Hi, I'm Lara
As I invite you to join my classes and work with me, it may be useful for you to know a little more about me…
I was born in Co. Cork in the south of Ireland and was blessed with parents who encouraged my passion for reading and learning and immersed me in a love of nature and free thinking from an early age. Weekends were spent by the sea and in the woods; long, annual summer holidays were spent on Sherkin Island off the coast of Ireland, where I fell in love with the rhythms of a simple way of living – early morning swims, daily bike rides, quiet contemplation of the exquisite beauty of the natural landscape, hours of reading, dreaming, laughter and togetherness with family and friends.
At age 18, while studying for my degree in Psychology,
I first encountered the transformational power of yoga and immediately fell in love with the calm and bliss that it brought to my life. I was lucky to study with some amazing teachers over the following 15 years, most notably my many years under the tutelage of my extraordinary teacher Marianne Jacuzzi, who brought me to a whole new level of understanding and appreciation of this ancient science.
In 2005, when expecting my first child, I first encountered Pregnancy Yoga, leading to an experience of self-empowerment and transformational childbirth with both of my children that ignited my passion for supporting other women in their journeys through this sacred time in life. Since then, I have loved sharing information and inspiration with my prenatal students and encouraging them to truly own this magical time in their lives in a way that enables them to make decisions that have the power to positively affect their lives forever.
As I move out of the child-bearing part of my own life and embrace midlife, I find myself increasingly drawn to supporting others who are also moving through this new terrain – rediscovering ourselves and our power and re-evaluating our priorities and life goals. It’s an exciting time of life to navigate, and I’m finding great support and wisdom is available in Women’s Circles – I’ve been lucky enough to participate in many over the past few years and to begin hosting these beautiful gatherings too – more of this to come!
Outside of yoga and teaching my various classes, my daily passions are the sea – to be in it, on it or by it; reading – my constant delight; family – my people and loving pets who provide challenge and inspiration in equal measures; working out – running, swimming, strength work, cardio – love it all; good food – my partner and resident chef, Paddy, is one of my life’s great gifts!; and, always, the beauty and solace of Nature all around me in this stunning country.
Training Background
I’ve been honoured to study with world-class teachers during the decades in which I’ve been deepening my exploration of yoga and the world of birthing. The teacher to whom I owe the greatest gratitude is Marianne Jacuzzi of Seven Winds Yoga and Jyotish (www.sevenwindsyoga.com), who deepened my appreciation of the history and philosophy of yoga, as well as guiding me through the depths of my physical practice. Other highlights include my initial instructor training with Jodie Rufty of YogaWorks, Prenatal Yoga with Yoga Therapy Ireland, Ashtanga Yoga with David Swenson, Yin Yoga with Josh Summers, Womb Yoga with Uma Dinsmore-Tuli, Yoga Tune Up with Sarah Court, Radiant Child Yoga with Amanda Reid, Postnatal Yoga with Melissa Curtis, GentleBirth Instructor training with Tracy Donegan, DONA Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula Training, Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist Training with Sarah Duval, KGHypnobirthing, the Celtic Wheel with Mari Kennedy and many more…