Yoga became an important part of Angie’s life in 2010. As she committed to a regular practice, she noticed almost immediately that each time I left the yoga studio I was elated! She wanted that feeling again and again… that feeling of exhilaration mixed with exhaustion. Angie possessed a deep desire to learn more about yoga and deepen her own yoga practice. Once she combined her desire for knowledge with her passion for helping others, embarking on the journey of yoga teacher training was an indisputable next step.
Angie completed her 200-hour teacher training in the spring of 2011 with Tanner Bazemore and Johnna Smith. She wanted to serve others and to help cultivate in other people the same feelings of strength and confidence that she had acquired through yoga. She completed her 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Rolf Gates in the spring of 2013.
During this time, Angie also discovered Ashtanga yoga. She was in love and was immediately attracted to the discipline, commitment, and perseverance this type of practice requires. Angie shares why – “Ashtanga has been a deeply healing practice for me, as it steadies my mind and body. I have been able to overcome many personal obstacles through this practice. I hope to someday have the opportunity to combine my knowledge as a psychologist with ashtanga yoga, and use this beautiful, ancient practice to help others overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs, and disordered eating.”
Join Angie in class! “My teaching style is compassionate, warm, and encouraging. My classes are physically demanding, and I ask my students to focus on their breathing, their intention, and inner strength when asanas are challenging. Pathabbi Jois is quoted as saying, “So whether you do your first downward dog at 14 or 44, it’s not your history but your presence on your mat that counts.” Yoga teaches us how to be strong, be brave, and be peaceful.”
“Yoga continues to humble and challenge me every day, and it is with sincere gratitude that I get to be a yoga teacher. I cannot begin to put into words how grateful I am for my teachers: Johnna Smith, Tanner Bazemore, and Rolf Gates. The love and respect that I have for them is immeasurable. Rolf, Tanner, and Johnna changed the trajectory of my life forever, and I will always be thankful.”
A favorite quote of Angie’s from e.e. cummings is, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” Through my yoga practice, I have found that courage.