HELLO! I'M VALERIE!
Up Close & Personal
Where to start? Born and raised in Haiti, I am a former dancer and track and field athlete, a mover and yoga instructor, a wellness entrepreneur, and a teacher trainer. I am also the Director of Teaching at Modo Yoga NYC and a legacy lululemon Ambassador.
Movement has always been part of my life. I grew up dancing with Lynn W. Rouzier and Jean-Guy Saintus, two renowned dance teachers in Haiti, before becoming a track and field athlete at Moncton University. This led me to my studies in Kinesiology, Massage Therapy, Yoga, and Functional Anatomy.
I didn't set out to be a yoga instructor. In fact, up until I left Haiti, I had never been to a yoga class. The practice was suggested as a way to help me recover from a sports injury. It wasn't until 2010, after the earthquake in Haiti, that the importance of physical and mental well-being really hit home. In the midst of so much devastation and grief, yoga became an outlet that kept me centered. With that in mind, I created and ran a 501c3 non-profit, KAY, in Haiti, using yoga to empower kids and young adults. KAY's mission was to allow children to experience the transformative power of yoga, fostering wellness, confidence, and community.
Since then, I've attended many yoga programs, lived, and traveled to different countries, teaching and leading trainings. My teaching style is based on my understanding of the body, making the practice accessible with cues to help students find strength and stability while honoring the yoga tradition. I also aim to support teachers' development through mentorship and leading training.