Kristen    Biography | Testimonials


Biography:
Kristen moved to Santa Barbara in the fall of 2003, after completing her Masters Degree in Social Work from Hunter College in New York City. She focused her education on movement therapy and group dynamics. In addition, Kristen studied Interdisciplinary Yoga with Don and Amba Stapleton at Omega Institute, where she gained her 200-hr teacher certification. Kristen has also trained with Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, Cindi Lee, and Johnathan Urla, and has received her teaching credentials in Pilates and transformational dance. Since her arrival to Santa Barbara, Kristen has continued her studies in various forms of movement, Thai Massage and physical fitness and in the summer 2006 completed a certification program in Acroyoga: a combination of partner yoga, Thai Massage and acrobatics. Over the past three years, Kristen has led yoga, pilates, and dance to numerous private clients, as well as participants at the Montecito YMCA, Cottage Hospital, Jewish Federation, the Alternative Open School, Casa Esperanza, Yoga Soup, Source Yoga, Golden Tree Yoga, and the SB Yoga Center. She is best known for her knowledge, healing abilities and awareness to her student’s specific needs.

When not on the yoga mat, you can find Kristen running along the Gaviota Coast with her samoyed, Ariel, hula-hooping with her pals at Alice Keck Park or exploring the vast California coastline promoting sustainable living practices. In addition to teaching the moving arts, Kristen is dedicated to preserving the California coastline and serves as the
Outreach Coordinator for the Naples Coalition, an environmental coalition made up of seven local agencies. Kristen combines her social work and massage skills, with her leadership in health and fitness, to award her students the most empowering, self-actualizing and stress reducing experiences.




Testimonials:
I learned from Kristen, both in classes and in private practice, not only the physical aspects of yoga but also of the spiritual foundation underlying those aspects. Kristen’s teaching embodies the mind-body unity that is the definition of the word “yoga”. She shares her knowledge, care, exuberance and love of the flow of the breath and body with unabashed energy, glee and joy and with tender yet precise hands-on guidance. At the same time, she shares her knowledge and vision of the spiritual nature of being and universal connection that is the bedrock of yoga. Her enthusiasm for the wonders of the body is infectious; her appreciation of the wonder of the spirit is inspiring; and her skill in transmitting that enthusiasm and appreciation makes being her student a deeply gratifying experience.
Don Devan/ Montecito, CA

“I began taking personal yoga/pilates sessions with Kristen over a year ago. After every session with Kristen, I feel empowered, and physically and emotionally strong. Kristen is an amazing trainer who takes a human interest in her clients and has great follow-up. Kristen is a trainer I believe in because she believes in me.”
Catalina Ruiz/Carpinteria

“Kristen has been a wonderful guide, supporter, instructor and a warm friend during the several years I’ve attended her classes. She is always willing to spend time during or after class to answer questions, help with challenging poses, or figure out new ways to move beyond limitations. Her hands-on assists are gentle yet freeing and instructive. Kristen continues to educate herself to bring new ideas to her classes, and is always willing to listen to her students’ feedback. I can’t recommend a Yoga teacher more highly.”
Nancy Friedland/Santa Barbara

“I so admire Kristen’s successful efforts at presenting powerful yoga classes at Golden Tree Yoga. Some of the qualities that come to mind when I think of her are: Loving, giving, fearless, sweet, right-thinking, centered, dedicated, truthful, clear. I am happy to be in her company”
Prem Amira/ Santa Barbara

“Kristen is such a gift to our community. She really helped me a lot with her listening ear, supportive words and loving touch.”
Cali Turner-Alpert / Santa Barbara

“Kristen is the best at bringing people, who have never known their body is beautiful, into a space of comfort and openness. If you're afraid, and think you can't move, trust her. You won't regret it.”
Kaiya Fuson/Mount Shasta, CA

“Kristen's ability to integrate pilates, yoga, and weight training into a combined training system helped me achieve my fitness goals of gaining overall strength and flexibility. I would highly recommend her to anyone who wants a well rounded but custom tailored program to meet their overall fitness goals."
Emily Cotton/Goleta