As a child I watched animals bend and stretch, and I tried to imitate their flexibility, agility, economy of movement, and grace. And there wasn't too much happening in suburban Cincinnati. Our neighbor Lilias Folan did seem pretty mellow, and I remember watching her on TV, giving my mom gentle suggestions, and my mom following along. Interesting – and matching leotards and tights!

I was a tree climber, horseback rider, runner, soccer player, and gymnast, and by the time I began studying the asanas in college I had already acquired a list of injuries and imbalances. My first teacher, Dixie, was 50 and much more physically, mentally, and emotionally fit than I. This was very irritating and intriguing, and thus began my quest.

I became an English and French teacher, and the vata wind carried me from northwestern Massachusetts to Paris to Tokyo to Manhattan to Palo Alto to southern Utah to Palm Desert to Santa Fe to Ojai.

The one constant in my life has been my practice and my study. I began teaching adults and children about 15 years ago and have completed 3 yoga teacher training programs (one here at the Great Lulu Bandha's), Thai Yoga Massage training, and so many workshops here and abroad that I should be way smarter than I am. My current teacher is the fabulous Saul David Raye, and I have also studied with Tias Little and Paul Grilley, as well as my incredible friends here at Lulu's.

As a teacher I try to show up, love my students, and help them to connect to their breath, their bodies, and their beauty. I currently teach yoga to 3 through 15-year-olds at Ojai Valley School, where my students demonstrate everyday what a gift yoga is. I am grateful and so darn lucky for the nest that Ojai and Lulu's provide for me and my family (Brian, Sammy (11), Choo Choo (8), and many furry and feathered friends). When I'm not at home or in class, I like to go to Dodgers' Stadium and add to a growing autograph collection.