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Shastri: Ashtanga, Dynamic Hatha -
Shastri has been teaching yoga for over 20 years. He studied under the guidance of Sri Vishnu Prasadji. Shastri has developed unique styles of yoga based on Ashtanga principles. Geared for those with a serious practice, students enjoy a dynamic experience in Shastri's classes. His teaching provides a rigorous cardio workout resulting in detoxification, greater flexibility, strength, and endurance. The class ends with a brief meditation and chanting.
Kelly McGonigal Ph.D: Ashtanga -
Kelly McGonigal's classes offer a breath-centered flow yoga practice that integrates asana, meditation, mudra, sounding, and relaxation.
Her creative teaching style brings together influences from
traditional yoga therapy and philosophy, Buddhist psychology, and
Western medicine and science. The aim of each practice is not to
perfect the poses, but to use the poses to experience your own
strength, courage, patience, and compassion. Beginners to experienced
teachers will find an opportunity to connect more deeply to themselves
through mindful practice and supportive community.
Kelly received her Ph.D in psychology from Stanford University, with a
concentration in humanistic medicine, the study of how emotions,
beliefs, spirituality, and the caregiver-patient relationship
influence healing. She is currently the Editor in Chief of the
International Journal of Yoga Therapy. Her writing and teaching has
been featured in Yoga Fit, Yoga Journal, Yoga Life, Yogi Times, L.A.
Yoga, Yoga Chicago, and Yoga for Everybody, as well as national
mind-body conferences, including the Body Mind Spirit Conference, the
Inner Idea Wellness Conference, the Symposium on Yoga Therapy and
Research, the International Yoga Therapy Conference, Omega's Being
Yoga Conference, and the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. She has
been teaching yoga in the Bay Area since 1999, and is a member of the
Avalon Teacher Training faculty. For more information, visit www.openmindbody.com
Jaclyn Long MA: Integral -
Jackie Long has been teaching yoga to adults, infants, toddlers and children since 2001. Equipped with her meditation training at Ajahn Chah's Buddhist monastery in Thailand, her yoga training from Swami Satchidananda's lineage, a neuropsychology degree from Princeton University and a counseling psychology degree from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Jackie seamlessly weaves together wisdom from Buddhism, yoga, neuroscience and psychology in each of her classes. Yoga is a path of realizing the boundless nature of the true self, and the intimate connection that exists among all people and all things. Jackie believes that practicing yoga with your family can help you awaken to the experience of that infinite union, in turn facilitating the process of self-realization. Jackie has created a DVD, Yoga With Your Baby, to help parents bring a mindful presence and a wakeful heart to their newborns. Her DVD will be released January 1, 2008. To find out more, please visit Jackie's website at
www.yogawithlove.com
Rebecca Snowball: Vinyasa and Kids Yoga -
Rebecca first discovered yoga 1994 through Marti Foster. Inspired by the healing potential of yoga, she received her teaching certificate from the White Lotus Foundation as well as her Communications degree from San Jose State University in 2000. Rebecca’s deep and soothing voice supports her personal mission to help people by teaching Vinyasa flow with awareness and an open heart.
Sumitra Peterson: Vinyasa -
Sumitra has a professional dance background in classical ballet. She was a 12 year resident and teacher at Mt. Madonna Yoga Center, an intentional community devoted to the study and teaching of Ashtanga yoga . She has been teaching asana for fifteen years & received her certification from the Ashtanga Yoga Institute at the Mount Madonna Center in California. She studied Ayureveda with Dr. Vasant Lad and has developed a life style of applying the principles of Ayurveda, the science of longevity. For more about Sumitra please visit her web site at www.photosumitra.com
Tom Abrehamson: Iyengar -
Tom has a BA from Princeton and a JD law degree. Tom has studied Iyengar Yoga since the 1980's and has trained as a teacher with Manouso Manos, Aadil Palkhivala, and Elise Miller. His classes combine precise instruction with individualized attention and gentle humor. His students work hard physically, have fun and make progress. Tom is also the director of Alpine Yoga.
Krassi Harwell CYT, CMT: Vinyasa, Intro. to Yoga, and Kid's Yoga -
Krassi has been involved in dance and theater since childhood. In 1996 she discovered yoga and has been an avid student of the art ever since. In 2001 Krassi took a trip to India where she experienced many different approaches and teachers of yoga and received her teacher-training certification from Vivekanada Prashanti Kutiram Yoga Institute in Bangalore, India. Krassi's training was focused on integrating the spiritual, emotional and mental aspects of yoga within a physical practice. Please visit www.krassiyoga.com.
Arnold E. Tayam: Qigong -
Arnold, D.M.Q. Doctor of Medical Qigong (China), Tai Chi & Bagua Lineage Instructor-Shifu, Taoist Mentor. As Director of The Longevity Center, with over 20 years experience, he conducts a Clinical Qigong and Chinese Bodywork practice. He teaches classes and certification programs in Chinese Medical Qigong, Tai Ji Quan (Tai Chi), Bagua Zhang, Yi-Quan (I Chuan) and the Taoist arts: chi healing, self-cultivation, I Ching and Feng shui. He is senior instructor/graduate of the International Institute of Medical Qigong, Qigong College graduate of Haidian University (Beijing), Co-coordinator and senior instructor for InfiniChi Institute International/College of Tao; featured instructor and writer for several Qigong and Tai Chi video and book publications. Dr. Arnold Tayam teaches at universities, hospitals and clinics, including the Stanford Center for Integrative Medicine and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Qigong Association.
Joe Deisher: Tai Chi -
Joe is a master teacher, with a quarter century of experience in helping people find their own ways. As the regional instructor for the QiGung and TaiChi Chuan classes. He has been a student of Chang, I-Chung since 1967. Joe Deisher continues the teaching of the "sage arts" in his classes.
Through his instruction in QiGung and the Nanjing integrated Tai Ji form, Joe Deisher sees a way to develop the spirit, increase the fields of imagination, provide a basis for cultural advancement, and offer a lifestyle philosophy. He says, "If you have a root, you can absorb the pushes and pulls of everyday life. You will have slack, cushion, play and flexibility. This applies to the physical body, diet, and lifestyle."
John Berg: Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar -
John, an artist, musician and yoga explorer has studied under many teachers and styles, each one
contributing a facet to John's style. A foundation in
Iyengar yoga (Ben Thomas) brings an emphasis on safety
and alignment; studies in traditional Hatha yoga,
philosophy and Sanskrit (Anirudh Shastri); the art and power of creative vinyasa sequencing (Max Strom), and the integration of meditation into the physical yoga experience, creating one's own yoga
(Erich Schiffmann). A graduate of teacher trainings
at Avalon Yoga (Palo Alto, CA) and Sacred Movement
(Santa Monica, CA), John is on the faculty of Avalon's
training program teaching methodology. Emphasis is on
the enjoyment of yoga as a personal expression;
physically, spiritually and mentally.
Samantha Shakti Brown: Anusara Inspired -
Samantha Shakti Matthews is a Master Energy Therapist, CYT, CMT, and has a BA in Religion & Women's Spirituality. Yoga has been a part of my life since I was 12 years old. Twenty years later I am still enthusiastically on the path. Over a decade ago a prophetic dream led me to northern India where I was introduced to Parmarth Niketan and Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Muniji. Parmarth Niketan means abode of those who are of service to
humanity and this is the foundation of my practice and teachings. My
passion for community connection led me to the teachings of Anusara
Yoga. And Acro-Yoga. Both schools empower practitioners to deeply connect, play and communicate. These are the virtues that are essential for this time in history. I co-founded the Shakti Yoga Shala at Big Basin Vineyards where we host teacher trainings, retreats
and energy therapy workshops. The Shakti Yoga Shala gives a portion
of its income and conducts fundraisers for the Divine Shakti Foundation, which is a subsidiary of Parmarth. The main function of this foundation is to build a girl's orphanage in Rishikesh, India. The practice of Hatha Yoga has led me to many incredible masters and
trainings in the schools of Iyengar, Ashtanga Vinyasa and the Bihar
School. These trainings all prepared me to become dedicated student
of Anusara Yoga. I have been pursuing my certification for four years
and I have achieved the designation of Inspired from the schools'
founder John Friend. I received teacher training with John Friend as
well as his students Desiree Rumbaugh, Elena Brower and Sianna
Sherman. I offer my gratitude to the great teachers that have bestowed their
wisdom upon me and have forever expanded my yoga: John Friend, Desiree Rumbaugh, Elena Brower, Kofi Busia, Sandra Burgess, Sianna Sherman, Jenny & Jason.
Ro Mamone: Pre-Natal & Yin Yoga -
Ro began her yoga practice in 1995 and has been a student for many years in the Buddhist tradition of meditation and the practice of mindfulness. Her background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker includes working with individuals, couples and families. Her yoga style integrates meditative breath awareness, directing the flow of energy through the body and
alignment based teachings influenced by Zen/Yoga retreats (Patricia
Sullivan), Iyengar Yoga (Ben Thomas) and Yin Yoga (Intensive Teacher
Training with Sarah Powers). By interweaving these teachings, Ro's classes
offer the opportunity for revitalizing the body and mind and cultivating
inner awareness. This blend of practices also serves as an invaluable
process for women preparing for the transformative experience of labor and
birth.
Chrissy Graham: Anusara -
Chrissy has been a student of yoga for 9 years, and is a Certified Anusara Yoga Instructor. Her goal in starting a practice in Yoga was to heal her body, and to find a higher path of fulfillment and enjoyment in life. Chrissy was first introduced to Anusara Yoga through a chance encounter with Emily Dubin, also a Certified Anusara Yoga Instructor. Chrissys first meeting with Emily Dubin was a propitious one, indeed. After her first Anusara Yoga class, she new this was the style of Yoga she wanted to immerse herself in, and she has been diving into the currents of Anusara ever since. Following one year of introductory studies with Emily Dubin, Chrissy went on to study directly with John Friend, Anusara Yoga's creator. She has taken all of her teacher, and therapy trainings directly with John, and has accumulated over 350 hrs with him. She has also studied with a number of other highly skilled Anusara teachers. In addition to her studies with John, she has studied with fabulously skilled teachers, like, Emily Dubin, Sianna Sherman, whom she now assists locally, and nationally, as well as Mitchell Bleier, and Amy Ippoliti. She has adoringly spent many hours studying in the Philosophical traditions of Rajanaka, Tantra, with Dr, Douglas Brooks. Chrissy presently teaches public classes, workshops, and mini Immersions all over the Bay area. Chrissy brings a dynamic, and supportive energy to her classes that blend philosophy, Therapeutics, and insightful wisdom, from her own life experiences.
Michelle Duguay: Hatha -
Michelle loves the joy and peace that yoga brings, and has felt a deep connection to yoga since she was a child. A certified Hatha yoga instructor and Ayurvedic practitioner, she has studied many different yogic styles and has taught for many years. Her dance, gymnastics, modern plus holistic and alternative medicine background, along with her study of many different religious and spiritual practices, adds depth to her classes. Michelle guides her students in finding health and happiness in life, peace and grace in their practice, and an inspiration to express these feelings if life. Students describe her as energetic, fun-loving, and compassionate. Here at Avalon Yoga, Michelle teaches the restorative Classes for the Cancer Supportive Care Yoga Program of Stanford University Hospital. A program free of charge for cancer patients and survivors, independent from their health care provider.
Tony Giannetti Ph.D.:
Anusara Inspired -
Tony has a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from the
California Institute of Technology, but also has a great passion for
yoga. He values the practice for its power to enhance personal
well-being. Tony started his practice in 2000 in the Anusara
community of Los Angeles and completed his teacher training with Noah Maze and Naime Jezzeny. He continues to study with Sianna Sherman, Desiree Rumbaugh, and John Friend. Proper physical alignment and a fun light-hearted, non-judgmental, and supportive environment and community are key to the process of
embracing our own personal truth and connecting to our inner-strength.
Tony's classes focus on the proper knowledge and use of physical
alignment principles to move into invigorating flow, build up to
challenging poses, and heal and prevent injuries.
Bonnie Linde: Hatha -
Bonnie came to yoga after a career in high-tech operations management, and loved the way yoga made her feel, both physically and mentally. She completed the Teacher Training Program at Avalon Yoga Center in Palo Alto, mentoring with her primary teacher and influence, John Berg. After completing the program, she studied Restorative yoga with Jaclyn Long. Bonnie has taught Introduction to Yoga, Vinyasa and Restorative yoga. She believes that yoga is more than just a good way to stretch and work out; it leads to a clearer, calmer state of being. She also believes a yoga practice should feel good, whether the student is a beginner or an advanced yogi.
Joanie Cartal, CBP, ParBP, CYT:
Vinyasa -
Joanie entered the path of yoga through the doorway of her meditation practice three decades ago. In 1996 she found a renewed devotion to her yoga practice. Joanie completed her Teacher Training program in 2005 at Avalon Yoga Center in Palo Alto studying under John Berg. She has since trained with Max Strom, Desiree Rambaugh, Les Leventhal, and others to enhance her teaching and personal practice.
Through her love of yoga and desire to help others obtain maximum well being, Joanie became interested in the healing arts. She is a BodyTalk practitioner (an energy based healing modality), trained at the highest level of the system. She has also studied Reiki, Sound Healing, and Healing Touch. The sensitivity and awareness brought about by her healing practice has augmented her yoga practice and teaching abilities. Her classes offer a welcoming environment that encourages a conscious experience. Allowing the space for the student to create a relationship with body and spirit while deepening awareness of Self.
Stacey Rosenberg:
Anusara -
Stacey Rosenberg is a Certified Anusara Yoga teacher. You'll enjoy Stacey's playful and supportive teaching style as she encourages you to explore the boundaries of your mind, body, and spirit. Stacey infuses the biomechanical principles of Anusara Yoga with its heart-centered and life-affirming philosophy of looking for the good to help inspire her students grow and heal, on and off the mat. Her dynamic and joyful classes provide a fun, safe, and nurturing place to step deeply into your own heart. For more information see www.namastacey.com.
All Levels. This class is open to yogis of all levels of practice and experience. We will explore a more dynamic practice while welcoming students from experienced beginner to advanced levels. Handstands, backbends and more challenging poses may be taught. Demonstrations and modifications are given to accommodate students at all levels.
Srutih Asher Colbert:
Sivananda -
Srutih's personal practice began 12 years ago, and she was amazed
to find how the body can become stronger and more flexible by using
breath and learning how to relax into the postures. Coming from an
athletic background, she reluctantly attended a Yoga class in 1996 that changed her life. After her first teacher training, Srutih felt there was something missing from the purely physical practice of Bikram Yoga. She then found Sivananda Yoga and spent time on the Ashrams in New York and the Bahamas where she was able to go deeper into her spiritual practice, as well as refine her teaching skills. Recently, through the transformative experience of the births of her two daughters, Srutih has learned how important it is to honor the ever changing body through all of its many forms.
She has been teaching since 1999 and enjoys working with all levels of students. Her Yoga training and certifications include: Bikram, Sivananda, and
Vinyasa Flow with Shiva Rae. She enjoys teaching with an emphasis on
classical postures and breathing techniques, incorporating attention to
detail and alignment. Srutih encourages everyone to accept themselves and
their bodies exactly as they are, creating a safe haven where you can have fun and explore all the possibilities to take your practice to the next level.
Doris:
Iyengar, Restorative,
Gentle, & Beginners-
After graduating from Tufts University in Massachusetts with a degree in International Relations, Doris continued her studies in academia and received her Masters in Mass Communications. She began practicing yoga in 1996. Doris has been studying extensively with Ben Thomas, a Senior Certified Iyengar teacher with over 30 years of experience. Doris received her teaching certificate in 2004. She also had the opportunity to study in San Francisco with globally renowned restorative teacher, Judith Lasater at the Iyengar Institute in San Francisco and received her restorative teacher certification.
Doris tends to draw upon many styles of yoga as she believes there is only one yoga and each style of yoga brings new understanding to the yogic path. She tunes into the needs of each student whether it is building strength and flexibility or becoming more self aware in their own practice. She focuses on alignment, infusing balance and creating space with each asana as, she considers, most injuries are caused by either being misaligned, out of balance or from a lack of space.
Janya Wongsopa, CAS, PKS, RYT:
Vinyasa-
Janya is a graduate of Avalon Yoga Center under the mentorship of John Berg. She received the Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist degree from California College of Ayurveda and American Institute of Vedic Studies. She has completed 200 hours certification course in yogic meditation and vedanta philosophy at Sivananda Ashram, Grass Valley. She also completed a 50 hours certification course in Somatic Psychology from the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute. Janya had a few colorful past endeavors before settling into her diligent yogic path. She was a model and actress in her teenage years in Bangkok where she grew up. She studied fashion design at F.I.T. in NY and after her graduation went on to work for Donna Karan and Calvin Klein. She is grateful that her path has magically led her to yoga and Ayurveda.
Since 2003 Janya has been an avid student and devoted practitioner of the two sister sciences. As a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist she guides her clients through diet and lifestyle changes as well as implementing herbal medicines, five sense therapies, yoga and meditation. As a yoga teacher Janya emphasizes body and breath awareness. She weaves spiritual teaching of yoga into her classes allowing students to connect with all aspect of themselves and gain physical, emotional and mental health. Her teaching is gentle yet challenging. With sincere guidance and support she urges her students to take an active role in creating optimum practice for themselves. For more information please visit www.medicine-yoga.com.
Patrica Becker:
Anusara Inspired-
Patricia has studied extensively with the best of the best, John Friend, Desiree Raumbaugh and Laura Christensen. She received her teaching Yoga Alliance Teacher Certificate from trainings with Sianna Sherman. This Tantric-based system combines attention to alignment with awareness of energy flow in the body in order to realize your divine nature. Her classes will fill you with more flexible, strength, ease, and grace. Making yoga a regular part of your schedule adds so much more joy to every day. Patricia also offers macrobiotic nutritional counseling and is the Director of Common Ground Garden Center in Palo Alto. Lets play!
Birgit Reimer:
Iyengar-
Birgit Reimer teaches Yoga in the lineage of her beloved Teacher and spiritual inspiration Ben Thomas. She is qualified and certified by him to teach introductory, Level I (Beginner), Level II (Intermediate) Asanas and Pranayamas. Ben Thomas is a certified Senior Iyengar Yogacharya, having studied with the Iyengar family for more than 35 years.
She assists him in the Teacher training program at Avalon Yoga studio and in his ongoing workshops and pranayama classes. Birgit offers many public classes, workshops, a monthly pranayama class and private lessons; she teaches Yoga at the AARS (Asian American Recovery Service for previous drug addicts), to the staff members of the VA in Menlo Park and to teenagers at the Waldorf High school in Cupertino.
She has deep foundations in Soto-Zen Meditation, Shotokan Karate, as a student and teacher for more than 25 years and also in the study and practice of Qi Gong and T'ai Chi (Shen Style) with Arnold Tayam, D.M.Q, Doctor of Medical Qi Gong, for many years. Her Yoga classes are a WELL-BALANCED composition of Yogasanas, pranayama, chanting, meditation and philosophy. She emphasizes on alignment, balance, space, precision, breath and an open and humble heart and mind. For more information please visit www.yoga-is-all.com.
Annika Autumn Williams, R.Y.T.
:
Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, with
Anusara Inspiration -
Annika Williams was introduced to Hatha Yoga while studying English Literature and Dance at the University of Oregon. Her spiritual journey brought this Singer, Writer, Dancer, and Artist of the Performing and Visual Arts, to find in Yoga a beautiful union of it all, and a path to spiritual and physical harmony.
Annika's style is a Vinyasa Flow practice of Hatha Yoga incorporating Anusara Inspiration and dance influences grown from Iyengar and Ashtanga roots.
Her classes unfold into a choreography of creative and strategic sequencing that opens the body, breath, and spirit.
The practice builds gracefully into an invigorating crescendo of fun, flowing Sun Salutation variations and Vinyasa sequencing to strengthen, stretch, and purifying the body. She chooses poses that open us from one to the next, preparing us to safely experience new depths and freedoms in the body while seamless transitions inspire the bliss of graceful movement.
Attention to mindfulness and alignment offers a safe and liberating practice, bringing her students to the healing, therapeutic freedom in the poses, so that we learn to soar in the lightness of finding our center. Her instructions make postures more accessible, guiding you eloquently step by step into more challenging poses and encouraging compassion and patience with ourselves as we gently transcend imposed limitations with a playful curiosity, realizing our own strength and inner brilliance.
Annika's classes reflect and encourage the balance of softness and strength, will and surrender, the vigorous yet graceful dance with the breath that is Yoga, and life, transcending us beyond body and mind to a place of inner harmony.
Annika Williams is a graduate of the Avalon Yoga Teacher Training and Certification Program in Palo Alto, California where she apprenticed with Certified Senior Iyengar Instructor, Ben Thomas. She also studies Asana, Philosophy, Sanskrit, the Yoga Sutras, Meditation, and Pranayama closely with mentors Samantha Shakti Brown, Anirudh Shastri, and John Berg.
Lauren Anas: Hatha -
With compassion for the self and awareness of the body, yoga can be
both physically and emotionally healing. Lauren likes to think of her
classes as explorations into the self, bringing our attention inward,
finding both peace and love within our hearts. By building heat within
the body through dynamic vinyasa sequences, we can open up areas of
the body that often become tense in our daily lives. As we let go and
surrender into the moment and pose, we create space for healing to
occur. Each breath, each moment, is another opportunity to experience
what yoga ultimately embodies, unified grace.
Lauren graduated from Avalon's teacher training program where she
studied under John Berg.
Pat Statsky: Vinyasa, Pre-Natal -
Pat has been on the yoga path since l968 when she met Sri Swami Satchidananda, who awakened in her a deep love of the teachings of yoga. She is certified in the Synergy tradition - a blend of Sivananda, Integral Hatha, and Bikram styles of yoga. She also has certifications in Restorative Yoga, Pre-Natal Yoga, and teacher trainings in Swaroopa Yoga, and Iyengar Yoga. Pat is also a certified Doula (Birth Partner) and has extensive training in the Energetic Healing arts, is a Reiki Master and an Embodyment Yoga Therapist. She endeavors to live yoga as well as teach it with compassion. Pat's hope is to guide others to find the deeper dimension of yoga for themselves, looking at the asanas as angles that provide opening rather than imposing the pose upon the body - allowing it to unfold from within. This perspective grew out of her 1990 Siddha Yoga Kundalini initiation which has awakened her to a powerful and deep experiential understanding of the essence of yoga.
Rebecca Horsley Bara: Vinyasa
Power, balance and flow are the essence of the yoga style of Rebecca Horsley Bara. Offering a lighthearted but rigorous power yoga vinyasa flow series; Rebecca unites a diverse yoga community through her teaching in Palo Alto, California.
She teaches yoga with clarity, confidence and compassion. Her passion for yoga and enthusiasm for teaching are evident in her energetic, dynamic style as she links poses together in a powerful, balanced, flowing sequence. She creates a supportive and challenging class environment where participants are encouraged to explore their physical edge, and discover their own inner strength. Her classes are high energy, filled with groans, smiles, great music and lots of heart.
Rebecca has completed teacher-training levels I and II with Power Yoga inovator, Baron Bapstite. Constantly refining her practice and knowledge of yoga, Rebecca has studied with and continues to learn from many great teachers including Rusty Wells, Shiva Rae and, Jonny Kest. Rebecca is the Santa Clara County site director for The Art of Yoga Project, a progressive non-profit organization that brings yoga, art and healing to young women in the California Juvenile Corrections System. She is also a contributing author for The Open to Hope Foundation, an on-line organization providing healing resources to those suffering from grief and loss.
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