T.J. was born in Santa Cruz, CA. He discovered his passion for the performing arts at a young age. At nine, he was spotted by a renowned vocal coach and embarked on a professional journey as a singer, actor, and dancer. Around the same time, T.J. began intense martial arts training as a means to nurture his self-confidence and athleticism.

Yoga has been a part of T.J.’s life for as long as he can remember. After a sabbatical focused on indigenous studies in Australia in 2001, he formally immersed himself in the internal practices of Yin Yoga and Kung Fu.

In 2004, T.J. became an internationally certified yoga instructor. With thousands of accredited hours of training, primarily through the Nosara and Amrit Yoga Institutes of the Kripalu lineage, he developed a profound knowledge and passion for interdisciplinary yoga and its ancient philosophies, practices, and traditions, sharing them both locally and globally.

Over the past two decades, T.J. has continued to expand his expertise, becoming certified in Yoga Nidra, Pranassage, and Chen style Tai Chi.