What have you learned or how have you grown since becoming a YCC instructor?

I love to challenge my mind and love to learn new things.  I have taken trainings in Yoga Nidra meditation, Yoga for Round Bodies, Yoga for Arthritis, Yoga for Recovery, Restorative Yoga, and Pranayama.  As a teacher in a larger than typical body, I think it is important to learn how to adapt yoga and meditation for people with different needs and different bodies.

Besides teaching yoga, how do you spend your time?

I love to read, crochet, and take walks with my family. I have 3 cats who love to get on camera whenever I have to teach from home.  Merry is my older male cat.  Two years ago we adopted a pair of bonded sibling kittens.  Luna is a long hair female, and Magick is her big brother.

What to expect in class: Karla's personal practice and her classes focus on stress reduction, and in increasing strength and balance in body and mind. Her extensive knowledge of the body, her informative teaching style, and her sense of humor all contribute to a wonderful class experience. 

Karla has been teaching yoga for 10 years...all of them at the Yoga Center of Columbia! She began practicing in 2002. Previously, Karla was a practicing massage therapist, and taught anatomy and physiology at the Baltimore School of Massage. Karla is also a practicing Hypnotherapist certified through the International Association of Counselors and Therapists.

To contact Karla: ellamentalmom@yahoo.com