I am a health and wellness professional with a specialization in kinesiology and yoga, intent on teaching the principles of wellness and self-awareness through the Yoga philosophy and practice. By collaborating with others who have a passion for human enrichment I hope to take a direct role in the integration and positive expression of our diverse collective human experience. I have been called to share the philosophy and practice of yoga with others, and I am inspired to expand these teachings across the world through meaningful and joyful experiences connecting people and nature.

Education   

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology - August 2009

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign                                                

Related coursework:  Human Anatomy and Physiology, Biomechanics of Human Movement, Psychology of Exercise and Fitness, Coordination Control and Skill, Bioenergetics of Movement, Injuries in Sport, Muscular Physiology, and Neurophysiological Basis of Movement

Continuing Education

  • NASM-CPT Personal Trainer Certification - April 2010

  • 200-Hour RYT Pure Yoga Teacher Training - December 2011

  • Anatomy Trains for Movement Therapists - August 2012

  • Functional Movement Screen Certification - December 2012

  • Equinox EFTI Master Instructor Certification - May 2013

  • 500-Hour RYT Advanced Yoga Teacher Training - March 2014

  • Darshan Center Advanced Conversations - November 2017

  • Brookbush Institute Certified Personal Trainer - July 2021

Other Certifications:  Integrative Ayurvedic Practitioner, American Red Cross CPR/AED

Work Experience

Holistic Health Coach - May 2015-Present

Elemental-Movement, Chicago, IL & St. Louis, MO

  • Meet with individuals seeking improvements in health and wellness and create individualized programs to aid them in attaining a goal of improved health

  • Develop specified health programs including: physical function through movement and posture, physiological balance through Ayurvedic practices, and psycho/spiritual wellbeing through yogic practices and philosophical discussion

  • Assist clients in understanding, implementing, maintaining, and evolving these realms of health with weekly meetings, supplemental offerings and additional supportive materials

  • Inspire others to create health, evolution and fulfillment within their lives by being present through an understanding and practice of yoga

Yoga Instructor - January 2012-Present                  

Elemental-Movement, Chicago, IL & St. Louis, MO

  • Teach the practice of yoga to private clients for health and wellness, providing programs and instruction to support various goals

  • Create and lead extended workshops and classes that develop an understanding of health, movement, and the practice of yoga throughout the Midwest

  • Instruct students in weekly group Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga classes at numerous fitness clubs and studios through Chicago and the St. Louis area

  • Engage in continuing education in the fields of health, fitness and kinesiology to maintain a high standard of knowledge regarding new approaches in assessing and training movement and posture

  • Co-lead destination yoga retreats across North and Central America that create balance and inspire evolution for students from all walks of life

  • Specialize in teaching kinesiology, anatomical and postural awareness, proper breathing practice, corrective and therapeutic movements, Ayurveda and meditation 

Seasonal Guest Yoga Instructor – January - March (2024 & 2025)

Body Holiday, Cap Estate, Saint Lucia

  • Led 10 - 20 weekly one-hour classes in Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Meditation, SUP Yoga, and Sound Bath format for guests

  • Prepared practice spaces including indoor and outdoor studios, set up mats and props, and assisted in clean up and class transitions

  • Collaborated with the Activities Team to offer engaging and specific programming for the guests during their stay

  • Prepared and led private and couple yoga sessions for guests, marketing such offerings, and increasing revenue for the resort through personalized programming

  • Engaged with the guests and resort community when not instructing classes to provide a positive and friendly experience for the resort guests and staff

Volunteer: Yoga Instructor, Marketing & Social Media, - July & August 2023

Program Facilitator

Doron Yoga & Zen Center, Tzununa, Guatemala

  • Led morning yoga classes 3-4 days a week at a yoga school and resort

  • Operated social media and marketing platforms for the yoga center

  • Supported a variety of daily operations roles including cafe attendant and receptionist

  • Authentically engaged with guests to create meaningful health and wellness retreats and vacations

  • Uplifted my small team daily with a positive attitude and a willingness to step into any role

  • Always said yes to that extra talk with a guest or moment to connect with another part of my expanding community in Guatemala

Seasonal Yoga and Fitness Instructor - March 2019-March 2020

Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico

  • Worked and lived onsite at Rancho La Puerta Fitness for as a group and private instructor for 1-4 weeks in duration, 1-2 times a year

  • Led 3-5 daily 45-minute classes including the following formats: yoga, aerial yoga, meditation, circuit training, TRX, myofascial release, and stretch

  • Assisted in shepherding guests on 2-4 mile daily hiking excursions

  • Engaged with the guests and resort community when not instructing classes to provide a positive and friendly experience for the resort guests and staff

Seasonal Holistic Host - May-July 2019

Playa Viva, Juluchuca, Mexico

  • Led daily morning yoga practice for guests of Playa Viva

  • Promoted and offered private yoga, Ayurvedic health consultations, massage and bodywork sessions for guests of Playa Viva

  • Assisted guests in selecting and booking excursions and local tours with the Playa Viva volunteer and adventure teams

  • Engaged with the guests and staff at mealtimes and throughout the day to create a positive environment for building community, facilitating guest interaction, and supporting a healing and relaxing experience for all

Retreat Leader, Yoga Instructor - January 2017-January 2020

EAT STRETCH NAP, Chicago, IL

  • Developed and led annual destination yoga retreats across North and Central America that create balance and inspire evolution for students from all walks of life

  • Created and taught special events throughout Chicago focused on yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and how to lead a more balanced and healthful urban life

  • Led weekly corporate yoga and meditation classes in the Chicago area

  • Promoted yoga retreats and other events for EAT STRETCH NAP on social media and through regular community engagement

200 Hr. Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Lead Instructor - September 2016-April 2018

SoderWorld Wellness Center & Spa, Willowbrook, IL

  • Led aspiring yoga teachers through an introductory 200-hour curriculum in the instruction and practice of Hatha Yoga

  • Created and led 5-hour classes comprised of slide lectures, practical application of theory, practice, group exercises, quizzes and tests

  • Developed and instructed workshops on advanced topics including: functional anatomy, movement and postural assessment, holistic modalities for balancing health and improving function, energetic and philosophical aspects of yoga, business development and professional ethical practices

  • Supported the participants of the program to develop a clear understanding of yoga while inspiring their growth as practitioners and professionals

  • Wrote and designed material for teacher training manuals

Aerial Yoga and Fitness Instructor - April 2014- April 2020

AIR-Aerial Fitness, Chicago Athletic Clubs, Chicago, IL

  • Taught 50-60 minute Aerial classes with a variety of formats including strength and conditioning, restorative stretching and yoga

  • Developed and taught extended workshop on advanced aerial practices including tricks, acrobatic and gymnastic elements, and therapeutic elements of aerial silks

  • Led small group Aerial team building events for fitness instructors, corporate teams, and other groups

Equinox EFTI Master Instructor - May 2013-December 2013

Equinox, Chicago, IL

  • Taught the EFTI Curriculum including classes in anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise prescription, program design, and working with special populations

  • Developed and led 2-5-hour classes and workshops comprised of slide lectures, practical application, group work and team building exercises, quizzes and tests

  • Led education workshops teaching functional anatomy, movement assessment and screening, core conditioning and corrective exercise principles

Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor - August 2010-December 2013

Equinox, Chicago, IL

  • Assessed the goals and needs of new members and current members

  • Developed and led well rounded fitness programs performing 25-30 private sessions a week with a focus on yoga, strength training, and movement training

  • Engaged in continuing education in the field of exercise science and kinesiology

  • to maintain a current perspective on training exercise and movement

  • Instructed and promoted 45-60 minute yoga asana classes of 10-25 students

Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Front Desk - January 2009-August 2010

evolve Fitness Club, Champaign, IL

  • Designed and instructed group fitness circuit classes for small groups of members

  • Created and implement effective exercise programs for clients

  • Promoted group fitness participation and personal training sessions

  • Supported daily operations of small personal training boutique studio in Downtown Champaign, IL

  • Assisted members, maintained facility cleanliness and supplies, supported management and other staff

  • Opened and closed facilities, performed sales and other Front Desk duties