Yoga has become more than just a practice on the mat for me, it has become a lifestyle too. Now, I am dedicated to helping children learn how it can be a positive influence in their lives, and support them to thrive.

No matter how long I spend on the mat (sometimes 10 minutes, sometimes an hour or more), I know it is time well spent. It is an expression of gratitude towards my body, mind and soul, and it has supported me greatly. I was introduced to yoga in my early 20s by my older sister as a way to keep active and release stress. As a child, I did ballet from the ages of 5-16 years at least 4 days a week, so with my dance experience, yoga felt like a natural transition. When my personal practice of yoga became more regular, I recognised how beneficial yoga could have been for me during school and as I entered full-time work.

When I realised that a career in media was not for me, I sought a more fulfilling path. Following an enlightening trip around South East Asia teaching English to children in Cambodia and Laos, I knew I wanted to pursue a career working with children in some capacity - a path that would give me both purpose and pleasure, and enable me to make a difference in someone’s else life. I completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood education and care in 2015, whilst working at a childcare centre. It was at this time that I discovered more research about children’s yoga, and the positive impact on their learning and development.

So in 2016, I completed the Yoga for Kids and Families Teacher Training with Rainbow Kids Yoga in Sydney. I was blown away by the experience and thrilled at how it complemented my role as an early childhood educator. Also, after winning a photography competition, I had the opportunity to complete the Rainbow Yoga 200 hour Specialisation Teacher Training in Ebbio, Italy (winning photo above). This was an invaluable experience that allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals, and it cemented my desire to teach yoga to children and families.

From 2016-2018, I lived in London, and this is where My Yoga Playground first started. I taught yoga to children and families in studios, privately, and at schools, nurseries, and birthday parties. Then, I lived in Chiang Mai for one month and had the wonderful opportunity to guest teach at Kids Yoga Garden. Following my time overseas, I returned home to Sydney and have continued to share the magic of yoga and mindfulness with children and families.

My yoga practice:

I enjoy practising vinyasa flow, and moving mindfully with my breath. I love to just put music on and move the way I am feeling. Sometimes it needs to be more restorative, so I try make time to slow down with a gentler practice or yin yoga. To be honest, it really depends on how I am feeling in my body and mind that day.

In London, I began to explore other forms of yoga including kundalini, kriya and aerial yoga. There are so many styles of yoga, finding one that resonates with you can take time. I have enjoyed learning more about kundalini yoga over the years and find that it really helps me cultivate a sense of clarity and spaciousness in my mind.

At the end of the day, I want to constantly evolve and enhance my practice so that I can be the best version of myself and the best teacher I can possibly be. So, I consider myself a student of yoga for life. My yoga practice has done nothing if it has not made me more curious about who I am, how I want to show up in the world and how I intend to live my life.

Qualifications & education:

• 40 hours Yoga Therapy for Children and Teens, Course 1+2,  Zenergy Yoga, Sydney (May 2019)

• 200 hours Specialisation Teacher Training with Rainbow Yoga in Ebbio, Italy (August 2016)

• 27 hours Yoga for Kids and Families Teacher Training with Rainbow Yoga, Sydney (February 2016)

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Northern Sydney Institute, Sydney (2015)

• Winner of the Northern Sydney Institute Excellence Award - Student of the Year in Community Services and Health (2016)