I Never Planned to Teach Yoga—But It Transformed My Life

There are moments in life when we find ourselves at a crossroads, uncertain of where to go next.

At 26, I was ambitious and accomplished but lacked direction. The questions that plague so many of us—Who am I? Where am I going?—loomed large. I needed clarity, a sense of purpose, and, if I’m being honest, a way to make a living.

Then, a yoga teaching opportunity unexpectedly landed in my lap. A business owner at a health clinic asked me if I would teach yoga in his space. At the time, I had no formal training, just a deep love for the practice. But I took the leap—and by the end of that first class, I knew I had found my calling.

My Transformational Journey Into Yoga and Teaching

Having always been drawn to teaching, I found that guiding others on the mat came naturally to me. That one impromptu class set me on a path I never could have anticipated, leading me to teacher training and ultimately transforming the course of my life.

My first real inspiration came from Bryan Kest. His classes weren’t just about movement—they were about life. He brought an energy to yoga that felt electric, like a yoga version of Tony Robbins. I had long admired motivational speakers, and suddenly, I saw a new possibility: yoga could be my stage, my way to inspire and impact others. Every class with Bryan left me energized, as if I had just come home.

Then, my mentor Wade Morissette challenged me with a simple but profound question: What is your practice? Up until then, I had simply followed along in class. But Wade’s devotion to Ashtanga yoga introduced me to the power of having a structured, disciplined practice. For years, I committed myself zealously, waking up an hour and a half early each day just to get through the full sequence.

Learning from the Yoga Masters: Training That Transformed My Practice

My journey took me deeper when I trained with David Swenson, one of the world’s foremost Ashtanga yoga teachers. His approach was refreshingly simple, yet deeply profound. I still remember how he described prana yama: “Like sticking your finger in an electric socket. Without preparation, the experience is electrifying.” His wisdom helped shape my philosophy—making yoga accessible to everyone.

Then, in 2001, everything changed when I met my true teacher, Guruji. Walking into my first class with him, I thought I knew everything (spoiler: I didn’t). I was arrogant, convinced there was nothing new to learn. But something pulled me in, and by the second day, I knew—I had found my teacher. Under his guidance, I cultivated a devotional practice that would influence me for years to come.

Discovering AYAMA™—A Pain-Free Approach to Yoga

As I continued teaching, training, and exploring the depths of yoga, one question kept surfacing: Why do so many yogis struggle with pain? Yoga, meant to be a healing practice, was often leading to chronic injuries. My own body had endured its share of pain from years of intense practice, and I began questioning the traditional approaches to stretching.

This realization led me to develop Applied Yoga Anatomy + Muscle Activation™ (AYAMA)—a revolutionary method designed to eliminate pain and restore strength through muscle activation rather than passive stretching. AYAMA is about reprogramming the nervous system, bringing stability to the body, and allowing students to experience yoga without discomfort or injury.

Now, my mission has expanded beyond just teaching yoga—I help people live pain-free, move with confidence, and reclaim their bodies. Through Blue Osa Yoga Retreat and the AYAMA™ Certification Program, I empower students worldwide to break free from pain and unlock their full potential.

The Ever-Expanding World of Yoga

Even after decades of practice, I am still amazed at how vast the world of yoga is. There is always something new to learn, explore, and integrate. What started as an unexpected teaching opportunity has become my life’s work—a journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation.

I hold immense gratitude for my teachers and the experiences that have shaped me. And today, through AYAMA (Applied Yoga Anatomy and Muscle Activation), I am committed to passing on this knowledge, helping others experience the true freedom that yoga can offer—without pain, without limitations, and with a renewed sense of vitality.

Take the Next Step in Your Yoga Journey

Are you ready to deepen your practice and become an impactful yoga teacher? Join the AYAMA™ Yoga Teacher Training and learn how to teach yoga in a way that truly transforms lives—without pain or limitations. Whether you’re looking to elevate your personal practice or empower others, this training will give you the tools, confidence, and knowledge to make a difference.

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