What brought you to the Rivertowns? What has been your favorite part about expanding your business into Westchester?
We relocated to Westchester after our child was born, seeking a more balanced lifestyle. Croton-on-Hudson offers a slower pace, more space, and stunning Hudson River views, while still providing access to NYC. It’s a luxury being so close to the Croton-Harmon stop.
The most exciting part of expanding my business in Westchester is discovering who the other endurance athletes are north of the city. There is a small percentage of people in the world who thrive on running 26.2, and it is delightful to meet all of the kindred spirits. It doesn’t matter what part of the world you live in, if you’ve finished a marathon, you instantly have a common bond.
With your background in both performative dance and competitive distance running, how do you incorporate those skills and techniques into solutions for your patients?
I started dancing at a young age and quickly learned the role of perseverance and attention to detail. Unique to the arts is the dancer, because the dancer is both artist and athlete. The artist learns that small details in movement, technique, costume, lighting, hair, makeup and music affect the story being told in powerful ways. At the same time, the athlete learns that biomechanics, endurance and maintenance of the body are just as essential. I’ve translated these elements into my business and work.
When I started teaching yoga in 2012, I immediately translated my skills as a dancer and choreographer to teaching group classes. I understood that, for better or for worse, a yoga studio is a business. I met people where they were, entertained them as a hook and then helped people develop a powerful yoga practice for their lives. I spent anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes preparing for one single class. This included the peak pose, multiple movement sequences, the music, the philosophical teaching and even mindfulness of what I was wearing. During the class I was particular about lighting, the volume of my music, and the tone of my voice. It was a performance of sorts—but most importantly, it brought large groups of people together consistently week after week and year after year creating community, improving lives and helping to sustain a business.
I also started teaching yoga privately in 2012. In 2017 I added massage therapy to my sessions, then functional movement shortly after that. Again, the same skills I’ve applied to dancing apply to my Performance + Recovery sessions. Each session begins long before the client arrives. I carefully review intake forms, previous session notes and any updates or feedback that the client shared. This allows me to tailor the session to their current needs, goals, and preferences.
During the session, clients experience a flow between functional movement, yoga, and massage where each component builds upon the other. I also incorporate subtle but impactful details—carefully chosen music, intentional lighting, soothing scents, and a calm, supportive tone of voice—to enhance the experience and create a truly restorative atmosphere.
Beyond the physical techniques, my approach emphasizes building a strong connection with each client that grows over time. I invite feedback through goal-setting and progress-tracking forms, ensuring our work together evolves with their needs over time.
Finally, the experience of training for and completing my first marathon in 2007 had a profound impact on my life and work. Building up my mileage each week birthed a new revelation for every mile run past the week before. I’ll never forget the feeling of reaching mile 24 in the NYC marathon. I trained up to 23 miles. I felt overwhelming fatigue and could only move forward with sheer willpower. Crossing the finish line instilled in me an unshakeable belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. One of the things it gave me was the courage to pursue my passion for wellness and start my own business. Whether someone dreams of running a marathon, conquering a mountain, starting a family, or mastering a new skill, I’m here to help them achieve those goals.
Are you a member of any running clubs? Or do you prefer to run alone?
Currently, I’m a solo runner with the support of a running coach. Running with a club poses a challenge to an already hectic schedule. You may not know, but I also balance two other jobs (not including my work as a mommy to my sweet toddler). First, I’m the head of Strength and Yoga at the Badass Lady Gang, a running training platform founded by Kelly Roberts, one of the top five running influencers in the world. I lead a weekly, live online strength class for female runners and have created hundreds of strength, yoga, and instructional videos for endurance athletes. We are also in the very, very early stages of creating a technology start-up. Second, I also contract with Google to provide massage therapy sessions once or twice a week. Finally, I offer Performance + Recovery sessions in midtown two days a week with my own business, Empowered Self.
By the way, if you’re looking for a great running club in Westchester, I highly recommend the Taconic Runners. Last year I had the luxury of joining their Saturday morning long-runs.
Is there any advice you have for similar wellness practitioners in balancing many different areas of specialty?
My advice: keep your focus on the client’s needs and help them reach their goals.
The wellness services I offer my clients are constantly evolving and adapting to the latest research, industry trends, and the unique needs of each individual. This ensures that my clients receive the most effective and cutting-edge support available. However, amidst this continuous evolution in what I provide, the fundamental goals I strive to achieve for my clients remain the same: help my clients perform better and recover faster doing what they love. This is my north start and the root behind all of the continuing education and skills I develop as a wellness provider.
What do you like to do with your family and friends for pure enjoyment and fun?
I find so much joy opening up the world to our son by visiting museums, hiking local trails and attending our “parent and me” dance classes. I can’t wait until he is old enough to attend an Alvin Ailey performance! I also find so much joy meditating in a handstand or headstand, walking up the Verrazano Bridge moments before the start of the NYC marathon as well as the take-off phase of air travel. For fun, I enjoy relaxing on the couch with my husband, continuing my exploration of bordeaux wine, and watching home improvement shows or the NFL. I also just joined a new bookclub, so I’m fitting in some fiction reading!
To end off, what do you find the most challenging and the most rewarding about your work?
Balancing the demands of family and clients while finding time for marketing and social media tasks is the most challenging aspect of my work. Witnessing clients achieve success, reach their goals, and experience relief is the most rewarding, along with the continuous learning involved in helping others. I’m so grateful I get to do this work!