When I was a journalist, right out of college, I nearly killed myself working and writing for three different weekly newspapers. When I left, my mentor -- our publisher -- had all the employees sign a card. In the middle of that card was a sketch of the earth with a person orbiting it. He wrote: "All things are orbits. You'll be back." I would have bet my life, literally, that there was no way in hell I'd ever make a go of writing after that (on the job learning at it's best). And yet, I'll be the first to say I was wrong...Some Choice Words ;)"What greater, more humbling journey is there than to be a teacher? Outside of being a parent, I can't think of one. Teaching not only demands paying attention with your whole being, but that you reflect, grow and investigate beyond what the non-teacher may be willing to endure. It is a life of humility, curiosity, learning and missteps, but one that nothing else matches. If what I have gleamed from the amazing teachers I've known can be shared, I hope it is of as much value as it has been to me."My Teaching Philosophy: Be real. Don't fake it. Be able to say I don't know. Laugh at myself. Extend compassion to myself and my students. Enter in fully, every time, ready or not.The stuff you may care about: I have been practicing Pilates for nearly 18 years, and teaching movement of some sort since 1990. I am still (gratefully) guided and supported by my mentor, Carol Appel, whose program I completed in 2004, and I continue to brave my way through teaching, parenting, creating and so much more. I am currently preparing to pursue a Masters in Contemplative Education. I am also working -- like a crazy person -- on my second book, "The Art of Skillful Teaching" which -- with some amount of fairy dust - will be released in 2013. (Keep your fingers crossed.)I am currently on the faculty of Balanced Body Pilates and the founder of Skillfulteaching.com as well as co-owner of Pilates Collective in Sebastopol, CA where my role as Director of Education has lead me to develop an in-depth mentoring program, which I'm just kookoo for. And the bottom line is I love teaching!For more details on my teaching and training you can refer to these links:http://pilatescollective.com/our-teachershttp://mobilepilatesmaster.com/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09zVXQXpKfE&feature=colikeThe stuff I care about: I am supported and loved by my family, the most tortured of which are my husband Carlos and our 7-year-old son Charlie.Totally useless vanity tid bits:Favorite Foods: Blue cheese of any kind and all Mexican foodKinds of Music I Like To Do Pilates To: Depends on what the class calls for: Nora Jones to Moby.What makes me smile: Eating, being with my family, time with friends, the ocean -- any ocean, watching my son sleep, dancing, date nights with my husband, a good movie, good music, art.What inspires me: Extraordinary people, my parents (who are extraordinary people) and my husband, good writing, meditation, the sunrise, things that are simple, Zion National Park, people who live their dreams and are not afraid to be afraid.My hobbies and passions: Reading, dancing, writing, time with my family, papier mache (just kidding) and traveling