About Suzanne
Suzanne was born in Germany and moved to the states at a young age with her mother who is from S. Korea. As a Truth seeker, Suzanne has explored various spiritual traditions and used art to try to understand the deeper meaning and purpose of life. From temples in S. Korea and Japan to churches, cathedrals, yoga centers, and ashrams in the states, she has been a sādhaka (spiritual seeker) acquiring a variety of certifications and initiations in Christianity, Shambhala Buddhism, Tantra and more.
Suzanne also explored dharma and moksha (the purpose of life and liberation) in academia when she acquired her B.S. and M.F.A. in fine art and philosophy. Later, while she was teaching at University of Albany, she was introduced to the physical practices as a means to heal her spine and hips from a car accident. Since then, she has not turned back – yoga and Ayurveda have been her saving grace in more ways than one.
Over the years, Yoga and Ayurveda have helped Suzanne heal her back pain, autoimmune issues, heal a deep vein thrombosis, survive near death experiences, PTSD from repressed childhood memories, depression and more… Suzanne now uses her knowledge of yoga and Ayurveda gained from direct experience and master teachers to coach clients into reducing and often healing chronic systemic inflammation, strengthening their immune systems, and finding peace of mind.
In 2014, Suzanne was the anatomical artist and co-publisher of a book on injury prevention through the practice of vinyasa yoga called, The Perfect Chaturanga. This book has been used across the globe in yoga teacher trainings to help teachers learn the craft of teaching safe asana classes. In 2013, Suzanne started her own non-profit that brought yoga to city schools called, The Holistic Youth Project. She and her amazing crew of teachers helped hundreds of teens in the Capital Region of New York with the teachings. In 2021, Suzanne moved to Asheville, NC and started working for AyurPrana supporting the spread of Ayurveda through it’s various affiliations including the Ayurvedic Institute and Asheville Yoga Center.
Suzanne has learned from many brilliant teachers including Jennilee Toner, Lauren Jay Toolin, and Cate Stillman. She has also had the honor of sitting at the feet of living masters such as Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Shiva Rudra Balayogi, and Dr. Vasant Lad.
In 2014 – she met her spiritual teachers Ram Lev and Jenness Perlmutter, founders of the American Meditation Institute. Together they developed a traditional guru/disciple relationship and she continues to advance her studies with masters Ram Lev and Jenness. Now, Suzanne supports the American Meditation Institute as assistant staff and supports Asheville Yoga Center’s yoga teacher trainings. Suzanne is so grateful to the guru principle that has helped her heal, experience grace, and share the teachings with her community.
Om shanti, shanti, shanti.