3 Words to Describe My Teaching Style:

Intrinsic, courageous, and whimsical

My music style:

Groovy, Primal, Bassy, Electronic, Drum & Bass, shimmery, occasional help from some Divas

I fly with Jaybird Because:

I feel there’s no other space or studio that can offer the freedom of expression and ability to feel like Jaybird can.

My journey to jaybird:

Like many movement people and instructors alike, my practice found me during a lower point in my early 20s. I had a strong Yoga practice going in my late teens, and a performing arts centered upbringing, so I wasn’t a stranger to movement, but boy was that first hot class back humbling. After overcoming the initial shock of the heat and battling the male-ego that always tries for the hardest progressions even if it’s not in their best interest… I decided to invest in a mat and some proper attire and jump back in full force. For an entire year I attended anywhere from 7-9 classes a week (also not generally recommended lol). With the help of some brilliant teachers and a lithe, newly healed body supporting me, my practice advanced very quickly. And not only did I gain a new sense of control and strength, but I actually felt more alive and present. My breath was stronger, my sight was clearer, and my mind was quieter. After a Beyoncé concert, I quit my barista job and booked a yoga retreat lead by a teacher I admire to celebrate one year of consistent practice. It was on this retreat where I officially decided to become an instructor (with lots of encouragement from my teachers of course) and when I returned I hit the pavement hard scraping up every penny I could to pay for training. Through Winter 23-24’ I would spend my weeks at Nectar Yoga on Bowen Island working with an incredible teacher named Tina Pashumati James, and my weekends working the desk at one of the studios I would later teach at! As fascinating, inspiring, and brilliant the learning days were, I felt exhausted, broke, and a little doubtful of my teaching abilities. Nonetheless, when I graduated that March, I had already lined up auditions and interviews for every studio I wanted to be a part of. Luckily I had established a loving connection with two communities near and dear to me, and also had a position lined up with the Health Initiative for Men to teach a karma class they host. I hit the ground running and instantly had 7 classes a week, anywhere from 2 people to 40. I can remember every stutter and questionable cue, but with the reverence of some beautiful students who saw my potential, and eventually hundreds of classes under my belt, I slowly found my voice. Jaybird became a word I kept hearing when prestige studios around the city came up amongst teachers in passing, and I finally got to try a class thanks to a beautiful Jaybird alum named Greta. When I was waiting in the lobby at the Yaletown location, the bass from the matroom got my heart racing and I felt the same anxiety you might get entering a night club. About 1/3 of the way into ‘The Build’ my anxiety gave way to pure adrenaline. The candlelight, the sound system, and Greta’s powerful presence had me moving in ways I seldom did in my own practice. After class I sat in the park across the street so the sun could dry me off. I was very dazed yet intrigued, and pondered all the parts of the class I could remember thinking about the Jaybird language style, the musicality, and the pacing, and how it allowed for this huge eruption and evocation in a way not many other modalities can offer unless it’s like a psychedelic retreat. I knew for sure that a: I’d be back for another class, and b: I’d do everything in my power to try and become a Jaybird teacher.

What MiNdfulness Means to Me:

Navigating the world with grace and courtesy for yourself and others.

words to live by:

You can’t offer anything you can’t offer yourself.