I am a 500HR-trained and E-RYT 200HR yoga instructor, certified NASM personal trainer, US Air Force veteran, and author with over 15 years of experience in wellness and healing arts. A former Shaolin Monk apprentice and multi-discipline martial artist, my teachings weave together somatic awareness, trauma-informed practices, and ancient wisdom to foster resilience, mindfulness, and holistic well-being.------------------------ I grew up not understanding how to "control" my emotions, thoughts, or actions - only discovering in late adulthood that I had HF autism and ADHD. But on the way I traveled the multiverse of martial arts styles to find my peace, balance, and inner-strength. Joined the Shaolin Temple in renunciation during my early adulthood and learned in three years that I did not need to run anymore. I joined the military at the behest of my own inner-turmoil, but with the desire to make larger positive impacts. In 2014, I was injured in service and suffered from PTSD, anxiety, and depression which led to rapid weight gain from medicines I was prescribed in addition to my self-sabotaging. And then I found hope again: in the inner chambers of my soul and heart, through the practice of yoga which I took up not long before my renunciation and journey East. I came back to myself through not just the practice of yoga, but the depth of it. In addition to returning to my martial roots, I've dedicated my essence, time, and life to supporting others in their growth towards inner-safety, self-compassion, self-love, healing, and most importantly, resilience. ------------------ When I'm not teaching yoga, health, personal fitness, or life skills in a private school to 6-12th graders, I'm teaching yoga in gyms, 1-on-1, small / large groups, or leading events and retreats. And when I'm not doing that I am deepening my own practice through in-depth readings of various yogic, Buddhist, Hindu, and other texts in addition to daily meditation and Hatha yoga practice. ------------------------- My time is also given with love to my children, wife, family, and friends - and I ensure to make such time for them each and every day. Now I hope to be a beacon for others to call into their strength, push through their barriers, and transcend into their personal truth. --------------------- I am in the process of building a Yoga & Wellness Center that will facilitate healing modalities and preventative care modalities from ayurveda, yoga, TCM, massage, dance, martial arts, and more. Our center will also include daycare, community events, training and education, cooperative and collaborative programs, retreats (domestic and international), and programs to help locate missing individuals, help bridge poverty, and give people a community to truly enjoy and grow together and from again.------------------ If you'd like to join or support our journey, inquire more at www.sacredleapyoga.com