“Heather draws on diverse lineages of yoga to craft creative, yet smartly constructed, sneakily challenging sequences. She cultivates holistic well-being by accenting the practice with self-bodywork and pranayama. You leave class feeling stronger and more energized.”
About me
I am a pirate.
Openly, admittedly, and quite proudly.
When I began practicing yoga, I quickly realized that I had happened into something very powerful. As I realized the transformative effects of yoga on a physical, mental and energetic level, my mission became sharing it with others.
I study yoga, bodywork and anatomy on a daily basis, sometimes in the middle of the night. From the time I completed my first teacher training in 2003 and received my certification from Ana Forrest, I have continued to study with world-renowned programs and teachers. From these experiences I have continued to refine my own methodology, a fusion of the various traditions I have studied.
In other words, I use the “Pirate Approach” in my teaching. Over 20 years ago, one of my first teachers, Quinn Kearny, told us about the “Pirate Approach.” He explained:
“Get on the ship and take everything that’s good, everything worth stealing. And then get off the ship. This is key: don’t stay on the ship. You have to GET OFF the ship and then get on the next ship, and steal everything you can. And then go find another ship.”
All that pirating has led me to this philosophy: I teach yoga as a form of bodywork that you practice on yourself, as a tool for self-care. I empower clients so they can get the most out of their practices and the most out of life.
Teaching yoga paired well with my background in education. I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and a master’s in education from Northwestern University, working for many years as a teacher and e-learning specialist. Cumulatively, I have taught for 25 years both on and off the mat, which enables me to make some of the subtler aspects of yoga more accessible.
My Yoga Classes
“If you’re looking for a yoga class that isn’t just a typical yoga class, look no further! Heather’s style of teaching is thoughtful and playful, and her classes appeal to advanced yogis as well as those who are just finding their way to the mat. No two classes are the same which keeps her classes fun and interesting. One of the things I appreciate most is her knowledge of the mechanics of the body. She works self-care techniques into her classes which complement and enhance the practice. In addition to yoga classes, I’ve trusted her with body work as I recovered from spinal surgery. When doctors and physical therapy couldn’t help me anymore post surgery, she was instrumental in my recovery and working out residual issues I had following surgery.”
My classes emphasize breath, strength, and spirit, while placing equal importance in finding a place for joy and laughter in the practice. Always a different sequence, my classes are moderately paced with an emphasis on alignment. They are challenging, yet provide a safe haven for students of all abilities. Each well-rounded class has a different theme and systematically prepares you for a playful exploration of the deeper peak poses. You will leave feeling stronger and more balanced.
Frequently, students tell me that when they got to the class they were not in the best mood, but when they left they not only felt stronger, but their cloud had lifted and their mood had shifted for the better.
