It is amazing to watch how life unfolds, and sometimes events make perfect sense, while other times, things happen which I wouldn’t choose, yet these often teach the most, and make more sense in the bigger picture.  Since I’ve started to practice yoga, the ‘pieces’of my life have gradually come to fit together, like parts of a puzzle, that form a larger, more beautiful picture.  Since 2004 I have been lucky enough to teach at Yoga Thailand, a dedicated Ashtanga Yoga Retreat Center, in Koh Samui, Thailand, founded by Paul and Jutima Dallaghan.   It was through Paul that I first met Sri O.P. Tiwari. Tiwariji is one of India’s masters of Pranayama, and head of the Kaivalyadham institute. From him I have learnt that yoga is a complete way of living, not simply something that is practiced for a couple of hours each morning. He has also closely directed my practice of pranayama since 2003.

Since 2004, I have made frequent trips to Mysore, to study with Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois, and was given his authorization to teach the Ashtanga Yoga method in 2006.  As I studied and practiced yoga more deeply, I became more acutely aware of the link between the diet and the practices of yoga. I have also completed the practitioner’s training in Ayurveda at the European Institute of Vedic Studies, and am currently working towards a master’s degree in Ayurveda.

Over the years I’ve learned that practice is the best foundation for teaching, and having a daily practice of asana, and pranayama deepened my understanding of the limbs of yoga while giving me a way of maintaining sanity in the corporate world.  In 2004 when Paul and Jutima presented me with the opportunity to live and teach in Thailand, I left the office, boarded a flight to Bangkok, and have been on the ‘yogic train’ ever since. In late 2004 I had the chance to realize my dream of studying with Guruji and Sharath in Mysore, and to make several other spiritual pilgrimages around India.   This was a powerful and amazing experience, and deepened my commitment to spread the inner peace and knowledge which comes through yoga I have also been lucky enough to find excellent teachers of ayurveda along the way.  Dr. Shantala Priyadarshini, professor of Ayurveda at the Mysore College of Ayurveda.  I have also completed a practical training program with Dr. Sunil Joshi, one of India’s leading specialists in Pancha Karma.  

In 2007 I decided to return to my roots in south Louisiana for some time, to be closer to my family. Starting in October, I taught at The Yoga Room, founded by Melanie Fawler.  I decided to make the move to New Orleans more permanent, and continue to teach yoga and practice ayurveda. Melanie has transitioned into other areas, and I have taken over the Yoga Room, transitioning it to Balance Yoga & Wellness.