Early Beginnings

In my early twenties, I took my first yoga class… and fell in love immediately. Moving my body in new ways, quieting my mind… I left the class feeling light, revitalized, and deeply alive. I didn’t understand much at the time, but I knew instantly: this was the medicine I needed. In 1993, I took my first Ashtanga class with Gilad Harouvi, Israel’s first Ashtanga teacher. From that day on, I couldn’t get enough. Even when I found out I was pregnant with my first child, Jonathan, I continued practicing, with Gilad’s guidance in adapting the postures for pregnancy.

Commitment to Daily Practice

After the birth of my daughter, Daniela, I decided to fully commit to my practice. Gilad suggested something unusual at the time: “Practice every day at home.” Coming from a university mindset, I asked, “No books? No theory?” Her response: “This is yoga—99% practice, 1% theory. Without personal experience, there can be no real understanding.” So, in July 1999, in a small apartment with two babies and a busy work life, I began my daily home practice. At the same time, I enrolled in a two-year teacher training program—a mix of weekly classes, weekend workshops, retreats, and many hours on the mat. By the third year, we were already teaching. Some days, my practice was just Surya Namaskar, lotus, and Shavasana; other days, I did more. But I continued practicing 5–6 times a week. As David Swenson says, “I may have regretted not practicing, but I never regretted practicing.”

My Career as a Teacher in Spain

In 2002, my family and I moved to Spain. A few months later, I began teaching at Sitgesverd, the first yoga center in Sitges. In 2009, Marcelo and I opened Ashtanga Yoga Sitges, which is still open six days a week, year-round. In Barcelona, ​​I first experienced Mysore-style practice with Petri Räisänen—I was amazed by the silence and concentration in the room. Shortly after, I met Tomás Zorzo, the first Ashtanga teacher in Spain certified by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois. I attended his workshops for years before inviting him to teach in Sitges, a tradition we have maintained for over 12 years. Over the years, I have been blessed to study with many incredible teachers: Danny Paradise, David Williams, Nancy Gilgoff, John Scott, Manju Jois, Guy Donahaye, David Swenson, among others. Guy's friendship and guidance helped us create a solid Mysore self-practice program at our shala, which continues to grow. In 2022, I met Joey Paz and Bryce Delbridge, who introduced me to BNS Iyengar in Mysore, India. I was certified by him to teach according to his teachings.

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Life’s Challenges and the Role of Practice

In late 2014, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Opinions varied about whether I should continue practicing, but I knew I had to. During chemotherapy—when I felt weak, cold, and toxic—I practiced for 20–30 minutes most days, just enough to breathe, move, and sweat. These short practices helped me stay functional and emotionally balanced. In August 2018, just a few years after my recovery, my beloved husband, Marcelo—my partner in life and at the Shala—passed away. This loss was even harder than the illness. My daughter, Daniela, stepped up to help lead the Shala, becoming a strong pillar of our community.

Philosophy and Vision

For me, yoga has always been more than physical postures. It is a lifelong friend—constant, supportive, and present in every joy and challenge. Although we can feel its benefits from the beginning, deep understanding comes only with years of uninterrupted dedication. The ultimate goal is not just the asana, nor even happiness—it is liberation, union, samadhi; the search for who we truly are and the purpose of life. After more than 26 years of daily practice and 24 years of teaching, it feels like a lifetime has passed—and yet, in many ways, I feel like I am just beginning.