Amin Rokni
Cynthia Lamborne
Carlos Pomeda
Daryl Regalbuto
Daniella DeVarney
Debra Hodgen
Dennis Frate |
Heather Keely
Ishwari Gonnot *Anusara Certified
Jennifer Waters
Kimberly Daniels
Lisette Hart
Martin Kirk *Sr. Anusara Certified |
Michael Fukumura *Anusara Certified
Michelle Bouvier
Nicole Kirian
Sandrine Gibson
Sherry Schreck
Sophia Ludyjan
Stacy Bigbee |
| |
|
 |
  
|
| |
|
 |
Amin Rokni
Amin has been practicing yoga since 1997. His background in yoga began with a strong focus on meditation. Prior to his first yoga class he had been studying both Tibetan Buddhist and Vipassana meditation techniques for several years. His interest in these forms of meditation is what led him to the yogic path. He began studying intensely with Doug Keller, one of the first certified Anusara teachers, in 2001.
Doug taught undergraduate philosophy for several years before moving to India where he spent seven years living at the Gurudev Siddha Peeth ashram in India practicing and studying yoga in all its aspects. During this time, he became a master in the art of pranayama, meditation and yogic philosophy, writing several books on all three subjects. Doug's knowledge and teaching style had an enormous impact on Amin and led him to explore ashram life for himself.
In 2003 Amin moved to an ashram in Nederaland, Colorado. There he continued his study of philosophy and gained a deeper understanding of what it meant to live a yogic lifestyle. Amin spent several months living on the ashram, where meditation, pranayama, mantra and yogic rituals were the primary focus.
After leaving the ashram, he continued his training with Doug Keller, Desiree Rumbaugh, and John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga®. He has since trained directly with John for over 200 hours and completed both levels of his teacher trainings as well as his immersion training.
Amin's teaching style focuses on Anusara principles, with a very strong emphasis on how yogic philosophy, meditation and pranayama can enhance and transform your life. |
^ top |
 |
Carlos Pomeda
Carlos Pomeda received formal and traditional training in yoga during his nearly 18 years as a monk of the Sarasvati order, 9 of which he spent in India, in the Siddha Yoga Ashram. During this time he learned the various systems of Indian philosophy and immersed himself in the practice of yoga. Having earned two Masters' degrees: one in Sanskrit from UC Berkeley and the other in Religious Studies from UC Santa Barbara, he is able to fuse his academic background to the traditional trainings. As a teacher, Carlos is known for his love of the Indian yoga traditions. Using his insight, humor and deep empathy with his audiences, he has the ability to convey the deepest scriptural teachings in ways that is clear, meaningful and applicable. Studying with Carlos is truly a delightful and enlightening experience.
"Carlos Pomeda is a world-class teacher of Eastern Philosophy who has tremendous ability to convey the essence of the depth of the yoga tradition in a way that is deeply meaningful and transformative." - John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga |
^ top |
 |
Cynthia Lamborne
Cynthia Lamborne's background and training has encompassed over 30 years of Teaching, Coaching & Counseling for thousands of men, women and teens. Meditation, Conscious Relationships, Tantra, Spirituality, Family & Couple Mediation, Breath work Therapy, Somatic Intuitive Training, Dance Movement Therapy and Bach Flower Essence Therapy are some of the teachings she utlizes to support her clients. Cynthia's teachings focus on releasing negative emotions and patterning, and therefore, freeing the body and mind to the Awakening state of Inner Peace and Well Being. In October, 2006, Cynthia traveled to Southern India to live for several months in silent retreat. This is where she was granted the honor of being initiated to provide the Oneness Blessing (Deeksha) by Shri Amma and Bhagavan. Deeksha, a sanskrit word that means "Benediction," is an ancient process common to all spiritual traditions. |
^ top |
 |
Daniella DeVarney
A yogi-dancer, Daniella DeVarney began her yoga journey and study in 1995 while dancing on a student scholarship with Alvin Ailey in New York City. Shortly after returning home to Los Angeles, she studied Ashtanga and dance with Shiva Rea at UCLA and graduated with a degree in World Arts and Cultures with an emphasis in West African dance.
Daniella recieved her yoga certification from Maha Yoga in Los Angeles with Max Strom and Steve Ross. For the last ten years, she has studied and taught various traditions of yoga including: Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar and Anusara, blending her yoga and dance experience into a vinyasa flow class with emphasis on breath, alignment and fun! In 2002, Daniella was twice featured in the national newspaper USA Today exploring yoga therapy with professional athletes called, "Reconstructing an All-Star".
Daniella has had the privilege of teaching professional dancers from Cirque du Soliel, Celine Dion's "A Brand New Day," Los Angeles Dodgers, Philidelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and celebrities including Julia Roberts. While continuing her study in yoga, Daniella taught modern, lyrical, jazz and West African dance classes while in Los Angeles.
Daniella recently moved here to San Diego for LOVE! She is excited about starting a new journey combining her artistic expression with yoga, liberating one's creative life forces through breath, movement, and music! |
^ top |
 |
Daryl Regalbuto
Yoga has brought miraculous healing to my life, and allowed me to overcome the symptoms of polio. It has been a gift without measure. I feel a deep and humble gratitude that I am able to teach yoga and see the gifts that yoga brings to my students. I have studied various styles of Hatha, and have trained extensively in the Anusara, Ashtanga, and Synergyï½® styles. I specialize in assisting individuals to overcome physical limitations, helping students deepen their practice with individual attention and attention to detail, helping students to break inhibiting patterns and habits.
Aside from the many classes I teach each week to every level of students, I am also involved in some exciting yoga projects. I head a program at the La Jolla VA hospital, providing hatha yoga and pranayama instruction to low-back patients. Additionally, I have developed techniques for teaching yoga to children and I am now training apprentices. I have also been a mentor teacher and led workshops and clinics in other teacher training programs.
Beauty in nature inspires me to realign with the beauty of my own true nature. At every opportunity, I find natural and beautiful places where I can more easily remove myself from the pressures and distractions that surround daily life. I love to practice yoga on the rocks, in the trees, in waterfalls, and on the beach. I rekindle my connection to the Earth, and through her, I reconnect to my Self.
Out there, there is no space for silly thought patterns and drama. When that creeps in, I look to the immense mountain, bow at the foot, then bow inwardly, and it is then that I know no thoughts. I practice yoga to maintain this essential connection to the Self in the midst of what each day might bring. |
^ top |
 |
Debra Hodgen
Since beginning tap dance classes at the age of five Debra Hodgen has always been a mover. She received her Bachelors Degree in dance from UCLA and taught and performed extensively. After meeting her meditation teacher in 1983 she began her study of hatha yoga. She has a 250-hour teacher's certificate from Yoga Mountain in New York and a 200 hour Anusara Affiliation. She has taught all levels of yoga and classes for children and teens, prenatal, gentle, and restorative. She also enjoys teaching private classes to aid students therapeutically or to help them move into a greater level of expression in their practice. Debra teaches with an abundance of enthusiasm and humor. Her greatest joy in teaching is seeing her students "blossom". Debra is an active member of the Yoga Alliance. |
^ top |
 |
Dennis Frate
Dennis entered the yogic life via the pathway of body work and massage therapy. Having completed a 500 hour massage therapy training at the highly respected National Holistic Institute in Sonoma, he left for Costa Rica for the Nosara Yoga Institute founded by Amba and Don Stapleton. Dennis completed a 200 hour training, followed by an advanced yoga training of 100 hours. Nosaraç—´ yoga training was eclectic and interdisciplinary, and his own yoga style incorporates the acute body awareness from massage training, that has produced his eclectic style. "Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodah" is at the heart of his yoga, from the Yoga Sutra, meaning thru the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind,one discovers the quiet place where peace is found.
- National Holistic Institute 500 hour massage therapy training
- Nosara Yoga Institute, 200 hours
- Nosara Yoga Institute, 100 hours Advanced training
- University of California, Berkeley B.S in Social Sciences
- Yoga Alliance Registered 200 hours
- Massage Therapist 18 years
- Yoga Teacher, Fitness Elite Spa, 7 years
- Yoga Teacher, Soul of Yoga, 2 1/2 years
- Kirtan workshops with Jai Uttal
- Immersion with John Friend, Costa Rica
- Anusara Teacher Training, Sherry Schreck
|
^ top |
 |
Heather Keely
Heather's journey with yoga started as a pre-teen and has developed over the years into a devoted practice and passion for learning and sharing. Faced with serious health challenges in her mid 20's, she turned to the practice of yoga for support and healing. She was personally moved by the significant positive effect yoga has on stamina, strength, healing, and awakening. Inspired by this experience, she immersed herself in the study of Anusara Yoga, stepped into the role of teacher, and created a sacred space for community to awaken and play together. Heather currently inspires others by sharing her heart and vision in class and as the Director of "Bodacious Living".
Heather has trained extensively with two renowned Anusara teachers, Jim & Ruthie Bernardt at Yoga Kula in Berkley. Her passion guides her to continue training with acclaimed Master of Anusara Yoga®, John Friend. In addition, she loves to expand her experience and understanding of this integrated and comprehensive style by participating in workshops with strong Certified Anusara Instructors, as well as, Philosopher Carlos Pomeda and Meditation Teacher, Sally Kempton. Heather has a playful and vibrant attitude, views teaching as a valuable offering and practice, and holds these experiences as treasured aspects of life. She invites students to experience yoga as an expression of their Divine Heart as they travel the journey of Self Discovery & Love together in a playful and flexible way. |
^ top |
 |
Ishwari Gonnot
Ishwari Gonnot is a Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher. She has been practicing and teaching yoga for a total of 15 years and has been studying with John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga®, since 1995.
Ishwari lived in India for 2 years intensely practicing yoga and meditation. In addition, she is a Certified Empowerment Coach, an ACE Certified fitness trainer and a Founding Member of Humanity Unites Brilliance, a humanitarian organization.
Ishwari is known for the way she inspires her students to connect deeply into their hearts while playfully challenging them to exceed themselves and realize their own greatness. |
^ top |
 |
Jennifer Waters
After eighteen years of dance training, performing, choreographing and competing, Jennifer sought to find a sustainable essence for her practice. While completing her Bachelors Degree in Communication from Oakland University, Jennifer was introduced to yoga. This was the spice she found to make the perfect recipe for her life practice. Once discovering that the journey is where the happiness lies, magical, inspiring and expansive experiences have been flowing towards her. Jennifer teaches with a fascination of the subtler levels, exploring all the different ways to integrate and balance one's yoga practice. At the core of her practice is the use of nature-inspired languaging, just like the ancient yogis, to communicate the connection among all things and the perception of what is possible. She has acquired teaching experience with students from pre-teen to the golden years and with her infectious smile and genuine enthusiasm creates a positive environment for all levels of participation. Though she has studied different styles of yoga, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Anahata, Yin and Kundalini, it was when she found Anusara Yoga® that Jennifer discovered a perfect foundation for her innate style of grace-filled and heart-centered practicing. She invites you to join her classes on a regular basis to 'enjoy the journey' in discovering what inspires you to be the most radiant being you can be every moment. |
^ top |
 |
Kimberly Daniels
Kimberly is from the East Coast and has been teaching and living in San Diego for the past 5 years. After completing her degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Connecticut and faced with constant back pain due to competitive sports and cheerleading, she discovered yoga. Kimberly is grateful to have had the opportunity to discover yoga and now being able to bring yoga to others is a dream come true which she credits all her teachers and students for making it possible. The main focus of her practice is strength, flexibility, balance and focusing on the breath while flowing through the asanas mindfully and with grace.
Kimberly has practiced and studied many different styles of yoga but is most inspired by Anusara Yoga®, and brings that inspiration to her practice and continues to study this playful style. She encourages everyone to flow with grace and to follow your heart to manifest ones intentions. Kimberly encourages practicing non-violence and acceptance with ones self while always remaining compassionate and true toward yourself and others. Kimberly welcomes all to her classes to play and enjoy this adventure we call life through yoga and our hearts.
For more information about Kimberly please visit: www.kimdanielsyoga.com |
^ top |
 |
Lisette Hart
Lisette Hart an RYT and Anusara-Inspired teacher serves as the Yoga Director of Yoga Branch in Vista, CA and will lead her 5th Annual Yoga Alliance registered "Roots & Wings Yoga" school of Teacher Training there in 2008.
Teaching yoga since 1999, she founded Vista’s first Yoga studio and ran it from 2001-2006. “I have loved every minute of my 8000 hours plus of yoga teaching time and feel blessed to do what I love and to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.”
In 2001 she took her first Anusara yoga class with founder John Friend. Her practice and teaching style have been inspired by Anusara ever since. She has almost 400 hours of training in Anusara, many more hours in other styles such as Ashtanga and Kripalu and a teaching degree & honors degree in political science from her native country, Canada.
“Love & thanks to my supportive husband Coby and our son, Wilson. We are expecting a baby girl in April 2008! See you on the mat!” - Lisette
|
^ top |
 |
Martin Kirk
Martin Kirk, MSBME, RYT, is a Senior Certified Anusara Yoga Instructor who travels internationally offering inspiring workshops, and trainings. With a Masters Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Martin has a special gift for anatomy and therapeutics. He is the author of the highly successful book, Hatha Yoga Illustrated and the upcoming Anusara Yoga Manual of Anatomy and
Kinesiology. Martin’s love for yoga shines through his exuberant teaching style with precision and clarity.
Learning anatomy with Martin is inspiring and juicy. He artistically weaves anatomy, yoga poses, Anusara philosophy and John Friend’s elegant Universal Principles of Alignment™ in such a way that the majesty and understanding of the human body is beautifully revealed. We will cover the anatomy of the spine, shoulders, pelvis, low back, arms and legs. The principles that you learn will be directly applied to the body so that you can master the concepts in relation to the asanas. Come see why this is more than an ordinary Anatomy Training!
Testimonials:
"This is an excellent workshop providing lasting benefits"
"Whoever thought anatomy could be spellbinding!"
"Martin's passion for the subject made me really interested to explore more." |
^ top |
 |
Michael Fukumura
Michael's yoga practice has been an evolving and dynamic path. He began study in the Ashtanga Vinyasa tradition with Tim Miller in Encinitas. He then proceeded to study extensively with other yoga teachers in the Ashtanga and Iyengar Yoga traditions.
In 2000, he met John Friend and was introduced to Anusara Yoga®. Anusara has transformed his practice and teaching by magically blending biomechanical principles with the artistic expression of the heart. After doing multiple workshops, retreats and Teacher Trainings with John Friend and his most senior techers, Michael is dedicated to the study and practice of Anusara. He is now a Certified Anusara Instructor.
Michael is known for his inspiring and supportive teaching style. His classes balance a sense of play and adventure with deeper awareness of the body and True Self. Students learn how to practice their yoga both inside and out so that ultimately, they are empowered and transformed. He encourages students to develop new insights about themselves and to discover their natural strengths, beauty and wisdom. |
^ top |
 |
Michelle Bouvier
Yoga first found me in 1994, and my passion for the practice led me to start teaching in 2000. Past intensive practice has included Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Forest Yoga, Therapeutics, Transcendental Meditation, and Native American spirituality. I am fascinated by psychosomatics and the power of our thoughts and beliefs on our bodies and experience. My current passions and study include Anusara Yoga®, Shiva Rea's Prana Vinyasa Flow, capoeira, aerial circus arts, partner acrobatics, and hoop dance!
I am inspired by community, authenticity, playfulness, and dreaming together to co-create a sustainable world full of beauty, self-expression, and respect for Mother Earth. Live, Learn, Love, Fly! Blessed Be. |
|
 |
Nicole Kirian
Nicole feels the most alive and inspired when moving her body in any form of dance. To Nicole dancing means taking the music inside her heart and twisting and spiraling it outwards through the rest of the body. Nicole’s favorite dance toy is the hoop. There is something about the circular structure of the hoop that helps Nicole tap into another state of being. A state where her mind is still and she is overcome by joy, focus, beauty, peace, and purpose. Nicole also credits HoopDance with her body being in the best shape of her life and the back pain she experienced since she was 12 years old to be virtually gone! Nicole’s personal experience of the benefits of HoopDance led her to co-found a San Diego based HoopDance company called HoopNectar, with the goal of introducing others to their own spiraling potential.
Nicole is also a Holistic Health Practitioner specializing in sports massage and craniosacral work. Nicole is also enjoying currently being a part of the staff at Bodacious Living. Nicole has come to value the incredible experience of life, mother earth, her friends and family, being honest with herself and others, and living life as authentically as she can in the moment! |
^ top |
 |
Sandrine Gibson
Sandrine, Yoga Instructor and Personal Trainer, was born and raised in France; moved with her family to California in 1980. She attended the University of Hawaii ay Manoa while studying psychology with a marine mammal emphasis. During her College career and Internship training dolphins at Kewalo Marine Mammal Laboratory, she was first introduced to Ashtanga Yoga through Atman. Sandrine brings over twelve years of Yoga experience to her teaching. She has been taught by the best instructors in the Nation. She gives a sense of ease and calmness to her students with a challenging touch. Sandrine believes the breath, Ujjayi, is essential to the practice of Yoga and to life. Her motto has always been: "Improving the quality of one's life: Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually". Her main approach is being truthful (Satya) to each stage of her students and her practice. With honesty one will attend a deeper truthful practice, Satya Yoga.
OM |
^ top |
 |
Sherry Schreck
Sherry Schreck, M.S., began her own personal practice of yoga in 1986 and started teaching yoga in 1997. She has trained extensively: 300 hours under John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga® and completed the 400 hour Anusara Yoga Teacher Training with Todd Norian, one of America's leading Teacher Trainers. She is now a Certified Anusara Instructor.
Sherry incorporates elements from the study of Anusara, Ashtanga, restorative yoga, qigong and meditation. She looks for the positive in every moment... coming from the heart is a fundamental Anusara practice.
Her repertoire includes teaching the "teachers", privates, all levels of yoga from restorative to advanced poses, and specialty classes such as partner and chair yoga, meditation and reiki. |
^ top |
 |
Sophia Ludyjan
Sophia's teaching style is fun and compassionate. Her charming and dedicated presentation of yoga is truly unique. Students will receive personal attention as well as 'hands-on' support. She has a very patient and friendly demeanor and truly cares about her students. Sophia has completed the 200-hour hatha yoga teacher training in the Anusara style at The Yoga Center in Carlsbad under the direction of Sherry Shreck, Michael Fukumura, and Debra Hodgen. She is currently working towards Anusara Yoga® Teacher Certification.
Sophia is also trained in the Classical Hatha Yoga methods as handed down from Indra-Devi, a Russian yogini who earned the reputation as the "First Lady of Yoga". Indra-Devi received her training from Krishnamacharya and other East Indian teachers. Sophia has studied with Leslie Foxworth-Feree, owner of Spiritual Yoga Training whose teacher studied directly under Indra-Devi. Sophia completed the 500 hour teacher training in the Indra-Devi style and is registered with the Yoga Alliance.
Sophia also specializes in yoga to improve your golf game. Sophia developed this program by combining the bio-mechanical principles of Anusara yoga with the best elements of golf-related training formats used by leading golf trainers. |
^ top |
 |
Stacy Bigbee
Yoga is a practice that begins on the mat then weaves within our daily lives. The foundation we create and the intentions we set during practice become our guide in the world of family, work, and play. Guiding optimal alignment through the principles of Anusara Yoga, Stacy moves her students safely and lovingly through each asana. The particular sequencing of asana class is designed to create greater awareness and opening.
Stacy found her passion when she was introduced to Anusara Yoga® in 2005. Since then, she has spent her time lovingly embracing the philosophy and the principles. Stacy has completed over 200 hours of training with Anusara certified instructors Todd Norian and Anne Green, Anusara’s Leading Dynamic Couple, and Michael Fukumura. Currently, she is enrolled in Michael’s Teacher Training at Bodacious Living.
Stacy is grateful for Anusara Yoga and the space it has made in her personal life. Stacy brings to her class a supportive nurturing environment, filled with celebration and joy. |
|
