Teaching Connected Warriors is more than just leading a yoga class for me—it’s an extension of my heart and my own life experience. As the wife of a retired Navy Chief and the mother of children who have served and are serving, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices made by service members and their families. These men and women often carry invisible wounds—stress, trauma, anxiety—that don’t end when their service does. Connected Warriors gives me the chance to serve those who have already served us, offering them a safe space to breathe, move, and begin to heal.

It’s important to me because I know what yoga can do. As someone living with chronic pain and rare genetic conditions, I’ve had to find ways to adapt, to keep moving, and to discover resilience in the face of challenges. Sharing trauma-conscious yoga with veterans and first responders means they don’t have to force themselves into a “perfect” practice; instead, they can honor where they are each day. It’s about creating an environment where they can find peace in their bodies, calm in their minds, and strength in their spirits.

Connected Warriors has become a calling. Every class reminds me that wellness isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual. The smiles, the quiet moments of relief, the gratitude I hear from participants—it’s why I show up, even on my hardest days. Teaching these classes allows me to give back in a way that feels authentic and deeply personal, helping others rise, rebuild, and remember their inner strength