I am honored to share the joy and benefits of yoga as an instructor at our new studio, Yoga in Columbia. We are located at 209 W. Kunz St. in Columbia Illinois. For more information and to register, visit us at www.yogaincolumbia.com.

I began practicing Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga in Reno, NV in 1999. Preferring to get exercise in the process of doing something else, I loved yoga from the beginning. Relaxing my mind and maintaining a deep even breath while working my body hard is a beautiful challenge. Over the years, I've practiced with teachers in a variety of yoga styles from fitness yoga to Anusara to Power Yoga.

In 2008, a friend asked me to join her in an instructor class through YogaFit. After teaching eight weeks of free classes to earn certification, I knew that I needed to continue. I simply love teaching yoga. Having been a teacher all my adult life, first as an elementary school teacher, then as a professional software trainer, I found that helping others benefit from a regular yoga practice was the perfect occupation for me. I began to offer classes here and there, wherever I found room and a willing student. I've grown as an instructor, and I continue to look forward to learning more as I meet with new students and new challenges.

I'm thrilled to open Yoga in Columbia and share the many health benefits yoga with the residents of our community and surrounding areas.