A bit of back story:

I’ve been exploring movement, spirituality and self-expression my whole life, starting with dance, early mystical experiences and competitive figure skating in my teens. It was through skating that I thrived while honing discipline & technical skills, musicality, choreography and artistic expression.

Later, in my 20’s while pursuing a career in graphic design in NYC, I found myself stressed-out and in physical pain after a traumatic car accident as a passenger in a cab. I though, “I’m too young to feel this bad already”! That’s when I discovered yoga. 

Initially I came to yoga as many people do; to feel better in my physical body. Soon I discovered yoga philosophy, the world of chakras (my subtle energy body), yogic chanting, meditation, yoga dance and more. Some of my most profound and transformational experiences occurred on the yoga mat; from tears to brilliant ah-ha moments. 

Choosing to become a teacher was natural, as I wanted to share the benefits of yoga with others. My month-long Yoga Teacher Certification Program at Kripalu, back in 1994, was just the beginning. I’ve since studied many styles of yoga, energy work, movement, dance, and natural approaches to health & wellness. I’m grateful to many of my teachers including Lilias Folan, Shiva Rea, Tod Norian, Leslie Kaminoff, Elena Brower, Swami Asokananda, Toni Bergens, Dan Leven, Lara Ward and many more.

After a decade of teaching classes throughout my 30s, I had the opportunity to join my friend, Natasha Raymond, in running YogaSpace, the studio which she had founded in Brookfield CT. Here is where I truly learned the value of community, creativity, collaboration and tenacity as a small business owner, ultimately with numerous business partners over the years. During these years, I helped grow YogaSpace into a thriving studio that served hundreds of students a week, with ongoing classes and specialty workshops.  YogaSpace continues to operate as the longest-standing yoga studio in the area (now at it’s second location in Bethel, CT, which I also did the interior design for, before selling my share in 2017). 

Throughout my 40s, and especially my 50s, as I continued my parallel career in graphic design, along with being a mom, I found my body’s needs changing. I was drawn to more therapeutic styles of yoga and healing practices, including Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Chair Yoga and the targeted use of essential oils for their aromatic, physical and emotional benefits. I chose doTERRA essential oils for their purity, potency and ethically sourced oils and sustainable practices, and became fascinated with the science behind how these natural chemical compounds effect our bodies. I became a certified AromaTouch Technique practitioner and Certified Essential Oils Specialist through doTERRA. Learn more here. 

Meanwhile, I also took a dive into deeper levels of my own healing and spiritual growth, particularly with Shakti Durga and Parvati Sundari in their mystery school, Shanti Mission. Many of the esoteric and energetic aspects of yoga that I had been studying for decades, suddenly crystallized and made sense! I’m thrilled to share the alchemy of these insights with my students. During this time I experienced a true transcendental awakening. I was given my spiritual name, “Ariel”, which is often associated with the “Lion of God” and protector of the earth and the animals. She’s all about having the courage of the Lioness to shine Divine Light into the world! I continue to aspire to live into this everyday. 

Most recently, in 2020, despite Covid-19, my husband and I decided to make a bold leap into our next chapter, leaving behind all we had built in CT, and choosing to live closer to the sea in a milder climate. Our move was a total leap of faith! Now residing in Bluffton, SC, I’m delighted to share my love of yoga and unique synergy of wellness tools with local students as well as students online. Learn more about my yoga offerings here.

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