ABOUT
It is in the spirit of Bhakti, (devotion) that I approach Yoga and Ayurveda.
I was born in Cairo Egypt to a Coptic Orthodox family. Steeped in spiritual, traditional practices from a very young age, and inspired by travels worldwide, my heart has been deeply touched by witnessing the sweetness of Bhakti: devotional acts that align the seeker’s heart to the heart of God. There are numerous ways to connect with the divine and experience oneness: In a colorful temple puja, in a grand mosque, praying in a luminous cathedral, through poetry, music, art, or quietly sitting in expansive nature. As Rumi shares: “Let the beauty you love be what you do, there are many ways to kneel and kiss the ground.”
Yoga is the path that has nourished and enlivened me. My practice offers me space for daily renewal and connection to subtle, peaceful and sacred essence.
As a Yoga teacher of 25 years, I am adept in holding grounding, compassionate space. I am committed to cultivating a practice that is warm and welcoming for students to move through a personal process, finding union of body, mind and heart. All are guided to access profound levels of insight and freedom, reconnecting to inherent wisdom, to heal and dissolve barriers that separate us from ourselves and each other. Ultimately, my intention is to share techniques to align with radiance from the inside out; connection to self, connection to others beyond name and form, connection to spirit, universal consciousness and love.
I have studied extensively with master teachers in India, Australia, Europe and the U.S. I draw most from my classical training in Ashtanga, Iyengar, Viniyoga and Ayurveda. My classes are artfully sequenced, strength building and meditative. I routinely offer retreats in stunning settings worldwide. As the co founder & co directer of Synergy Yoga School, I have led teacher trainings in India and Seattle. As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I infuse classes with ancient wisdom for contemporary living. My hands on assists are skillful and intuitive, grounded in my training as a licensed massage therapist.
My greatest teacher is my beloved son Indi Kainoa. From him I am reminded daily of profound love, patience and the joy of awakening in presence. What a blessing to be on this unending journey of renewal & transformation.
Psychology, Yoga, Ayurveda and Massage Training
- BA in Psychology Western WA University (1993)
- Integral Yoga Teacher Training, Melbourne Australia – 200 hours (2000)
- Level 2 Yoga Teacher Training, Pacific Yoga, Seattle WA – 50 hours (2000)
- Viniyoga Teacher Training with Gary Kraftsow – 50 hours (2001)
- Yoga Arts Teacher Training, Byron Bay Australia – 1100 Hour (2002)
- Thai Massage Course Chiang Mai, Thailand – (2003)
- Seattle Midwifery Doula Training, Seattle WA (2003)
- Ayurveda Practitioner Apprentice Program Prajna Kuteera, Mysore India (2005)
- Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training with Shiva Rea (2006)
- Vinyasa Yoga with Seane Corn (2007)
- Ayurvedic Massage Therapies Course, Rasovai, Goa India (2009)
- Ayurveda Wellness Counselor Program, Kerala Ayurveda Academy – 500 Hours (2009)
- Yin Yoga with Sarah Powers – 30 Hours (2011)
- Ayurvedic Seminars with Vasant Lad (2013 and 2014)
- Yoga for Chronic Pain with Gary Kraftsow (2015)
- Ayurveda Practitioner Program, Kerala Ayurveda Academy – 1000 Hours, (2017)
- Yin Yoga Training with Sarah Powers, Level 1, Insight Yoga – 70 Hours (2018)
- Lomi Lomi Massage Training, Ho’ omana, Maui Hawaii – 40 hours (2021)
- Licensed Massage Therapist, Discovery Point School of Massage – 750 Hours (2021)
- Annual study and retreats with my dearest teacher Clive Sheridan. I am forever grateful for his sparkle and light.
