I discovered yoga in my early 20s, while juggling a demanding career as a marketing executive in New York City. My mind was always racing, and I couldn’t find the “off” switch.

I had always been interested in psychology, (this was my major in college), so naturally I sought help from a therapist. Having this outlet and guidance was tremendously helpful—especially during our sessions—but in between, as the weekly stress mounted, the inner critic in my mind grew stronger and louder. “Hustle harder or fall behind,” “I should be more… (fill in the blank).” I was exhausted and incredibly stressed out.

My therapist’s suggestion — go to yoga.

In the 1990s, yoga was seen as a hippy-dippy, New Age thing—and I definitely wasn’t part of that scene. When I started going to class, I felt completely out of place. Everyone seemed to move effortlessly, while I was still figuring out my right hand from my left. I’m not a gymnast, dancer, or all that athletic. I went to quiet my mind, but instead found myself bored, restless, and irritated. I wasn’t even breaking a sweat—and savasana? All I wanted to do was pop-up and bolt.

But I persevered trying different classes and teachers.

Over time, my experience in yoga class shifted. I started hearing things in class that no one else in my life had ever said out loud: Notice where your mind goes without judgement. Let go of striving.

Yoga wasn’t just about stretching the body—it was about stretching and shifting your attention too. These ideas were implausible to me at first, yet after class I felt more rested, clear minded, and energized than I had in a long time.

Today, I teach others how yoga offers practical tools to navigate life—physically, mentally, and emotionally. We’re all moving through life’s ups and downs, looking for ways to manage the hard moments and fully enjoy the good ones.

As a former corporate executive, parent, wife, and breast cancer survivor living in New York City, I’m on the same roller coaster. And while I use a variety of tools to support my mental and physical health, yoga has been my most consistent and reliable companion.

You don’t need to be super-flexible, ultra-spiritual, or “hippy-dippy.” Yoga is for everyday people—just like you.

Email me so we can talk more about how you can find a personal yoga practice that is accessible, relatable and motivating for your life.