I’m a professional performing artist, certified yoga teacher, embodied mindful movement coach, educator, dancer, and group facilitator. With over three decades of experience as both a practitioner and guide, I bring a blend of knowledge and intuitive insight to my work.
In the midst of my career as a professional dancer and musical theatre performer, I faced two life-changing challenges: a rare knee injury and a diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Both conditions severely impacted my ability to move and nearly ended my career as a dancer. Determined to continue and not let pain take away my joy of being physically active, I shifted my approach to movement and yoga, focusing on sustainability, functionality, mobility, and longevity.
Now, over ten years later, in my forties, I am pain-free, still dancing, performing professionally, and leading an active lifestyle.
As an integrative coach, I combine mindful movement practices with a holistic approach to help individuals reconnect with their bodies, release tension, and cultivate greater self-awareness.
Live With Ease Guiding Principles
The Power of Grounding the Bones and Releasing Tension
Grounding the bones to the Earth is a powerful practice that allows us to tap into the natural force of gravity, helping to release unnecessary tension and restore balance within the body. The bones are the structural foundation of our body, and when we consciously allow them to release their weight into the Earth, we create an effortless connection that supports deep relaxation and alignment.
As we release the weight of our bones over to gravity, we create a natural flow of energy through the body, helping to ease the strain on the muscles. This allows the muscles to let go of any excess tension, as they no longer have to work against the gravitational pull to support our structure. Instead, the Earth becomes an ally, taking on much of the load, which leads to a profound sense of ease and lightness.
By grounding the bones in this way, we allow the muscles to soften, the joints to decompress, and the body to align more naturally. This practice not only helps to release tension, but also promotes better posture, improves mobility, and supports the overall health of the musculoskeletal system. In essence, grounding helps us to “unload” the body, giving the bones the space to settle, the muscles to relax, and the entire system to recalibrate to its natural state of balance and ease.
Incorporating this awareness of the bones’ relationship to the ground into our daily practices can profoundly impact our overall sense of well-being, reducing physical and mental strain and fostering a deep sense of rootedness and relaxation.
The Power of the Breath
The power of the breath is a fundamental aspect of our being, often overlooked yet deeply transformative. It’s the rhythm of life itself, connecting the body and mind in a seamless dance. When we pay attention to our breath, we tap into a potent source of energy and awareness that grounds us in the present moment. This simple act of breathing, when done consciously, fosters a deep sense of connection between mind, body, and spirit.
In the context of embodied mindful movement, the breath acts as both guide and anchor. Whether through yoga, dance, tai chi, or any other mindful movement practice, the breath serves as a tool to harmonize movement with awareness. It offers a rhythm to flow with, providing a steady pulse that helps to soften tension and release held emotions in the body. In each inhale, we draw in life-force energy, and with every exhale, we create space for release, renewal, and relaxation.
Mindful movement, when synchronized with the breath, has the power to cultivate a profound state of presence. As we move, we deepen our connection with our body’s sensations and emotions, fostering self-awareness and acceptance. The breath allows us to listen to the body’s needs and adjust accordingly, whether to find more ease or challenge. It teaches us how to navigate moments of discomfort with grace and resilience, helping us move through life both on and off the mat with greater balance and clarity.
Ultimately, the breath in mindful movement is not just a tool for physical performance, but a bridge to inner peace. It cultivates a meditative awareness, calming the nervous system and soothing the mind, creating space for healing and growth. When we truly harness the power of the breath, we unlock the potential for profound transformation, both in movement and in life.
The Importance of Movement
Movement is one of the most natural and essential aspects of being human. It’s not just something we do—it’s something we are. From the moment we’re born, our bodies are designed to move, and that movement is crucial to maintaining our overall health and well-being. Movement is the language of our body, and every step, stretch, and gesture serves as a way to communicate with ourselves and the world around us.
When we move, we activate our muscles, joints, and organs, which helps maintain physical health in a way that goes beyond simple exercise. It improves circulation, strengthens the heart, boosts the immune system, and keeps bones and muscles strong and flexible. Regular movement also enhances brain function by increasing blood flow and promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers. This is why movement is often linked to increased energy, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
The importance of movement extends far beyond the physical benefits, though. It’s also deeply connected to emotional health. Through movement, we can process and release stress, tension, and stored emotions. Physical activity is a natural way to regulate our nervous system, calming the body’s response to stress and promoting relaxation. In a world where mental health struggles are increasingly common, movement offers a simple, accessible way to support emotional resilience and find inner balance.
Moreover, movement nurtures the mind-body connection, helping us become more in tune with ourselves. It allows us to cultivate mindfulness, bringing awareness to our breath, posture, and sensations as we move. This connection between body and mind fosters a sense of presence and self-acceptance, empowering us to approach life with more clarity, confidence, and calm.
Incorporating movement into daily life, whether through intentional exercise, playful activities, or simply walking or stretching throughout the day, is one of the most powerful ways to promote longevity and vitality. It keeps us flexible, both physically and mentally, and encourages a more vibrant and fulfilled life. Movement is not just about staying fit—it’s about staying connected, grounded, and alive. It’s a dynamic and ongoing celebration of what it means to be human.
Embodied
“Embodied” is all about being in your body. It’s more than just going through the motions—it’s about fully experiencing and connecting with the sensations, rhythms, and wisdom of your physical self. When we’re embodied, we are present, aware, and in tune with how our body feels, moves, and communicates. It’s about getting out of our heads and into our bodies for deeper, lasting transformation, fostering a greater sense of presence and clarity, and developing a more grounded and confident relationship with our bodies.
Embodiment
Embodiment is the lived experience of being in and through the body. It’s not just about having a body, but about how our physical, emotional, and cognitive experiences are intertwined. We carry our identities, histories, and emotions in the body—whether that’s through the way we move, the posture we take, or even the way we respond physically to the world around us. Embodiment emphasizes the idea that our body is not separate from our mind or spirit but is integral to our sense of self. It suggests that how we inhabit our body shapes how we perceive and interact with the world, influencing everything from our mood and energy to how we express ourselves and communicate with others. In practices like dance, mindfulness, or yoga, embodiment allows us to reconnect with our physical being, unlocking a deeper understanding of who we are beyond just thoughts or emotions. It also speaks to the power of the body to hold memories, trauma, and healing, and encourages us to listen to our bodies for insight.
In our sessions, we’ll ease the mind by allowing it to take a back seat, giving the body the opportunity to take the lead.
Take the leap and discover your body's unique language and profound ability to heal.