How to sum up twenty-five years teaching fitness?
I discovered my love of dance fitness in 2001, when I stumbled awkwardly through my first Nia class. Two years later, I up-ended my life and moved to Portland, OR to work as Studio Manager at The Nia Technique’s International Headquarters. I rose through the ranks, working and training alongside the company’s founders, eventually becoming a ‘Black Belt’ and the Senior Editor of Educational Materials. I’ll always be grateful for the foundational knowledge that those years gave me, but I’m no longer affiliated with or in-support of Nia (aka ‘the Org’) – and for good reasons. I’ve spoken about Nia and the ‘cult’ure of new age wellness at length on my podcast. If you’re interested in all that, you can learn more here.
After stepping away from Nia in 2007, I explored other modalities for another decade and a half, working independently as an educational consultant and mind-body fitness coach before eventually obtaining my ACE certification and certifying to teach Zumba Fitness in 2009.
Since 2019, I’ve been doing my own thing.
The above photo was taken in 2011 by award-winning photographer Mark Downey, and while my body has changed (perimenopause is real, y’all), the feel of my classes remains constant.
Smiles, sweat, and ‘fun’ctional fitness that doesn’t feel like working out, that’s what keeps folks coming back for more!
I’m currently teaching at Sultivate in Cottonwood, AZ.
LEARN MORE at Sultivate.com
Deep Stretch is different from yoga. It’s a specialized approach to stretching developed by a functional therapist and expert in anatomy, Layna Cirelli. Deep Stretch is uniquely designed to target fascia and catalyze systemic improvements over time. We stretch without props while lying on the floor, using active holds to create space in the joints, strengthen intrinsic muscles, relieve pain, and improve overall strength and mobility. It’s a 90-minute class that delivers results every time!
REGISTER at Sultivate.com
Class Schedule
Vintage Choreo
Here’s a few tracks from back in 2012: