Hi, I’m Fran. I invite you to move with me.

Since I began studying various movement techniques and systems in 1998, my practice has been one centered in gratitude and appreciation. Appreciation for our bodies, all that they go through, all that we ask of them, and all that they do for us. So, wherever you are—body, breath, mind—that is exactly where we will begin.

My programs and classes are for humans of all abilities, including long-time athletes wanting to augment their physical regimen, anyone on the path to healing and recovery, or for those wanting to deepen their connection with their bodies through regular movement practice.

Join me for live streaming or pre-recorded ELDER movement, group yoga, or private targeted sessions. For those of you in the Washington, D.C. and Virginia areas, contact me about scheduling in-person sessions. The aim of each session will always be the same: to get you moving and keep you moving with greater ease and efficiency, less pain, more gratitude, and pure joy.

Take a deep, slow, full breath and settle in. Our movement journey begins by honoring our bodies as they are, here and now.

Human Movement Experience & Education

“Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.”  This Buddhist proverb informs my teaching philosophy, to be both student and teacher, to be learning and to share what I learn. I offer you some touch points of my human movement learning and the communities with whom I’ve been honored teach and learn.

My love of movement was first nurtured in the theatre and continues today. As a lifelong theatre kid, an artist, an athlete, a teacher, and a student, I invite you to bring all facets of yourself to your movement practice. Explore, play, and gently expand your ability, your endurance, your gratitude, your joy.

My current learning adventure is slowly but surely earning a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at Vivekananda Yoga University. My intention is to graduate in the summer of 2025.

  • • Yoga practitioner since 1998

    • Yoga teacher since 2002

    • Certifications for teaching yoga

    • Meditation for the Real World Teacher Training. Ann Swanson Wellness, 2024

    • Science of Yoga. Ann Swanson Wellness, 40hr Yoga research certification, 2024

    • Gray Institute’s Functional Yoga System, 2023

    • Accessible Yoga Training School - 35hr Accessible Yoga Teacher Training, 2021

    • Yoga Works - 300hr Advanced Yoga Teacher Training, 2020

    • Yoga Works - 75hr Teacher Training Bridge Program, 2019

    • Silver Age Yoga - Teacher Training, 2017- 2018

    • Core Power Yoga - 50hr Yoga Sculpt Teacher Training, 2016

    • Be Luminous Yoga - 200hr Teacher Training, 2012

    • Seane Corn & Yoga Journal, Teacher Immersion, 2010

    • Yoga Engineer Richelle Ricard -Advanced Functional Anatomy for Yoga Instructors, 2009

    • Shiva Rea- Vinyasa Flow Yoga Teacher Training, 2005

    • Warrior One Yoga - foundational Yoga Teacher Training, 2001-2002

  • Certified Personal Trainer

    • National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024

    • World Instructor Training School at Seattle Central Community College, 2004

    • Behavior Change Specialization - NASM, 2020

    • Corrective Exercise Technique Specialization - NASM, 2017

    • Certified Healthy Steps instructor - Lebed Method for Healthy Lymphatic System, 2017

    • Active Aging Specialization, Grays Institute, 2020-2021

    • Senior Yoga Teacher Training, Silver Age Yoga, 2018- 2019

    • Senior Fitness Specialization, NASM, 2016

    • Muscular Strength & Range of Movement, Silver Sneakers, 2010

  • Certified Healthy Steps instructor (Lebed Method for healthy Lymphatic System)

    • Continuing Edu. Water Program- 2021

    • Continuing Edu. Falls Prevention Program – 2019

    • Teacher training- 2017

    • Introductory Reflexology - Seattle Reflexology and Massage Center (SRMC), 2005

    • Basic Anatomy and Physiology - SRMC, 2005

    • Integrated Ear, Hand and Foot Reflexology - SRMC, 2005

    • Certified Aqua Fitness instructor - AFAA, 2005

    • Certified Group Exercise instructor - Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), 2004

  • Certified Dance Fitness Instructor Nia Technique, Inc.

    • Nia - Black belt, 2011

    • Nia - Brown belt, 2010

    • Nia - Five Stages, 2009

    • Nia - Blue belt, 2007

    • Nia - White belt, 2006

  • Current

    • Bayview, a life plan community

    • Body Reflects Yoga + Bodywork

    • Mirabella, Pacific Retirement Services

    • Revolution Therapy and Wellness

    • Travelers Health and Wellness

    • YMCA - Alexandria

    Past

    • Americans for the Arts

    • Allstar Fitness/Seattle Executive Fitness

    • Aptevo Therapeutics

    • BaDi Dance Fitness/Studio 52 Dance Fitness

    • Breathe Hot Yoga

    • Electronic Arts /Pop Cap Games

    • Flow Fitness Seattle

    • Home Street Bank

    • Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center

    • Om Lifestyle and Wellness

    • PicMonkey by Shutterstock

    • Ping Chong and Company

    • Rain/Soul Fitness Club

    • Reston Community Center - Generations Rise

    • Seattle Parks and Recreation

    • Seattle Repertory Theatre

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

— Arthur Ashe, athlete and author of Hard Road to Glory

We start where YOU are and grow from there.

 May our breath and movement amplify our vibration, may our vibration (how we show up for this life) honor ancestors, serve descendants, and nourish all.

 In response to the pandemic, I learned how to teach online.  With over two decades of professional teaching experience and four years of online implementation, I am delighted for the opportunity to move with you through an online platform.

For my local peeps: We are also meeting in person, on your terms, where you are comfortable, where you feel safe.

The story behind our name and logo

The two characters are the words ‘Kao ai’. These ancient Chinese calligraphy characters were painted by my sister Pauline.

Ai can be translated to love 

The character love is written in Seal script from the Spring and Autumn Warring States.

Love is what I feel when I move

The character Ai

The character Kao

Kao can be translated into English meaning higher.

This character is written in Oracle Bone script

My last name is Kao

Put it all together

Higher love is how I describe what I experience when we move together. Higher love is what I hope to share with all us humans through the movement.

the movement is the undercurrent to higher love.

The light of the movement is borne of love

the movement’s story is entwined with Fran’s family roots and branches.

  • “Whether I can join live or have to catch up via recording, I always leave the mat more connected to my body, my breath, and the present moment than when I began. This is due to Fran's expertise and instincts as a patient and generous teacher. Her cues are precise and prescient, even through the looking glass of the Zoom window.“

    — Sara K.

  • “Fran is a one-of-a-kind, amazing human. She is very wise and knowledgeable of the intricacies of yoga and the body. Fran has a way of guiding you through your practice with such clarity and deliberateness, that just by listening, you can navigate getting in and out of asanas correctly and safely. I always leave her classes feeling challenged and rejuvenated.“

    — Jessica B., Maui, HI

  • “I met Fran at her twice a week practices in downtown Seattle. I was dealing with a whiplash injury and a chronically bad knee and Fran took the time to plan my practices with one of the goals to protect and strengthen these areas. She really took an interest in my situation and I feel so fortunate that our yoga paths continue to cross despite the distance between us.“

    — Steve S., Seattle, WA

  • “I have taken yoga classes with Fran and am amazed by her warm presence, infectious positive energy, and ability to create a welcoming space to practice, move, and breathe. I always leave class with a sense of joy that lingers throughout my day. Through her thoughtful and intentional sequences, postures, stretches, and movement, Fran tells a story through yoga as she guides her students through a fluid and balanced practice. “

    — Kate, Seattle, WA