From an early age I suffered from chronic stomach aches. As a young teen I discovered I had food allergies and sensitivities. That set me on my path to learning about wellness and nutrition.

After I graduated from UC Berkeley, I moved to the mountains and started a goat and sheep farm. I spent the next several years deeply immersed in the agricultural world. I explored, read, visited and listened to anyone who had something to say about food or farming. I became an activist for share-holder dairies and contributed to local and statewide legislation.

When California legalized the sales of raw milk from family farms, I felt that my time on the farm was over. I packed up and headed back to city life to complete a business program. I started a digestion-centric meal subscription business but with a new baby, getting into the kitchen was a challenge, so I hung up my apron.

I have always lived an active life. When I finally looked in the mirror after 3 years of devoting my time to someone else, I noticed cellulite forming on my thighs. While I pondered my next professional move,  I focused on my self care. I’ve never been a “gym person” but I knew I had to get moving. I signed up for the nearest and cheapest gym possible, after my first zumba class I thought “I could do this.”  

Dance combined with the breath worth of Yoga tapped into my love of movement and gave me a newfound appreciation for the breath work and grounding aspects of Yoga. I followed up with a courses on nutrition coaching and a personal trainer certification. When I reflect on the business’s I’ve started and projects I’ve worked on, I see a culmination of this moment. I am here to help others on their journeys to being their best selves through diet, spiritual guidance and exercise. I hope you will let me be a part of your journey to wellness and get in touch.

Commit to loving yourself this summer by signing up for an 8 week summer series on Saturday mornings. Preregistration is required through the Alameda Parks and Recreation Department. We will be meeting on Saturday Mornings at 9:30 at the Alameda Veterans Building room 250.

Also I’m on the cover! 🙂

Self Care is important and I want to make this movement practice to everyone who wants to fall in love with their workout. Join me on the first Monday and Wednesday of the month at Rhythmix Cultural Works for sliding scale classes.

Come love yourself, get sweaty and feel centered for $8-25 on the first Monday and Wednesday of the month.

It can be hard to find time to work out, especially with kids. I created a class for parents to get moving with their kids. Setting a good example is important. I read an article, “5 Self-Care Strategies That aren’t Fucking Mani-Pedis” by Kate McCombs about sustainable self-care that resonated with me. She claims

People who are socialized as women can struggle with self-care because they have been taught their value is in caring for others, often to the detriment of their own wellbeing; they fight against the notion that self-care is at best indulgent and at worst deeply selfish.

I want to set a good example for my daughter. I want her to prioritize her self care so that she is able to take care of others. How are you caring for yourself this week?