About Me
I go by many titles- daughter, mother, wife, friend, veteran, veterinarian and yogi. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. I served in both the US Navy as a linguist and in the US Army as a veterinarian. I have also studied veterinary acupuncture with Dr. Xi at the Chi Institute. As a veterinarian, I have worked in many capacities-private practices, shelters and as a teacher. Perhaps my most rewarding role in my career was as a home hospice and euthanasia veterinarian. I currently still practice medicine in a lovely hospital in La Mesa, California.
After a series of fortuitous events, I found myself in a 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2023. It was the lowest point in my life, having lost myself in my career, motherhood and grief resulting from the traumatic loss of my father as a result of an assault. I had also lost two people very dear to me as a result of suicide. Having struggled with anxiety and depression intermittently throughout my life, I quickly realized that the study of yoga helped me to find tools to cope with the challenges that I faced.
Deeply fascinated by the concept and practice of a yogic lifestyle, I felt a calling, similar to that of becoming a veterinarian and a mother, to pursue further studies. I enrolled in Loyola Marymount University's Master of Yoga Studies program and am currently working on obtaining my degree with a concentration on Yoga Therapy. I have completed further certifications in this field, including Reiki Master Level II, and Restorative/Yin teacher training. I traveled to India, the birthplace of yoga, to learn more about this ancient and contemporary practice.
As a yoga teacher and yoga therapist in training, I feel called to help others find their own way along the yogic pathway. I have a particular interest in working with those struggling with mental health due to my own life experiences. However, as the body, mind and spirit are connected, I am open to working with all clients who want to learn more about a yogic lifestyle or perhaps deepen their existing practice.