Kari discovered yoga during her university days, experimenting with Ashtanga, Hatha, Kundalini and Anusara, but never sticking with one to develop a deep practice.  A former runner, Kari found Vinyasa Flow in 2009 which allowed her to work with the structural challenges that occur as the result of longer distances and an aging body.  As a dancer in her teens and early 20’s, the fluid movement of Vinyasa captured her heart.

Initially working with yoga to heal many a running injury, break a sweat and build strength as a form of exercise, Kari found a deeper meaning within yoga that allows her to move her body, connect her breath and settle her mind.  This awareness led her to teacher training taught by Savonn Wyland and Bill Wyland, founders and owners of Sellwood Yoga in Portland, Oregon and Bernal Yoga in San Francisco, California. Kari is a 500+ Hour ERYT (experienced registered yoga teacher).

Kari’s primary interest is the study of the spine focusing on anatomy, disfunction and application in yoga and day-to-day life and incorporates that lens into all classes that she instructs.

Kari brings attention to the breath, encourages curiosity, and emphasizes alignment (the way it presents unique to your body) all with an openness and sense of humor.  Kari enjoys finding different ways to come into a pose that help you experience the pose differently both physically and mentally. Detailed physical cues are shared to help you understand and support your body wisely allowing you to develop healthy habits for your long-term yoga health and wellbeing.

Her ability to assess the class and adjust sequencing to meet the students exactly where they are provides an inclusive space for all to practice, encouraging playfulness and lightheartedness.  Kari considers herself a constant student, always looking for ways to improve her teaching of classes, whether it is working with anatomy, changing language, embracing body positivity, developing creative sequencing or incorporating her passion for music into the yoga space.

Beyond yoga, Kari is a healthcare IT corporate executive, working with hospitals and health systems across the United States addressing price transparency for patients.

Certifications and Education

  • 200 Hour RYT Training - Sellwood Yoga

  • 300 Hour RYT Training - Sellwood Yoga (500 Hour)

  • 55 Hour Spine, Anatomy, Dysfunction and Application Yoga Teacher Training - Yoga Medicine

  • Anatomy Intensive - Yoga International

  • Preventing & Managing Common Yoga Injuries - Jason Crandell

  • Modern Yoga Essentials (Anatomy) - Heart & Bones Yoga

  • Yoga and Your Nervous System Intensives - Various Instructors

  • Yoga Detour Method Immersion

  • Cultural Somatics - Racialized Trauma Course

  • Certified Prenatal, Birth and Postpartum Doula

  • American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certification