I started where you're standing.
After being consistent in my own yoga practice for only a couple of months, I could see improvement in my ability to move and control my body — and I knew I wanted to help bring that same growth to people in my community.
My favorite client is someone adamant about their inability to do yoga. Their life is go, go, go. Their body isn't as young as it once was. Their stress is high. They have a picture in their head of what a "yogi" looks like and they don't check any of the boxes, so yoga just isn't for them.
And then they get into it. Then they can touch their toes. They can balance on one foot for a minute. They can sit in silence without going crazy. My favorite part is the "I'm doing it!" moment — it's never loud, and it always changes something.
"It depends on the client. Every Body is different. I have some clients who really want to be pushed and have their strength tested while others benefit most from slowly tuning into themselves. I like creating that safe space for people to explore. Where they know that they can show up as they are and that is enough. I always let my clients know, if you need something - say something. You don't have to suffer through a workout."
Outside the studio
I have two boys, Kaio and Isaac. We love being outside digging in the dirt, playing with bugs, and going on hikes. I also make the malas I use to teach mantra meditation — 108 beads, knotted one at a time, and you cannot rush a single knot without the whole strand telling on you. That's exactly how I coach. We don't skip ahead to the pose that looks impressive. We string the practice together in order, one bead at a time, until it holds weight.
I read the room. Not every session goes exactly as planned, and that's okay. We adapt and overcome, but quitting isn't an option.