Darlene's desire is to empower her clients to reach their full potential. Darlene is certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association. Topics covered included anatomy, kinesiology, how to properly assess a client's needs and design truly personalized, safe and effective training programs. Her continuing education has included training in the art of therapeutic stretching and flexibility work. Believing that one must address the body, mind and spirit in order to achieve optimum health, Darlene is also certified as a Sport Yoga Instructor, holds a Certificate in Basic/Intermediate Hatha Yoga and is always continuing her education. Her comprehensive yoga teacher training totals over 200 hours and includes education in private yoga instruction, teaching classes, the PY class sequencing method, yin and yang yoga, fitness yoga and restorative yoga therapy. Before moving to Los Angeles, Darlene graduated with highest honors, Summa cum Laude, from Adelphi University in New York with a Bachelors degree in business and psychology.

Due to her diverse professional background and personal health experiences, Darlene has a unique perspective on fitness and health. Always health conscious and fit with an interest in exercise, at the age of 24 her interest turned into passion when she was diagnosed with insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes. Being put on intensive insulin therapy meant an immediate and complete change of lifestyle. Proper nutrition, exercise and a concern for overall wellness would now be the primary focus of her daily life.

After spending several years in the corporate world, in 1999 Darlene chose wellness and fitness as her career in order to bring her personal and professional lives into harmony. Ultimately, she created her own business, HIP YOGA, so that she could share her knowledge with others on how to increase their physical fitness, improve their health status, manage their stress, boost their self-esteem, celebrate their spirit and ultimately enrich their lives.