About Open-Lotus

In the Buddhist tradition the lotus is a symbol of loving kindness (metta) and wisdom. The open lotus signifies spiritual growth and awareness. I try to bring a spirit of unconditional love and kindness to my massage work and my teaching, so that each person I work with is able to experience healing and renewal.

"Through compassion

May all beings be free of suffering

And live in happiness."

About Me

I've always been interested in health and wellness. My travels in Asia and the eight and a half years I lived in Japan opened my mind to traditional Asian medicine. I was able to see and personally experience the benefits of many non-western health practices. Then in 1999, I had a "fortunate" sports-related injury and was forced to stop doing the aerobic activities I loved. Luckily my injury and my frustrations over not being able to exercise led me to my first yoga class. Yoga became a passion as I found that it helped connect my mind, body and spirit, while it built my strength, stamina, balance and flexibility. I hope to share this marvelous practice with others.

My study and practice of yoga have included Kripalu, Ashtanga, vinyasa, Bikram, Iyengar and restorative styles of yoga. I've been privileged to study with respected teachers: Beryl Bender Birch, Kofi Busia, Tom Gillette, Ann Greene, David Swenson and Doug Swenson. I've been a registered Yoga Alliance teacher (RYT 200-hour Certification) since 2002.

I have the same feelings about Thai Yoga Massage as I do about yoga. Thai Yoga Massage is a truly rewarding practice that allows me to share the benefits of yoga and massage with people who might not otherwise experience it. I trained and am certified in Thai Yoga Massage with the Lotus Palm School in Montreal, and am very grateful to have studied with Paul Cramer.

In addition to teaching yoga and doing Thai Yoga Massage, I'm a certified instructor of Group Exercise (AFAA) and Senior Fitness (HealthCare Dimensions "Silver Sneakers"). I'm also working towards certification in Stott Pilates (Mat). In my life before yoga I earned a Master's of Education and spent 19 years teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language. I've published four ESL/EFL textbooks and two workbooks as well as a number of other projects.

To see what I've published click here: Publications

Contact: email: open.lotus.info@gmail.com
or call: (860) 287-2965