My journey on the path of yoga began in 1999 after retiring from a career as a professional dancer. Growing up in San Diego, I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue my dream of becoming a classical ballet dancer. This led me to New York City at the age of 17 where I performed with The Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Hispanico of New York and numerous other dance companies over the course of 8 years. Upon moving back to California in 1998, I was looking for new interests to pursue as well as a way to stay healthy. I decided to try yoga and from my very first class, I was fascinated. The flowing movements and physical postures of Vinyasa yoga appealed to the dancer       in me while the calming, relaxing aspects of the breath work and meditation left me with a feeling of bliss and well-being. After a few years of yoga practice I decided to become an instructor. I completed an 8-month teacher training course through Yoga Educational Seminar, led by Joyce Anue, and in 2002 began my teaching career. Some of my other influential teachers have been Shiva Rea, Michael Fukumura, Kaia Pehlps and Jan Hutchins. My dance background gives me an extensive knowledge and understanding of movement mechanics and body alignment which allows me to help my students reach their full potential in each posture.I enjoy using creative sequencing to give my students ways of finding freedom in their bodies as they release muscular and emotional tension. Yoga has helped me to find greater self acceptance, clearer awareness of my thoughts and actions, and to be fully present in each moment. I hope to pass these lessons on to my students so that they too will find peace and joy in their hearts, their spirits and in their lives.