Yoga found me during a time in my life when I could not hear myself think and was horribly attempting to adjust after completing active duty service earlier than desired due to unjustly suffering a painful and traumatic life loss. While attending the graduate school of social work at Howard University, I had the opportunity to serve as an intern at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital's Residential Treatment Facility. It was yoga and meditation combined that allowed me to refocused and reset. Under the observation of Jamie Sousa, Recreation Therapist, I was encouraged and allowed to co-facilitate yoga sessions with service members battling co-occurring and substance abuse. Following a semester of field placement at the hospital, I  forwent my graduation ceremonies and attended the Sivananda Ashram International 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training located in Nassau, Bahamas. 

Since 2014, I have lead yoga serving active duty and Veteran service members, women, and children in the practice of yoga, mindfulness and, meditation.  I follow the Sivananda Yoga’s 5 points of yoga in practice, which are: (1) proper exercise, asanas, (2) proper breathing, pranayama, (3) proper relaxation, (4) proper diet and (5) positive thinking & meditation in each of her classes. 

In 2015, VA continued her education, gaining the Registered Children's Yoga Teacher (RCYT®) certification with YoKid Stretch Your Limits, Inc. In 2018, I earned continuing education hours in Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training. In 2024, I will embark upon earning the 500 RYT certification when I complete my 300 Advanced Yoga Teacher Training at the School Yoga Institute. 

Within my profession, I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Washington, DC and Florida; expiration March 2025. I incorporate yoga, mindfulness and meditation in my practice in treating those with mental health challenges.