I’ve been practicing and teaching yoga for thirty years. It’s a daily practice and a passion for me. When I teach, I draw from many styles and guide in a way that is safe, deep, and accessible to students of all levels.

I help students balance their nervous systems, cultivate presence, and move with mindful awareness.

I am strongly influenced by the Buddhist practices of Vipassana (insight) and Metta (loving-kindness). In my classes, I invite students to practice with compassionate awareness and to explore the many layers of their human experience.

Now, after decades of practice, I see yoga as essential to aging gracefully. A critical way to keep the body flexible, the joints mobile, and the balance steady as we grow older. But its deepest gift is connection to our true nature: coming home to the body, connecting to the heart, and resting in a place of peace and presence.

I discovered yoga and Buddhism while traveling through Southeast Asia in my early twenties. I was on an international spiritual journey before it was mainstream, and even in the moment, It felt like I was remembering something I was never meant to forget. So I dove deep into the philosophy and ancient practices of breathwork, chanting, and mindful movement as a way of returning to my center, my home.

I completed my first yoga teacher training at the Sivananda Ashram in Kerala, India in 1997. In 2001, I earned my 200-hour RYT certification with Sarah Powers at Yoga Studio of Mill Valley.

In 2002 I founded Devi Yoga and opened a studio in Menlo Park. Following the birth of my second child, I sold the studio. I kept Devi Yoga as mine.

I earned my death doula certification through the University of Vermont when my father passed a few years later.

I’ve been studying meditation and mindfulness with Jennifer Welwood since 2005. I joined her mystery school that year; Jennifer's wisdom and support has been life-changing. I’ve also completed trainings with many master teachers, including Sarah Powers, Erich Schiffmann, Judith Hanson Lasater, Jason Crandall, and Tias Little.

I currently teach a few public classes in Portola Valley, as well as private sessions for individuals, small groups, families, and companies.

I am passionate about the wellness retreats I curate and lead several times a year. They’re designed for connection and lead you to places you’ve likely never been before. Feel free to explore my retreats if you’re interested in learning more. I would love to host you.

Ultimately, I am a weaver. I bring together yoga, meditation and mindfulness to support the transformation of all who enter.

Namaste.

Testimonials

I first became a student in Nicole’s class about  1.5 years ago.  She’s competent, supportive, and warm, so I doubled down and had her work with me 1-1 at my home for almost a year.  Nicole is exceptional.  There are several components to yoga: the physical, the mental and the spiritual.  Nicole encourages me, and never makes me feel bad about my obvious weaknesses.  With her help, my journey continues.  There’s more to this yoga thing than just stretching and core strength – with the right yogini.   ~John Novitsky, Woodside, Ca. 2x US national champ, multi time state champ State champ bicycle racer

Nicole's yoga and meditation retreat is an opportunity to go deep within and discover all of your hidden, beautiful qualities and embrace your true essence. I left feeling empowered and knowing exactly what I need to do moving forward to honor and fully nourish my body and soul. Thank you Nicole! ~ Kristine, Woodside

I loved every minute of our retreat! Can't wait for the next one :) ~ Emilia, PV

Nicole knows how to create a week-end retreat that is so nourishing, calming, and enjoyable, that it feels like three weeks.  Nicole is a phenomenal yoga teacher, because she excels at engaging the spiritual and meditative qualities of yoga, in a gentle and inclusive way that encourages those of all experience levels.  I will be back! ~ Annie, Woodside

"We don't get to use the word 'transcendent' very often in our day-to-day lives, but that is the best way I can describe the experience of being with the exceptionally-talented Nicole on retreat. Whether it was her vigorous yoga sessions or the more contemplative ones....the morning meditation, long walks alone or sharing meals with new friends, I treasured every moment. From the subtle to the more pronounced, the shifts one goes through during a retreat like Nicole's are lasting and profound." ~Joan, Los Angeles

Nicole, thank you for arranging and leading an amazing retreat weekend!  It was my first yoga retreat, and you've set the bar high for the future.  I enjoyed your yoga and mindfulness teachings, in all their varied formats.  The location was incredible, rooms were comfortable, and the food was delicious!  My intention for the retreat was to connect with self, with others, and with nature.  Under your guidance, I was able to meet my goals in retreat.  Namaste! ~ Sabrina, Woodside

There have been moments over this weekend retreat where I have felt the most relaxed in peaceful in my life. ~ Peggy, age 78