I began practicing yoga consistently in 2005. After years of being an AFAA certified step aerobics instructor and running, I wanted a form of exercise that was a little kinder to my body. My early yoga experiences were at Yoga for Athletes at the YMCA and private classes from Nikki Adkins. While visiting my daughter, Stephanie Lewis, in Chicago, I first practiced hot yoga at a Bikram Studio and was amazed at the improved flexibility and feeling of relaxation that comes with the heat. I was in the first class when Sumit Hot Yoga opened in Springfield and have practiced three to five times a week since.

I love the stress relief and sense of calm that comes from practicing yoga. My strength, flexibility, and balance have all improved through yoga. Undoubtedly, yoga can be a life long experience. I have practiced with Sumit in Arizona and completed RYT 200 Teacher Training and am Yoga Alliance certified. In my professional life, I am a professor of Reading Instruction at Lincoln University. The balance yoga brings to my life is invaluable. It is the very essence of why yoga is absolutely the best thing we can do to keep our body, mind, and soul healthy. I love being able to share yoga with others. Namaste!

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