PATH: I am an athlete at heart. You name it, I probably did it; gymnastics, dance, ice skating, swimming, tennis, basketball, lacrosse, running. I started teaching fitness classes while in graduate school for exercise physiology and loved it. I continue to teach other formats to this day.

But this is about yoga, yes? My first “real” job was in the fitness industry. There was a yoga teacher that I met who motivated me to try it out. I couldn’t take her class while working, so I decided to explore my other options. One of my very first experiences in a yoga class left me feeling intimidated by a language of poses that I didn’t understand and isolated by the fact that I had no idea what I was doing and if what I was doing was even remotely correct/appropriate/safe. I had stepped out of my comfort zone to try something new and left that experience feeling less than optimistic about the practice of yoga. Not a great start, but through a bit of trial and error I continued to explore other classes/instructors and was able to find those that resonated with me. The language of yoga became more accessible and my body began to adapt to the poses. I found instructors who were warm, supportive, and hands-on. And then I discovered Power Yoga. I was immediately drawn to the athleticism, strength, and grace of the practice, and here I am. I completed my 200-hour Power Vinyasa Certification over a year ago and have combined my teacher training with my personal experience as a yogi to share my practice with others.

FAVORITES FOR GROUNDING: Settling into a good book, “lap time” with my 2 cats, cooking a nice meal, baking brownies and banana bread or muffins.

FAVORITES FOR KICKING IT: Traveling to new places, enjoying a great meal, listening to music (really, you can’t beat a good Donna Summer song), taking a motivating vinyasa class.

INTENTION: My intention is to create an environment where students feel welcome, that their presence is valued, and that they are supported in their practice. Yoga shouldn’t be intimidating. The practice should be challenging, but accessible; mindful, but not too serious. Step onto your mat without expectation, listen to what your body needs, and go for it.

CLASS: Flow Yoga, Sundays, 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

Watch Victoria in action: