Tell me something about your history…

 I was born and raised in Calgary. I attended the University of Lethbridge and completed my Bachelor of Management.   After living in various places throughout Alberta and abroad, I moved back to Calgary and settled here in 2005. 

I have spent a lot of my life on the ski hill, first as a competitive Freestyle skier, then as a coach and a ski instructor.  Although I no longer teach or compete, I still try to get on my skis as much as I possibly can!  In the summer I can usually be found in a rock climbing harness somewhere in the mountains. J

When did you start practicing yoga?

My earliest memories of yoga are of practicing with my Grandma in her living room as a child.  Yoga came and went in my life for a long time.  I was very aware of the benefits of yoga and how it positively affected me; therefore, about 7 years ago, during a stressful time in my life, I started practicing more seriously and could immediately feel the effects it had on my everyday life.  

What style of yoga are you currently practicing?

Currently I practice Ashtanga yoga, though I often find myself deviating from the set Ashtanga series. I love to explore in my practice, both mentally and physically, by introducing new sequences, ideas, and postures.

What brought you to this style?

After a few years doing a gentle Hatha practice, I was drawn to the flow and vitality of the Ashtanga practice. I love the energy that this practice gives me, and the calm feeling of moving with the breath.  Ashtanga reminds me to enjoy the flow of life and of yoga. When something flows it is always moving and changing, thus, my practice reminds me everyday to find beauty and enjoyment in the process, not the final product.

What is your yoga learning background?

I completed the YogaDotCalm teacher training in 2006.  Some of my most influential teachers have been YDC’s very own Amber Kyliuk and Ian Buchanan. I have attended many workshops over the past few years, including workshops with Darby, Fiona Stang and Beryl Bender Birch.

All of my teachers have had an impact on me, and I thank all of them for sharing the gift of yoga. I look forward to learning so much more!

What is your teaching style?

I tend to teach a fairly free flowing class. I love to encourage fun and experimentation.  It’s amazing what your body can do once you open your mind to the possibilities!  I love to let students explore themselves and find what is right for them. 

What do you hope students take away from your classes?

I hope students take away from my classes a feeling of lightness, be it mental, physical or both. 

What do you enjoy?

Most of my passions are found in the outdoors. Skiing, rock climbing, ice climbing, hiking, snowboarding, and camping are a few of my favourite things. I also enjoy traveling, and will jump at the chance to go anywhere! And then of course there’s chocolate…. J