I’ve always been a curious soul, drawn to learning and trying new things while staying grounded in what feels meaningful. Over the years, I’ve worked in the fitness and service industries, as a flight attendant, in physical therapy, and in real estate and development. Each role shaped me into who I am today. Yoga entered my life in 2013 during a time when I was working long hours at a busy orthopedic clinic, competing in triathlons, and generally living out of balance. I was looking for something that could help me turn inward and reconnect with myself. I found that through the Ashtanga Yoga practice, and soon began seeking out every opportunity to learn from teachers both locally and beyond. In 2017, I completed my first teacher training in medically based therapeutic yoga while continuing to deepen my Ashtanga practice through travel, study, and mentorship with certified and authorized teachers. In 2018, I began teaching two Ashtanga classes a week at a local studio in St. Louis while still working in physical therapy.

By 2020, a transition into real estate and development gave me the flexibility to focus more on yoga. That freedom led to the opening of Saint Louis Ashtanga Yoga (SLAY) in May 2021, the home of St. Louis’ only Mysore yoga program.

Building Saint Louis Ashtanga Yoga

SLAY has always been about holding space for the authentic practice of yoga. I teach open-level Mysore classes four days a week, a weekly led primary series, and a philosophy class. My approach integrates breathwork, chanting, and philosophy, shaped by my teachers and years of clinical work as a physical therapy assistant. This background gives me a deep understanding of movement, anatomy, and recovery, allowing me to help students navigate their practice safely and effectively.

I also host and teach workshops, and share wellness insights as co-host of the Bold Vitality Podcast. Teaching yoga is a labor of love for me. I aim to release expectations and trust in how the universe unfolds.

Lessons I’ve Learned

Stay true to yourself and your voice. Not everyone will resonate with your message, and that’s okay, your people will find you.

Class sizes will vary, so don’t measure your worth by numbers. The practice is a mirror for life, and what people bring to the mat often has little to do with you.

My Message to Founders

Build something that reflects your truth, not what you think will please the masses. Your role is to create an authentic space where your work can touch lives, even if the impact isn’t always visible right away. Trust that your dedication will reach those who need it most.

Business Takeaways from Yoga Founders Magazine

Authenticity Wins

The most powerful growth comes from building in alignment with who you truly are.

Skills as Assets

Draw from your unique background to shape your offerings. Your past experiences are part of your value.

Detach from Numbers

Your impact is not measured by class size or short-term metrics.

Depth Over Trend

Stay committed to teaching what has depth and meaning, rather than chasing popularity.

Hold the Space

Your main job as a founder is to maintain a space where the work can happen—growth follows naturally.