayed away from anything that required hand-eye coordination or competitiveness.

When I got to college, I didn’t know what to do to keep myself physically or mentally healthy. Beer was the foundation of my food pyramid and you couldn’t pay me to go to the gym. During a particularly tough time, I came across a yoga studio. I spent many classes in the furthest back corner of the studio where no one could see me, but I knew I was onto something good.

Yoga and mindful movement helped me get away from my to-do list and focus on what was right in front of me. It made me feel more in touch with myself, and that empowered me. Eventually, I made my way out of the back corner of the studio and noticed that my confidence grew in other areas of my life.

I moved to Chicago after graduating, and my job involved a lot of long hours and stress. My favorite part of many workdays was going to the yoga studio for class. I made friends with a few teachers who encouraged me to enroll in teacher training, and the rest was history.

Over the years, I’ve taught thousands of yoga, yoga sculpt, pilates, and strength training classes and have had the opportunity to work with thousands of students. I’m certified as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200 hr), Group Fitness Instructor, and Pilates Coach. I’ve earned additional certifications as a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher and Children’s Yoga Teacher (RCYT- 95 hr). I’m earning certification as a Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT 800 hr), expanding my knowledge of Anatomy & Physiology, Meditation, injury prevention and recovery, specific medical conditions, and more. I earned my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University and work as a psychotherapist, working with people who are navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, depression, body image issues, life transitions, perfectionism, and more.

In my classes, I blend yoga, yoga sculpt, pilates, strength training, high intensity interval training, flexibility & mobility work, and mindfulness & meditation. Sounds like a lot? It is - but it’s so much fun, the music is good, and the time flies by. My goal is to help clients discover movement practices that work for them, bring them joy, and balance their lives. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, don’t be shy! I promise I won’t make you do burpees (unless you want to).