Lesley

Lesley grew up in Austin. She was introduced to yoga by Sharon Moon in 1999. At first, she didn't get it. “It took a few classes before I understood what it was like to relax,” she remembers. She came to yoga about 4 or 5 times before she began to feel connected to a practice. With 2 small children it was difficult even to go to classes at that point. “I needed to do something for myself but I had a hard time not feeling guilty about it.”

Then, she realized that if she took time to do something good for herself, she had more and better quality time to give to others. Lesley had to work at quieting her mind, and it was a couple of months before she realized that she needed to let go in order to relax. Still today, Lesley is inspired to continue practicing yoga regularly by how great she feels afterward, and by how scattered she feels when she doesn't.

Lesley graduated from Yoga Yoga's 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training program. She also completed Ashtanga Primary Series Training with David Swenson, and Vinyasakrama certification with Srivatsa Ramaswami. She is certified to teach children's yoga by the Radiant Child Program, having completed levels 1 and 2 with Shakta Kaur Khalsa and trained with Yoga Kids.

Students can expect an eclectic mix of styles in Lesley's classes. Above all, Lesley believes in promoting self acceptance through the nurturing of your personal experience with yoga. Each practice belongs only to the student, and Lesley encourages them to listen to their body for direction. Lesley is influenced and inspired by the amazing history of yoga and yogis, and by teachers like Mehtab, Guru Dev, David Swenson, Sharon Moon, Liz Belile, and Heather Keir.

Lesley grew up right here in Austin, where she is currently raising two boys, one baby girl, two cats, and one Australian cattle dog. She enjoys cooking, music, movies, being outdoors, and, most of all, spending time with her family.

Click here to see when Lesley teaches.

"Practice and all is coming." - Sri K Pattabhi Jois

"Practice yoga once a week and it will change your mind, practice yoga 3 times a week and it will change your body, practice yoga every day and it will change your life." - Mehtab Benton

Lesley Recommends:
Heart of Yoga by Desikachar
“108 Names of the Divine Mother” (CD)
Lesley also recommends the Jade Harmony yoga mat.