Hi! I’m Kathy

I’ve been practicing Ashtanga yoga since 2002 after a serious ankle injury left me in a walking boot for months, which left me with horrible back pain. When I joined my first yoga class, I expected to roll around on my mat doing gentle stretches, but instead, I got my ass kicked! As a former competitive swimmer, I wasn’t new to physical challenges, but this practice was next-level hard. I fell in love with the physicality of the practice and how much it made me work and sweat. Watching the other practitioners create these amazing shapes with their bodies, I knew I wanted to be able to do the same things. From that moment on, Ashtanga became a part of my daily life.

Consistency was key.

In those early months, consistency was the most important part of my journey. I practiced every day—sometimes twice a day—and this regularity became the foundation for everything that followed. I rolled out my mat even when my body (and mind) felt stiff, weak, or resistant. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about showing up. Over time, this habit taught me discipline, resilience, and the understanding that transformation happens gradually through daily effort.

There were setbacks.

Initially, I was drawn to the physical aspects of the practice. I wanted to push myself to achieve the impressive postures I saw other people doing. I practiced sometimes obsessively, but my determination to force my body into these postures eventually led to a series of injuries and setbacks. It took me a long time to understand that yoga isn’t just about pushing—it’s about balance. Learning to back off and meet myself where I was taught me to practice sustainably, blending effort with compassion.

Obstacles transformed into possibilities.

Over time, my body began to open in ways I never thought possible. Postures I once considered unattainable became part of my routine, and I started to see possibilities where I had only seen obstacles. More importantly, the practice cultivated patience, perseverance, and kindness toward myself. The practice was always teaching me; I learned to let go of rigid expectations, move intelligently, and adapt my practice to honor where I was each day. And through it all, consistency remained my anchor, reminding me to show up even when progress didn’t look like I thought it would.

Breathing was the building block.

One of the most profound lessons came through the breath. Even when my body felt broken, I could always roll out my mat and breathe. Learning Pranayama—the science of breath—transformed my practice. It gave me the tools to manage stress, calm my nervous system, and find clarity even in the most challenging moments. The balance between working hard and breathing deeply taught me to approach life’s challenges, on and off the mat, with resilience and grace.

Sharing what I learned. 

As a teacher, I aim to share these lessons with my students. I emphasize the importance of consistency and remind them that the most challenging part of practice is often just showing up. I encourage them to embrace repetition—not as a means of achieving perfection but as a way to cultivate confidence and resilience over time. Together, we have navigated injuries, pregnancies, chronic illnesses, and life’s ups and downs, finding clarity and strength through breath and movement.

Balance is key.

Slowing down and letting go of perfection are essential for sustainability. The practice isn’t about how many postures you can master; it’s about creating a lifelong relationship with your body and mind. I help my students cultivate this relationship by holding them accountable, pushing them when needed, supporting them through challenges, and cheering them on when they need it.

Yoga has given me a lot.

Yoga has given me so much more than physical strength or flexibility. It has taught me to see myself clearly—the good, the bad, and the areas where I need to grow. The lessons I learn on the mat—patience, resilience, and belief in my capabilities—translate directly into my relationships and daily life. The confidence I’ve built through consistent practice inspires me to face uncomfortable situations and navigate life’s challenges with clarity and grace. Ultimately, the practice is hard, but it’s worth it. It shows you what you’re capable of, even when you doubt yourself, and reminds you that you can handle whatever life throws your way. You just have to breathe.

Teaching and Coaching

I realized as a teacher that students would come to me when they were struggling to find consistency in other areas of their lives. They would see the benefits of consistency in their yoga practice and would want to find that in the rest of their lives. Coaching became the natural next step on my path. We worked together to take the skills they were learning on their mat and translate them into the habits they were trying to cultivate in their everyday life.

The best part.

The best part of my yoga journey has been witnessing my students' transformations on and off the mat. I’ve watched them apply the same principles that help them create consistent and sustainable yoga practices to their daily habits, and their lives have taken off. But you don’t have to take my word for it; take theirs.