Hometown:
I hail from Dearborn, Michigan the hometown of the world renown Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
Who or what inspired you to be a yoga instructor:
My inspiration was the imitable Gina Bedrosian a founding member of YAGD, my mentor and sponsor. It was Gina who lit the fire and passion for yoga within me. Despite the fact that she was afflicted with Parkinson’s disease, Gina rarely missed teaching her classes. Her contributions to the yoga world were many and varied. In addition to her many general classes she conducted classes exclusively for Parkinson’s, authored a book Yoga Today, created a video Get Up & Go, and hosted a cable television series to name a few. To this vibrant woman who left behind her legacy I remain ever grateful.
Describe your yoga style:
In my almost 40 years of practice it’s been Hatha yoga pure and simple.
What’s your favorite yaga pose:
Suryanamaskar has always been a staple in my practice. I added versatility to the pose including side bends, twists, and balances.
What brings you to the mat:
Pure instincts call me to the mat. I have a yoga mat in practically every room in my home. One of which was personally autographed by actor Shirley MacLaine, a dedicated yogi in her own rite.
Do you work for a yoga studio or have a private practice?
I have taught beginning and continuing yoga classes for Dearborn Adult Education for over four decades. I’ve also enjoyed conducting workshops for many diverse groups including corporations, professional models, high school football teams and Brownie troops to name a few, each one a joy. For the past three years I’ve been conducting yoga classes outdoors, a glorious celebration of yoga and nature.
Discuss how being a member of YAGD has helped you in your yoga career:
I am fortunate to be a long time member of YAGD with its many talents. It served as a doorway to other health related modalities such as Reiki, Felden krais, acupuncture, massage, and ethnic dance. At one of our yoga retreats I conducted a belly dancing class and even the male yogis joined in. Such fun!
Do you have a favorite yoga story from your teaching experience:
I had a heartwarming experience. I was surprised to find one of my former fourth grade students of bygone years now as an adult enrolled in my beginning yoga class. You might say he was “Twice Taught!”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am exceedingly proud of two life long friends of whom I sponsored to YAGD and held long time positions. Audrey Pleasant served as librarian purchasing yoga and yoga related books, and reporting reviews at our monthly meetings. And, Sir Vincent Spadacini serving effectively as merchandise chairperson responsible for purchasing, storage, and selling yoga related paraphernalia at our events. Thank you both for your long time contributions to YAGD.
A Highlight:
I achieved a lifetime goal in 1999, spending a summer workshop under the tutelage of Ramanand Patel and George Purvis at the highly acclaimed Feathered Pipe Ranch in the majestic mountains of Montana, also the birthplace of the Yoga Journal.
Final Thought:
I thank God for the ancient system of Yoga and the Yoga Association of Greater Detroit one of the oldest associations in the United States.