1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Rochester, NY. I went to the University of Rochester and have degrees in Economics and Political Science. I played football, basketball and baseball growing up and ultimately played football in college. I’ve been working for JP Morgan Chase for the past 11 years and an Executive Director for retail banking, where I directly support the 18 locations in Bradenton and Sarasota. I was relocated with my job to Florida 7 years ago, and have enjoyed everything about it. I appreciate spending time outside, listening to live music, and traveling. I recently got married in Cancun to Alex and have a beautiful golden retriever, Bailey.

2. Have you done other styles of Yoga other than Thavma Yoga?

I tried Vinyasa a few years ago, but the majority of my experience has been at Thavma, which I began in May 2018.

3. What made you decide to take your first Thavma Yoga Class?

Honestly, I was desperate. I have experienced significant amounts of back pain over the last few years. I had tried alternate methods of healing, including chiropractor and massage which gave temporary relief but nothing sustainable. Thavma has been life changing for me as my practice has given me my health back. I had little to no pain after practicing 8 times in two weeks.

4. What made you choose Thavma Yoga as a Studio?

Thavma was conveniently located to where I lived and I saw it on Groupon so I gave it a chance.

5. What was your first Thavma yoga experience like?

I was initially intimidated to go to yoga, because I had very little to no experience. I was very fortunate to meet some amazing instructors who made me feel instantly comfortable. The Thavma community is authentic and fun. It’s always been somewhere I’ve felt comfortable.

6. What makes you come back?

The health benefits and the Thavma people. I went to 8 classes in my first two weeks of signing up, and my back pain has never been back. The pain I had experienced was causing me to lose sleep, trouble concentrating, and impacted me in every facet of my life. I typically come 4-5 times a week and try to do two 90 minute sessions within that, but I’m thankful to live normally again. That’s the physical side, but I didn’t realize how stressed I was either. My ability to handle and adapt to stress has changed. I handle and see situations differently, which has improved my relationships personally and professionally.

7. How long have you been practicing?

Since May 2018.

8. What changes have you seen since you began the practice?

Improved health has been my biggest change. The back pain I suffered was constant and unbearable.

9. What is your favorite and least favorite pose?

My favorite and least favorite poses seem to change. I think that I used to favor the postures that came easy to me, but that was only because I was doing them wrong. When I realize that I’m dreading transitioning into a posture I try to focus on the instructor’s words to ensure I am breathing through it and doing it properly.

10. What do you like most about Thavma Yoga?

The genuine interest in each student and instructor. The people are genuine and authentic, which promotes a healthy energy to improve your practice.

11. Tell us anything else interesting that you feel you have gained or learned since starting Thavma Yoga.

I’ve learned that I would like to go through teacher training to give others the ability to heal and improve their quality of life that I was able to experience.

Many hugs!