Micki first became interested in yoga at the age of 56 while watching an "Oprah" show in April of 2001 featuring yoga for stress relief with Rodney Yee. This began her personal life changing journey.
What began as a "once in a while stress relief class" became a passion for the practice of yoga.Through the guidance of her first teacher, Eryn Boudreau, she began teacher training in 2003, graduating in 2004 from Discovery Yoga, St. Augustine,FL, receiving a 200 hour certification in Discovery and Kripalu Yoga from Deva Parnell.
Since that time Micki has continued her personal growth studying with nationally known teachers and also attending many workshops and seminars.
Other certifications include:
"Prenatal Yoga "with Janice Clarfield.
"KarmaKids Yoga' with Shari Vilchez Blatt.
"Safe Yoga for Osteoporosis and Skeletal Health" with Sara Meeks.
Workshops and other studies include:
"Advanced Postures and Hands-On Assisting" with Deb Vinyard
"Meditation, Pranyama and the Chakras" with Christopher Baxter
"Yoga and Ayurveda" with Beverly Segel
"The Art of Teaching, Level II" with Deva Parnell.
"Hip Openers", "Holding in the Postures", "Inversions and Arm Balances" all with Eryn Boudreau.
" Iyengar Yoga Basics" with John Charping and Betty Larsen.
"Yin Yoga" with Arla Larson.
"Yamas and Niyamas" with Connie Windon.
"The Four Core Practices of Yoga" with Christopher Baxter.
"Sanskrit and Hindi, Reading, Writing and Chanting" with Aradhika Webber.
"Restorative Yoga with Kate Cordell.
"Mandala Yoga" (yoga in the "round") through Madrona Yoga in Point Roberts, WA
Micki has also completed two workshops on "Sacred Postures, Archetypes through Yoga" with Mirit Eder- Turley.
Her first studio teaching position came when Mirit Eder-Turley opened "Sacred Postures Yoga Studio" in Flagler Beach, FL early in the year of 2005, teaching three classes a week until the studio closed almost a year later.
When "Sacred Postures" closed Micki began teaching independently, informally starting "Padma Yoga" with a core of students from "Sacred Postures Yoga Studio."
Having recently earned her E-RYT 200 ,(Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, teaching over 1000 hours), she is also working towards her professional RYT 500 certification.
In early 2007 Micki found it increasingly difficult to continue in her "regular" job and also teach yoga. Listening to her "inner voice" she "took a leap of faith" and retired early at the age of 62 to teach yoga full time. She has never regretted that decision.
In November, 2009 Micki opened "Padma Yoga", A center for Yoga,Health and Wellness, at 5 Utility Drive, Ste.# 15, in Palm Coast, FL 32137
She also teaches in the private communinity of Grand Haven and additionally subs for other teachers at "Fitness One."
"I am always, a student first, learning from other teachers and also from my own students whom I am privileged to teach and guide. Yoga has been a true transformation for me. Sharing the gifts of knowledge my teachers have given me and helping others to make positive changes in their lives through yoga is my priority.
Thanks to all my teachers who have so generously shared their knowledge.
Thank you, Deva Parnell and Discovery Yoga for the caring and teaching me in the ways of a teacher.
Thank you, Mirit, for your confidence in me and allowing me the experience of teaching in your studio.
Thanks to my students , past and present, for caring about yourselves and allowing me to help you on your journey of yoga. I have learned so much from all of you.
Thank you, Valerie Carruthers, my dear friend,for your support and help since "Sacred Postures" closed and also your wonderful gift of true friendship. It is truly a blessing.
And a very special Thank you to Eryn Boudreau for the gentle "push"and seeing in me what I could not. I will always be grateful to you, my first teacher. You hold a special place in my heart. Namaste."
Peace and Love to all,
Micki "Padma"
