When did you graduate teacher training?
Winter of 2004

Why do you like it hot?
I love the feeling I have after all that sweating, like I’ve cleaned myself from inside out. And the feeling of stretching is so much nicer when you’re all warmed up. As a teaching tool the heat is great because it forces people to learn focus and self control.

Do you remember your first class?
Only vaguely. I remember falling down a lot in Standing Bow Pulling, and a kind fellow student praising me after class for not giving up. That kind fellow student is also a teacher now.

Why did you become a yoga teacher?
For the first time in my life I felt truly passionate about something, there was no question teaching was something I had to do.

Any tips for new students?
Breathe. Smile.

Hey baby, what’s your sign?
All fire.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A yoga teacher.

Beatles or Elvis?
Beatles. You’ve heard me sing.

What was your first concert?
Toad the Wet Sprocket

Have you ever fasted?
Only when I’m sleeping. Or broke.

How long did it take you to learn to lock your knee?
8 months. As soon as Bikram came to town I got it locked.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Over-eating and over-sleeping.

If you were an appliance what would you be?
West Bend Power Tower. It opens cans and bottles, grates cheese, juices citrus fruits and sharpens knives.

Have you ever been to Burning Man?
In 2002 and 2003. I think it’s time to go back.

What’s the first music you ever bought?
Michael Jackson: Bad. They made fun of me in kindergarten for wearing a single silver glove.

Besides yoga, what do you like to do for fun?
I love food. And sunny days, and driving around in the Cushman, and puttering in the garden. And traveling.

Describe your first kiss.
It was at a middle school dance, I think more out of curiosity than a desire for romance.

Describe your ideal yoga shorts.
Comfortable and not stinky.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever done in class?
When we opened the second Bikram studio in Korea I was teaching a class full of students who spoke little English and had never done yoga before. At one point when giving instructions in English and Korean had both failed, I tried Spanish. I don’t know why, but it actually worked.

What do you want to gain from your yoga practice?
Internal peace.

Why do you love SF?
Tons of delicious, healthy and cheap food options, independent minded intelligent people, active subcultures, a strong sense of community.

Why do you love the Mission?
It’s the sunniest part of San Francisco. And I like burritos.

Favorites:

• Color: Red
• Animal: I grew up with dogs, so we get along like childhood pals.
• Yoga Pose: Standing Bow Pulling Pose. It’s so pretty, and causes me to learn so much.
• Neighborhood: The Mission
• Restaurants: Pork Store, Angkor Borei, Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack, Frjtz, Cha-ya, Cha Cha Cha, El Farolito, House of Nanking. I haven’t found my favorite Korean restaurant yet, if you know of a good place let me know.
• Bread: I’m always experimenting with new bread recipes.
• Bikram quote: “What is the biggest personal problem people have in this world? Lack of self realization. You always underestimate yourself.”
• Books: Mahabharata, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, The Little Prince, Lord of the Rings, Freddy’s Book by John Gardner
• Movies: Mahabharata (the TV series), Sweeny Todd, Labyrinth, the original Star Wars trilogy, Welcome to Dongmakgol
• Lucky Number: 2
• Least favorite pose: Standing Bow Pulling Pose. I always fall down.