Story & Intention

I completed my 200-hour Teacher Training at Sonic Yoga, under the guidance of Lauren Hanna, Jeffrey Scott-Duval, Keith Partington, Johanna Bell, and Tracy Mohr. Teacher Training grew my physical practice exponentially, and brought me closer to myself. Like most New Yorkers, I was spinning my wheels on the daily grind, trapped in the cycle of rise-work-sleep, playing the role of the diligent employee with little return, and as a Black Woman, being on the receiving end of countless microaggressions. I thought that carving out time for my practice would be enough to soothe me, and count as work-life balance, but what I received was quite the opposite. As my self-study continued through my yoga practice, I yearned for the life that was solely based on my terms. I started to wonder how I could put my skills and the benefits I’ve gained from yoga into service and action for others and for myself. As I was coming to these revelations, my life changed suddenly when I was laid off. At that pivotal moment, I decided to take the leap of faith to become a yoga teacher. The start of my teaching career also meant more curiosity, and the desire to master my craft as a teacher led me to complete my additional 300-hour Teacher Training at Sonic Yoga, under the mentorship of Chris Temple. I transitioned to teaching full-time, and becoming E-RYT certified to lead and co-lead Teacher Trainings.

I understood that yoga should be available to all but knew that this tenet was far from being upheld in the wellness community. As an extension of my practice, I decided to focus my efforts and expertise on leading teacher training and creating dedicated spaces, two areas where I believe change can be created. I currently co-lead teacher trainings at Arise Yoga (formerly Jewel City Yoga) and I am also a Teacher-Owner and Steward at The Connective, a teacher-owned and -operated cooperative working to provide sustainability for movement professionals, while challenging the quality and upholding standards of anti-racism, diversity and accessibility in the wellness industry. Among my offerings is a very special dedicated space, Yuja Soul: Yoga for Black Women, a safe space for all Black Women to explore the benefits of yoga, meditation and self-study. I am also an Officer at The Practice Coalition, a non-profit organization that centers survivors of sexual and domestic violence via Yoga for Trauma offerings throughout New York and New Jersey.