Why & where did you start your yoga journey?

I took a beginning class with a CIYT friend of mine from Decorah.  I was so excited after class; all of the names of the poses sounded exactly the same to me and I couldn’t seem to get my body to do the things I was instructed to do, but I knew I was hooked!  Since then, I've practiced with several teachers including Chris Saudek in Lacrosse, WI, and have attended many workshops and two national Iyengar conventions.  I passed my Iyengar Yoga assessment in 2021 and hold a Level 1 CIYT (Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher) certification.  I took over the reins of Root River Yoga in January of 2024.

How long have you been practicing yoga?

Since 2012

What do you feel people can gain from yoga? 

Yoga is for everyone; it is about figuring out what you can do, not worrying about what you “can’t” do! You can gain strength, freedom of movement, better balance, confidence and health not only in the body but in the mind. Yoga can help deal with the stress of daily life.

What has yoga done for you personally?

It has brought me so much joy! My yoga journey has taken me out of my comfort zone and is at the same time uplifting, fascinating, humbling, enlightening, frustrating, and inspiring all at once. It is giving me a way to work on my stiff body that is sustainable into old age.

What is your fondest teaching memory at Root River Yoga?

I have two! One night I was teaching outside on the porch and in the middle of the class it started pouring down rain. We all had to jump up and scramble around to gather props and run inside. Once inside, we were all wet and just looking around at each other and laughing. My second favorite memory is how exciting it was, after months of working towards shoulder stand, to see everyone up in the pose, and to feel their quiet satisfaction or outright glee at doing something that once seemed impossible.