1. What brought you to the practice of yoga? I practiced yoga as a child with my mother in the 1970’s and then again as an undergrad at UW-Madison, where I took a yoga class at the university.  I finally immersed myself in the study of yoga during my final semester at graduate school in the mid-90’s when my stress levels were unbearable.  I fell in love with yoga and decided to make it a central focus of my life.

2. Who are some of your yoga teachers? Kim Schwartz, who was my teacher at the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago (he now teaches in New Mexico), has been my biggest influence.  He teaches highly intelligent yoga with an intense focus on alignment.  I also love Richard Freeman, David Swenson and Chuck Miller, who all teach Ashtanga yoga.

3. How would you describe the form of yoga you teach currently? I teach a form of slow-motion vinyasa yoga with a focus on alignment and stability.

4. Where do you teach? I teach at Kanyakumari Ayurveda and Yoga Wellness Center, where I am the yoga director and direct the Yoga Teacher Training Program, Solcare, UW-Milwaukee and the South Shore YMCA.

5. Why do you teach? I teach because it is my dharma.  I love to share the beauty and knowledge of yoga.

6. How do you describe what yoga is? I describe yoga as a way of life. It is not just a series of postures or exercise. It is breathing, energy, being aware of one’s self and the world. It is a path to happiness.

7. What aspect of yoga do you personally want to explore more deeply? I love yoga philosophy and the esoteric teachings as well as the theory behind the postures and breathing techniques. The overlapping of physical anatomy and the energetic body fascinates me. I try to continue my yoga education regularly.

8. What are your thoughts on the growing popularity of yoga? The more people who practice yoga, the more happy people will be on earth. If people are happy, many of the negative realities, like war, crime and violence will cease to exist. This may take a few thousand more years but it’s a nice goal to have.

9. What are your hobbies? I enjoy reading, music, photography, running and biking as well as spending time with my son and husband.