|
Teacher Bios
 "Teaching yoga inspires me to practice more, to learn more, to be the best person that I can be and to pay enough attention in my own life that I can teach from my experiences. I am honored and inspired by the yoga students around me and their commitment, their openness, honesty, challenges, and support of one another."-Cori Cori (E-RYT)Cori’s classes are dynamic, introspective and always well balanced with peaceful silence, powerful energy, inspirational and thoughtful messages and an eclectic mix of great music. Cori believes, and has experienced first-hand, that yoga teaches us to discover peace and happiness inside of ourselves. In her class, you are invited to work deeply with your body, breath and intention to journey inward and find that place where you want to smile and laugh as well as be open to the challenges of life that teach us so much. She is warm and welcoming to everyone. Cori is the owner of Asha Yoga and a yoga school in Hilo, Hawaii called Yoga Centered. Her vision is to offer a space that inspires students to grow as individuals and then to positively impact their families and communities through the practice of yoga. She has practiced yoga since 1994. While earning her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Sonoma State University, she also studied biofeedback and the somatics of yoga with Eleanor Criswell, author of "How Yoga Works". She has since completed four teacher trainings, attended over 30 workshops and continuing education courses in yoga and studied with many senior yoga masters. Fun Facts about CoriThings that make her smile: My daughter (especially naked or sleeping), my husband, Gardenias, cuddling, getting a massage, eating mangos, teaching yoga, practicing yoga.  "In my classes, I hope to convey that we are each our own best teacher; That getting your foot behind your head is not a vital step towards enlightenment; That when we think we absolutely must leave the posture, it really is possible to stay for one more breath; That our bodies and minds, and therefore our practices, are constantly changing and that deeply listening to our inner wisdom is truly the healing art of yoga."-Deborah DeborahWhether she is teaching a dynamic or a mellow practice, Deborah invites us to "accept whatever shows up" as we step onto our mats. She believes that yoga is not an escape, but rather that it "takes us to the belly of the fire and the heart of the matter". This tends to cultivate acceptance that every practice, including every pleasure and every challenge, is a teacher and offers us a chance to expand and deepen our experience. Deborah infuses her classes with her love of words, music, sound, and silence. She may open with an ancient Sanskrit chant and then soon be flowing to a modern upbeat tempo. Deborah began her yoga journey in 1997 and is now a Registered Yoga Teacher and is also certified in Judith Lasater’s Relax & Renew® Restorative Yoga. Her teaching and yogic life have been greatly influenced by her professional dance career, in-depth study of Vipassana meditation, her travels to India, and many exceptional yoga teachers in San Francisco. She is also a dancer/choreographer, massage therapist, writer, studies Authentic Movement, and is currently pursuing her MA in Somatic (Body-Oriented) Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. See our "Second Saturday" schedule to find out when you can see Deborah and her husband perform live music and dance at Asha Yoga. Fun Facts about DeborahThings that make her smile: Saying hello, when the University of Kentucky wins a basketball game, the full moon, witnessing my friends in their element and doing what they love, synchronicity, my hair in the morning, doing cartwheels in the grass, playing a "Heart and Soul" duet on the piano.  "I hope to inspire people to be the change they want to see in the world. I know in my heart they can be, we all can, and I love teaching yoga in part because it’s an amazing opportunity to assist others toward living their highest good."-Tamara Tamara (E-RYT)In her classes, Tamara will introduce breath work, meditation, and yogic philosophy. She will softly yet confidently and skillfully lead you through postures that will challenge your body and mind. Her desire to bring yoga to the masses makes for classes that are modern, accessible, and appropriate for any level of student. Though you will never feel pressure to go beyond where you’re ready to be, Tamara will encourage you to explore and face your challenges and fears. She passionately believes that yoga helps us all to courageously face those things we fear the most... be it a difficult pose or something present in our daily lives. Tamara has practiced breath work and meditation with her father since she was a child and began training in asana in 1994. The desire to share the absolute bliss she discovered through yoga inspired her to begin a dedicated and thorough training to teach. Since 2000 Tamara has trained in Vipassana meditation, Sivananda, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Anusara, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Jivamukti, and ayurvedic philosophies with world renowned master teachers. In 2005 Tamara began a non-profit project dedicated to bringing yoga to the masses. She is now leading the Asha Yoga Outreach Program, which aims to bring yoga to underprivileged populations, schools, foster cares, assisted living groups, convalescent homes, and more. Fun Facts about TamaraThings that make her smile: My fiancé Danny helping me to stop and ACTUALLY smell the flowers and my lady friends and their commitment to growth  RobertWhen a student practices yoga with Robert, they will feel calm, grounded and confident; his knowledge and centered presence is quite apparent within his teaching. Robert’s classes are tinged with his study of Tibetan Buddhist meditation and will encourage yoga practice that will “help (students) for the rest of their lives”. Achieving a B.S. in Anthropology introduced him to “cultures and practices that helped funnel” him into being a yoga teacher today. He believes that breathing and attention to what you’re doing right here and right now will “not only benefit yourself, but all others who you come into contact with”. Robert’s journey with teaching Yoga began in 2000. He has completed a Yoga Certificate from Bihar School of Yoga (Munger, Bihar, India), Sadhana Yoga Chi, weekend workshops intensives from Doug Swenson, a five-day Vinyasa-Krama intensive at the Esalen Institute and a weekend Yoga workshop with Kali-Ray (Triyoga). Fun Facts about RobertThings that make him smile: Rock climbing in Bishop at Lover's Leap, the Eastern Sierras, my first cup of coffee in the morning, lovers walking hand in hand  PeachPeach’s classes blend her love for the body with her dedication to cultivate a sense of purpose in life. She practices yoga because it's the one physical practice she's found that evolves as she does, and is adaptable no matter her stage in life, mood, or energy level. Plus, it makes her a better wife and mother. Peach's classes combine dynamic movement with heartfelt inspiration, and she invites her students to find a way to celebrate their bodies in every class. Before moving to California, Peach helped her mother run a yoga and dance studio in Virginia. She moved west for graduate school, and stayed for the love of her California-based husband (and fresh produce year-round!). She is the author of "Diary of an Exercise Addict" and a spokesperson for the National Eating Disorders Association. In addition to her classes at Asha, Peach teaches yoga and mindful movement to those in recovery from eating disorders and presents lectures, workshops, and retreats around the country to educate women on balanced, pleasurable movement. Peach is also a certified Personal Trainer and Pilates teacher. Fun Facts about PeachThings that make her smile: When my husband comes home from work at the end of the day, my daughter's happy face first thing in the morning, really dark chocolate, the smell of the earth in Virginia  KristineExperiencing a yoga class with Kristine will provide practice with an experience in getting in touch with your flexible, strong and vibrant body. She believes that yoga “brings you to the center of your being, uniting (your) body, mind and spirit”. Her inspiration to teach yoga began with a journey within for truth, light and love—yoga is her refuge, and she wants people to feel the inner peace and amazing health benefits that yoga provides. After the death of her mother, she found herself on a “quest for God, understanding loss and was searching for happiness”. Soon after, a knee injury drew her to the mat on a regular basis where she had healing in her mind, body and heart. Kristine’s teaching includes helping one find a connection to a compassionate mind and she loves the feeling of watching the concentration and peace that yoga brings to people. Kristine’s certifications and trainings include Yoga Fit, Zuda teacher training, Yin Yang workshops, a Thailand yoga retreat, Landmark Forum, spiritual teaching seminars, meditations, Harbins’ Hot Springs Yoga and Chanting, Pranyama workshop, raw cooking classes, Wayne Dyer lectures and a passion to continue for the rest of her life finding consistent joy and serenity! Fun Facts about KristineThings that make her smile: Feeling healthy, seeing people be kind to one another, travel and experiencing people and places around the world.  StephanieStephanie began practicing in 2001 with prenatal yoga while pregnant with her son. This led her to want to “teach him the importance and foundation of taking care of the body” and started teaching to pass the practice through the generations. Here classes teach the union of the body, mind and spirit and encourages students to listen for what is best for their body within the moment. Stephanie loves connecting with her students, being an inspiration to them and being a part of this vibrant yoga community. Her trainings include Bo Tree teach training and Iyengar/ Shiva Rea certifications. Currently, Stephanie’s classes include Mommy and Me yoga and Kid’s yoga, both of which directly reflect her passion within teaching. Fun Facts about StephanieThings that make her smile: My child, love, the farmer’s market, a hammock, a hot tub  CaverlyCaverly Morgan has been devoted to Zen Awareness Practice for the last fourteen years. For seven and a half of those years, she lived and trained at a silent Zen Monastery. Currently Caverly is deepening her practice through her training with The Center for Self Teaching, located in Portland, Oregon. Caverly is the founder and director of One House of Peace where she maintains her own spiritual practice while offering the gift of practice to others. She facilitates a weekly meditation class at Asha Yoga Studio. Caverly also teaches at Developmental Disabilities Service Organization and is the assistant director of the Short Center Repertory Theatre Company – a performance group comprised of actors with disabilities. In her spare time, she can be found training her dog Bankei who is in the process of becoming certified as a therapy dog. Fun Facts about CaverlyThings that make her smile: The moment person experiences clarity -- perhaps about something we've been unconscious to for a very long time. The moment we can laugh about the habitual patterns of suffering that only feel 'real' when we are deeply caught in them.  "My practice is not just for me but for those around me as well. The vibration I create through my asana practice, chanting and pranayama affects all those that I come into contact with. I love that I don’t need to be on my mat to practice Yoga!"-Maureen MaureenAlthough Maureen is definitely serious about her commitment to yoga and cultivating its presence in every part of her life, her vibrant sense of humor shines through as she teaches. She creates a warm and welcoming environment filled with lightness and laughter that supports students in exploring their edge with creative, dynamic sequencing. “By trusting in myself I have learned to explore my own edge safely” says Maureen, and she encourages students to trust and honor their own inner knowing… as the challenge builds and the edge gets closer and closer! Maureen is co-owner of Asha Yoga and her presence and smile is part of what makes this studio such a warm and welcoming place to be. Maureen began practicing yoga in 1997 and she credits her mental clarity, patience, and energy to this commitment that has changed her life and helped her find the most optimal version of her self. She has completed two 200 hour Teacher Trainings, passionately studies Yoga/Tantric Philosophy and continues to practice yoga as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a business woman and in all the other roles she plays on her journey. Fun Facts about MaureenThings that make her smile: Picnics on the beach, my children and my husband.
When did you begin practicing yoga? 1997 in a cold funky library room and yet every time I arrived for class, I felt so centered an calm What inspired you to want to teach yoga? When I realized that teaching Yoga could be an art form. What do you most love about teaching yoga? I love creating an environment that's warm and welcoming and helping students explore their edge with creative, dynamic sequencing. Teaching is my favorite part of my day, once I go in to teach I never want class to end. What do you love most about practicing? I love that I don't need to be on my mat to being practicing yoga. I practice when I'm with my kids and in running asha. I also practice with self-discipline like being a vegetarian and other dietary experiences like cleanses. But when I do arrive on my mat it always feels like coming home. I began to feel the benefit as soon as I take my first ujjayi breath. I also love that I find my greatest inspiration by continuing my studies in yogic/tantric philosophy and traveling to where ever there may be workshops with Master teachers that inspire and help me deepen my experience. What important things have you learned in your own practice that you also hope to convey in your classes? I have learned that I don't need to take my practice so seriously, that I can use my sense of humor to create lightness. And through this lightness I can began to trust my own intution, and by trusting in myself I can explore my edge safely. I can also learn how to push myself to a new edge that may be one breath away. Also, that this practice is not just for me but for those around me as well. And the vibration that I create through my asana practice, chanting and pranayama affects all those that I come into contact with. How do you define yoga? Yoga to me is union with my truest nature, my highest self. It is a way of life not just a physical practice.
 AnnaTo Anna, yoga is living life to it’s fullest potential and, as she says, “being nice to yourself and the world around you, being open to change and growth, always being curious about the unknown, and finding the connection between yourself and everything that exists.” As a student in her class, you will likely hear quotes and passages from authors and leaders who inspire her as you are guided through basic postures gently and slowly. If you listen for the subtle cues to slightly shift the body’s alignment, however, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the basics in a whole new way! Anna is a graduate of the Asha Yoga Teacher Training Program and is continuing to live, work, breathe and teach yoga while attending a second Teacher Training in the Anusara Method. – A style that influences several teachers at Asha and is known in part by its uplifting philosophy, characterized by a "celebration of the heart" that looks for the good in all people and all things. "I fell in love with yoga during my first savasana. Then I learned to get deeper in poses, to question my thoughts, to treat others and myself with compassion and love, to be ok with sitting still and to manifest the life I have always dreamed of living. Now here I am, living my dream. Sometimes it’s just that simple." Fun Facts about AnnaThings that make her smile: My kitties, bubble baths, dogs with scrunchy faces, yoga, the beach, coffee, discovering good fruits and veggies and new life secrets that are hidden until you experience them for yourself.
|
