Asha is Lisa’s given name from her beloved guru, Sri Swami Satchidananda. Her first experience with yoga was through NOVA, an educational documentary on yoga airing on PBS out of New York City in 1974 when she was 5. Her next experience would not be until the age of 27. At this time in Lisa’s life she had many labels as we all do, mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister, employee and her life was very, very busy. There was a resurfacing of yoga and it seemed to be branching out.

Lisa found her first yoga class in Pensacola, Florida with teacher Nancy LaNasa (of Jivamukti Yoga Center, NYC) and quickly realized there is no room for ego in yoga class. Spending the rest of the day on the couch after that first class she learned there is lots of room for humility in a yoga class. Lisa then pursued studies under Nancy and through the learning, found a centered spirit, calmed heart and opened soul. Being a navy wife Lisa’s time in Pensacola was limited. She had the opportunity to spend 16 months with Nancy and then made her transfer to Norfolk, VA.

Prior to her departure Nancy told Lisa that when she got to VA that she should teach. Well, when your teacher tells you that you should teach what do you do? You teach and so that was what Lisa went on to do.

It was through the Jivamukti method of yoga that her heart was open and although devoted to the teachings of Integral Yoga through Sri Gurudev it was a long time dream to teach as a Jivamukti Yoga teacher. That goal was obtained for Lisa in May of 2005, and is certified through Integral and Jivamukti Yoga as well as years of training under great teachers such as David Life, Sharon Gannon, Dharma Mittra, Ruth Lauer, and Manorama D'Alvia. Her inspiration as the founder of My Yoga Spirit was driven through the constant guidance of her teachers. Lisa has three amazing children along with her loving and supportive husband Mike. They have lived in the Hampton Roads area since 2000 and as a Navy family have no idea how much time they have left, but while they are here they are having a heck of a time!