Growing up on a small island, Cliff Island, I was part of a unique hard working community. My passion to work in the healing profession began in childhood and I left Maine to pursue my Bachelors in Social Work at Syracuse University from 1994-1998. I then moved to the Boston area to work in the field and completed my Masters degree in Social Work from Boston University in 2001. I have since been working as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker primarily with children and families. It was in 2001 that I discovered yoga, and can say that it transformed my life. I have always been an active person, whether it be a part of the island lobstering/construction community, or as a member and captain of the Syracuse Crew team. I started taking Yoga classes at the suggestion of a friend, and was immediately drawn to the physical “work out” of a heated vinyasa flow. I began to find myself at the Yoga studio more often than the gym as I quickly became aware of not only the physical benefits, but of the magical shifts that happen within. I found that not only had I increased in both strength and flexibility, but felt the calming effect Yoga had on me, particularly with an emotionally challenging profession. My practice has led me to have more acceptance and love for myself.
My path led me back to Maine in 2007, to be closer to both my family and to the island in which I grew up. While working full time as a Social Worker, I commuted to Cambridge, Massachusetts to complete my 200-hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training Program through Prana Power Yoga. I was fortunate to learn from inspiring teachers such as Taylor Wells, Philippe Wells, Jene Rossi, Jacqui Bonwell, and Rolf Gates. I immediately began teaching and over the last few years I have taught at a variety of studios in the Greater Portland area, including The Yoga Exchange, Fiddleheads, and Yogave. In 2010 my love for both teaching and practicing led me to transition to part time social work as I expanded my teaching to become a part of the growing Yoga community in Maine. The very day I talked to the Director of the Collaborate School about cutting back my hours, Danielle Morin, my friend and now business partner sent me an email about opening Greener Postures Yoga studio together...the universe is amazing!
Over the last several years, I have continued to pursue a variety of workshops and trainings through Prana Power yoga, Frog Lotus Yoga, and Kripalu. In 2009 I became certified as a Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teacher through the Boston Trauma Center. This has enabled me to combine two of my passions, Social Work and Yoga, fostering growth and healing through the mind-body connection. I am grateful for all my teachers; yoga instructors, students, family, friends, and colleagues as my journey continues.
It is truly a dream come true to be opening Greener Postures Yoga Studio with Danielle. I feel honored to share Yoga with others as this healing practice is truly powerful beyond measure. I hope to share this beautiful space to help others find the light within themselves and feel the love Yoga brings to ones life.