Instructors

My vision for Shine Yoga is to be the kind of studio where everyone feels safe to practice and open themselves up to the kind of healing that comes from self-awareness, stillness together with movement, shared community with other warm and accepting souls. We know that doing yoga has nothing to do with your body type, flexibility, or previous experience. In fact, our previous owner used to often say, “If you can breathe, then you can do yoga.”

Armed with a degree in music theatre and a heart for helping others, I blindly set out into the big world in the late 90’s with very little direction and no plan. I had no idea who I was or what I wanted and my path unfolded very slowly. I took my first yoga class at the Hampton Family YMCA in 2000 and I was hooked! I finally gave in to the burning desire to pursue yoga as a teacher in 2005 when I was pregnant with my son. There are few things that have fit me so well. I love the physical practice of the asanas and the yogic principles of lovingkindness and simplicity and stillness, just for starters.

After a daughter in 2008 and a divorce in 2010, I decided it was time to define who I was and what I really wanted to do with my life! I received my life coach certification in February 2013 and moved to Virginia Beach in July the same year and became a new bride at 38! There are few things that teach you more about yourself than a second marriage. It’s been a huge blessing.

My experience in helping to run a small business varies from a yacht broker to a small site design firm to my own relationship coaching practice! These experiences have prepared me for some of the more challenging aspects of small business ownership. But I am much more at home in a yoga studio! This transition has felt very much like coming to center for me since yoga and meditation have been such a big part of my life for so long.

Matt and I live practically right around the corner from the studio with our four middle and high-school aged children and our two dogs. In a transition to a world geographically 45 minutes from my home but a world away from the culture, I feel so much like I am where I am supposed to be. It is so important to me to share that level of joy and peace with others through the practice of yoga.

I started my yoga journey about 8 years ago when I stepped foot into a beginner yoga class after reading a sign that said “life begins at the end of your comfort zone, do something outside of your bubble every day” Yoga changed my life. Meeting yogis of different backgrounds, ages, and body types inspired me to move forward and take my teaching certification at the age of 41. I knew I wanted to share the gift, and inspire people by showing them that yoga is for any body no matter what type of body or limitation we may have. Allow the yoga to change to meet the individuals needs.

I truly enjoy teaching the softer side of yoga, keeping it gentle and beginner friendly, with modifications utilizing yoga props. Since graduating teacher training, I have studied yin yoga and chair yoga. I have also studied up to 2nd degree Usui reiki, chakra therapy and crystal healing therapy. My favorite hobby is painting.

I can account from experience, the healing powers of yoga as a 16 year cancer survivor. I meditated through chemo and visualized my daily practice which got me through the ordeal. My physician recognized my positive perspective and resilience that came from my practice. My husband witnessed how my practice worked, he started going to yoga with me in 2005 and hasn’t stopped. I may not be able to do the perfect physical poses but mentally and spiritually I’m there.

My Sankalpa is to be teaching and helping individuals that may be going through a trying time regardless of their situation, that they can be present, breathe and heal.

New to teaching at Shine, Jackie is a perfect fit for our team of easy-going and compassionate instructors. Having practiced at Shine for three years, it was a natural choice to have Jackie officially join the team.

Jackie and her husband have a small cottage in Kill Devil Hills where they like to occasionally escape and enjoy the great outdoors. They have two daughters and four grandchildren plus three large granddogs. Jackie’s currently an early childhood special education teacher’s assistant at Kempsville Elementary and when she’s not wondering if we’ll ever be back in school, Jackie loves to play golf, ride her bike and go kayaking.