Photo by Charlotte Kesl
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Through her work, Natalie primarily hopes to create an introspective space where individuals can anchor to the present and find an ease of breath, mind, and body. With a background in kinesiology, her classes have a strong focus on engagement and alignment, which she believes lay the groundwork towards cultivating and deepening a safe and sustainable asana practice.
Natalie has always led an active lifestyle and she is completely captivated by the beauty, complexity and intelligence of the human form. She came to yoga through the rock climbing community in her early 20s, and as a former gymnast she felt an immediate connection to the familiarity of the movements of the physical practice. Many of the poses felt natural and perfectly complemented the movements of climbing, and she initially felt at ease with the routine-like structure of an Ashtanga-based sequence. Over time she became just as fascinated by yoga history and philosophy, the calming effects that yoga has on the mind, and the mind-body connection practicing yoga facilitates.
Over the years Natalie has had the honor of studying locally with Melissa Montilla at Sanctuary Yoga, and with Maty Ezraty through Yoga Works. She’s inspired by both these teachers, and regularly incorporates their teachings into her classes.
Natalie is a practicing Massage Therapist and graduate from the Florida School of Massage where she now teaches Sports Massage in the main Massage and Hydrotherapy Program, and holds a degree in English with a concentration in Film and Media Studies from the University of Florida. She has a handful of incomplete experimental films that she procrastinates finishing by reading, writing, dabbling in 35mm photography, sipping on a good cup of joe or well-balanced libation, climbing, surfing, and traveling to new and familiar places – especially those that include salt water or natural springs. Natalie is a dog-lover, an Aries, and an INFJ.