There was a time when fear paddled my canoe through life, always steering me toward the worst-case scenario. I grew up with aquaphobia, constantly held back by a mindset that kept me from fully embracing life’s adventures. Depression, adrenal fatigue, weight gain, and low self-esteem were constant companions, and even when I was at my ideal weight, I struggled to appreciate my body.
I know how it feels to wake up and wonder if this is all there is to life—to feel lost, like you're just going through the motions without really living. I’ve had those mornings where nothing seemed to spark joy, and I wondered why the things that were supposed to make me happy just weren’t cutting it. Trust me, I've been there.
My turning point came on my 35th birthday in 2016, a day I spent alone while my husband was deployed. I wanted to do something big, something that would challenge the fear and self-doubt that had been holding me back for so long. That’s when I decided to try SUP yoga—and it changed my life.
For the first time, I experienced yoga without the self-consciousness that usually accompanied it. There was no comparing myself to others on a mat, just me, the ocean, and a board. The freedom and empowerment I felt on that board made me realize I wanted to share this feeling with the world. So, I spent the next year practicing and becoming comfortable on a SUP, determined to become an instructor and help others find this same sense of liberation.
If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or tired of living in the shadow of fear, you’re not alone. This is your starting line for a journey towards a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. Think of me as your guide, your cheerleader, and your coach all rolled into one. Together, we’ll push past those fears, tap into your inner strength, and celebrate every step of your journey towards confidence and self-love.
PHAT Mermaids is more than just a brand; it’s a movement to help women like you connect with your deepest desires, conquer your fears, and live boldly with passion. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your SUP skills to the next level, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
My journey to becoming a SUP yoga instructor and wellness advocate wasn’t always smooth sailing. In my early 20s, I was deeply entrenched in the medical field, pouring everything into my work. I was a workaholic, driven to the brink by stress, and by the time I hit my mid-20s, my body was screaming for help. Adrenal fatigue set in, and I struggled with weight gain, low self-esteem, and the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with PCOS. My late 20s and early 30s brought even more challenges, including a battle with cervical cancer, which left me physically and emotionally drained.
Depression and a deep sense of inadequacy took hold, and for years, I felt lost. But in 2012, something shifted. I found yoga, and for the first time in a long while, I began to reconnect with myself. Yoga became my sanctuary, a place where I could heal, reflect, and rebuild. Then, in 2016, I discovered SUP yoga—and it was love at first paddle. The combination of being on the water and practicing yoga was transformative. It was more than just a workout; it was a way to connect with nature, with my body, and with my inner strength.
In 2017, I took a leap and became a certified SUP yoga instructor. I wanted to share the power of this practice with others, to help them find the confidence and strength that had been reignited in me. My journey brought me from the shores of Hawaii to Okinawa, Japan, just as the world was grappling with COVID-19. Despite the distance, I was able to touch lives through SUP, offering support and connection even in isolation.
2022 was a monumental year for me. I became a first-time mom, a role that brought immense joy and new challenges. And in the fall of the same year, I earned my certification as a master SUP instructor. The experience of motherhood, combined with my passion for SUP yoga, deepened my desire to help others. I understood, more than ever, what it feels like to struggle and to rise above those struggles. SUP yoga inspired me to appreciate myself, look inward, and truly understand what it means to feel confident and strong. Now, I’m on a mission to share that feeling with as many people as I can.
I believe in a holistic approach to wellness, one that nurtures both body and mind. Whether you’re looking to start your paddleboarding journey, deepen your yoga practice, or simply need support in navigating motherhood’s complexities, I’ve got something special for you. My services are designed to meet you where you are and help you grow from there, with personalized coaching and community support that empowers you every step of the way.
SUP Lessons & Coaching: From beginner to advanced, learn to paddleboard with confidence and style.
Yoga & Mindfulness Practices: Find your center and cultivate peace, whether you’re prenatal, postnatal, or just seeking balance.
Motherhood Support: Navigate the ups and downs of motherhood withFull Width resources, coaching, and community.
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