Almost 20 years instructing yoga on the Outer Banks, Susan is a pioneer. Arriving here as a Montessori kindergarten teacher in Kitty Hawk, Susan joined the first handful of yoga instructors on the Outer Banks to bring good vibes to this region.
Mission Of Aloha Yoga: To create a fun and playful yoga practice for events and groups.
Aloha, joy of spirit, is the foundation of Susan's lifestyle and yoga practice, emphasizing yoga as a way of life. Her goal as a yoga instructor is to share how yoga empowers us.
Practicing over 20 years, with a deeply committed personal yoga practice for over 15 years, Susan draws from Ashtanga and her own unique style to design a yoga practice best suited for you.
Encouraged to practice yoga in 2000 during graduate school to help reduce stress, this yoga journey began with the intention to experience yoga as explained in the The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, as a science of the mind: "The physical yoga or Hatha Yoga, was primarily designed to facilitate the real practice of yoga-namely, the understanding and complete mastery over the mind" (xi).
Certified in 2004 by Ashley Ludman of Seaside Yoga in Wilmington, NC, Susan experienced Ashley's expertise as an occupational therapist, learning to identify how postures benefit aspects of the body, along with her passion for opening our hearts. Although Ashley relocated to Costa Rica, she always makes herself available to mentor Susan's path. Part of this journey required extensive energy healing, cultivating a deep practice that includes prayer and meditation, grounding exercises, walking meditations, chakra work, pranayama (breathing exercises) and tapping into creative spirit.
Like many former gymnasts Susan was drawn to the traditional and very disciplined practice of Ashtanga. She began practicing with Larry Hobbs (authorized Ashtanga teacher) in 2004. In 2016 she spent 9 months practicing daily at Larry's Shala (Yoga Studio) in Wilmington, NC. Larry also continues to mentor Susan.
Susan grew up near Ocean City, MD, moved to the southern beaches of North Carolina in 2001, to Kill Devil Hills (Outer Banks) in 2005, now since 2018 resides on Hatteras Island. She was a competitive athlete in multiple sports. Skateboarding and surfing became true passions in the early 90's. Susan continues to surf and you will catch her cruising on her skateboard sometimes.
Education: M.A. English Literature with Art History interdisciplinary, graduated with honors: Salisbury University B.A. Philosophy, graduated Cum Laude: Salisbury University Certified Montessori Teacher 2.5-5 year old Careers: Foster Care Social Worker (Salvation Army), Environmental Education Coordinator (MD Coastal Bays), Fund Development Director (Girl Scout Council Coastal Carolina), Marketing Consultant, (Cumulus Broadcasting), Montessori Teacher (Kitty Hawk)