Yoga found Sally. She came accidentally and with great resistance! A lifelong runner and endurance athlete, Sally enjoyed an active, athletic lifestyle and viewed yoga with suspicion! Over the years, orthopedic doctors and physical therapists recommended she try yoga to recover from injuries and treat the pain from scoliosis. Instead she worked out harder. “I loved punishing workouts, races and challenges and thought yoga was something I’d explore in my later years. During my first power yoga class I quickly learned I was mistaken! As sweat poured up into my eyes, ears and nose (and I was still only in tadasana) I discovered the infinite potential to challenge myself on deeper levels on my yoga mat while also learning the incredible power of letting go.”

Admittedly she initially practiced for the physical “work-out” that yoga offers. Then in 2004 she met Baron at an All Levels Bootcamp and became hooked on the “work-in.” Yoga got Sally into the best physical shape of her life. But this was icing on the cake. “Yoga revealed my authentic self. It connected me to an inner power, wisdom and wholeness that I unconsciously sought, cultivating greater peace, joy and fulfillment in my life.”

Today Sally practices yoga because it is limitless. “You can never stop learning!” While the physical is still compelling and fun, yoga helps her release the “gunk” that gets in the way of her true and shining spirit. “My practice creates space and freedom, in my body, my mind, my heart and spirit. The things that don’t serve me… physical weight, emotional baggage, the drama and all the ‘story,’ are revealed through the lens of my practice, and over time they burn away. What’s left is real joy, compassion, freedom and love by being my authentic self. This is the process of yoga. I teach because I want to share this with others.”

Before coming to yoga, Sally got her masters in social work and worked with the homeless and domestic violence. For her, yoga is real “social work.” Instead of having to find answers for others, yoga helps people find their own answers. “You can tell people what they need to do to change but when they discover it for themselves from the inside it stays with them forever and creates the opportunity for real and lasting transformation.” Sally teaches “for the sheer joy of seeing others shine” as they dispel the darkness from their lives. Since that first bootcamp in 2004, she has attended many others (including several Level 1 and Level 2’s), she completed the Baptiste Teacher Assistant Program and assisted Baron at different trainings. She has also studied teacher training with Lisa Black Aviolo and Rod Stryker.

In 2006, after her first Level 1, Sally and husband, Steve, opened Baptiste Affiliate Studio, Yoga One, in Charlotte, NC. It is unbelievable to be sharing this journey with Steve, who is also a certified Baptiste power vinyasa teacher. She credits BPVY for inspiring their teachers and staff and creating an amazing community in Charlotte. “The family of teachers and staff we’ve found through BPVY is awesome. Without Baron’s vision and philosophy, the growth in yoga and in our community would not be happening.”