Professional History & Training
Even though as a child, I had always been a mover, dancer and athlete, I started my formal dance training at 19, in 1974, and began my teaching career in 1976 as a dance instructor at the then long established and highly respected Powell Reilly Dance Studio in San Francisco, CA.
At the same time, fascinated and curious about the physical aspect of our human potential, , I began a deeper exploration through yoga that brought me to an even more inward and integral journey.
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As as a professional performing artist, I have choreographed, improvised and worked independently, and with many local San Francisco Bay Area dance companies and jazz musicians. My love of movement resulted in a wide vocabulary of movement training that includes jazz, ballet, modern, tap, gymnastics, improvisational techniques, various ethnic styles, and partner dancing, as well as, healing intrinsic movement, energy work and martial arts. I also have experience directing, producing and stage managing.
After my son was born, I also began teaching Rhythm & Motion aerobic classes in the early 80's, and in 1984 received my first fitness certification as a fitness instructor, and, in 1991, as a personal fitness trainer by the Health & Fitness Institute California State University, East Bay.
In 1980, after intensely studying yoga for 4 years, I began formally teaching yoga (poses, breathing, relaxation, concentration and meditation techniques), as well as health and fitness, to groups and individuals through classes, workshops and private sessions.
In 1989, I took my personal training business to new heights by creating a mindful fitness program, Body Awareness until 1999, when I founded the San Francisco Yoga School.
In 1991, I was an original member of Integral Transformative Practice (ITP), a two year study and training with George Leonard and Michael Murphy (forefather's of the human potential movement), that was the material for their co-authored book, “The Life You Were Given.” When the study ended I co-founded, and for 5 consecutive years, co-facilitated the very first pilot ITP group, which still exists today, along with other ITP groups nationwide. To date, I continue to participate in group meditations and study with Michael Murphy (one of my main mentors), about evolution, transformation, and the work of Sri Aurobindo.
1996, I became a sole, and direct hatha yoga student of Shandor Remete, founder of Shadow Yoga and Nata Yoga, until 2012 (16 years). This study, training and practice included intensives, residential, and teacher trainings also with Emma Balnaves, in the U.S, Bali, and India.
In the early 2000's, I was an acknowledged Shadow Yoga Teacher until I developed my own style of yoga, Fine Body Yoga™, as an integral personalized resource for one’s highest potential and for aging gracefully at every age and any stage.
From January 1998 to July 2002, I was a choir member with the San Francisco Glide Ensemble, and participated in their live 4th CD recording in June 2001.
In 1999, I chose out of all the years of meditation studies and practices, to become Kriya initiated as a devotee of Paramahansa Yogananda, and a member of the Self-Realization Fellowship. I had studied Buddhism for many years, predominantly in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, and attended silent retreats and teachings including ones with Lama Surya Das (founder of the Dzogchen Foundation and author) and Sogyal Rinpoche (author of "The Tibetan Book of the Living and Dying"). I attended the Heart Sutra/Heart of Wisdom teachings with the Dalai Lama, May 2001 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 2019, I have switched my meditation practice to Transcendental Meditation, which I have found to have extraordinary impact and significant measurable results. As of May 2021, I have now completed 2 of 4 Advanced Technique trainings, and plan to learn the other 2 and continue more training in this unique system.
In the mid 2000's I began my work with the incarcerated population, first teaching at the San Francisco Youth Guidance Center, and, then in 2010, in the SF County Jail Facilities. I volunteered these services for over 5 years.
In 2001, I began my professional work with essential oils (EO) , and included in my essential oil sessions the Raindrop Technique, which is a hands-on and energetic healing application of the pure therapeutic grade essential oils designed by Gary Young of Young Living Essential Oils. I have trained others in this modality. I also have expanded and integrated the use of the essential oils with specific yoga poses and yogic practices, in some of my programs: the Rest Shops; the Rest & Receive Yoga and Essential Oil Group Sessions, and the Revitalize/Restorative Yogis Healing© sessions. EO consulting and use are also available in the One-on-One and Couples Yoga, Self Care and Well Being Sessions and Programs.
In 2005, as I continued to develop into my own style of teaching and yoga, and, as an avid scholar and practitioner of the transformative practices and paradigm shifting aspects of growth, I integrated my knowledge of the intricacies of how to get to ‘higher places of consciousness’ by creating the “Yoga, Health & Vitality Well Being Breakthrough 16 - Session Program”, and the “Breakthrough In Your Practice Workshops”, and began my work as an Integral Well Being, Self-Care Coach, and Facilitator.
From 2007 to 2010, I trained with Dr. Michael Spino, Author, World Class Running Coach & Pioneer in Mindful Sports, and received his Beyond Jogging: Running Techniques Senior Certificate.
I continue to study and personally practice Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs & teas (especially with Nam Singh), Ayurveda, health & nutrition, as well as extensive training in communication, management and leadership skills.
In regards to public speaking training, although I have some Toastmaster experience, my main training and continuing education for over 15 years is with Speaking Circle International, founded and taught by Lee Glickstein.
I have a deep gratitude for my five experiences and travels to and through India, for all my teachers, mentors, coaches, clients, students, and participants (testimonials) who challenge and inspire me daily.
With this new SFYS website #3, as of June 2021, I celebrate 45 years of:
•personal and professional education, study, practice and experience of body/mind awareness, dance, fitness, sport, therapeutic and somatic movement;
• metaphysical, energetic, breathing and relaxation techniques;
• meditation and yoga, qigong, martial arts and healing art forms; and
• working nationally and internationally, with people from all ages and walks of life.
I have helped others to create healthier changes in their life style and well being, in various formats, including individual and couples sessions, group classes, workshops, retreats, seminars and on-going programs in various venues, such as schools, health facilities, studios, institutions, corporations, camps and jails.
My committed intention and devotion to being a co-creative resource for people to live a lifetime of ease and grace with freedom, joy, and a whole lot of love in their greatest good and highest potential, at any age and every stage, is growing stronger and more spirited than ever!
Thank you all, who have been a part of this adventure and journey!!!