Mindful Living Arts

I am honored and blessed to be a Healing Facilitator, Mind-Body Educator & Jewelry Designer living in the Bay Area of San Francisco, California. I am passionate about building community, human potential, energy medicine, creative expression, nature, beauty, art, touch, writing, music, movement, food, nourishing the spirit & mind-body wellness. I specialize in Massage, Yoga & Therapeutic Exercise which is communicated through attention to detail and exceptional knowledge of the integration of the body, mind & heart.

I grew up near Chicago where I developed an interest in natural health and complementary medicine at a young age. I began exploring gymnastics & creative movement 30 years ago and I am certain I have spent several years of my life (cumulatively) upside down. At 13, I was introduced to yoga and meditation, and felt an instant connection and a sense of coming home. The practice ignited my passion for spirituality & creative expression and marked the beginning of a life-long study of Eastern Philosophy, Native American Tradition, ritual and spiritual practice. The focus of my time and energy shifted from competitive sports to writing, making music, ecstatic dance, massage, energy work, aromatherapy, visualization, nutrition & jewelry design. Through my studies I aspired to increase my vitality & health while enhancing the health of the planet and all it’s people. After finishing school, I pursued my passion to travel and began exploring the natural beauty of the US. I felt a strong connection to the wonders and culture of the American west where I attended my first bodywork course in 1991. I supported myself while I traveled by designing & making jewelry. I entered the health and wellness field professionally when I became a Massage Therapist in 1995 and Reiki Master in 2001. In my treatments I integrate techniques of deep tissue/structural, sports massage, Ayurvedic massage, yoga therapy, Thai, shiatsu, reflexology, Swedish, Reiki, polarity, energy balancing, hot stone massage, gemstone therapy, breathwork, aromatherapy, facial massage and spa treatments.

I attended a meditation retreat in 1996 which inspired my formal studies to become a yoga teacher. I completed the Integrative Yoga Therapy Teacher Training in 1999. In my quest for continuing education I discovered Anusara Yoga in 2001 when John Friend, Anusara Yoga’s founder became my primary and most influential teacher. Anusara Yoga merged my love for a graceful and powerful physical practice with a life enhancing & heart centered spiritual practice. I have assisted and apprenticed with John Friend both nationally and internationally and have mentored with Noah Mazé since 2005. I completed a personal fitness training certification with the National Academy of Sports Medicine in 2003 with a focus on Therapeutic Exercise. In 2007, I discovered AcroYoga and it was love at first sight which has only deepen with each flight! I love the beautifully integrated practice of yoga, acrobatics & Thai massage which inspires playful co-creation in community & clear communication.

My teaching style is playful, inspiring and dynamic. I creatively weave mindfulness with the play of the divine through the breath, heart, mind and body. I encourage and guide students to expand their daily yoga practice to incorporate all our daily activities for a life that is Sacred Sadhana (practice).

I began Ayurveda (the Science of Living) studies with Mother Maya, the founder of the Wise Earth School of Ayurveda in 2004. This system focuses on the sadhana (practice) of making everyday activities sacred and meaningful, the primary focus is movement, food, breath and sound. I am a Practitioner of the Wise Earth Tradition of Ayurveda. I spent 4 months in India in 2008 to deepen my personal practice, knowledge of Auyrveda and to expand my ability to serve the community. I had the amazing opportunity to study with Mother Maya and Master teachers of Nada Yoga (the Yoga of Sound) and Indian Classical Music. In 2008 I attended the AcroYoga teacher training with Jenny Sauer-Klein and Jason Nemer.

In 2009 I founded Mindful Living Arts, an Integrative Healing Studio in Walnut Creek, California. My mission is to support individuals and groups to reduce pain, manage stress and increase vitality and health.

Mindful Living Arts * 2363 Boulevard Circle #13 * Walnut Creek, California 925.934.9343