About Me

Teaching & Facilitation (2004–Present)

I began teaching yoga āsana and philosophy in 2004 while living in Florida, and since then I’ve taught across the U.S. and internationally in Sweden, Norway, Nepal, Peru, and India. As of 2024, I’ve led 17 retreats — 14 of them in Nepal and India.

A key aspect of my teaching has centered on philosophy and history. I’ve designed study programs that combine textual depth with accessible, engaging frameworks for contemporary learners. This includes modules for teacher trainings, workshops, and online courses exploring the history and philosophy of yoga, along with broader themes in Indian thought.

From 2011 to 2016, I founded and directed Vasudhaiva Institute, an education company that led immersive retreats, tours, and study programs in the U.S. and Asia. These programs focused on Asian religions, contemplative practice, and cultural history, and were designed for adult learners seeking rigorous, compassionate, and culturally sensitive experiences. Vasudhaiva allowed students the opportunity to learn directly from Rinpoches, monks, nuns, scholars, archaeologists, and regional specialists.

Today, I continue to lead retreats, online courses, classes and workshops in Florida and beyond.

Yoga Studies (2001–Present)

My journey with yoga began in 2001 and quickly evolved into a disciplined, immersive practice within the Aṣṭāṅga Vinyāsa tradition. I maintained a committed Intermediate/Second Series practice and worked through parts of the Advanced/Third Series over several years. I completed multiple yoga teacher training programs in different methodologies, with a strong foundation in vinyasa vinyāsa methdologies.

A serious parasite-borne illness in 2014 led me to broaden and soften my āsana practice, resulting in a more blended and adaptive vinyāsa style. Today, I continue to teach both traditional Aṣṭāṅga and Aṣṭāṅga-informed vinyāsa classes, with an emphasis on sustainability and attunement.

Some of my early and influential teachers included: Shri Hamilton-Hubbard, Stan Hubbard, Manju Jois, Basia Lipska Larsen, Jeff Lichty, Harmony Slater, Paul Dallaghan, David Swenson, Rolf and Marci Naujokat, Greg Nardi, Tim Feldmann, and Alexander Medin.

In the realm of philosophy and history, I studied with Professor Nagaraja Rao, Francis Charet, Ph.D., and Seth Powell (Harvard Ph.D.). I continue to be influenced by the latest yoga scholarship.

In 2007, I was featured in Lululemon’s national ad campaign.

I hold an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Rochester, NY, where I was a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society. My graduate thesis critiqued several principles of constructivism through the lens of Buddhist Abhidharma, reflecting my lifelong commitment to integrating Eastern and Western psychological models.

In 2019, I co-authored a conference paper with professor Martha Cheng, Ph.D. (Rollins College), analyzing the rhetoric of B.K.S. Iyengar. The year before, in 2018, I served on the yoga research advisory council for a study led by psychology professor Jonna Kwiatkowski, Ph.D. (Mars Hill University), which examined aesthetics in the yoga experience.

My undergraduate education was rooted in progressive pedagogy—beginning at Bennington College, where I concentrated on contemporary dance and choreography, and later at Goddard College, where I focused my studies on Asian religions, yoga history, and contemplative studies. My undergraduate thesis focused on the problematic distinction of “authentic yoga.”

Therapy (2023–Present)

My path to becoming a therapist began through sustained study and practice in yoga, Buddhism, and philosophy—traditions that investigate the nature of the mind, the roots of suffering, and the possibilities for transformation.

I’m continually inspired by the rich dialogue and integrative potential between meditation, embodied practice, and psychotherapy—a convergence that is both intellectually meaningful and personally grounding.

I am now a psychotherapist and Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern based in Florida. I earned my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Rochester, where I was awarded a merit scholarship. Prior to that, I completed foundational psychology coursework at UC Berkeley Extension.

During graduate training, I completed a clinical internship at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center in Rochester, NY, working with a diverse community and gaining experience in providing compassionate, culturally responsive care. My thesis explored the relationship between knowledge, suffering, and transformation through a critical analysis of constructivist psychology, viewed through the lens of Buddhist Abhidharma philosophy.

Since graduating, I’ve continued to build clinical experience in private practice settings, supporting adults, teens, and couples navigating anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

Buddhist Studies (2009–Present)

I’ve been a dedicated student of Buddhist philosophy and psychology for many years, primarily within the Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna (Tibetan) traditions. I’ve traveled to Nepal multiple times (2009, 2012–2015), including a full year of residence in 2012–2013.

During that time, I studied Madhyamaka philosophy under Khenpo Ngawang Jorden at the International Buddhist Academy and attended numerous lectures on Buddhist thought and history at Rangjung Yeshe Institute.

Some of the teachers and translators who have most inspired my path include Christian Bernert, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, and Lama Tsultrim Allione. I’ve also received in-person teachings from Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche, Ngawang Tenzin, Thupten Gongphel, and Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche.

My interest in somatic intelligence and ancient healing traditions led me to study Thai Yoga Massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In 2006, I completed over 400 hours of training, including:

• A 360-hour Thai Massage Teacher Training Program at ITM School with Chongkol “John” Setthakorn

• Additional training at Sunshine School with Rinraya “Ohm” Pankosol

I also received certifications in Thai Herbal Compress, Thai Foot Reflexology, and a fiery, rhythmic method called Feet of Fire Massage.

When I returned to the U.S., I attended the Florida School of Massage Therapy and Hydrotherapy in Gainesville. I earned my national certification and Florida state licensure in 2008 and practiced as a licensed massage therapist until I moved to Asia in 2012.

Dance & Performance (1997–2005, 2011)

Before yoga, there was dance. I began studying ballet in my teens under Stephen Shaw in Tokyo and later dove deeply into modern and postmodern forms at Bennington College, where I trained with Dana Reitz, Sara Rudner, Peggy Florin, Terry Creach, and Susan Sgorbati.

From 1997 to 2005, I created 25 original performance works and collaborated on 11 more. My work was often multimedia, ritualistic, and cathartic — a reflection of my search for integration between movement, story, and spirit. I received eight commissions during that time and also created platforms to support other artists.

I founded Dance Composers Umbrella (DCbrella) — a collaborative presenting organization — and later, LIVEncounters, a grant-funded performance series hosted at Spiller Vincenty Gallery. In 2011, I produced my final piece to date, Rokpa, and taught a special course titled “Performance as Spiritual Practice” for MFA Dance students at Jacksonville University.