About 10 years ago while working for an engineering firm, yoga was offered during lunch in a conference room. I always found myself drawn to yoga, however the idea of attending a yoga studio to me was terrifying, so I was very excited to have an accessible space to learn.

Right away, I embraced the physical challenges that yoga presented. What I didn't anticipate were the transformative effects on my mental well-being and the healing it brought to my past injuries, stemming from a car accident. This newfound clarity and profound healing captivated me. I was hooked and eager to share my passion, though I didn't see it as a viable career path.

In 2018, I moved to Boston for work and destroyed my body that resulted in being completely burnt out. By 2020, I knew I could no longer keep living the life I had, and I needed a change. I dedicated my free time to therapy and trauma healing.

In 2022, I knew it was time for me to move on and I took the wild chance to quit my 9-5 and embark on training to become a yoga teacher. In December 2022, I completed my 200 hr YTT at Be Yoga Oakmont with Sarah Hummel. I quickly found a job teaching yoga in schools and in the studio with Open-up. I worked with them through the summer of 2023. Now, in addition to teaching at Village Center, I teach on Mondays at 7pm at The Maple Leaf in Millvale PA.

My goal with yoga is to make it accessible for people who may not look like or identify with what traditional western studios look like. All spaces where I host yoga are queer friendly, especially welcoming to the Trans community.  Yoga is for EVERYBODY and does not require flexibility of the body but simply a willingness of the mind to be present. Yoga in my perspective, is about coming as you are, taking what you need, and leaving behind what no longer serves you; not about doing headstands. Yes, you will sweat, but hopefully that won't be your main take away.

Gina holds classes every Tuesday and Thursday in Shaler from 10am to 11am. Registration and more information here.