After navigating multiple chronic illness diagnoses in my early twenties, I turned to meditation and yoga as a way to make sense of my experience. Living with Hypermobile Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is no joke! Oddly enough, sitting on a cushion and thinking about the nature of existence kind of helped. My unique perspective blooms from my social location as a white, disabled, female, buddhist, college-educated and upper-class yogi. These identities inform how I move through the world, how I teach, and how I hold space for others.

I have always wanted to help people become the best version of themselves. Because my spirituality has supported me so much in working with my health challenges, that is exactly where I turned to first to help others. My undergraduate degree at the University of Vermont was self-designed, centering on Integrative Health Education. During that time, I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training at UVM and became a Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. I've just recently completed my Master's degree, which deepened my practice as an educator in the fields of sustainability education, resiliency-based approaches to working with trauma, and business. Together, these experiences supported me in opening my private coaching practice Love and Light Wellness, where I support individuals navigating one or more complex chronic illnesses like hEDS/POTS/MCAS.

Even though my identity is grounded in being an educator, I would say even more so that I am a lifelong student. I'm currently enrolled in Laughing River Yoga's 300-Hour program and sit week-long meditation retreats often. A few of my beloved teachers and mentors include Cara Lai, Jessica Morey, Lindsay Foreman, and John McConnell. 

Being hypermobile myself, yoga has always been a tricky place for me. Restorative yoga created a foundation for me by regulating my nervous system and showing me what rest feels like. This personal transformation is why I love to teach slower styles of yoga like restorative and gentle flow. Finding a way to make movement fun and safe again has been one of the most empowering and joyful experiences of my life, and I would love the opportunity to share that with you. I'm known for my amazing playlists and supportive, massage-like assists. You can find my spotify here! 

I live in Burlington, Vermont with my partner Dan and our corgi Winnie. To find joy, I spend lots of time outside on Lake Champlain and bake gluten-free treats for my friends!!