Yoga saved Sami’s life; it’s from that place of determination and vulnerability that she teaches. A former ballerina, Sami originally turned to yoga to give her pain relief after back and hip surgery at 16 and 21. In late 2014, Sami tragically lost her then fiancé. Her experience with trauma and grief completely changed her outlook on yoga. It was no longer simply a way to challenge her physicality; rather, it became an imperative tool towards survival and peace. Equipped with those tools and committed to love, Sami was determined for a happy ending. She got married in 2019 to her incredible husband Patrick and they welcomed a daughter in July 2019. Motherhood has become Sami’s most recent muse in her journey. Armed with experience, grace, and empathy, Sami’s classes mix creatively challenging sequencing with candid rawness and emotion.

Sami completed her first 200 Hour Teacher Training in Austin in 2009 with her mentor, Desirae Pierce.  Additionally, Sami has attended Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and various other programs with Baron Baptiste both as a student and assistant. She completed her 300 Hour Teacher Training at Down Under School of Yoga under Natasha Rizopolous in 2018. Sami has continued her studies through additional trainings, workshops, and dedicated study with other renowned teachers who inspire her to always be a student while evolving as a teacher. Some of these teachers include Patricia Walden, Gioconda Parker, Christina Sell, John Friend, Leah Cullis, Seane Corn, Shiva Rae, Mary Taylor, Jeanie Manchester, Sianna Sherman, Stephen Uvalle, Amy Ippoliti, Shannon Paige, David Kyle, Rod Stryker, Tias Little, and Ray Long. Beyond specific teachers, Sami’s classes are inspired by the steadfast alignment of (what was) Anusara, the lyrical dance of Vinyasa, the diligence of Ashtanga, the precision of Iyengar, and the value of slowing down through Yin.

Sami has been featured in various national publications as a cover model, teacher, and contributor including Origin Magazine, Mantra Yoga & Health, Colorado Yoga Magazine, and New York Yoga + Life; and in the book The Yoga Fix. From Burning Man and Yoga Reaches Out to Wanderlust and Love Yoga Festival, she has taught and assisted at many festivals and events, but her most humbling memory was the opportunity to teach at The White House during the annual Easter Egg Roll celebration. Teaching yoga to smiling children as the President and First Lady led the national anthem is something she’ll never forget.

Upon moving to Boston in early 2017, Sami joined the team at Down Under School of Yoga as the Director of Marketing, Brand, and Strategic Planning. Early in her career, Sami worked in Sports Marketing for the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and other major sporting events and eventually this led her to couple her design degree with her yoga. Sami previously served as the Creative Director for several national yoga magazines and as a Brand Strategist for leading yoga industry names, like the Baptiste Institute. When Sami isn’t on her mat or in front of her laptop, she is probably wearing heels and dancing to live music with a glass of champagne in one hand, her daughter Ophelia on her hip, and her husband Patrick by her side. 

To connect with Sami about classes, bookings, or special events, please reach out.