I never really considered myself a dancer…

I do remember loving to dance and move as a child. Ballet, gymnastics, playing sports, anything where I could be active and free. And then like so many of us, adolescence and early adult years brought intense self-consciousness, body shame and a spiral down the never ending loop of diets, disordered eating, and later chronic illness.

Little did I know at the time that my personal path would greatly impact the direction of my professional work in the years to come.

Early on in my life, I became very interested in learning about alternative forms of healing. Jobs and volunteer experiences as a pre-teen and beyond always focused on children, creativity, and helping others. After getting my bachelor’s in Psychology at Emory University, I continued on to obtain my Masters in Social Work at University of Texas at Austin, and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working with children, teens and families.

While in graduate school, I attended a training for psychotherapists on self-care, feminine soul work and eating disorders. I was introduced to various alternative forms of psychological and psycho-spiritual work and attended a session led by a psychotherapist who was also incorporating the movement practice of Nia into her work. Nia is a mind-body conscious movement practice that promotes the joy of movement through integrating dance, yoga and martial arts.

I fell in love with my body moving, found joy, creativity and self-expression, and finally had found a form of exercise and stress relief that I enjoyed.

I returned back to Austin and began taking Nia classes for my own personal benefits. I quickly began experiencing physical, mental, and emotional healing and I was hooked. I completed the teacher training and became curious about how I might integrate some of what I had learned into my work in psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers with teens, many of whom had cognitive impairments, such as brain injuries and developmental delays.

I was amazed at what I discovered and my love and exploration of movement and the therapeutic process continued…

I began teaching Nia classes to the public and also trained with Vinn Marti, the founder of Soul Motion (TM), a conscious dance practice that has been a huge part of my own personal spiritual path and has greatly impacted the development of my work. I have loved investigating other healing forms such as ecstatic dance, contact improv, authentic movement, and dance therapy, which all hold a special place in my heart.

Eventually there came a time when I realized that pursuing movement and expressive arts was my path and passion, and I co-created and owned Body Vida Movement & Expressive Arts studio in Austin, TX. Supporting people in discovering the joy and healing of their bodies in motion has become an incredible passion and privilege, something that has continued to inspire me personally and professionally. While Body Vida studio location is no longer open, I continue to facilitate offerings around Austin and nationwide.

Years ago, injuries, chronic pain and illness intensified in my life and it required me to shift my way of living. I began developing my own work, one that combined my background as a psychotherapist, my path of investigating psycho-spiritual modalities, along with my love of movement and my need at the time to slow down and listen to my body’s way of moving.

Learning to listen to my body’s rhythms and unique ways of moving became a huge part of my own healing process, which eventually led me to living pain free.

Moving authentically and consciously also has led me to living with more love and appreciation for my body. It has become a way of life that I am honored to share with you. I have witnessed so many women over the years learn so much about themselves through their dance. I have witnessed women find radiant health and vibrancy. I have witnessed women release burdens and heal long standing issues from childhood. I have witnessed women really take care of themselves and their needs. I have witnessed women heal their bodies and their hearts. I have witnessed women explore and assert healthy boundaries, relationships, and communication. I have witnessed women find themselves and fall in love.

All this and more is possible when we gather to dance.

All are welcome.

You are invited to come join us and discover the gifts of
moving your body…

We believe…

• That all bodies are beautiful

• That all women can dance

• That each of us has a unique dance waiting to be expressed

• That movement heals the body and soul

• That there is a powerful healing that occurs when women gather 

• That connecting in love, compassion and respect for ourselves and each other is what guides our dance

• That the dance floor provides the opportunity for deep personal growth and transformation

• That in moving together, we have the ability to change our lives and the world

Join us on a journey into discovering your body’s beauty and wisdom