Hi, I'm Francia

I’m a 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher and an Advanced Ashtanga Yoga Practitioner, but my most meaningful credential is having personally experienced yoga’s transformative, healing power—especially during my own recovery from depression.

 

My journey began in 2000, and I’ve been sharing the practice as a teacher since 2007. Along the way, I’ve continued to deepen my knowledge, earning an additional 200-hour certification with the Prison Yoga Project, specializing in trauma-informed and mindfulness-based yoga teacher training.

 

As a mother of three, I understand the importance of balance, compassion, and resilience—both on and off the mat. I’m also a dedicated member of the Still Water Sangha and Dhamma Pubbananda communities and have completed two immersive 10-day Vipassana meditation courses. In addition, I’m a plant-based nutrition specialist and a Level II Reiki practitioner.

 

My passion for yoga is rooted in deep gratitude for its self-healing qualities—a stabilizing mental attitude and a continuous, evolving connection to something greater. Yoga is more than a way to maintain a healthy body and mind; it’s a spiritual guide, a source of light on our journey through life.

I believe in the ripple effect of personal healing: when we heal ourselves, we shine a light that helps illuminate the path for others—our loved ones, our community, and anyone who may be searching for hope. Yoga was that light for me, and my loving husband held the lamp and refused to let it go out. I am forever grateful to him and to this ancient practice.

 

This is why I feel called to become the best version of myself, and to help guide others on their own path of awakening, love, and “Ananda” (bliss).

 

I can’t wait to welcome you—whether in the Zoom shala or in person—and to witness your own growth as you bloom into your best self!