Life Stuff and Thangs

Ten more points if you caught that reference (I am such a pop culture nerd)!

So you know that I’m no stranger to medical issues, here’s a brief synopsis of mine: I had metabolic syndrome several years ago when my weight was at an all-time high. Diabetes and cholesterol meds were right around the corner. I was desperate for change, yet not sure how to do it, so I tried a radical diet that ultimately required me to have a procedure to correct the side effects. Luckily for me, I ultimately found a healthier way of changing my body!

Then came alllllllllllll the injuries. In the span of four years, I had two leg surgeries, one back surgery, and numerous outpatient procedures aimed at pain management (over a dozen total on my back alone). One year, I spent roughly six months using wheelchairs, walkers, and leg braces. I couldn't even drive myself for eleven (11!) months.

I spent hours researching how to heal my body and spirit without unnecessary pills and unsafe measures. I tuned into my innate healing gifts and embraced the legacy of Curanderismo that runs through my veins. I put what I learned and intuited into practice something miraculous happened–I started to heal. Turning to therapeutic yoga (previously I was super into power yoga and Kundalini, but now those are just fond memories). It’s been a slow and often tedious journey, because my back surgery left me with permanent nerve damage. So I 100% know what it’s like to live with most parts of your body aching, burning, and stabbing 24/7. I also know that I am resilient, and so are you!

Fast forwarding to 2020, my health took a serious turn for the worse. In addition to severe daily migraines, in 2021 I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, dysautonomia, inappropriate sinus tachycardia (a heart condition), Sjögren’s disease, and non-radiographic ankylosing spondyloarhtritis. I suspect I’ve had them for years, especially given my health history. Unfortunately, some medication is now required to manage those conditions and prevent damage to my tissues and organs. However, I have not given up on natural healing systems for down-regulating my nervous system, or the traditional remedies I’ve discovered through Curanderismo studies. It takes a village!

I know how it feels for emotional and mental trauma to completely fuck up your energetic balance and cause your body to break down. I grew up with an alcoholic parent and unhealthy codependency patterns that I’m still shedding to this day. I am a survivor of childhood molestation and relationship abuse from narcissists. I am a mixed heritage Indigenous Person who is in the middle of decolonizing her life. When I say I understand a few things about trauma, it’s because I really do GET IT. I am healing and evolving constantly as I do my own shadow work, and that is why I am so passionate about helping other womxn going through the same thing. I know each of us has an inner resource of healing waiting to be accessed, and some of us just need a friend to guide us on that journey. That’s where I come in.

P.S. I don’t know about you, but I grew up not trusting other women or having a tight circle of female friends. I grew up completely detribalized from my Native culture. It sucks not having a support system, so I’m building one as I go along and I would love you to join. I have a private FACEBOOK GROUP if you’d like a chill, loving spot to hang out online. It has secret questions and a knock to get in, so if you don’t answer the questions and agree to the rules you will get declined. I guard the group so fiercely because it’s filled with the most wonderful people.

Curriculum Vitae

(AKA THE NERDY SCHOOL STUFF)

I am a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. I have been teaching since 2017, though I began my personal yoga journey in the early 2000s. I am also pursuing my Yoga Therapist certification through Trinity Healing Foundation, which is in the final accreditation stages with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).

2005 Master of Science-Accounting, University of Texas at San Antonio

2015 Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Institute for Integrative Nutrition

2016 Reiki Level I, private apprenticeship

Reiki Level II, private apprenticeship

2017 200-hour Yoga Teacher, Yoga Yoga Teacher Training Program

200-hour Yoga Teacher (yes another one), Loka Studios Yoga School

Aroma Freedom Technique Practitioner, Aroma Freedom Academy

Ordained Minister, Universal Life Church (#loveislove and YES, I do weddings!)

Reiki Master Teacher (Level III), private apprenticeship

2018 Raindrop Technique & Vitaflex Practitioner, Center for Aromatherapy Research & Education

2019 300-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, Mel Marie Yoga Academy

2020 Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training, Bliss Kid Yoga

Y12SR: The Yoga of 12-Step Recovery Leadership Certification, Y12SR

Commence 1,000-hour Yoga Therapy program at Trinity Healing Foundation

2021 Love Your Brain Yoga for Traumatic Brain Injury - Level 1, Teacher

Love Your Brain Mindset Certified Facilitator

Continue 1,000-hour Yoga Therapy program at Trinity Healing Foundation