I found yoga about 17 years ago to ease back pain and feel better in my body.  As a nurse I knew how to take care of other people but wasn’t always good at taking care of myself.  It’s been a slow and winding journey and I found that not only could yoga help my physical body - it was an outlet for stress and tension and provided me with an opportunity to learn how to be quiet and still and listen to my inner wisdom.  

I’ve always had a passion for teaching others and in 2018 I decided it was time to become a Kripalu yoga teacher so that I could share my love of yoga.  I teach a variety of classes including gentle and intermediate Kripalu style yoga, restorative yoga, and yoga nidra.  I encourage students to explore yoga in their own bodies and I provide variations and encourage the use of props. One of my favorite parts of teaching is the people I meet – I enjoy the energy of being in community and I learn so much from my students.

Testimonials:

(A.C. Yoga Student)
Kris has a talent for individualizing practice so that people feel comfortable and the practice is modified for their unique needs. I would recommend Kris’ classes to anyone who is curious about yoga regardless of your abilities– you’ll be surprised at what you can do and how much better you will feel!  

(R.S Yoga Student)
Thank you for the 'yoga short' online video. The practice was enough to move my body - I could really feel the effects & felt much better afterwards. The reminder to notice the breath is so simple, yet powerful.

Richard Gosnell, Mindful Outdoor Guide

-Owner Resting Tree Mindfulness, LLC.
-Certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide
-Master’s Degree in Atmospheric and Planetary Science
-Thirty years of teaching science
-Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified

As a young professional in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, I fully embraced the drive to be more efficient and effective to get ahead. I had lists of weekly, monthly, annual, and 10-year objectives. Even when I wanted to shut my mind off, I could not. It was always grasping, like a toddler in a candy store. Then I realized that I would never get to the end of the To-Do lists no matter how efficient I was and that the treadmill was never ending. I was ready to exit this ride…

My outdoor mindfulness training taught me how to empty my mind of the tasks of everyday life. Now, I can sit and have the presence of mind to recognize the small details that I had always overlooked. I have not had much trouble sleeping since and when I do have issues, I am able to empty my mind and relax. 

Since my training in 2022 I have offered outdoor meditation experiences, talks, and book clubs on my own and in collaboration with several local organizations/parks. These include:
•    Penn State Behrend
•    Cambridge Springs Public Library
•    Pymatuning State Park
•    Goodell Gardens
•    Crawford County Conservation District
•    Active Aging
•    Yoga Spot Meadville.

Testimonials:

R.N. (mindful forest experience participant)
“Thank you so much for spending time with us today. You opened my eyes to a new way to enjoy my next nature walk”

A.C. (mindful evening experience participant)
“How could I have gone my entire life without ever taking the time to watching the stars come out at night?”