Birthplace?
Sydney…but with British parents, moved back to the U.K when 4 ish………Finally came back to visit Australia in early 20’s and fell in love (mostly with the weather and the Ocean ! ) and the rest they say, is history…….

What’s your signature dish?  
Vegetarian Curry & brown rice, followed by Chocolate Mousse – Yum !

Tea or Coffee?    Both
Favourite café?   Anywhere with a view of the ocean

Cat or Dog?
Both (…and guinea pig, rabbits, turtles, horse, cow, piggy, lizards, chooks. The more the merrier !)

Star Sign?
Aries !! Red hair, Fire…Don’t get me on the wrong side (…just kidding)

What quote do you live by?   
“Take care of your thoughts, they become your words, take care of your words, they become your actions, take care of your actions, they become your habits…Take Care of your actions…they become your Destiny”

What Yoga style do you practice? 
At the moment mostly Ashtanga vinyasa, also I LOVE Restorative – Give me a bolster a blanket and an eye pillow anyday J  Bhakti Yoga and Mantra make my heart sing <3

How did you start yoga?
In my early 20’s I had wanderlust, spent 6 months travelling through India (on a shoestring…Can you imagine ?! )
I was always drawn to the spiritual path..India blew my mind and I had many profound experiences there and went on to do several Intensive silent meditation retreats. returning to Oz  Hatha yoga classes, and continued to go off on silent retreat once or twice a year, but it was only in my mid to late 30’s that I went deeply into Hatha Yoga practice and then later Ashtanga Vinyasa.

 I’ve always loved Mantra and chanting.

Can you sum up what Yoga gives to you in a few words?   
Expansion, (in body, mind and consciousness) greater perspective. The ability to live more kindly and compassionately. Freedom from anxiety and stress. Greater physical health and ease in body. Connection with self and Spirit.
(Yes I know that’s rather more than a few words, but that’s me!)

When and where did you do your first Teacher Training? 
My first certified Hatha Yoga TT was at Qi Yoga in 2009, : Mark O’ Brien, Sindar Kaur, Joan Miller and Nikola Ellis : Great team of wonderful teachers

Favourite pose? Hmm…not sure I really have a favourite ?   Ok then- any twisting posture, especially Ardha Matsyendrasana

Least favourite pose? Shalabhasana, Locust Pose- my legs glue themselves to the floor

If you could study with any teacher, who would it be and why?
Richard Freeman, have already done some studies with him and I loved him ! A wonderful teacher, so funny, wise and a little Kooky J , Also Pema Chodron, Tenzin Palmo, Swami Satyadharma…..and I of course the wonderful Dalai Lama 

Best in-class blooper?   
I’ve said breast instead of breath before
I do occasionally mix up very obvious body parts “ Now spread all your ten feet and press them down ”

Lululemon or Dharmabums? 
DHARMABUMS – Ethically sourced ! Working in alignment with Yogic principles

Where would be your ultimate Yoga retreat destination?
 Hawaii or  Tibet/Bhutan/ Mongolia…anywhere in the Himalayas

What do you love most about your job?
The people, my students…the reminder again and again

What have you given up to teach yoga?
Weekends !  Steady & “ good “ income! steady hours…

What have you gained by teaching yoga?
Sanity !!  Learning to trust and live my Life’s passion and truly follow my dharma.
Meeting and learning from so many wonderful people

If you could talk to your pre-yoga self, what would you tell her?
Be patient, Surrender…Life might not always be easy, but you can change your perception and you can choose how to react, to affect a more positive emotional state and outcome. Stay positive ! Don’t listen to the naysayers !  Be Bold, Love yourself, love others…Trust.

What hobbies/activities do you have outside yoga?
Surfing, bush walking, am a TCN (Total Cat Nerd ) and a TPN (Total Plant Nerd )
I absolutely love my little plants and taking care of them, don’t get me started on my cats as I don’t want to sound like a crazy cat lady now?!

Am also a shamanic practitioner…Shamanism is simply about connecting with and honouring the Earth and all her gifts, being kind to all the animals, wildlife and plants and acknowledging and honouring their place in the world and the great web of life.

 It’s the oldest known form of Spirituality in the world. It’s a way of healing self, others and our planet. It compliments yoga beautifully and I’ve been lucky enough to be guided by the wonderful Carmen Rosa Morales.

How long have you taught at Qi? 
8 Years