I founded and operated The Yoga Harbor, a community wellness studio in Torrance, California, from 2016 through 2021, and now operate primarily in private practice as “The Harbor,” a name which encompasses the many different paths to wellness. I specialize in nervous system care, centered on women and maternal health. I use a variety of techniques to address nervous system well being and stress resiliency so mothers can be more present, rested and attuned. If you work with me, you can expect expert movement knowledge from 20+ years in the yoga and fitness world, combined with a full spectrum of knowledge in nutritional and functional support for your nervous system. Food is central to everything I do. I use food to build community, serve my family, and heal my clients. For me, the journey to a better self plays endlessly with the creative journey. As an artist/mother, I look for every opportunity to bring expression and beauty into life, from my more ambitious published writing efforts to (often equally ambitious!) hand-felted birthday crowns and ancestral recipes.
I believe our relationship will be the most important asset of our work. Who I am, and the degree to which I can be present with you, is more important than my credentials. But, here are some credentials:
- Certified Lactation Educator, BreastfeedLA
- Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga, Polyvagal Theory: Principles and Practice for Individuals, Polyvagal Institute
- Certified Ayurvedic Post Partum Practitioner, Ayurvedic Mamas
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction “MBSR,” InsightLA
- Drug & Alcohol Educator / Group Therapy Facilitator, California Association of Drug & Alcohol Educators (CAADE)
- Meditation & Yoga for Transforming Trauma, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
- Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT500), Mukti Yoga School
- B.S. in History, Writing, Interdisciplinary Humanities, Washington University in St. Louis
My core values:
- People & relationships we share with them
- Meditation
- Limited media & screens
- Earth-conscious living
- Creating beautiful things
What people say: I practiced with Bethany for three years. Bethany is truly an inspiration — she brings intelligence, patience, strength, and joy to every class she teaches. In addition to being physically challenging, her classes are beautifully paced and I have always left feeling as if I have been told a story about my body, practice, or life in general (which is just another way of saying that Bethany has somehow mastered the art of teaching without even making you aware that you are being taught). – Brianna B. Bethany is hands down the best teacher I have ever taken classes from. She is incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the practice – from breath to body to alignment to philosophy. Her classes are fun, engaging and interesting, and I always leave them feeling refreshed, and like I learned something, and like I got my butt kicked (in a good way). She has led multiple teacher trainings, and has fostered an incredible community of professional and extremely knowledgeable yoga teachers. She is definitely a yoga boss, if there is such a thing. – Nora B. Bethany is a great teacher. Her classes are challenging but layered for all levels, she will kick your butt and lift your spirits. Her flows are creative and fun. She watches her students closely and is a master at giving useful alignment cues and adjustments so you can feel safe practicing with her. Seriously, you are in the best possible hands with this lady. She also always takes the time to embed asana practice in the deeper context of yogic philosophy, and it is that focus on mind body and spirit that will keep you coming back to your mat, and to her classes. Plus, she really walks the walk, practicing what she preaches as it were and her anecdotes from her life experiences are relatable and sincere. – Emanuela G.