About Kel

Chicago was my first home, where the winds of possibility danced through my daydreaming mind. But it was those summer trips to California with my siblings, where the salty ocean breezes and warm sunshine ignited my youthful imagination. From my first plié, I found solace and expression through movement, all the rhythmic melodies of ballet, jazz, tap. Dance became my language, verbally I was shy person. As I grew, so did my passion for the performing arts, the stage became my canvas. I danced with the Senior Company of the On Broadway Dancers, casting my dreams against the skyline of the Chicagoland area. 

In my twenties, I embraced a radiant journey with Aria Model & Talent Management (now Ford Models), igniting my passion for print & lifestyle modeling. Simultaneously, I navigated life in the corporate world for 14 years weaving in and out of successful companies and gaining more responsibilities. However, amidst the hustle, I found myself grappling with overwhelming stress, persistent anxiety, and debilitating migraines, plaguing me over ten times a month. Discontentment clouded my days, leaving me searching for something more. I knew I deserved more from life. Yet I felt lost, depressed, drained, unsure of where to turn. 

Yearning for a brighter path, I embarked on a break with my bestie. Taking a roadtrip across the country that would redefine my existence. A journey to the desert oasis of Tucson, Arizona. While there I took my first transformative yoga class and it awakened dormant energies within me. In 2005, the mat became my sanctuary. Under the gentle mentorship of Silvia Mordini, I embarked on a courageous journey of self-discovery. I discovered a new rhythm, a new purpose, leading me to take my first Anusara based teacher training. I took full immersions in workshops, intensive trainings, and classes with incredible teachers Wendy Dahl, Beth Rieke, Baxter Bell, Simon Park, and David Romanelli. 

With each practice I shed the weight of the life that wasn’t serving me. I became fueled by a desire for complete change. In 2010, I left the corporate & modeling world entirely and followed the call of the westward winds to California. With every move, the universe unveiled its grand scheme through unexpected twists of fate. 

Among the sun-soaked studios of Santa Monica, I embraced various styless of yoga. I found mentors and kindred spirits who nurtured my soul and fueled my passion for yoga even deeper. I volunteered at local studios and kirtans, just to be in the environment. I joined the work exchange program at Yogis Anonymous. There, I attended classes and workshops under the guidance of Ally Hamilton, Beth Prandini, Gigi Yogini, Mary Beth LaRue, Kate Duyn and Brent Laffoon. 

My practice was thriving. My journey led me to the heart of yoga. I discovered my spiritual sanctuary at Bhakti Yoga Shala. Bhakti yoga embraces a practice centered on service and love, devoted to God. My sadhana continued to be guided by the teachings of luminaries like Govin Das, Ram Dass, Neem Karoli Baba, Andres Saucedo, Ryan Brewer, Mark Whitwell, Sita Devi, Ashley Wynn, Shiva Rea, Saul David Raye, David Newman, Bhagavad Das, Jai Uttal and Raghunath Swami. 

Around the same time, at a beach kirtan, I met Daniel Stewart, who introduced me to Claire Hartley, co-owners of Rising Lotus Yoga in Sherman Oaks. With open arms, I joined the Rising Lotus family, managing the studio and undergoing more teacher training hours under Daniel and Claire's guidance. My journey continued with the knowledge from Sarah Court, Russ Pfeiffer, Amy Bird, Max Strom, and Noelle Beaugureau. 

Before long, I met Chaz Russ, a beloved local yoga instructor and yoga retreat leader. Our connection was immediate. I happily joined her yoga family, assisting her on retreats for over five years. Gaining knowledge on the behind the scenes to retreat planning and facilitating. Eventually, I began guest teaching meditation and healing yin yoga at local and international retreats for her and other teachers. 

Through the years, my journey has remained steadfast. I continue to delve deeper into my yoga, bhakti studies and sadhana. Immersing myself extensively in kirtan trainings, seeking teachings from esteemed teachers such as Srila Prabhupada, Krishna Das, Raghu Markus, Raghunath Cappo, Kaustubha Das, Tukaram Das, and Rama Chandra Das. 

In 2019, I embarked on a new chapter of learning, enrolling in Shakti School led by Katie Silcox. A school offering the studies of ancient wisdom of  Ayurveda and divine feminine teachings. Ayurveda is yoga’s sister medicine. I’m creating a program weaving the threads of yoga and Ayurveda into a tapestry of healing and empowerment, specifically for women. I am dedicated to assisting and empowering women to reclaim their health and happiness through the transformative power of yoga, self-care and love. 

My classes and gatherings are a sanctuary for the soul, a place where breath and movement unite to heal the body and uplift the spirit. With each breath, I am a channel of love, a beacon of healing, guiding others on their journey of self-discovery. Together, let us laugh, play, and explore the boundless depths of our being, finding joy in every moment and peace in every breath.

To my beloved teachers: I offer my deepest gratitude for illuminating my path and sharing the sacred teachings that continue to inspire and transform my life. Please accept my most humble obeisances. I am  forever grateful for you and your love. My prayer is that I remain an open vessel to receive and embrace the wisdom of these sacred teachings and to be able to continue to share them with others.

Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu

Hare Krishna

Jai Hanuman 

રામ રામ રામ

Ram Ram Ram

Amen 

Shalom

Shanti Shanti Shanti 

Hari Om