I am a deaf yoga instructor based at the Africa Yoga Project’s Shine Center in Nairobi, Kenya. When I attended my first Baptiste Power Vinyasa yoga class in 2010, I didn’t even know what yoga meant! I assumed it was the same thing as going to the gym. I now know that yoga is an important key to educate and empower, to elevate and expand. I believe that yoga is what reduces my stress and creates good health within my body. I credit yoga for aiding my recovery from a hernia and drug addictions, without the need to go to a hospital.

In 2012, after completing a 200hr teacher training certification in Ashtanga yoga, I began teaching people who are deaf, blind, autistic, and mentally ill, street children and orphans, and also able-bodied students. I empower my deaf students by leading them through their practice through sign language. I inspire and guide hearing students by clapping my hands, stomping the floor, and through yoga blocks. With all students, I create connection through my use of eye contact. This allows my students to gain self-awareness and grow through the fun and love brought into every one of my classes.

I completed the Baptiste Institute’s Level One, Level Two, and Art of Assisting certifications. In 2013, I went to the United States to teach yoga. I returned to Kenya inspired to teach more students and share my love of yoga and its benefits. As a participant in the Africa Yoga Project Academy, I gained professional skills and even more inspiration to shine. I continue to inspire and empower students with and without disabilities. I am passionate about creating tools and practices to use sign language in yoga, and to empower deaf people worldwide to practice and teach yoga.