Heather teaches yoga and leads ceremony as ways to support and empower people in embodying their most authentic selves. Her teaching is grounded in her training and studies integrating Yin and Yang (active Hatha) styles of yoga, hands-on healing modalities, mindfulness practices and Indigenous ceremony ways. Heather’s life-long athletic experience, deep connection with the elements of nature, and exploration of indigenous culture and ceremony ways greatly influence her work. Since 1979, she has been an avid and skilled surfer, competing as one of the top 15 women on the Professional World Tour in 1988-89. In 1988, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Studies at UC Santa Barbara. Her studies culminated in a focus on the impact of land development and the California Environmental Quality Act and related legislation on Chumash sacred sites and cultural heritage.

Heather, E-RYT500, has been teaching yoga full time since 1998. Maintaining a consistent and evolving personal practice since ’96, she has also trained extensively, studying with a variety of teachers including Erich Schiffmann, Lisa Walford, Ana Forrest and Sarah Powers. From 1998 - 2004, Heather completed a personal teaching apprenticeship with Ana Forrest and trained teachers as a faculty member in the Forrest Yoga teacher training courses. Since 2004, Heather has focused her practice and training on Yin yoga and meditation practices; exploring the balance of Yin and Yang (active Hatha yoga) styles of asana. She continues teaching ongoing classes, workshops, retreats and yoga teacher trainings in the Santa Barbara,CA area and across the country.

Heather offers yoga as a healing practice. Her classes are known for weaving challenging physical intensity with self awareness, and for her practical, focused, and sensitive individualized instruction. Her skillfulness in adjusting and modifying poses empowers students to work safely and in a healing way with injuries and health conditions. Rather than offering short term symptom relief or a convenient distraction from daily life, Heather’s classes offer the opportunity for a consistent, committed and mindful yoga practice. This can bring deep and lasting transformation in our lives; revealing the deeper benefits of yoga: reducing suffering and fostering peace and joyfulness.