MY EXPERIENCE & TRAINING
Certified iRest Teacher
Since 2007, I have taught iRest Yoga Nidra in group classes, one-on-one sessions and workshops.
Certified Structural Yoga Therapist
Since 2005, I have worked with clients to help them overcome a wide range of health challenges, with a particular focus on:
- Anxiety and stress-related disorders
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
In 2005 I graduated from the 3-year training program in Structural Yoga Therapy with Mukunda Stiles. My qualifying thesis, on Rheumatoid Arthritis, is available at www.yogatherapycenter.org. I also studied Integrative Breathwork with Bill Gallagher and Richard Sabel and anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff.
Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500 hours level
Since 2004, I have taught mixed level group and private hatha classes in New York City, Virginia, and Costa Rica. My classes emphasize mindfulness, the integration of breath and asana, and adapting practices to the individual. Mukunda Stiles is my primary teacher. In 2003, I received certification as a Level II Integral Yoga Instructor. I have also studied with Todd Norian, Donna Farhi and Erich Schiffmann.
Workshop presentations
I have presented workshops on a range of yoga-related topics, including:
- Healthy Joints: Movement, Breath and Lifestyle Choices for Relieving Joint Pain;
- Mindfulness and Ayurvedic Approaches to Asana
- Corrections and Adjustments for Yoga Teachers
Meditation Practice
I have been a student of Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche in the Tibetan Bon Buddhist tradition since 2007. My Dharma practice begin in the Buddhist Insight Meditation (Vipassana) tradition and I worked closely with Vipassana teacher Jeff Collins for five years. I participated in residential and weekend Vipassana retreats with Jeff, Ajahn Amaro and Sharon Salzberg.
I have also practiced Tibetan Mahamudra Meditation, as taught by Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche, and participated in Mahamudra retreats with him and with Gaylon Ferguson of Shambhala. In 2006 - 2007, I was a member of the Casa Zen sangha in Costa Rica and participated in sesshins under the guidance of Sensei Shunyana Graef.
Membership in Professional Organizations
Certified iRest Teacher
Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500 hours level
International Association of Yoga Therapists
Other Experience
Before training in yoga therapy I worked as an international human rights lawyer for 20 years, as an advocate with human rights organizations and a consultant for various United Nations agencies. I lectured and published widely on a range of human rights issues and served as the Director of the International Human Rights Clinic at the New York University School of Law. I hold a B.A. in Classical Archaeology from Bryn Mawr College, an M.A. in Classical Archaeology from Columbia University, and a J.D. from New York University School of Law.