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TEACHER HIGHLIGHTS: |
| TESTIMONIALS: What our students are saying |
YOGASPACE CO-OWNERS :
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Gloria Owens Gloria (aka "Ariel") is a co-owner of YogaSpace and a Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor who has been teaching yoga since 1994 and practicing for more than 20 years. Her popular classes offer an eclectic mix of styles in a fun and non-judgmental atmosphere; appropriate for beginners and intermediate students alike. Her compassionate and intuitive teaching style makes each class a unique experience. Additionally, Gloria is proud to be part of the faculty for the Lotus Gardens Yoga 200hr. Teacher Training. As a talented graphic designer, artist and photographer, Gloria brings her playful, creative energy to each class, and invites her students to do the same. You can check out a gallery of Gloria's fine art here and a 4-minute multimedia presentation that was shown at the United Nations in 2010 as part of the UN's Week of Spirituality and Global Concerns. Gloria teaches Kripalu Yoga and Intro to Yoga. Gloria has also written articles on yoga; see her latest at Zunity.com. Contact Gloria directly here. |
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Heather Philip Heather is a co-owner of YogaSpace and a Certified Kripalu Yoga instructor. Her moderate level classes encourage each student to work at their own pace, while challenging each individual to meet their perceived limitations with compassion and awareness. Her soothing voice helps make her class a nurturing and relaxing experience. In January of 2007 Heather created the Kripalu Yoga By Donation class at Yogaspace and continues to donate her time weekly to give back to the community. Proceeds from this class have been supporting charitable organizations locally and around the world. Find out more about the charities that have benefited from Heather's class. Contact Heather directly here. |
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Saeeda Quaisar An avid student of YogaSpace since its beginning in 2001, Saeeda (pronounced "Sa-ee-da") found yoga sanctuary here. Now, as co-owner of YogaSpace, Saeeda brings a unique perpective to the studio – a combination of East & West. Born and raised in Rajasthan, India (The Land of Yogis), and inspired by the traditions and culture of India from a young age, Saeeda has lived here in the US while raising a family of three and is now a Brookfield resident. In addition to holding an MBA from The University of New Haven, in the summer of 2011 Saeeda completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training at the Himalayan Institute. Saeeda teaches Yoga & Meditation by Donation. Contact directly Saeeda here. |
Jump to:
CARLY • COLETTE • DINA • DOUG • GLENN • GLORIA • HEATHER • JOE • JEN • JEANINE • KAREN P. • KAREN G. • KEN • KENNETH • KRISTI G. • LAURIE • LISA • MARY • MARYELLEN • MEGAN • MICHELLE • MIRIAM • MIMI • NATASHA • PATTY • PENNY • SAEEDA • SHARONA • SUPRIYA • SUSAN • WENDY V.
CURRENT YOGASPACE CLASS INSTRUCTORS:
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Megan Carr Megan is an avid yoga practitioner and RYT certified Ashtanga instructor. Her journey into yoga began many years ago when she first attended power yoga class at a local gym. A busy professional during the day, she found that the meditative quality of yoga helped her to realize greater mental calm and focus at work. Narrowing her studies to Ashtanga, Megan has been practicing at The Yoga Shala in Georgetown, CT and was certified by Valerie Schniederman, talented instructor and student of Tim Miller. She hopes to share her passion for Ashtanga Yoga with others through teaching as she continues to immerse herself deeply and whole heartedly into this ancient and healing art of presence which seeks to align mind, body, and spirit into ONE. Megan teaches Ashtanga Yoga. |
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Mary Gerdes Mary Gerdes is an experienced Anusara Inspired yoga teacher whose passion for life, love, beauty and adventure provide the foundation for a yogic journey that is fun, insightful and motivating. Mary has studied extensively with Anusara founder John Friend, Ellen Saltonstall, Bernadette Birney, Paul Muller-Ortega, Douglas Brooks and a host of other extraordinary teachers and continues to delight in the process of learning. With a mastery of the Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment along with a deep resonance with the Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness, Mary offers each student a safe and supportive environment to explore both their physical and spiritual greatness. Mary teaches Anusara-Inspired Yoga. Read our teacher highlight article about Mary. |
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Carly Hilliard Carly has spent the last few years of her life deeply involved in learning the arts of yoga, massage therapy and a variety of healing techniques. She graduated from Kripalu with Certifications in Yoga and Massage Therapy. During her time at Kripalu, Carly had the opportunity to volunteer for a year, during which she took a variety of courses, included were Kundalini Yoga, Journey Dance, and more. Although she is relatively new to teaching yoga, she has been practicing for years. Carly is most passionate about helping students how to focus in on their own self awareness and self love. Carly teaches Yoga and Meditation 101. |
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Kenneth Hoffman, L.Ac, NEW! YogaSpace is thrilled to add Kenneth Hoffman to our roster of teachers in 2012! He will be leading a new Tai Chi Fusion class on Thursday nights starting 2/2/12 (with a free trial class on 1/5/12). Ken trained under the tutelage of a Taoist medical and qi gong master in the 1990s where he began learning the art of Chinese healing through Tai Qi, Qi Gong, Herbology, Tui Na (Chinese medical massage). He then went on to finish a 4 year Chinese medical school program at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and has been teaching Tai Chi for over 10 years. He is the medical director for Sophia Natural Health Center in Brookfield, one of the largest acupuncture and Oriental medicine centers in CT, where his specialties are hormone conditions, allergies, pain and medical thermography. Ken brings a wealth of Eastern knowledge to his accessable classes, perfect for Westerners! |
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Mimi Lee Mimi completed her 200 hour teacher training in hatha yoga at Yoga Haven in NY under the direction of Betsy Kase. She also had the opportunity of studying under a variety of teachers in California while living there this past year. She is nationally certified and registered with Yoga Alliance. Mimi loves to teach classes with focus on proper alignment along with helpful reminders to connect your breath with your movement. Her relaxing voice and sublime hatha/vinyasa mix will leave you smiling inside and out! Mimi teaches Gentle Yoga and Hatha Flow. |
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Karen Pierce Karen has been teaching in the fitness industry since 1990 and holds many certifications including her 200 RYT certification. Her interest in the spiritual dimension of life began as a teen and she has developed her own unique yoga style incorporating Viniyoga, Anusara, Ashtanga and Vinyasa. Karen is dedicated to safe yoga for ALL bodies, using modifications and adaptations rooted in exercise science. Her students love her challenging, ever-changing classes and her upbeat, relaxing style. Karen is the author of a children's yoga book "YogaBear, Yoga for Youngsters" and leads our kids & teens yoga classes. She is also one of the 46 authors featured in the new book "Yoga in America". Karen is available for private yoga sessions. She is currently working on producing her own Meditations CD. Karen teaches MIxed-Level Yoga with a Viniyoga approach. Contact Karen diectly here. |
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Natasha Raymond Natasha is the original founder of YogaSpace and was a professional journalist prior to opening the studio in 2001. She has always been motivated to help others access the truth and realize their highest potential. She uses her gift with words and depth of practice to lead students in a form of moving meditation that heals the mind, soothes the soul and frees the spirit. Certified in Ashtanga and Integral Yoga, Natasha is natural, heart-centered teacher. She views students and clients with enormous compassion and understanding from the perspective of the mind, body and spirit and sees each person as a whole, unique beings. Natasha offers private Yoga Therapy sessions. Natasha teaches Mixed-Level Yoga. Contact Natasha directly here. |
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Lisa Rosenthal Lisa is certified by Lotus Gardens Yoga School with Lara Ward and is a member of the Yoga Alliance (RYT200). She practices daily, with an emphasis on Viniyoga and Vinyasa. Lisa's classes move through poses, using breath, body, spirit, love and compassion. Lisa says, "Continuing to learn from the masters, my teachers and my students, keeps me living in gratitude and thankfulness." Lisa teaches MIxed-Level Yoga and Intro to Yoga on Mondays and Tuesdays as well as Fertile Yoga (a free class offered to both men and women). Check out Lisa's blog, Path To Fertility. |
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Maryellen Travis Maryellen has been practicing yoga for more than 15 years and is certified by Lotus Gardens Yoga School. Her journey began as a certified personal trainer and has evolved into a lifetime pursuit of integrating mind, body and spirit through movement and meditation. Maryellen's teaching is a blend of yoga styles & philosophies emphasizing acceptance, compassion and always a sense of humor. Off the mat, her interests include hiking, kayaking, biking, horseback riding, photography, and just plain enjoying the great outdoors! Maryellen teaches Mixed-Level Yoga. |
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Wendy Verga Wendy Verga is a licensed Physical Therapist who specialized in back care, postural alignment and ergonomics. Several years ago she discovered yoga and this became her new love! While Wendy has practiced and studied many different styles of yoga over the past six years, Anasura Yoga is the style that resonates with her the most. It emphasises Universal Priniciples of Alignment, as well as opening the heart up to Grace and recognizing our inherent goodness. Wendy firmly believes that whether you are looking to reduce stress, find balance in your life or simply explore without judgement, yoga can truly benefit you! Her goal is to create an enviornment that fosters self exploration, acceptance and growth. She dedicates her time to making her classes introspective, interesting and fun! Wendy teaches MIxed-Level Yoga. |
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Michelle Wenis Michelle holds a 200 hour yoga certification from Lara Ward’s Lotus Gardens Yoga School. She received her advanced training in Prenatal Yoga through Rose St. John Bergen’s Transformation Arts. She holds a certificate in Children’s Yoga for Karma Kids Yoga, NYC. Inspired by mothering, motherhood and community, she founded Green Woman Yoga & Childbirth, LLC in 2003 and has taught Prenatal Yoga, Mommy & Baby Yoga, Parent & Child Yoga and Childrens Yoga. Together with her husband Erich, she teaches the Bradley Method® of Natural Childbirth. We are thrilled to have Michelle back at YogaSpace to teach our Mommy & Baby Yoga class! |
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Colette White Colette White is an avid student of yoga who has approached the exploration of her body, mind, and heart with boundless curiosity and a delightful sense of humor. She is a supportive teacher with a keen eye and an open heart. Her training as an Early Childhood educator informs her teaching and makes her a sensitive listener. Colette has studied a variety of styles of yoga but her heart lies with Anusara Yoga. She is grateful to the teachers who have supported her on her journey, including John Friend, Bernadette Birney, Moses Brown, Suzie Hurley, Todd Norian, Susan Rubin, Mary Gerdes, Annie Hampford, and Ross Rayburn. Collette teaches Anusara-Inspired Yoga and Gentle Yoga. |
Jump to:
CARLY • COLETTE • DINA • DOUG • GLENN • GLORIA • HEATHER • JOE • JEN • JEANINE • KAREN P. • KAREN G. • KEN • KENNETH • KRISTI G. • LAURIE • LISA • MARY • MARYELLEN • MEGAN • MICHELLE • MIRIAM • MIMI • NATASHA • PATTY • PENNY • SAEEDA • SHARONA • SUPRIYA • SUSAN • WENDY V.
GUEST INSTRUCTORS & SPECIAL EVENT LEADERS:
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Susan Bradley Susan has been a scholar, practitioner and Tai Chi instructor for over 30 years, having studied and taught Yang Short Form and Long Form styles. She holds a degree in Eastern Philosophy and a Masters in Asian Studies as well as a BFA and graduate work in painting. in addition, Susan is a Reiki Master and a massage therapist, and she brings a rich depth of knowledge and experience of the body, of energy, and of healing to the ancient practices of Tai Chi and Chi Gong. |
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Penny Cidri Penny brings gentleness and compassion to her work in helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle. She earned her Health Fitness Specialist Certification through the American College of Sports Medicine and her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Certification under the direction of Lara Ward. In 2009, Penny continues to share her knowledge and passion for wellness and became a Certified Wellness Coach. As a former 9-to-5-er, she understands the necessity of keeping the body flexible and fit when much of our lives are spent close behind a desk. As a health and fitness enthusiast, Penny has successfully motivated many students of varying abilities and ages, providing them with the tools necessary to achieve their individual goals and stay active for a lifetime. |
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Sharona Fein Sharona Fein has been a practitioner and teacher of energy healing for over 25 years and is and certified Integral Yoga teacher. Formerly the director and creative force behind The Healing Arts Community of CT, she has reinvented herself yet again, immersing herself in the study and practice of Thai Yoga Body Therapy while doing extensive trainings in Canada, Thailand and Loas. Sharona offers private Thai Yoga Body Therapy sessions at YogaSpace. A "woman of the world" in the best sense of the word, Sharona teaches MIxed-Level Yoga and occasional Thai Yoga Body Therapy workshops when she is not circumventing the globe. (see special events). |
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Dina Ferrante Dina is a former co-owner of Yogaspace and Yoga Alliance certified through Devalila Yoga (“Divine Play” in Sanskrit) in Lambertville, NJ. Dina has combined her training and other studies with nationally recognized teachers, to create her own unique style of yoga; guiding students through the process of gently releasing tension held deep within the body. Her style is playful and free-flowing, invigorating and relaxing. Dina’s detailed instruction with careful attention on alignment and breath gives students the opportunity to become deeply connected with all aspects of themselves. Her philosophy is that after yoga practice you should not only feel better in your body, but better about your life. In the summer of 2011 Dina moved to Colorado. We will certainly miss her! Contact Dina directly here. |
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Doug Greene Doug Greene is a 500-hour Kripalu Certified teacher who has studied the Eastern metaphysical and mystical arts and sciences - Yoga, Reiki, Pranic Healing, Ayurveda and Yoga Tantra - on a continuing basis since 1972. Doug teaches the transformational aspects of yoga as a process of compassionate inquiry, evolution and growth. He credits his practice of Yoga for helping to manage stress and to maintain his health, both physically and mentally. He is an avid snowboarder, hiker and surfer, as well as a veteran volunteer firefighter and enjoys woodworking, boatbuilding, piano, music and photography. Doug leads our Yoga For Men classes as well as occasional special events. Read our teacher highlight article about Doug. |
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Kristi Gunnarshaug Kristi is a graduate of Lotus Gardens Yoga School's 200 hour certificate program and is currently working on her 500 hour certificate. She is a graduate of Connecticut Center of Massage Therapy in Newington. Kristi has a passion for yoga that came through her practice several years ago. She fell in love with yoga due to the over-whelming feeling of peace and acceptance that the yoga practice gave her. She has taught classes to different populations from those with physical disabilities to 'seasoned' yogis, from children to teens to adults. She teaches with a light sense of humor while holding the practice sacred at the same time. |
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Joe Gillotti As a student and devotee of the late Rev. Sri Swami Satchidananda for more than three decades, Joe has studied and practiced the ancient science of Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga (Yogic Philosophy) as taught by his teacher and the Integral Yoga Institute. He completed his Integral Yoga Teaching Certification in 1974 and has been providing Hatha Yoga classes and Yoga Philosophy talks to a wide range of students; from college students to cancer patients and everyone in between. Joe's extensive knowledge and ability to share the depth of Hatha Yoga (postures), Raja Yoga (philosophy), Pranayama (breath control) and most recently Laughter Yoga, makes him a terrifc resource and guide for students at YogaSpace. Joe is married to Yoga teacher Karen Gillotti (below). Joe leads ocassional classes & workshops at YogaSpace. (see special events). |
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Karen Gillotti Karen is certified in Integral Hatha Yoga (beginner to advanced) as well as in Prenatal, Postpartum and yoga for cardiac patients. She has been teaching for 13 years in a variety of settings. Through self study and personal practice, Karen also has knowledge of Viniyoga, Kripalu Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and likes to incorporate and blend various styles of yoga in her classes. Besides the physical postures, she also teaches pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation and deep relaxation. She is married to Joe Gillotti (above). Both Karen and Joe have been teaching at YogaSpace since our inception in 2001. |
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Patty Lennon Patty is a Martha Beck certified life coach with a Masters of Science in Counseling from Pace University. Prior to becoming a life coach she worked at a large global bank for 15 years. While in banking she coached, counseled and mentored a number of colleagues seeking satisfaction in their career and seeking balance in life. As a life coach Patty partners with her clients to dissolve limiting beliefs in order to open up a life of possibility, develop authentic goals and build the steps necessary to achieve those goals. Check out Patty's new website, Mom Gets A Life! Patty leads personal development workshops at YogaSpace. (see special events). |
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Laurie Mayper Laurie Mayper, RYT, is registered with the Yoga Alliance. She is certified at the 200 hour level through YOGAspirit Studios and Level 1 through YogaFit. Originally a gymnast and dancer, she is certified by the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America for Group Exercise Primary and Mat Science I and II. She holds Pilates, Personal Training, and Group Exercise certifications through the YMCA of the USA. She has attended workshops in Pi/Yo Strength Fusion, and with prominent national teachers: Beryl Bender Birch, Seane Corn, Yoganand, Rolf Gates, Todd Norian, and Ann Greene. Laurie encourages students to practice at their own level and own range of motion to avoid injury and increase enjoyment. Laurie occasionally teaches Pilates Fusion and/or Yoga classes at YogaSpace. |
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Jeanine Schimel Jeanine began her yoga practice in 1997 when her future husband took her to her first class. Six months later she took her first class at the Jivamukti Yoga School on 2nd Avenue in NYC. Jivamukti's asana practice, spiritual teachings, and focus on ethical practices inspired her yogic lifestyle. She completed the 800 hour Jivamukti Yoga teacher training program in 2001, apprenticed with Sharon Gannon, and received her Advanced Certification in 2010. Jeanine lives in New York City and Connecticut where she teaches open, basic, prenatal, and private Jivamukti Yoga classes. She thanks her family, students, and teachers, Sharon Gannon and David Life, for their love, inspiration, encouragement and teachings. Jeanine leads occasional Jivamukti Yoga workshops and classes at YogaSpace. |
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Ken Sprano (Jai Bhava) Jai Bhava has been studying holistic health, yoga, counseling, massage therapy, and eastern philosophy for over 30 years. He has studied at such places as Yale University, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, Integral Yoga Institute, University of Connecticut, Woodbury Yoga Center, Harvard University, Connecticut College, and Kripalu Center for Holistic Health. He shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with a kind, open heart. Jai Bhava teaches ocassional Meditation & Mindfulness classes at YogaSpace. |
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Supriya Swerdlick Supriya has been an Integral Yoga teacher since 1989. She teaches Hatha Yoga, dance and meditation. A licensed massage therapist, certified Kripalu Danskinetics (YogaDance) teacher, and graduate of the New Seminary, she facilitates weddings and sacred ceremonies and has served on the staff of Omega Institute since 1995. Supriya leads our Drum & Dance events at YogaSpace along with occasional yoga classes. (see special events). |
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Glenn Tucker Glenn is a 500 hr. Kripalu-certified yoga instructor. He has also completed intense study in Yoga Therapy with Mukunda Stiles, and is one of our most senior teachers at YogaSpace. He brings a strong interest in yoga philosophy, history and literature to his practice and teaching and is a firm believer in the benefits of personal practice. He actively supports his students in developing and maintaining their own regular yoga practice. Glenn teaches safe, gentle but rigorous ways to dive deeply into yoga practice. His classes focus on postures (asanas), breathing (pranayam) and movement but include other techniques to explore the "eight limbs" of classical yoga for a balanced, complete and satisfying experience. Glenn leads our Yoga Nidra workshops (see special events). Contact Glenn directly here. |
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Miriam Zernis ('Sita") Miriam Zernis is an internationally certified Sivananda Yoga Acharya (Master), a Reiki Master Teacher and a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She is available for personalized, one-on-one nutritional counseling programs and private yoga classes and she leads our seasonal detox cleanses. Inspired by the many years of devotional chanting in ashrams around the world, Miriam recorded her CD, "Sita's Light" in the fall of 2007 and founded a kirtan group by the same name. Miriam currently leads Kirtan (musical prayer) events and plays for yoga classes throughout CT and NY, sharing her beautiful voice and inspiring others through this uplifting practice. She credits devotional music masters Deva Premal, Miten, Krishna Das, Bhagavan Das, Snatam, Wah! and others for their inspiration and opening her awareness to the Divinity of chant. Her CD is available in the YogaSpace shop. You can listen to mp3 clips and find out more at www.sitaslight.com.Contact Miriam directly here. |
Jump to:
CARLY • COLETTE • DINA • DOUG • GLENN • GLORIA • HEATHER • JOE • JEN • JEANINE • KAREN P. • KAREN G. • KEN • KENNETH • KRISTI G. • LAURIE • LISA • MARY • MARYELLEN • MEGAN • MICHELLE • MIRIAM • MIMI • NATASHA • PATTY • PENNY • SAEEDA • SHARONA • SUPRIYA • SUSAN • WENDY V.
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IN MEMORIAM Françoise Esteve Our beloved friend and inspirational dance & yoga teacher, Françoise Esteve was accidently killed in her native France on 4/9/09. Françoise was an amazing teacher who helped us open our hearts and unleash our spirits through dance, yoga, and her bright, playful spirit. She will be missed by theYogaSpace community, her friends and family. |
Contact us: YogaSpace | 777 Federal Rd., Brookfield, CT 06804 | (203) 775-6220 | info@yogaspace-ct.com
