Meet Catherine
When I look back and think about all the times I’ve betrayed myself, I want to reach out to my former-self, give her a big hug and tell her how cool, interesting, and totally worth-it she is. I want to liberate her from the stories she holds in her mind of her smallness and let her know her needs and feelings are absolutely valid. I want to empower her to take the scary steps forward, to speak her mind boldly, and to convince her that there is nothing more stifling or boring than being perfect.
I came to yoga in my late 20’s riddled with anxiety and a negative self-image. The conscious movement of yoga brought me to the present moment introducing me to sensation, emotion, and the full experience of living in my body. Through the practice of yoga I discovered the anxiety and negativity I was experiencing were symptoms of a false narrative I was living in my mind and feelings from my past I hadn’t allowed myself to process.
“Catherine is a gifted teacher and a loving human being. I don’t think I am overstating when I say her work will make the world a better place.” ~Jan L.
I was drawn to the concept of the Inner Shadow in my early 30’s and spent the next 20 years in deep study of it. Learning about my Shadows brought me an awareness of all the ways I’d kept myself stuck in unfulfilling patterns of behavior and relationship.
I’ve gained a lightness of being from doing inner-work—an acceptance of myself that empowers me to be bold and at the same time, not take myself so seriously. I’m aware of how easy it is to get lost in the intensity of an inner quest and I’m here to remind you to enjoy yourself along the way.
I see my jagged path as the build-up to my life’s offering, which is 20+ years in the making. I’ve done and continue to do my inner-work, so I can provide the space and expertise to guide you through yours. I’ll help you face the inner-stories you have about yourself that keep you in stuck and reactive patterns and create a pathway for a deep and devotional self-love.
“Catherine walked me through the process of stepping into a new version of myself. In her, I found a spiritual sister who was the perfect dose of challenging, honest, funny, relatable, authentic, and real.” ~Brinn L.
My life now…
I was raised in San Francisco, CA, but relocated to Sacramento in 2017 where I currently reside. I love the pace of the smaller town, but I won’t be able to stay away from the ocean for too long.
I live with a goofy, furry companion named Luna who micro-manages my every move and makes frequent cameo appearances in my classes.
“Rest and laughter are the most spiritual and subversive acts of all. Laugh, rest, slow down.” ~Anne Lamott
Formal Training
With a passion for, and a curiosity of, the human condition I acquired a degree in Social Psychology at San Francisco State University. After which, I obtained a certification in Integral Professional Coaching at New Ventures West in San Francisco. Immediately following, I dove into many years of yoga training with world-renowned teachers and coaches.
Along with receiving my E-RYT-500 designation at Yoga Tree in San Francisco, I hold a certification in “Yoga Therapeutics” granted by physical therapist and teacher, Harvey Deutch. Additionally, I trained as a Level 1 & 2 Relax and Renew Restorative Yoga teacher with Judith Hansen-Lasater, studied yoga philosophy with Chrisandra Fox-Walker, and the fundamentals of teaching yoga with Sean Haleen. I spent many years in the studio practicing with Jason Crandell, Charu Rachlis, Darcy Lyon, and a variety of teachers at the Iyengar Institute in San Francisco.
Additionally, I am currently in a 3-year program to become a Somatic Experiencing practitioner based on Peter Levine’s work with trauma and the nervous system. I am a student of Buddhist mindfulness meditation with Big Heart City Meditation SF and attend frequent workshops at Spirit Rock Mindfulness Meditation Center in Marin where I studied with Rick Hansen, Jack Kornfield, and many more.
My classes are designed to incorporate aspects of understanding and expression from each of these studies which result in a combination of mindful movement, restoration, and inner-exploration.
Hear My Story
Part 1: PERSONAL SHADOWS
Here’s a call out to those of you who, like me, grew up too fast and who had to be so self-reliant that it prevented you from allowing yourself to be fully seen or known in your relationships. It’s time to let your people into your life. They want to know you!
Part 2: BODY SHADOWS
Here’s a call out to those of you who, like me, understood that certain emotions aren’t acceptable to feel or express and find yourself stuck in an in-between space that's blocking you from moving through them so you can experience your life more fully.