Foundation, main stalk of tree, trunk. 2. Source, origin. 4. Reason, goal. Yoga Teacher Bio:
Kate found yoga about fifteen years ago, and, initially, it helped her to manage pain associated with a neck injury she obtained in her mother’s womb. Her mother has Fibroid tumors (benign) and Kate was fighting for space as the Fibroids grow with the added Estrogen released during pregnancy. To the surprise of several doctors, Kate survived and was born on her due date. However, the neck injury she suffered from (Congenital Torticollis), has given her pain throughout her life, especially during stressful time periods. In college, Kate went to physical therapy as the demands of college studies caused her much pain. Her physical therapist recommended yoga and Kate took her first class at the college gym. The stretching yoga provides and the shapes we make helped to not only relieve Kate’s pain, but also to decrease her stress levels. Later in life, Kate resumed a regular yoga practice as a way to gain strength and relieve the stressors of elementary school teaching. Kate obtained her Masters in Education from the University of Hawai`i at Manoa’s Ho`okulaiwi program, which focuses on Native Hawaiian education. Kate is currently a third grade teacher at Wai`alae Elementary Public Charter school. She was inspired to bring a sense of mindfulness to her classroom and students and has taken various courses through MindfulSchools.org. She is certified in the Mindful Educator Essentials Curriculum and guides her students through mindful practice each day. The students have reported that this practice helps them to focus during the school day and also provides them with the ability to use deep breathing to help them fall asleep in the evening. In the Summer of 2017, Kate obtained her 200-hour Yoga Teaching Certification through Yogaloha Hawaii Academy under Courtney Wexler and Ashlyn Yamaoka. Kate brings the same kindness and enthusiasm that she brings to her third grade classroom with her to her yoga mat for each class. She strives to provide a supportive and safe environment for students of all levels. Kate is a down to earth individual and loves to find the humor in the everyday struggles we all face (this is essential to teaching 8 year olds all day!). Kate’s twelve year old maltese-poodle mix, Spunky, regularly assists in her classes. Kate is grateful for the mentors that have guided her along her yogic path and feels privileged to share her love of yoga with others. Kate still very much considers herself a student of yoga and lifelong learner. She consistently seeks out opportunities for professional development in both the field of education and the study of yoga.
