Hello.

I’m Nicole (she/her), and I teach people to slow down.

My path to yoga began at 24, with a single class at the YMCA – it didn’t resonate; I wasn’t ready. A decade later, yoga found me again—this time during a period of deep grief, cross-country travel, and the exhausting pace of urban life. That reintroduction marked the start of a transformative personal and professional journey.

I began teaching in San Francisco in 2013, earning both my 200-hour and 500-hour certifications through the former Yoga Tree San Francisco. I am deeply fortunate to have studied with many gifted and passionate teachers, among them Judith Hanson Lasater, Darren Main, Harvey Deutch, Britt Fohrman, Brenna Geehan, Sean Haleen, and Darcy Lyon. Most recently, I completed 1300+ hours of advanced training with Robin Rothenberg at Essential Yoga Therapy to become a certified yoga therapist. My lineage reflects an integration of Iyengar, Hatha, Restorative, and Viniyoga traditions.

Drawn to yoga’s psychophysical benefits, I emphasize slowing down, self-awareness, and nervous system support. My approach is inspired by multiple modalities—including physical therapy, Feldenkrais, massage, personal training, and mindfulness techniques—and often integrates gentle, exploratory practices to foster functional movement and build greater resilience. I offer a warm, compassionate, and supportive space where students can show up exactly as they are.

Originally from the Midwest, I spent 13 years living in San Francisco’s eclectic Haight Ashbury before moving to Seattle. In Seattle, I have taught at the former Seattle Yoga Arts, 8 Limbs Yoga, and Datza Yoga. I teach weekly group classes and private sessions, and occasionally lead special events, retreats, and Restorative yoga teacher trainings.

Beyond the mat, I’m a proud aunt to seven niblings, devoted dog mom, lover of the outdoors, and an advocate for menopause education, awareness, and connection.

Certifications

• C-IAYT: Certified Yoga Therapist (Essential Yoga Therapy, 1300+ hours)

• E-RYT 500: Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (Yoga Alliance)

• Relax & Renew® Advanced Trainer with Judith Hanson Lasater

• YACEP®: Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider

• Certified Personal Trainer, NASM (since 2020)

• Reiki Level I Practitioner (via Ewa Litauer)

Other Training

• Basic Principles of Somatic Experiencing® – 2020

• Yoga Therapy Essentials (Phoenix Rising) – 2020

• Practicing Justice in Yoga (with RW Alves) – 2020

• Trauma-Informed Yoga (with Bianca Raffety) – 2018

• The Neurobiology of Yoga (with Denise Benitez) – 2016

• 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training (Yoga Tree San Francisco) – 2013–2015

• Advanced Core Studies (with Sean Haleen, Stacey Rosenberg, & Jason Bowman) – 2015

• Relax & Renew®: Teaching Restorative Yoga (with Judith Lasater) – 2015

• The Four Desires (with Rod Stryker) – 2015

• Yoga for Cancer Therapy (with Ingrid Yang) – 2015

• Feminine Powers, Feminine Practice (with Britt Fohrman) – 2014

• Yoga Therapeutics Level 1 (with Harvey Deutch) – 2014

• Advanced Anatomy (with Harvey Deutch) – 2014

• Alchemy of Transformation: Yoga, Psychology & Art (with Darcy Lyon) – 2013

• 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (Yoga Tree San Francisco) – 2013

Portrait photo by Marilyn Isaac Photography