Owner - Sanctuary Power Yoga

My introduction to yoga came with practicing yoga with videotapes (yes, videotapes) in my living room. After some time, & with some prodding from a friend, I ventured into my first heated, power yoga class. I loved it. It was an experience unlike any other. Before that, I had been a dancer, a swimmer, a runner, a biker, a gym enthusiast. But after that first class, I knew yoga was it for me. Yoga has been translated as meaning "union" & that is what I feel every time I get on my mat. My body, my breath, my mind, my spirit - all united. I feel whole & connected. Yoga has transformed me & the way I live my life. It seemed a natural progression for me, then, to become a teacher of yoga. To share what I love about this practice with others. Every time I teach, I learn more about myself. I have been teaching heated power yoga for more than 25 years & have been blessed to train, practice & work with many, many gifted & inspirational teachers. When my family & I moved from the Boston area, back to New Hartford, Connecticut where I grew up & the opportunity to open Sanctuary Power Yoga presented itself to me, it was literally a dream come true. I am thrilled to be able to bring this type of yoga to the area & to be able to create a special place where people can come together to practice & share their time & energy. We have a stellar group of teachers, all of whom have trained with me, & a wonderful community. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or have never tried yoga before, I personally invite you to join me for a class at Sanctuary Power Yoga. To breathe, sweat & experience transformation for yourself.

In 2012, about three years after graduating, my college friend & I took a literature-inspired trip to Europe. After traveling throughout the U.K., Scotland, & France, I came home inspired to make two big changes in my life. First, I wanted to dress better (still a work in progress) — I guess being around fashionable Europeans for three weeks piqued an interest in fashion. Secondly, I wanted to start practicing yoga. I had always been intrigued by yoga, possibly inspired by my curiosity and personal resonance with the teachings of the Tao te Ching, Buddhism, & writers & poets with Eastern sensibilities in their work. I hopped on my computer & searched “Yoga studios near me.” Sanctuary Power Yoga was the closest - about 14 minutes away from home - & it just so happened the style of yoga fit perfectly with the type of practice I was looking for. Throughout the years, Sanctuary has always been a center that I’ve found myself returning to. Thirteen years after taking my first class - slipping & sliding on my hand me down mat - I am in awe and humbled by this “full-circle” moment: the opportunity to share my passion of yoga with others at the studio where I started my own journey.

I took my first yoga class in 2015 after being diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS. I used to be a runner, but with a drop foot, running was no longer an option. I always loved to be active & my neurologist suggested starting a yoga practice. I was hooked! I love all types of yoga - but I my favorite is power yoga in a heated room. I am also passionate about hiking and traveling. I hope to teach my students to embrace any imperfections they have or think they have. This practice has kept my body strong & focused. My balance is better because of yoga. I hope to see you on your mats in my class or in the studio!