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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 believes, and has experienced first-hand, that yoga teaches us to discover peace and happiness inside of ourselves. Her vision is to offer a space that inspires students to grow as individuals and then positively impact our families and communities through our own profound discovery. For Cori, this makes all aspects of the human experience incredibly rich and gratifying. Cori teaches weekly classes, intro to yoga workshops, the Asha Yoga "Living Yoga" and Advanced Study/Teacher Training programs. She brings an emphasis of mindful awareness and investigation that takes precedence over accomplishment. She emphasizes process, curiosity, exploration and modification according to individual needs, so students have the rare opportunity to explore the deep, subtle and life altering potential that Yoga practices offer. Cori’s teaching expresses the depth of her journey from over 15 years of dedicated yoga practice and 10 years of full-time teaching. Her exploration of yoga began in 1994 and she has continued to study a range of yogic traditions and styles. She has completed multiple teacher trainings, workshops and continuing education courses in yoga and has dedicated many years to her own personal exploration. She is a wife, a mother and has now owned 2 yoga studios, all of which provide her with daily inspiration to practice and teach with a deeply personal purpose. 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.  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  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.  Destiny (E-RYT)Destiny, who has been practicing yoga since 1999, believes that “practicing reveals truth and allows me to clear my energy so that I can walk through life with integrity”. She teaches yoga in ways that supports and empowers people to believe in themselves and helps students learn ways to use yoga to feel and be, rather than to escape. Destiny is a pioneer of Forrest Yoga and teaches with grace, dignity, and compassion. Her practice comes from a place of intuition, compassion, and wisdom and continues to call upon Spirit for guidance into her teaching. Students will be encouraged to explore what is truth for both their life and mat practice, and to walk with courage into their authentic self. Destiny's Teacher Trainings include a 70 hour certification with Doug Swenson, a 200 hour certification with Shannon Wells, a 200 hour certification in Forrest Yoga, a 70 hour advanced Forrest Yoga certification and a 200 hour Yoga Works certification. Fun Facts about DestinyThings that make her smile: A warm breezy night under the stars  CaverlyCaverly Morgan has been devoted to Zen Awareness Practice for the last fifteen years, eight of which she lived and trained at a silent Zen Monastery. She is the founder and director of One House of Peace (www.onehouseofpeace.org ) where she maintains her own spiritual practice while offering the gift of practice to others. Fun Facts about CaverlyThings that make her smile : T 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.
 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.  RobinRobin’s yoga classes create a platform where a student can feel better about themselves and then be a better member of the world. She defines yoga as being the “main ingredient in life’s recipe” and encourages everyone on the mat and off to be the change they want to see in the world. Robin (and her mom!) began their journey with yoga in the late 90’s in the Bay Area with Ben Thomas. Currently, Robin is teaching delicious and calming Mellow Yogi on Sunday evenings where students in her classes benefit from her insightful energy, grace and training as a massage therapist. In 2009 Robin completed two teacher trainings, one with the Yoga Solution and one with Asha Yoga. She strongly believes that “yoga always makes sense no matter where I am in my life” and guides students on a path of discovery within the walls of the studio for a better existence out in the world. Fun Facts about RobinThings that make her smile: dogs, daisies, dancing, David Bowie, seeing people enjoy themselves and being kind to one another, rivers, the mountains and the sky.
 BernadeenBernadeen thoroughly enjoys working with children--their free spirits, unlimited humor and their acceptance of life resonates with her clearly. She likes to create an environment where her students can explore their hearts and practice with openness and grace. She worked for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington for over 15 years, and took her experience teaching children swimming lessons, being a marketing/fundraising executive and training in preschool and child care procedures, mixed it with a yoga teacher training and workshops and became an instructor in 2010. She began her journey with yoga in 2001 when she was going through a challenging time in her life. Yoga brought her calmness, focus and began to teach her "love for myself and the environment I'm in, no matter what". Bernadeen believes that the benefits of yoga should be shared with everyone, especially children, to "give life to the seed that is planted in all of us...a little water, a little love and it can sprout into a beautiful part of our lives". She also thoroughly enjoys teaching adults in Vinyasa flow and Yin/Yong classes as well, and brings a cheerful and calming energy to every practice. Fun Facts about BernadeenThings that make her smile: My son laughing, my beautiful and large family, raunchy and inappropriate jokes, sunsets |
