“Beyond the physical and emotional benefits of yoga, this training became a period of self-discovery, allowing me to shed layers of resistance, denial, and maladaptive stress responses. In line with Bessel Van der Kolk's wisdom in "The Body Keeps the Score," I became attuned to my body's sensations and its interaction with the world around me. With my professional knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and newfound intuition, I embarked on a continuing body-mind practice.”
Early Days of Music and Movement
As early as elementary school, I was listening to music and in motion, mostly through dance classes and living room ‘talent shows’. This passion for motion kindled my fascination with the human body's mechanics, leading me to study Exercise Science at the University of Pittsburgh. My post-college journey began as an Exercise Physiologist in a work rehabilitation setting, which eventually led me to pursue a master’s degree in Physical Therapy at Chatham University in Pittsburgh.
On Entering Physical Therapy
After graduation, I worked as a physical therapist in an outpatient clinic and later shifted my focus to early intervention, supporting families with children facing developmental delays. During my time as a pediatric therapist, I developed "Miracles 'n Motion," a music and movement series for children of all abilities aged 18 months to 3 years. This marked the foundation of my journey.
My Story
The evolution of a Therapeutic Movement coach
·“You have to use your feeling intelligence, not just your thinking intelligence.”
~ John Barnes, Physical Therapist on Myofascial Release
My journey into a yoga practice
I took a professional hiatus while raising four children and caring for my mother who was entering the end stage of her cancer journey. During this period, I began to sense the accumulation of stress and trauma. It is no surprise that reading a marquee at a local church advertising ‘Motion and Devotion’ classes, would land me in my first yoga class. These classes revealed the calming and transformative potential of connecting mind, body, and breath. Eager to explore further, I completed a 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program with Bob Butera, PhD, at the YogaLife Institute in Devon, PA.
Beyond benefits on the mat, this training became a period of self-discovery, allowing me to shed layers of resistance, denial, and maladaptive stress responses. In line with Bessel Van der Kolk's wisdom in "The Body Keeps the Score," I became attuned to my body's sensations and its interaction with the world around me. With my professional knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and newfound intuition, I embarked on a continuing body-mind practice.
Myofascial Release Therapy
To maintain my professional physical therapy license, I explored Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) under the guidance of John Barnes, PT. Integrating MFR principles into my wellness journey and movement practice opened new avenues for healing. I began offering MFR to family and friends, witnessing positive outcomes. This inspired me to blend my professional experiences into teaching regular classes, introducing "Therapeutic Yoga." These classes catered to students dealing with low-grade chronic ailments seeking mindfulness-based, lower-intensity yoga-style sessions.
I expanded my work, offering MFR in various settings in my hometown of Lancaster, PA, and during our family's three-year stint in Guadalajara, Mexico. The ability to carry my work with me wherever I traveled was a privilege, but it also highlighted the persistent presence of accumulated traumas and stress.
As an apprentice of a Nervous System Regulation Program
My belief in holistic wellness next led me to delve into the biology of stress and a deeper understanding of the autonomic nervous system. I'm currently enrolled in the SmartBody SmartMind™ nervous system regulation program with Irene Lyon. This awakening has made me "trauma-informed," with a deeper appreciation of how the nervous system profoundly influences overall well-being. Establishing these foundational elements is crucial for deep healing and achieving peace and ease in daily life. Neuroplasticity, the capacity of our body, brain, and nervous system to adapt and heal, has personally shown me an increase in awareness and positive change across mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and overall health, regardless of age.
Today, I call the themed classes “Therapeutic Movement” blending my experiences with a mindful and playful exploration of music, movement and stillness built into each lesson plan. Through private lessons and group classes, I guide others on a transformational journey from stress to relaxation, pain to ease, and impaired movement to improved mobility. I empower students with simple yet potent ways to move better and feel better in their daily lives.
In the words of yung pueblo, "Every time someone loves themselves better, builds their self-awareness, understands their patterns, improves their ability to communicate, and expands their compassion for others, the future of humanity grows brighter. Your healing impacts the world by bringing new peace." This quote encapsulates the essence and purpose of this body of work.