I discovered the practice of yoga during my undergrad in 2008. After testing the water with a few different studios and class styles, I eventually discovered my first yoga mentor in Stef Olstad at Life Time in Maple Grove, MN. I was intrigued by her ability to create a safe container for her students to cultivate mindfulness. I quickly became one of her avid practitioners and would prioritize coming home from school on the weekends so I could take her classes.

It was in late 2009 and early 2010 I began struggling with an eating disorder and exercise addiction. After spending a few weeks in treatment to heal my mind and body, I returned to Stef’s classes as soon as I got cleared by my care team. A few weeks later, after one of her classes, Stef shared with me that she had won a free YogaFit Level 1 training at a conference and she wanted to give it to me. Still reeling from limiting beliefs of inadequacy, I was hesitant to accept. Luckily for me, she didn’t take no for an answer. The summer of 2010, I took my first yoga training. A couple weeks after that, I got certified to teach Group Exercise. These trainings were enough for me to begin teaching at my University’s Wellness Center.

I realized after surviving the darkness of late 2009 and early 2010, that meditation and mindfulness saved my life. I felt compelled to pay it forward and share the practice I love so dearly.

Since 2010, I’ve taken a few breaks from teaching, never more than a few months. I still prioritized my health and explored CrossFit, weightlifting, and personal training. I discovered that no matter the methodology, what really lit me up was helping others uncover their potential and authenticity.

After allowing my relationship with yoga to ebb and flow, I finally took the leap and completed my first 200 hour YTT in 2015. I immediately began teaching at Life Time in Rockville, MD. Again, a mentor saw something in me that I hadn’t yet; I was tapped to begin facilitating 200 hour YTTs. In an effort to continue being a student, I completed my second 200 hour YTT at Life Time in 2017, and my 300 hour YTT with Jonny Kest in late 2019.

Since the beginning, Authentic Yoga’s vision has been to serve the community and create a space where people feel safe to express themselves and be in their authenticity. I feel truly blessed to hold space for such a vibrant community and to witness deep growth and transformation unfold for our members.

When I’m not at the studio, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our 2 dogs and our cat, traveling, reading, making art, and moving my body through strength training, biking, and hiking.

Astrology sign: Libra sun, Aquarius moon & rising
Favorite travel destination: Scotland
Favorite part of class: Sun C
Musicians/Artists you have on repeat: Atmosphere, Bad Bunny, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Petey