I am a certified Iyengar yoga Instructor. Iyengar certification is the most rigorous teaching assessment in the world today. Click here for specifics.
I have been a teacher for more than 6 years. I
graduated from the Advanced Studies Program at
the San Francisco Iyengar Institute. I have had
the great fortune of studying directly under Guruji
and Geetaji several times in the US and in India.
I love working with beginners and those with specific
needs. I am certified as a restorative
yoga teacher which is especially helpful for those with specific health concerns or stress
related diseases. I have additional training to
cater to students suffering from health challenges
including back
pain, scoliosis, injuries, menopause, and menstruation.
My inspirations
To keep my learning current, I study exclusively with senior Iyengar Certified teachers including Jaki Nett, Ramanand Patel, Manuso Manos and the excellent faculty from the Iyengar Institute in San Francisco. My first teachers were Susannah Bruder and Richard Rosen.
I have particular interest in nutrition. A lifetime member of Weight Watchers, I have battled with my weight all my life. Only when I discovered the benefits of eating more raw food did my yoga practice -- and life -- feel complete. I am happy to share my knowledge on nutrition and raw foods with students when they ask. Click here for my thoughts on why eating raw foods is a good thing.
One
thing that is special about modern yoga is its
focus on the laity, the householder. That applies
to me for sure. While yoga is my total focus,
I do get additional cardio and strength with
the Manatee Aquatic Masters swim team and regular
Pilates. I am Vice President of the Board for
the San Francisco Iyengar Institute and work on several other Iyengar Association projects. I am also an active
volunteer with the Arab Film Festival. My wonderful husband, Bashir, provides me with karmic sustenance off the mat.
I grew up watching my mom do yoga with Lilian Folan on TV. She always did yoga, and I guess I figured that I would too when I grew up. In the mean time, I was a rower, swimmer and played rugby. I worked for several years in the fitness department at Healthworks, a women's health club. It was in college when tending to my subsequent rugby injuries that I was propelled toward yoga's health benefits.
Fast forward more than a decade and I am still totally in love with yoga. I still do yoga with my mom. That is her in many of the pictures on this website. Come to class on Sunday nights and you can meet her!
The Iyengar's interpretation of this ancient practice is totally inspiring and has changed my life. I love introducing others to the effects of Iyengar yoga, and it is evident in my teaching. I welcome people of all abilities and interests to my class.