Hi, I’m Karen — a first-generation Filipina born and raised in the USA. My parents made their way to the States via the US military so their children could have the life of the West. My siblings and I enjoyed life in America. We went to private school, attended church, and took piano lessons. During the summers, I enjoyed playing outside, running around, and playing games with the neighborhood kids until it was dark. I enjoyed watching sports with my dad. My favorite class in school beginning in kindergarten was P.E. This was my introduction to health and wellness at an early age. 

As I grew older, participating in various team sports helped to develop discipline and a commitment to staying active. In college, I earned my Bachelor’s and utilized it in building a home-based business, home education, and volunteer community service. With a full schedule, I found that maintaining healthy movement was a vital component in a balanced lifestyle.

In my spare time, my husband, Chris, and I like traveling, paddle boarding, hiking, college basketball, and spending time with family.  My favorite places to reflect are in the mountains or on the beach.  I enjoy a cup of Caribou or Lucky Goat coffee, all things nutty, chocolate, and a spontaneous moment playing the piano.

MY YOGA JOURNEY

One day at a grocery store, I saw a yoga DVD and book combination.  I did not know much about yoga except the common term of finding your “Zen” and seeing people in yoga poses in magazines and social media. Yoga was nothing with which I was familiar. I went home and followed along with the DVD. By the time the session finished, I felt like I had a good stretch and noticeably relaxed. It was a great introduction to the practice of yoga. 

I continued my journey in yoga at a local fitness studio. Finding the physical practice energizing and simple breath-work calming, yoga quickly became a “non-negotiable” part of my weekly routine. 

During a season of unexpected heart health challenges, I applied yoga breathing techniques during emergency room visits and hospital stays. These aided in a sense of calm during trying, emotional, and stressful moments. This time in life brought about the desire to teach others the many benefits of a physical yoga practice that could be used in daily living. 

I received my 200-hour certification with Yoga Loft Tampa. After completing the program, I began teaching small group classes and individual sessions. I started my yoga teacher training with the intent to be just a yoga teacher. Little did I know that the physical practice, breathwork, and mindful moments were working together to harmonize my overall well-being.  Realizing the internal and external changes taking place and that the work on the mat extended to everyday life, my intent shifted from leading students in a class setting to teaching others how to teach yoga. 

 During my 300-hour training with The Other Side of the Mat, the topic of yoga and religion was discussed. I became more aware of an existing thought that Christians should not practice yoga. As a Jesus follower, it was an interesting thought to contemplate. After all, I found my practice as a physical way to “take care of the temple of the Holy Spirit.” When meditating on Scripture, I found the yoga breathing techniques a way to help me release distractions of the mind and to “be still and know that I am God.” I did not believe that what I was practicing conflicted with my beliefs. I often wondered," How could this form of exercise and practice be considered not for a believer?” During discussions with my fellow students, I learned that yoga was not intended to be used with a specific religion. Yoga’s physical aspects, breathing + mindfulness techniques, and moral and internal principles could be applied in any religion

Yoga means to yolk or unite. Whether it is the breath and movement or the mind and body or even more so, one with God. Meditation (pondering or reflecting), stillness, breathing, or movement are all ways that a Christian can connect with the Creator. This is how I discovered my calling. My assignment. To help fellow believers use yoga as a tool in deepening their faith relationship and walk. To help them be “light and love” to those in their circle of influence. To reflect and see the “image of God” in all that is in and around us.   

 I count it an honor to teach students from diverse backgrounds, religions, ages, and skill levels in varying class sizes, different studios, fitness centers, and gym settings. My teaching style is Hatha, flow inspired with emphasis on alignment, the mind-body-breath connection and cultivated moments of stillness. 

I am still writing my yoga journey and would be honored to have you as part of it. 

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