Vicki began practicing Yoga in 1978 upon recommendation of
a friend in recovery. Yoga became part of her personal recovery
program, along with the 12 Step Program. She practiced Yoga
using Richard Hittleman’s book, Yoga: 28 Day Exercise
Plan for 10 years. In 1988, Vicki took her first yoga
class at Dallas Yoga Center with Fred Dowd.
She started teaching Yoga in 1994, training with Fred in
the Iyengar style. She was certified in 1995 through
Joseph LePage’s Integrative Yoga Therapy school.
Around this time, Vicki created and implemented Yoga programs
offered for credit at the University of Texas at Dallas(UTD)
and Collin County Community College.
In 1997, Vicki sponsored and enrolled in Namaste’ International’s
500 hour yoga teacher certification program. A Yoga Alliance
Registered School based on Vanda Scaravelli’s innovative concepts,
Namaste’ International was founded by Bill and Irene Beer of
Canada. In 2000 she completed her 500 hour training.
While she was working on her 500 hour certification, Vicki traveled
to India to study Yoga in the country of its origin. She
served for several years as Director of Namaste’ International
Yoga Teacher Training Program and mentored yoga teacher training
candidates as part of their certification requirements. Then in
2003, she and her business partner, Carol Stall, co-founded Namaste’
USA, a Scaravelli inspired Yoga Teacher Training program and
Yoga Alliance Registered School.
Vicki holds a State of Texas License in Chemical Dependency Counseling
(LCDC). In connection with her work with those individuals and
families suffering from addictions, in 2004 she earned licensure
from the Texas Medical Board as an Accudetox Specialist.
Vicki is also a Registered Massage Therapist in the State
of Texas. Her studies in Massage Therapy, healing work, and methods
of stress relief have given her a broad understanding of the human
body that is atypical of the average yoga teacher. In 2005 Vicki
completed certification requirements through the Cooper Institute
of Dallas, Texas for Master Elite Fitness Specialist, Acquatics
Specialty Certification and Biomechanics of Resistance Training.
In addition to teaching yoga classes, private sessions and training
yoga teachers, Vicki offers specialized training for professionals
in the chemical dependency and mental health fields.
In 2006, Vicki was invited to be part of the faculty for the Women
Healing Conference of Hazelden Foundation. Her topic is
"Enhance Your Spiritual Connection: Prayer, Meditation and
Yoga".
