Audrey Allen - Audrey Allen - I began my practice of yoga in 1997 when I took my first class and was hooked for life. I was drawn to teach yoga through a deep desire to share the joy and many benefits of the practice with others. As co-owner of The Yoga Company, I see and hear amazing stories of transformation through yoga every day. My intention for my classes is that they be a safe place for students to come and discover their own inner strength and peace. I truly want people to understand that they are their own best teacher, and that you only need to quiet the mind, to reveal the answers within you. My classes focus on moving the breath consciously through the body, moving from and strengthening the core, a bit of sweat and some lighthearted fun.
Kat McGrath-I have been practicing yoga for the past ten years; as the years passed I became interested in going from the student side to the teaching side. This last summer I had the opportunity to study under the amazing guru, Shiva Rea. In an intense summer program I was able to complete my training from this amazing teacher. It is my belief that one should not “do“ yoga; everyone should “be” yoga. I have been practicing with many different teachers, and use my knowledge from my years as a student to create classes that combine an energetic flow and a challenging workout; creating a vibration throughout your body that you can take with you and carry within yourself, even when you are not on your mat.
Neera Ahuja:
I have been teaching and practicing Hatha Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga since 2001 and have found it to be a powerfully enriching way of life. As a physician, I have seen the benefits yoga has on healing the body and mind. As an instructor, I have witnessed the positive effects yoga has on internal growth and well being. And as an eternal student, I continue to experience its wonderful influence in my own life.
In my class I encourage each member to practice yoga at their own pace (as it should be an enjoyable and non-competitive experience). Furthermore, as we progress through the various asanas, I emphasize awareness of proper alignment, breathing techniques, and the synergy that links them together. I consider it a great priviledge to participate in the evolution of my students through their journey through yoga.
Gloria Capron - I began my path in Iyengar Yoga in the mid 1990's, inspired by high blood pressure and stress. After 23 years as a business owner my path took a turn that led me out of the business world and into the world of teaching Yoga full time. I graduated from IYISF at the 500 hour level. Since graduating, I have studied Kundalini Yoga, as taught by Yogi Bhajan, and Vinyasa Yoga.
My classes are Iyengar based and infused with Vinyasa and Kundalini
Yoga. The music I use in class is an eclectic blend of soft rock, jazz and new age. My intention is to have students feel joyous and uplifted after class so that they feel empowered to express themselves and interact authentically with those around them.
In addition to Director of the Teacher Training program here at The Yoga Company for the last two years, in April I became one of the partners here at The Yoga Company! It's a long and winding path!
I am honored to share with students my knowledge/experience with this transformational work called Yoga. I continue to explore the depths of my potential through teaching. I teach 4 different types of classes and Yoga Teacher Training at The Yoga Company so please check the website for specific info. For more information visit: www.love2yoga.net
Kathryn Chess -
I was introduced to Yoga through Richard Hittleman’s 28 Day Yoga Book in High School and over the years I fell away from my practice. Living a stress filled life as a single mom and a widow, when The Yoga Company opened less than a mile from my home, I knew that the Universe had me in mind. I practiced almost every day. Yoga and meditation brought peace and joy to my life.
Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain led me to become an Acupressurist. According to Chinese Medicine, Acupressure opens blocked Meridians to revitalize your energy and decrease pain. My classes use Classic Yoga Postures combined with Acupressure Points and many props to restore vitality and revive your body and spirit. The class is very mindful and equally as beneficial for the student who has chronic pain or an experienced Yogi that simply wants to energize their life. The beauty of teaching yoga is that I always get so much more than I give. I am so honored to be able to teach yoga.
For acupressure massage and nutritional councelling please contact me through my website:
www.kathrynchess.com
Ashley A. Collins, LMT, CYT- I began formal training in yoga at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in 1997. I lived at the center for 11 months over a 1 1/2 year period of time as a resident in their Spiritual Lifestyle Program. While there I practiced postures for 3 hours a day, meditation, conscious communication, advanced pranayama, and selfless service. I also studied yoga literature and mentored with the senior residents. Over the years my personal practice progressed from being focused on postures, meditation, somatic therapy, and conscious living to surrendering into devotional practices and increasing living consciously, though the fire burns hotter. My teaching transformed from large groups of up to 60 students at Kripalu to facilitating individuals within my chosen profession as massage therapist and body worker.
Today I use the same essential teachings from my yoga foundation to draw me into center. With them I seek tangible sensations of shifting because in that shift I know that there is a possibility not only of change but most importantly an expanded awareness. Gracefully, expanded awareness brings me greater perspective, greater wisdom and greater peace. In the yoga class I use postures as the lab for exercising essential techniques. The benefits can include balance, feeling good in one’s skin and an internal sense of peace. I look forward to teaching yoga to groups again and passing on the always profound essentials that have sustained me in my life and that came directly from yogic technologies.
Mary Lemmon~Wanna give this world the greatest gift? Then, assuage your own suffering! I believe that yoga class is a most optimal place to experience and refine awareness of the gross body, your innate fearless intelligence, and your capacity for a spacious heart. It is my intention, in every aspect of our practice together, to cultivate mindfulness, kindness, clarity, compassion, and creativity. As we practice yoga, for whatever reason, it supports our bodies in the healing process and brings us more equanimity and compassion for others. Our yoga space is filled with music, quotes, simple chants and Buddhist meditation, and questions are always welcomed. I use fluidity of breath through flowing and holding yoga sequences. To address both group and individual needs of my students, I use precise alignment instruction based upon my personal intuition and experience. I have been teaching yoga since 1998. I am a charter member of OM Yoga Center Road to Om Intensive Teacher Training (2000) and was a part of the New York City OM Yoga Center teaching staff. I am a long time practitioner of Buddhism and a continuous student at the New York City and Berkeley Shambhala Centers. I teach and practice yoga to bring transformational ideas and behavior together, to assuage suffering and create a relaxed body and wakeful mind.
I hold M.S. in Social Work, from Columbia University.
I teach and practice yoga to bring transformational ideas and behavior together, to help assuage suffering, creating well-being, a relaxed body and wakeful mind.
Michelle Hood-I originally started taking yoga classes 8 years ago to help a knee injury. My first Yoga instructors had a profound effect on my life and the way I viewed my yoga as a more spiritual rather than physical practice. I entered the Yoga Life Institute near Philadelphia in 2004 and a year later emerged ready to give the gift of Yoga to others.
I feel like Yoga is such a big part of my life that I can't imagine not sharing it with others. Seeing the transformations my students go through in thier practice from one class to the next is priceless. Yoga feels like home to me and I try to make every class a comfortable experience for all who attend.
My class is in a non heated environment. I am more interested in getting the fire burning from within. Music is a huge part of my life and practice but in class, I keep the music low so that it doesn't distract from the Yoga experience. I usually mix my own music. I love the tribal beats of world music.
The style of Yoga I teach is Classical Hatha Yoga. I am interested in taking time to move from one posture to the next so that we get the correct alignment and feel comfortable staying in the posture for a few deep breaths. The philosophy of yoga, breathwork and emphasis on awareness are weaved throughout the class making it a peaceful and spiritual experience.
BJ Jesse Wandering into a Yoga class at the gym several years ago, I was unaware how profound this "exercise" could Be. Emotional strength through the asana practice was nothing short of a miraculous reality. Yoga's deep healing on a physical and emotional level turned my "wandering" into intentional direction. Classes and workshops from a variety of teachers, studios and disciplines over several years and completing TYC's teacher training under Gloria Capron has given me jewels I wish to share and discover with fellow practitioners. Coming from over a dozen years of working with spiritual leaders and directing an educational program involving dance, art and music, the connection between body and spirit is central in my approach heavily influenced by the wisdom of Purna and the strength of Iyengar methods. My classes, like nature around us, can range physically from energetic grounding to calm centering. Musically classes range from pop to classical. Always, the direction of movement is towards and from the heart inviting you to discover who you are andwho you might become.
Danelle Lateur -I teach Yoga because I believe in the power of Yoga to promote profound healing of the mind and the body. I experienced
the power of Yoga within my own body while battling a debilitating depressive episode in 2002. I met Ana Forrest in 2003 and was immediately drawn to the intensity of Forrest Yoga and it's ability to help me work powerfully yet safely. I completed the month long 200 hour teacher training with Ana in 2006. I am committed to do my part in helping others work through thier physical and/or emotional pain so that we may walk a little lighter on the earth. My classes are challenging, sweaty, fun and freeing. You do not have to bring strength or flexibility to my class, only bring your willingness to learn, and work openly and honestly.
Lauren Davis- I started practicing Yoga in 1989 and started teaching in 1994. In 1996 I co-founded the Diablo Yoga Center in Danville, Ca and graduated from the advanced studies program at The Yoga Room in Berkeley. For many years I was a dancer with the Yoga Garden Dancers, a yoga dance company that performed around the country. Our performances took us to places like Estes Park, Co., Arizona, San Fransisco and many other places that held major Yoga conferences. In addition, I have 10 years personal training and working with Seniors at YMCA in Berkley.
I have had the great honor of studying with Donold Moyer, Mary Lou Weprin, Sarah Powers and Tony Briggs. I've also taken classes, workshops and retreats with Bryan Kest, Baron Baptiste, Aadil Palkhivala, Ana Forest John Friend, Richard and many others. I try to keep myself challenged so my classes will be challenging as well. I've always trusted my teachers and I try to instill that in my classes. Trust that I will create a space that you can feel safe and know that your journey with me will be filled wih laughter and a deep sense of calm and peace. Plus opening your tight shoulders wouldn't be bad either. I will honor wherever you are with your practice and work toward what to you want to achieve.
I really enjoy teaching Yoga because it's everyhting all in one. It's a physical practice that turns into a mental practice which fills up with emotions. I love the variety of the practice, from flow to long holds, to Yin, Restorative and especially inversions.
See you in class.
for more info-www.laurendavislive.com
Gloria Persico - bio to follow
Haisam Nijem
My first personal introduction to Yoga came in the early 90’s. I took a Yoga class in college, simply because it was there. Other than watching a show in the early 80's called That’s Incredible, ( you remember that show it came on just before Battle of the Network Stars) and seeing some man place himself in a little tiny box, I had no idea what Yoga was about. I really didn’t have any expectations and the first time I saw the teacher in Down Dog I thought there was something wrong with her. Not only was I not able to do Down Dog I didn’t particularly want to. But, wow did I ever love Savasana and quit honestly that’s the only reason I went back.
Although I study and teach a variety of different styles, I primarily teach Vinyassa or Flow Yoga. My personal practice includes a lot of Yin postures and when I can I love teaching Yin Yoga as well. I am fascinated by the principles and mutually beneficial aspects of both Yang and Yin Yoga, as well as the interdependent healing energies that both can provide. I encourage students to listen to their bodies, especially when their body says “no”, because if you make your body mad it does take it personally. And so will you.
Using yoga postures, chi energy and breath to manage, and hopefully one day completely cure my Sciatica, inspires me to share as much as I can with others. I do believe that we go to Asana classes to do the poses so I teach the physical aspects of Yoga. So if you like doing the poses and the beautiful feeling of being present and awake in your body and within your breath then you came to the right teacher. If you are looking for a deeper connection to the universe, God or the meaning of life then go see a Guru, Shiekh, Rabbi or Priest because I can’t help you. I’m still just in this for Savasana.
Noel Rodela
My yogic path began about 11 years ago. I received a book on ayurveda and yoga as a gift and by the first chapter I knew that yoga would forever be a part of my life. In 2001, I attended the month long teacher training at Kripalu and have since studied in other tradtions, mainly Anusara, Sivananda and Ashtanga.I recently have enrolled in the American Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and eventually hope to become an ayurvedic therapist. I primarily like to teach a traditonal yoga class, that includes pranayama, attention to alignment, and holding poses while watching the breath. My intention as a teacher is to create an enviroment that is safe, fun and informative , leaving the student with a greater sense of self awareness.
Michelle Sanchez-As you read this, you either are pregnant, would like to become pregnant or have already given birth and are looking for a safe place to come to take care of yourself during or after your pregnancy. When you join my class you sill experience much more than physical excercise and stretching. I'm passionate about empowering and educating women to experience a wholesome pregnancy and a healthy natural birth with no or minimal intervention and quick recovery by using a wide range of tools; yoga postures, breath work, guided meditation, the power of intention and intuitive nurturing of body, mind and spirit. Women participating in the class find a safe and loving environment to explore and grow into the mother and woman they want to be while experiencing the support and community of other moms and mom's to be. I'm a graduate of Deborah Jordan's Bodhi Baby Prenatel teacher training and i have been teaching pre/postnatel yoga since 2004. In have been strongly influenced by the teachings of Judith Lasatar and Gurmuckh Kaur Khalsa. Me and the other students are looking forward to meeting you, we're a fun and continuously changing and ever-renewing group. Babies are welcome up to one year.
www.abundantzestforlife.com
Deb Stone -My inspiration as a teacher is to empower the student in thier personal journey to self discovery and healing. Classes focus on a physical foundation based in alighnment and meditaiton with the intention of connecting oneself to the intuitive nature of the heart center. Classes are multi-leveled, suitable for beginners but layered with opportunity for challenge and growth for the intermediate student. A student and techer of Yoga for 10 years, I feel honored to have received my education and in depth appreticeship with world renowned teacher Aaidel Palkhivala. I teach publicly and privately throughtout the Bay area as well as retreats internationally.
Contact Deb @ myfavoritethingz@comcast.net
Laurie Gallagher-
In 2003, I completed Clayton Horton’s Greenpath Yoga Teacher Training Program, learning the technicalities of the Ashtanga style of yoga. Since the training, it seems that all of my spare resources have gone back into studying yoga through workshops, intensives and literature. I’ve had the pleasure of studying with Rusty Wells and Laura Camp, who have taught me the joy of practicing yoga with an open and loving heart. I’ve also found myself head over heels in love with the study of Buddhism and have found it to be the perfect complement to my yoga practice.
I was surprised and delighted to discover that in addition to healing my aching body after years of over-training in the fitness world, yoga also released me from years of chronic depression. I feel compelled to share my love of this healing practice with others and help bring the movement of yoga to my own community.
I believe that spirituality is not something to be taken on as a chore. The practice of yoga is liberating, playful, and joyful! When coming to my class, expect a warm room, fun music and a light-hearted atmosphere. We will sweat and play with our limitations through a combination of fluid vinyasa mixed with longer holds. We always sing, and on a good day we even sing in tune! Be prepared to drop your heaviness on the mat and return home feeling centered and blissed-out.
Join me in my quest as a seeker in suburbia. A bhakti, a wife, a mom of three; mixing the mystical with the mundane in everyday life.
www.barefootbhakti.wordpress.com
Karen Heller-When I discovered yoga and the ability to integrate mind and body, I felt as if I had come home. I had just given birth to my second child and I craved the peace that the practice would bring. Yoga has become an integral part of my life and I decided to go through Ashtanga teacher training, with Clayton Horton, in 2003. I see my practice as a good friend who knows what I need and when I need it. I offer the practice in the same way. As a facilitator, I encourage students to listen to their own bodies and make good decisions about their practice. I enjoy a variety of music and sharing the philosophy of yoga, so we can take our yoga off the mat. My approach is light- hearted, playful and sometimes sweaty. My intention is that students leave class feeling more at ease in mind and body. A student for life, I continue my studies with local teachers and in workshops.
KATHLEEN GENEREUX I was 24 and looking for a little more dimension in my life when I came uponthe book "Richard Hittleman's 28 Day's of Yoga". I thought, "Oh good,something I can learn in 28 days," little knowing I was embarking on alifetime study. At almost 60 I am still practicing my yoga with a huge loveand gratitude for the ever deepening richness it has brought to my life. Over the years I have studied with many wonderful teachers including MildredPartansky, Janet Mc Cloud, Mary Lou Weprin, Donald Moyer, Angela Farmer andmany more who each have contributed to the rich treasure chest that hasevolved into my practice and that I reach into and draw from in my teaching. In 1993 I enrolled in the teacher training at the Iyengar Yoga Institute ofSan Francisco where I studied for 3 years. I also studied for 3 years inthe Advanced Studies Program at The Yoga Room In Berleley where I receivedcertification to teach asana and pranayama. In 2002 I opened the first yoga studio ever in Fort Bragg, California, TheFort Bragg Yoga Studio. It is still flourishing today. In 2002 I received the wonderful gift of grandchildren so I am back in theBay Area live and teach. I love all the teachings of the 8 limbs of yoga butespecially the study of ahimsa, which means nonviolence and the study ofsantosa, which is a deep sense of contentment in the present moment.Namaste
Colleen Millen
I was introduced to yoga during a hinduism class I took in college in 1993 while living in Chicago. I started exploring Kripalu yoga shortly after, but it was not until I met Ana Forest in the summer of 2000 that I decided teaching yoga was my heart path. I left a career in journalism and completed the Forest Yoga Teacher Training Course with Ana in 2000. Six months later, after fininshing the nearly 600 hours of requirements,I was certified. In 2006, I completed a 10-day advanced teacher training intensive with Ana Forest and continue to assist her at her national workshops. This year I was honored to co-author Forrest Yoga's new mentorship program. I am currently acting as Forest Yoga's Mentor Liason to help hone this awesome new Hoop of the Teachers.
Through Forrest Yoga, my vision was honed. I created Blue Buddha Yoga in Chicago to reflect my interest in bringing yoga to those who deal with depression and other emotional issues.Through yoga, I have met my spirit and made peace with my experience of depression. I have taught yoga for emotional health and depression. Through these classes, it is my hope That I will inspire others to look through the darkness of thier suffering to find their light.
Lisa Wallace
I teach Yoga because I want to share what I love with people. I want to help people to laugh and to feel good about themselves and thier bodies.
In my class you can expect to smile and laugh. I like to assist students in thier poses, not just for proper form but to help students achieve thier maximum potential. If i have done my job right, students should leave feeling longer, stronger and calmer.
My class is for all levels. It is taught in a non heated room. I like to use music in my class and try to make it pertain to the focus of the class.
Sonia Roberts~ At a young age, I aspired to be a dancer and spent two summers studying intensively in New York City at the Alvin Ailey Dance School. My love for music and dance led me into the world of yoga and I have now been teaching yoga for over 7 years. My teaching style emphasizes body awareness, alignment, breath, and the integration of mindfulness. I am committed to helping my students deepen their understanding of themselves through their yoga practice. I humbly rely on my own practice and intuition to influence my teaching. I completed Piedmont Yoga studio 2-year teacher training, studying with Richard Rosen, Rodney Yee, Clare Finn and Maritza. I have trained mainly in the Iyengar tradition, but love to integrate other yoga styles and movement into my classes. I have a BA in Social Welfare and Dance Minor from UC Berkeley. My intention is to live each day with a heart full of gratitude and hope that each of us may experience love, joy, wonder and wisdom in this life, just as it is.
Kelli Barnett~ I love yoga. I started doing yoga after 9/11, I felt sad and depleted. Within a week, I was at the ashram in Colorado, soaking up the sun and the sun salutaions. Since that time, I have felt how a consistent practice can renew our life force even during our most challenging times. I love the strength yoga gives me and I love sharing it with anyone and everyone. My classes come from my heart. I like to make my classes accessible to all levels of students. You can expect to sweat and cleanse as I teach in a heated room. Many variations are given so we can all explore the depths of our strength and the power of our breath.
