Sheila took her first yoga class in 1985 in Bellingham, Washington while attending Western Washington University, and has have been practicing and teaching since. An early adopter. Along the way, she acquired degrees in psychology and counseling, working as a professional counselor for 15 years in schools, hospitals, private practice and community clinics. In 2000, realizing she was doing ‘therapy’ while teaching, and ‘yoga’ while with her counseling clients the true meaning of practice began to emerge - is it an Inside Job. The yoga and the counseling were starting to intersect in the areas of relaxation, breathing techniques, mediation practice, guided imagery, and the yoga poses that alleviate their symptoms of depression, anxiety, and grief.
In 2005, she made the transition into teaching yoga and yoga therapy full time. Sheila has taught all over the country at various studios and locations, conducted retreats and workshops for both students and new yoga teachers. She has opened as well as managed yoga studios both in Portland, and Hood River, OR. Sheila opened, ran, and sold Yoga NW studio in NW Portland 2010 through 2017.
Presently, Sheila teaches privates in home, small groups and online when requested. She serves as a mentor to new and emerging yoga teachers, as well as support in studio ownership. She is a Master Teacher. She teaches a highly curated, professional, safe, accessible yoga class with beginning meditation. Her students feel welcome, in good hands, and get their yoga needs met.
In 2011 Sheila became a Mother, and then in 2012 a Solo parent family. Being a parent has made her a more effective teacher and mentor. Being a parent is an 18 year meditation/yoga practice and thus, approach parenting as a spiritual practice, the most rewarding and challenging one yet. Being a Mother and parenting is, truly a primary purpose with teaching/counseling close behind.
Sheila has been working with first responders the last several years, Police, and Fire, as well as becoming Certified through the Yoga for First Responders (YFFR) program. The mission focused mindset is one that requires yoga training, mental training, and breath work. This type of yoga training is beneficial to all yoga clients also.
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