My interest in yoga began when I was working in a library and happened across some pictures of freaky poses in a copy of Light on Yoga that someone had donated. I had never heard of the book, but the library had about eight copies, which was a sign that someone thought it was an important book.

Curiosity led to opportunity; I began a home practice and eventually enrolled in a class. Meanwhile, my life shifted—no, I shifted my life—and promptly went into an existential crisis of the most extreme sort. Months of despair followed as I got exactly what I had sought and was not satisfied. Someone asked me “what is it that makes you happy?” and I realized that the only time I was happy was in yoga classes, doing those seemingly benign movements and making those crazy shapes with my body.

My vinyasa teacher at the yoga studio I attended quit, and the only time that worked for me was the Ashtanga class.In the intensity and regularity of Ashtanga I discovered the roots of the practice: why it makes me happy, and how to bring on that happiness even without the physical forms.

I have been practicing since 1994 and began teaching in 2000.

I am grateful to all my teachers. Rick Gould, Chuck Miller, Jurgen Christensen, Nancy Goodstein, Paulie Zink, Denise Kauffman, Casey Palmer, and so many more.