a constantly evolving journey

I believe that movement can be a powerful tool for transformation. My journey started in the gym, where I spent several years working out obsessively and counting every calorie. I was convinced that if I could work out enough to have the perfect body, I would be happy. It didn’t quite work out like that. In 2012 I found yoga, and though I did not find all of my answers I felt that I was on the right path. When I did my first 200 hour teacher training I didn't think I would teach right away, I simply wanted to deepen my own practice. But after subbing my very first class I fell in love and felt I had found my calling. 

As a lover of movement, I am passionate about learning. I have studied Ashtanga Yoga, Rocket Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and various styles of Vinyasa Yoga. I have also studied with hand balancers, circus performers, movement artists and contortionists to expand my knowledge and explore the capabilities of my body. I am a certified personal trainer and holistic health coach as well.

After experiencing a life changing wrist injury I completely redefined my movement practice in many ways, placing more emphasis on a strong foundation and finding gratitude for my body instead of always seeking more. Don't get me wrong, I still love intense practice but more importantly I have learned to value being a good person over able to do cool things with my body.

The next chapter was about making yoga more accessible. In June 2018 my best friend/business partner Sam and I decided to open a donation based yoga studio in Boulder. We soon after became a non-profit organization, offering scholarships to our events and teacher trainings as well as partnering with non-profit foundations in India to help give back to the place where we borrow yoga from. Unfortunately our studio closed permanently in 2020, unable to bounce back from being closed for so long due to COVID.

While closing the studio was heartbreaking, it made space for the next chapter of my life in which I transitioned to teaching handstands and contortion online full-time. I also was able to explore more of the business coaching side of things and help some of my friends and students expand and grow their online and in-person businesses.

While all this was happening, I knew I wouldn’t be in Boulder forever and wanted to find a place to make a permanent home and fulfill my dream of creating a retreat center in MY home. Now, after a few years of dreaming and planning it is finally happening.

I now live in Manistee, MI and am planning to open for retreats this Summer of 2024! I hope you will come visit me one day.

xx Irene