Lesley Tinker

A certified Blue Belt Nia Instructor, Lesley smiles when she say that Nia brings out the dancer in all of us. "Our hearts beat in rhythm, so it is natural that we move in rhythm. But, sometimes we lose touch with our body's way and Nia has the power to bring us back. The very first time I took a Nia class, I found myself smiling from the inside out." Coming to Nia with 10 years of experience in meditation and Tibetan yoga (Kum Nye), Lesley offers a dynamically fun and graceful way of reconnecting with body, mind, emotions, and spirit through Nia.

A one hour Nia class with Lesley features guided movement accented with creative self-expression -- an inspired blending of dance, martial arts, and healing arts. Non-impact, fully fun. Enjoy feeling strong, graceful, and alive in body, mind, and spirit. Designed to bring out the best in every body.

Personally speaking -- more about Lesley:

Works at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center as a nutrition scientist with the Women's Health Initiative.specializing in dietary change and maintenance, motivational interviewing, diabetes, and dietary fats.
Was an invited member (1 of 11) of the 2000 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans; co-lead author for the physical activity component, which was introduced that year into the Guidelines. The Dietary Guidelines are revised every five years; we are currently using the 2005 Guidelines. Plans for 2010 include a separate set of guidelines for physical activity.
Favorite color: Hot pink
Favorite animal: Cat
Favorite foods: Chocolate, blood oranges, raspberries
Favorite book: Daughter of Fortune (Isabel Allende)
Born in Spokane, WA; grew up in Walnut Creek, CA. Married to Don (NiaDiva's webmaster)
Favorite US city to visit: Chicago; favorite international city to visit: Geneva
Proud moments, no regrets: Winning silver in amateur ski racing (NASTAR); proposing to Don (and Don accepting!) in the middle of a 10 K fun run; completing PhD, requesting and receiving a 7-month sabbatical to participate in a meditation and Tibetan yoga retreat; working with the Women's Health Intiative; becoming a Nia instructor; becoming part of NiaDivas.