A Passion for Sharing Movement

I began teaching in the fitness industry in 1981. I had a passion for exercise, and although teaching aquatics courses, water exercise and aerobics filled that passion, they were based in traditional fitness practices. That unconscious form of fitness ultimately led me to exhaustion, burnout and physical pain. In 1984, as a result of being in the traditional mode of exercise, I severely injured both my knees. I had numbed myself to my body’s voice of pain, which led me to requiring surgery.
Then, in July of 1991, I was really on the edge of quitting teaching. I attended the IDEA Fitness Conference and I saw a sign that said ”Body, Mind, Spirit Workout.” I had not seen the word ‘spirit’ used in any other courses offered. Immediately, my curiosity drew me to take the workshop. It was a Nia workshop, and I clearly recall watching Debbie and Carlos enter the room and sensing every cell of my being recognize their radiance. They took the stage, and did something unheard of at that time in the fitness industry – they invited us to take off our shoes and move barefoot.
Those first barefoot seconds of passionate movement had my hurt knees saying “ahhhhhhh” as they experienced healing through movement. After tearfully dancing a deep healing awakening, I registered for the White Belt Intensive. I sensed a deep knowing within myself that Nia had much to teach me.
I was truly transformed from my White Belt training. My exercise students eagerly wanted me to share Nia immediately, so I jumped right in … only this time with a mindful and conscious Nia Heel Lead. The seeds of awareness were planted in me from my White Belt training, and I moved in an entirely new way. My energy and passion to teach soared.
My white belt experience reminded me I had personal work to do and every part of my being said, “Sign me up for more!” so I did. I eagerly attended the Blue, Brown and Black Belt trainings in annual succession. The year that followed each belt continued to remind me of ways I could pay more attention personally and professionally to my healing journey.
In February of 1997, after years of practicing Nia and many hours of teaching, I was blessed with the honor of becoming a Nia Trainer. Words merely cannot express the infinite gifts my heart receives from the privilege of being a Nia Trainer.
I now deliver about eight White Belt Intensives per year, and I continue to stand in awe of the process at every single training. My heart feels expanded physically and energetically when I guide trainees through the magic of Nia, and watch them develop themselves, and embark upon a path of movement medicine and living radiantly.
I am deeply grateful to Nia. Every tool and principle I have learned through Nia has enhanced my life force. I practice the principles of Nia with my husband in running our scuba business of 26 years. I travel internationally teaching Nia, and I am passionately in love with what I share. I sing professionally and am a motivational keynote speaker, as well as a Rising Star energy practitioner and Yoga teacher. My ability to balance all that I love I owe to the teachings of Nia.
I am honored to joyfully dance in the sea of life with all of you!