About Katrina
I chose to become a yoga teacher because I felt compelled to share the amazing practice of yoga with others after experiencing a profound personal transformation myself. I discovered yoga during a challenging time in my life when I was struggling with chronic low back pain from scoliosis and herniated discs, feeling stressed out and overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a new wife and mother, and meeting the demands of my career as a Physician Assistant. Yoga served as a doorway to guide me through the journey of finding comfort in my body, peace in my mind, and connection with my soul. Through the physical practice of the poses and the great wisdom in the history and philosophy of yoga, I gained awareness into what I needed to do to reclaim my health and happiness, and got stronger both on and off my mat.
I completed my 200 hour RYT training in 2013 and 500 hour RYT training in 2019 at the beautiful Lotus Pond Center for Yoga and Health in Tampa, Florida. I was trained primarily in the Iyengar style of yoga, a therapeutic form of Hatha Yoga that emphasizes proper body alignment. I had the privilege of studying under the direction of master teacher Karin Stephan, one of the first woman yoga teachers to introduce Iyengar yoga to the U.S. in the 1970’s after studying with B.K.S. Iyengar in India.
I received my bachelors of science degree in Occupational Therapy in 1999 from the University of Florida and worked with individuals with special needs for 4 years prior to going back to the University of Florida and receiving my Masters degree and becoming a certified Physician Assistant in 2005. I have been working in Rheumatology since 2005 caring for individuals with various autoimmune/musculoskeletal conditions including: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Lupus, Sjogrens, Scleroderma, Fibromyalgia, and Osteoporosis. My background in rehab and medicine has provided me with extensive knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body in both healthy individuals and those with musculoskeletal diseases and physical limitations. My attention to detail and appreciation for proper body alignment creates a safe and therapeutic environment for my students.
I teach both group and personal yoga classes. I love being able to hold a space to unite like-minded groups of people to practice together and support one another within a class and then form friendships and support groups outside of class. I also offer private yoga sessions and small group classes to provide more individualized instruction. I am passionate about teaching my students how to reconnect with their bodies, minds, and hearts to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health to go from merely surviving to thriving in their lives!