Yoga with Angela

I started practicing yoga in High School with my mom, who taught yoga in the 70’s. She would often practice yoga and meditation around the house, and finally I decided to join. Soon it became our weekly routine. When I moved off to college it became my constant. Through the ups and downs of life, it became the primary way of calming my mind and becoming centered. It’s not always fun and easy in the process, but the way it made me feel AFTER kept me coming back. I practiced Bikram during this time. Twice a day sometimes, but everyday. I found my passion and knew I’d dedicate my life to it. I was determined to teach and share this joy and healing practice. I went to the Northwest Yoga Conference and tried out several different types, finally coming to find Sri Dharma Mittra. Dharma brings a light to the room that is playful, deep, and directly to the heart of self-realization and devotion. I studied with Dharma and received my 200hr Hatha Raja Ashtanga certificate in 2005. I practiced the 8 limbs of yoga, lived a yogi’s simple lifestyle of meditating, fasting, and eating a raw diet. It was at this time that I also introduced to Acro Yoga, (before it started) and that joy and passion is still going strong. I had also come across Shiva Rae, and had the pleasure of practicing and studying with her, and received my 100hr Vinyasa certificate in 2006. Shiva brings such a creative, fun, and “out of the box” approach. It was the perfect compliment. She introduced me to Ayevedic foods and lifestyles, and how to let dance into my life more. Not long after, I signed up for a workshop with Ana Forrest and received the humbling practice of not being able to do any of the poses. This yoga revolutionized my practice from once forcing my body into the depth of a pose, to backing off totally, and never working in my flexibility. I learned how to work more intimately with injuries with myself and my students. I learned to sequence with more intelligence, and came to understand the nature and ideal balance of strength and flexibility. I received my 200hr Forrest Yoga certification in 2006, 100 hr Advanced Forrest Yoga Certification in 2007, and assisted her nationally for over 10 years in continuing educational courses, as well as her 200 hr Teacher Training. In 2007 I heard that my dear friends Jason Nemer and Jenny Sauer - Klien were putting on an Acro Yoga Teacher Training and was fortunate to jump into the 2nd ever training. Acro Yoga is probably something I’m most passionate about and excited to continue deepening my practice. The playfulness, openness, connections and support you feel is the best gift to give and receive. The sense of community that is creates is simply the best. In 2008 I co-founded and opened a Yoga Studio and Wellness Center in Seattle, Wa., (Kula Movement, Center for Yoga & Health) with my best friend and sister, Jill. The integrative services of our Wellness Center included Massage, Acupuncture, Psychotherapy, Nutrition, and Doula Services. We also had a Pilates studio, and Yoga Studio that offered several types of yoga. In 2010 I also received my Prenatal Yoga Certificate and was overjoyed to be able to connect and support others in different phases of their life. In 2018 we sold our Yoga Studio and Wellness Center and relocated back to Yakima to be closer to family, and give back to this amazing community. Yoga is a way of healing the mind and body. It has carried me through heartache, illness, hardships, and so much growth. It’s my greatest joy and honor to share with others. Everyone is my teacher, and my practice is simple; t’s staying in the breath and listening to my body. It’s slowing down and embracing what is. It’s practicing presence and loving kindness, and ultimately, it’s opening to the oneness of all. This practice is everyday in every way.

In 2023 I finally created my own 100 Hr Advanced Yoga Teacher Training that has been a long time coming. This Training includes techniques and insights I've learned from over 20 years of Bodywork, along with a deep dive into breathwork, injuries, functional anatomy, sequencing, exploring core beliefs, chakras, refining one's teaching voice, reading energy, hands on adjustments, opening the drainage pathways, vagal nerve exercises and much more.

It is a complete honor to assist and support others in their teaching journey and share the gifts I have to give. Yoga is a way of living, A lifetime commitment and deep joy to share.

When I'm not teaching yoga, playing Acro, or coaching, I'm often enjoying time with my son and family, sharing in the joy of bodywork, and spending time in nature.