I grew up in Mpls-St.Paul playing competitive sports alongside my six siblings (so my parents could keep us tired and out of trouble). I was lucky to have great coaches and mentors who used team sports to teach me the importance of work ethic while developing self-discipline and cultivating a spirit full of perseverance and teamwork.

But something was missing, and when I discovered yoga, I found that mind-body connection which brought me more in tune with my body and it's true nature. Feeling more empowered, I began to blaze my own trail, rather than follow somebody else’s.

In 2008 I moved to NYC and became a full-time yoga instructor after years of producing festivals and events, and opening and managing businesses. It was an honor to learn from and practice with world-class teachers (listed below), applying their methods and feedback to craft my teaching style.

After more than a decade of big city life, I shifted gears and relocated to San Pancho, a small beach town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico teaching to locals and tourists of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to teaching online to a variety of students in Brooklyn, and in-studio classes in Telluride, Colorado, I’m also a Therapeutic Thai Massage Therapist. Understanding that each body is unique challenges me to keep learning and always remain a curious student and supportive human.

As a teacher, I work to be precise and efficient in my cueing to allow for some quiet time in your practice. I enjoy creative sequencing and playful transitions, but sometimes I prefer to keep it simple and grounded. I offer appropriate challenges and support for all those present, and keep it safe rather than showy. It’s important to me that everyone receives something from each class.

If you were to know anything about the practice of Yoga, it’s that it’s a potent opportunity for everyone, at any age, for self-study. Our practice serves as our mirror and life map, helping us learn how to care for ourselves, for others and our environment. You don’t need to be in great shape or be flexible to try, simply just show up and allow yourself space to explore your body and all of it's magnificent wonders with curiosity. Transformation can happen when we step out of comfort zones and show up with a beginner’s mind.

Certifications + Training
200 Hour Certification – The Yoga Project, NY (dba Brooklyn Yoga Project) 2014
75 Hour Advanced Kula-Style Teacher Training w/ Schuyler Grant, Nikki Vilella + Lauren Haythe– Kula Yoga Project, NYC 2016
​30 Hour Katonah Yoga Mentorship w/ Nevine Michaan, Kyle Henry & Dages Juvelier Keates - 2020 
30 Hour Iyengar Style Teacher Mentorship w/ Nikki Costello - NYC 2017
Gentle Yoga Training w/ Mary Bolton - San Pancho, Mexico 2018
Advanced Adjustments w/ Wayne Krasner, Nayarit, Mexico 2019
Therapeutic Thai Massage Certification - Thai Massage School of Chiangmai 2018
​Advanced Thai Techniques - David Roma + Kelly Scott 2022

Testimonials
Gretchen’s athleticism, spirituality and strength flow gracefully through every class. A natural teacher, Gretchen calmly encourages, appropriately challenges, and positively inspires every student. Gretchen personalizes instruction in a way that makes all participants feel valued for who they are and what they are able to do in the studio. Perhaps most importantly, Gretchen is a wonderful person. Kindness, generosity and care radiate from her being - allowing all practitioners to feel valued, respected and loved. – Jim B.

Gretchen has the unique ability to get the best and most out of you in part because she is candid and honest in her teaching, incorporating into classes her personal experiences in a novel way. She is authentic in every sense and this pushes you to really ‘let go’. Her classes are always different and challenging yet engaging and as a bonus the music is perfectly suited to each sequence of movement. – Natacha & Anthony W.

Gretchen’s classes are that magical/sought after balance of physical challenge and higher-level thinking/stimulation. She always works hard to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, and is engaged at whatever place they’re tuning in from that day. Always encouraging, always good-natured, always a great class. – Milou G.

Gretchen is calm and measured in her instruction, always managing to create the perfect pace of movement. Not only does she provide an incredible workout, but she also encourages me to let go of insecurities and focus on my practice. She finds the humanity in yoga, whether she’s sharing a personal anecdote to help ground us, reading a carefully chosen passage to inspire us, or using her magic hands to make clear and personalized adjustments. – Mae F.