Teachers

Amy Weintraub, MFA, E-RYT 500, founding director of the LifeForce Yoga Healing Institute, is the author of Yoga for Depression (Broadway Books) and Yoga Skills for Therapists (W.W. Norton.) She is a pioneer in the field of yoga and mental health and offers advanced professional certification for mental health and yoga professionals in LifeForce Yoga® for Depression and Anxiety. She speaks at conferences internationally and is involved in ongoing research on the effects of yoga on mood.

Her evidence-based yoga protocol for managing mood is featured on the LifeForce Yoga® CD Series and the first DVD home Yoga practice series for mood management, the award-winning LifeForce Yoga® to Beat the Blues, Level 1 & Level 2. She edits a bi-monthly newsletter that includes current research, news and media reviews on Yoga and mental health.

Amy leads workshops and CEU trainings at academic and psychology conferences internationally at such venues as the Boston University Graduate School of Psychology, the University of Arizona Medical School, the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, the Integrative Mental Health Conference, the Cape Cod Institute, Kripalu Center, Omega Institute, Sivananda Ashram, Yogaville, Esalen, Patanjali University in Haridwar, India and Yoga studios throughout the United States.

Amy’s recovery from depression began more than thirty years ago on her meditation cushion, but it wasn’t until she began a daily Hatha Yoga practice in 1988 after her first visit to Kripalu Center that her mood stabilized. In addition to her Hatha Yoga studies in the US and India, Amy has been trained in Advaita Vedanta Nondualism, iRest Yoga Nidra, psychology and Internal Family Systems Therapy. Richard Miller is her mentor.

She is blessed to collaborate and teach with James Gordon, MD, author of Unstuck, Drs. Patricia Gerbarg, MD and Richard Brown, MD, authors of How to Use Herbs, Nutrients and Yoga for Mental Health Care, the senior research scientist in the field, Dr. Shirley Telles, MBBS, PhD, Director of the Indian Council of Medical Research, Center for Advanced Research in Yoga & Neurophysiology, Richard Schwartz, PhD, founder of Internal Family Systems Therapy, addictions specialist, Dr. Kathy Shafer, and Functional Yoga Therapy Trainer, Maria Kali Ma. Joy continues to unfold through the compassionate self-awareness that is the foundation of her Yoga practice and her teaching style.

Amy has won numerous literary prizes for her short fiction, including national prizes from Writer’s Digest Magazine, Explorations and Wind. Her novel-in-progress, and her film documentaries have received awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, San Francisco State University, and many other national competitions. She also edits books on spiritual psychology, including the much-praised Yoga and the Quest for the True Self by Stephen Cope (Bantam). She holds the Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing and Literature from the Bennington Writing Seminars, Bennington College.

www.yogafordepression.com

Andrea Sacchetti is a yoga teacher and yoga therapist specializing in techniques for stress reduction and wellness. She is the originator and lead teacher of the 10 Week Yoga Makeover program at the Princeton Center for Yoga & Health, where she has taught regularly since May 2005. Additional course offerings include Healing Yoga and Meditation in Cancer Wellness programs, Yoga for Allergy and Asthma, and Radical Healing. She is Director and Lead Teacher of the new organization, Yoga Calling, which brings yoga to underserved populations. As part of this work, she has delighted in teaching yoga on a weekly basis to teenagers in the care of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission since January 2009.

Beth L. Evard, the founder and teacher of Princeton Insight Meditation, has meditated for over 14 years. One of her teachers is Jack Kornfield, the author of A Path With Heart. She is a leadership coach and the co-author of Managing Business Change for Dummies.

Bibi has been practicing yoga for nearly 20 years and has been a Yoga Alliance RYT-200 teacher since 2009. She trained with Bobbie Ellis in soma Yoga and completed her restorative yoga teacher training (Relax and Renew) with Judith Lasater.

Bibi believes that yoga should be available to all – regardless of age, flexibility, health issues or physical injuries. Her gentle classes are suitable for anyone new to yoga, anyone looking to de-stress and anyone seeking the healing benefits a yoga practice brings.

Carrie Schick found her way to her first yoga class in 2008 and instantly became hooked on the physical practice. Her desire to share her experience of empowerment, strength and mental clarity through the power of yoga has led her on the path of becoming a yoga teacher. She is a graduate of the PCYH teacher training program. She is devoted to creating an atmosphere that encourages freedom – in movement and expression – cultivating passion and creativity in her students practice. When she’s not practicing or teaching yoga, she wears many hats including raising three children with her husband, and working full-time.

Cheryl Delaney took her first yoga class at Princeton Center for Yoga & Health as a high school student in 1997. Having grown up a gymnast and later a dancer, the idea of pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses or internalized consciousness) blew her competitively-trained mind and changed her world. While studying modern dance and choreography at Virginia Commonwealth University, Cheryl had the good fortune to take Ashtanga classes with Valerie Jeremijenko, herself a student of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. With her roots set in Ashtanga, Cheryl soon ventured out into the exciting world of Vinyasa Flow and began teaching her first classes in 2001.

Christa first came to yoga nearly ten years ago while trying to find a way to physically express her joyous, exuberant and often contemplative spirit. Her love of yoga came swiftly and now plays a central role in her decision-making, worldview and relationships. Always eager to take the lessons learned from the mat into other parts of her life, Christa encourages her students to explore themselves without judgment in the laboratory of life that is the yoga mat. Christa’s curiosity and drive for yoga has led her to teach, and she is a recent graduate of the 200-hour Yoga Alliance teacher certification program at PCYH.

Christie lives a life of full intention to wholeness and health. She began practicing Hatha Yoga at the age of 15, which sparked a huge initiative for growth. As well as creating sacred space wherever she goes, she maintains grounded and spirit centered healing in many forms including clearing homes, teaching yoga and nutrition coaching. Christie managed a holistic wellness center for 3 years and is continuing that work providing healing services in holistic centers around NJ & PA.Christie is a Certified Kundalini Yoga & Meditation teacher as taught by Yogi Bhajan, through 3H0 & KRI Foundations based out of Espanola, NM and The Khalsa Healing Arts & Yoga Center in Yardley, PA.

Dan is a yogi, herbalist, and leads nature walks and teaches herbal/nutritional healing through his website www.returntonature.us and gives several classes in the area. He is also available for Herbal/Nutritional counseling by donation. He just returned from a 3 month journey in India studying the spiritual applications of herbs and wild foods. Check his website for more upcoming walks and classes. Email Dan@returntonature.us for any questions/inquiries.

Dan Fernandez has studied with yoga instructor Rama Ramanathan for the past five years, and with instructor Bobbi Ellis to receive his Yoga Teacher Certification. Dan focuses on yoga as the “middle-path” in life, specifically on the long-term benefits of yoga as a lifestyle that helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, bring mindfulness, and tone the body.

Popular local singer, songwriter, storyteller, and longtime PCYH friend, David Brahinsky has performed at the Center since the first year we opened. He is known for his deep, soothing and powerful voice, which reaches down to the bottom of the heart and body to stimulate rich and varied sensations, emotions and thoughts. David performs for The Roosevelt String Band and in local solo performances. He is a professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religion at Bucks County Community College, and teaches music and singing in his studio in Roosevelt, N.J.

Founder and Director of the Princeton Center for Yoga & Health, Deborah Metzger, E-RYT 500, is a certified 500 Hour Professional Level Kripalu Yoga teacher and certified Dharmic Yoga Instructor and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist.

Deborah is a 500 Hour Education Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance, a licensed social worker and holds an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania. She has completed the Yoga of the Heart: Cardiac and Cancer Certification Training, and additional courses in Structural Yoga Therapy and Reiki. She has trained with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli and completed the Practicum in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program at UMass Medical Center. In addition, Deborah completed the 2 year Hakomi mindfulness based psychotherapy training program and is currently enrolled in the Hakomi Advanced Training program.

Deborah Metzger:
Founder and Director of the Princeton Center for Yoga & Health, Deborah Metzger, E-RYT 500, is a certified 500 Hour Professional Level Kripalu Yoga teacher and certified Dharmic Yoga Instructor and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist.

Dr (Vaidya) Priyanka is a renowned Ayurvedic healer from a 718 year old lineage of women Ayurvedic healers from Kerala, India. In her practices all over the world, she teaches the principles of Ayurveda and how to integrate the various applications of this ancient science alongside nutritional supplements of the West, medicated oil applications, aromatherapy, color therapy, yoga, nutrition, music, cooking, dance, exercise and meditation—into people’s daily lifestyles as part of their own healing journey. Vaidyaji is also a Board certified Holistic Health Practitioner, and a member of the AADP. She is also on the board of www.hautecouleur.com and actively involved in several non-profit ventures all over the world.

Yoga easily became a way of life for Elizabeth eight years ago. Its fluid movement and ability to ease stress while opening the body and calming the mind became a necessity. Following many years of chiropractic care, she was eventually able to replace her doctor with a daily yoga practice.

Gina has always believed in living a healthy lifestyle and was naturally drawn to the health and fitness world out of school. For years she ran health clubs and was a personal trainer. Gina has been teaching yoga in the Princeton area for more than 12 years. She has studied at the Sivananda Ashram and Kripalu, and also has studied with Baron Baptiste, Rodney Yee, and Shiva Rea. Gina teaches hot yoga, power yoga and vinyasa flow. Her classes are physically challenging with an emphasis on honoring one’s self without judgment. Her greatest joy is hearing from her students how the yoga class has enriched their lives.

James Pritchett has been practicing insight meditation (vipassana) for over 10 years. He has studied with various teachers at numerous retreats and workshops at New York Insight (New York City) and Insight Meditation Society (Barre, Massachusetts). In 2005, he organized a local meditation group and is now the co-leader of Princeton Insight Meditation.

Jeannine Dietz was a professional photographer for 10 years before dedicating her life to the healing science of yoga. Brought to yoga because of her own injuries; she has been practicing, teaching and healing since 1995. She was first registered with the Yoga Alliance under The Barkan Method (Hot Hatha Yoga) with Jimmy Barkan. Her trainings have expanded to include Anusara 300 Hours, 500 hour Hatha Yoga RYT, 150 hours Therapeutic Yoga, 200 Hour Kundalini Yoga, Restorative Yoga with Roger Cole, and she also is trained in Pre-natal, Bikram and Baptiste Power Yoga. Jeannine taught Pre-natal Yoga for 2 years in Annapolis, MD at Prana Studio; her nuturing compassionate nature led to a very successful and loving class in which the students made life long friends.

Jeffrey S. Rutstein, Psy.D. is a Clinical Psychologist (Lic.#SI 02183) in private practice and Director of the Life Center for Growth & Healing, P.C. He is a certified Psychoanalyst as well as having advanced training in a variety of Mind/Body approaches to wellness. He has been a student of meditation for over 40 years. In 1994 Dr. Rutstein participated in a five-day professional training program under the direction of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn. Since then he has taught MBSR to groups and individuals.

Jeffrey S. Rutstein, Psy.D. is a Clinical Psychologist (Lic.#SI 02183) in private practice and Director of the Life Center for Growth & Healing, P.C.. He is a certified Psychoanalyst as well as having advanced training in a variety of Mind/Body approaches to wellness. He has been a student of meditation for over 40 years. In 1994 Dr. Rutstein participated in a five-day professional training program under the direction of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn. Since then he has taught MBSR to groups and individuals.

Founder and director of the Princeton Center for Yoga & Health, Deborah Metzger, is a certified 500 Hour Professional Level Kripalu Yoga teacher and certified Dharmic Yoga Instructor and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, 500 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance, a licensed social worker and holds an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania. She has completed the Yoga of the Heart: Cardiac and Cancer Certification Training, and additional courses in Structural Yoga Therapy and Reiki. She has trained with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli and completed the Practicum in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program at UMass.

Jim Donovan is an award winning teacher and performer. He is a founding member of the multi-platinum band Rusted Root from 1990-2005. He was voted “Drum Circle Facilitator of the Year” by the readers of Drum! magazine. He regularly offers workshops in the US and Europe focused on using the power of rhythm and drumming to assist in consciousness transformation, personal growth, wellness, and community.

Fulfilling his desire to share the power of rhythm first hand to people, Donovan has built a series of educational drumming workshop programs he teaches across the US at universities, festivals, schools, corporations and specialty venues. He is an instructor of music at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA and is the director of the Saint Francis University World Drumming Ensemble. He is a featured columnist in Drum! Magazine, the world’s number one drumming magazine. Donovan was nominated for “Best Rock Pop Percussionist” in the 2004 Drum! Magazine Readers poll.

Karin Steinhaus is a certified Kripalu yoga teacher, hypnotist, and master practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). She has been fascinated by the magic of the mind-body connection for most of her life. Karin discovered Hatha yoga as a teenager and she has practiced Kundalini yoga for more than 20 years. Over the years, yoga has enriched her pregnancy and mothering experiences, helped her stay sane in a hectic office environment, and supported her faithfully through many important life transitions.

Karttikeya is a modern renaissance musician whose talents and inspiration span myriad genres, instruments and technologies. His life journey has been similarly diverse – from Berklee College of Music in Boston, to a Hindu monastery in Hawaii, to multiple bands and a recording engineering job at Music Together in New Jersey – musically and otherwise, Karttikeya has demonstrated polite disregard for the conventional. He performs regularly in Kirtan (popular in the emergent yoga communities around the globe), jazz, rock-country-blues bands, world-beat ensembles and even children’s music concerts. Whether on acoustic or electronic drum set, hand drums, eclectic percussion or keyboards, Karttikeya seeks to connect deeply to the music “as it happens,” to support and enhance the group expression. He is routinely found working behind a mixing console or recording rig, rounding out his musical role as audio engineer and producer.

Katie began practicing yoga about ten years ago and was drawn to the deep sense of inner calm available to her through the practice. After living in Florida where she completed her undergraduate degree in psychology, Katie found her way back to New Jersey where she is currently in the 200 hour vinyasa flow teacher training with Cheryl Delaney through Princeton Center for Yoga and Health. Katie focuses on maintaining a sense of openness in her practice and teaching and believes our ways of thinking and behaving are reflected in our practice. Investigation, understanding and acceptance of the self are keys to greater well-being, as well as recognition of the capacity of the mind to be reflected in our bodily health. Katie feels that our bodies’ innate healing abilities and inner peace can be accessed through the practice of yoga and she would like help others tap into these powers by developing their individual practice and mind/body awareness.

Kelly Taylor started practicing yoga in 2007. She fell in love with the practice and felt it was a great compliment to her vigorous exercise schedule. In 2009, Kelly completed her certification for Group Exercise Instruction and Personal Training and began a career in the fitness world. After the birth of her second child in 2010, Kelly felt drawn to yoga more intensely than ever before. She began practicing more and discovered the spiritual and mental benefits of yoga. Kelly feels that yoga keeps her balanced both inside and out, made the decision to begin her yoga teacher training journey and will complete her training in April 2012. Kelly loves sharing the beauty of yoga with others and feels it is a wonderful addition to her already blossoming health and wellness career.

Laurie Latner, Certified Rolfer, was taught directly by Ida Rolf, PHD, 36 years ago. She studied with Charlotte Selver for over 20 years and now offers Sensory Awareness workshops to help her clients deepen their Rolfing experience. Her early background includes being a Montessori teacher, a student of Zen Buddhism, and training in Gestalt Therapy at the San Francisco Gestalt Institute.

Lesley Haas has been teaching Yin yoga for six years. Lesley has been greatly influenced by mentor and master teachers Ellen Joseph, Bobbie Ellis and John Frank. Lesley has also taught chair yoga, aerobics, step and rebounding classes. When she is not practicing yoga Lesley is employed as a middle school counselor. Lesley enjoys sharing the peaceful practice of gentle/yin yoga with children and adults.

Loring feels quite fortunate to be sharing yoga with a wide range of ages. She hopes that by encouraging involvement of yoga in life at a young age, children will be better equipped to evolve into peaceful, content, and empowered human beings. A path of strong mental and physical capabilities is Loring’s wish for little, young, young at heart, and tall yogis to experience while learning to take care of the mind, body, and spirit in a very busy world. Her journey includes completing YogaKids Foundations Training and Advanced Practicum, Yoga Ed. Foundations Training, Srivatsa Ramaswami’s Vinyasa Krama Teacher Training Program, and Priti Robyn Ross’ Clinic for Yoga Teachers. For more information contact LoringLittle.Young.Tall.Yogis@gmail.com

Mala started practicing yoga in her school days inspired by her father as a relaxation technique. Passion for yoga led her to graduate from Vibhuti Yoga School; she is currently in process of getting registered with National Yoga Alliance at the 200 level.

Maria has always loved health and healthy living, and was drawn to yoga initially for a full body approach to exercise. She soon discovered that a strong asana practice opens the mind and heart. She studied Vinyasa with Cheryl Delaney and recently completed her 200 hour Yoga Alliance teaching certification at PCYH. Maria’s classes are physically challenging with a powerful intensity and emphasis on the practice of stillness and pratyahara to find your own practice and inner teacher. She has a PhD in Physiology from Penn State, and is a certified Health and Fitness Specialist from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Musical beginnings
A life-long musician whose musical talent was evident early on, Mark Wood started playing trap drums 25 years ago. He has played everything from Southern Rock to Punk to Do-Wop. He later turned to Latin drums, playing and studying the conga with Glen Webber at the New Jersey School of Percussion.

Michal Ben-Reuven, M.A., is a certified Feldenkrais practitioner who trained with one of Moshe Feldenkrais’ first assistants. A former dancer, she holds academic degrees in psychology and counseling. Michal has applied these experiences since 1989 to help people regain pain-free movement, calmer mind and positive outlook. Michal has applied her own teaching to overcome a long period of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

Drepung Monastery was founded in 1416 near Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Gomang Dratsang or College is the oldest of the 4 colleges of Drepung. In 1959, before the invasion of Communist China, Drepung monastery had more than 10,000 monks. Gomang alone had about 5,500. Since its beginning, Gomang College has produced many eminent Buddhist masters and has been a very important Tibetan and Buddhist learning center. Each of the colleges of Drepung has its specialty and the focus of Gomang is philosophy: logic and debate.

Nancy Genatt, RYT, has studied with Gabrielle Roth and her core faculty for almost 10 years and is a recently certified 5Rhythms teacher. For more information about the practice, Gabrielle has written several books; she also has an amazing website and selection of music to support this journey to embodiment: www.gabrielleroth.com

This is what people are saying about Nancy

“Nancy is a phenomenal teacher! One of the things I miss most about living in NJ is the chance to dance with her…I HIGHLY recommend her class!” ~ N. (April 2012)

Paulette was originally drawn to yoga because it merges vigorous physical exercise with mental and spiritual reflection. Paulette has been teaching yoga since she received her 500 hour yoga certification in the Soma yoga style in 2004. Paulette sees yoga as a continual opportunity for renewal, growth, and awareness. In addition to yoga, Paulette has taught high school English for 9 years, and finds the balance between her yoga teaching and public school teaching an interesting and challenging, yet dynamic one.

Teacher to be announced. All PCYH instructors are highly trained professionals and passionate yoga and being part of our teaching/healing community!

Rajam Ramanathan is from India and was first certified to teach yoga by Martin Bland of Wellness Trainers, later receiving certification from the Sivananda Yoga Center. Having taught yoga for over 20 years, she constantly updates herself on teaching methods and has taken an advanced course in Vinyasa Krama Yoga taught by author and teacher Srivatsa Ramaswami. Rajam’s approach to yoga is classical, incorporating the traditional form of yoga. At the same time, having received training from different masters, she has developed a unique approach to yoga successfully integrating strong emphasis on alignment, strength and flexibility associated with Iyengar yoga, the methodical sequencing of Sivananda yoga, the vigorous, integrative movements of Bua yoga, and with the vinyasa flow style (Vinyasa Krama). Her classes are appropriate for both beginning and intermediate level students. Incorporating compassion, relevance, and power in her teaching, Rajam’s classes are tailored to suit the needs of students with different abilities and special needs.

Rama Ramanathan, Yoga Alliance RYT 500, is a certified yoga instructor with 23 years of teaching experience. Rama initially learned from his uncle at age 18, studied at the Sivananda Yoga Centers, under Martin Bland, the centenarian yogi Swami Bua, and also Srivatsa Ramaswami, who taught him the vinyasakrama yoga of the late Sri Krishnamacharya of India.

Rama has taught at a number of hospitals, corporations, fitness centers, yoga studios, schools, senior centers, and summer camps for children. He has taught power yoga, gentle yoga, Sivananda yoga, and he now teaches, in the style of Vinyasa Krama, the “Sampoorna yoga,” which is the yoga of fullness embracing all aspects of yoga and incorporating the teachings of sage Patanjali.

Robert J. Burns has been involved in the areas of meditation, motivation, and educational therapies and workshops for over 15 years. His credentials include Master Clinical Hypnotherapist, Master Practicioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Reiki Master and certification as a Motivational Strategist. His seminars and workshops, held all over the country, are well attended.

Robin has practiced yoga asana since the year 2000, and completed her 200 hour Soma teaching training in 2009, under Bobbie Ellis Bianculli. In her classes, Robin is interested in exploring the fluid body, gentle somatic movement and energy and sound work. She continues to study with Bobbie, and has come to appreciate and love the depth and breadth of wisdom this ancient and ever-evolving practices offers to help us live our lives more fully on all levels: physical; emotional; mental and spiritual. Robin is grateful for the opportunity to teach at Princeton Yoga and is thankful to all of her teachers, for generously offering their shared experience, strength and hope.

Ruchi is a graduate of the 200 hour Kripalu Yoga School. She has been teaching since May 2011. She enjoys sharing with her students her love of yoga and its benefits. Through yoga, Ruchi finds a peace and a way to ‘come back to herself’. She wants to help her students find the same benefits and more from practicing yoga. She approaches the yoga practice as a way of meeting herself and everyone she encounters from where they are, in that moment.
When not practicing yoga, Ruchi works as a pharmacist and embarks on many creative activities—including playing music, singing, and dancing. She has recently gained certification as a ‘Shake Your Soul Yogadance’ teacher. Ruchi is interested in exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga, dance, and movement.

To Shannon, yoga is an eye, mind, and heart opening practice. She is passionate about sharing with students the importance of accepting the present moment, embracing who we are right now, and learning how to relax not only in class, but in life. Shannon encourages her students to listen to their body and their inner wisdom while exploring their edge.

Shannon found her way to yoga after becoming overwhelmed with stress and insomnia in college. She found yoga’s focus on the moment to be liberating and enlightening and began to practice regularly. While pregnant in 2007, Shannon became more serious about her yoga practice, using it as a way to embrace her new body, to connect with her growing baby, and prepare for the challenges that were ahead. After her pregnancy, she explored a variety of yoga styles, including Jivamukti, Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, Kripalu, Gentle, Baptiste Power, Anusara, Restorative and Laughter, finally being called to study Vinyasa Flow under Cheryl Delaney in 2010 at Princeton Center for Yoga & Health, receiving her 200 hour certification in February 2011. She found the unique dance of body movement and breath in Vinyasa Flow to be beautiful and inviting. Now registered with the Yoga Alliance, Shannon works to bring the valuable lessons of yoga to her students.

Before pursuing a holistic career, Shannon received a BA in Public Communications, then went on to work at a New Jersey public relations agency, as well as a prominent national charity. After becoming a mom, she decided to set an example for her son and follow her dreams to share yoga with others.

Sharon Savage graduated from the Devalila Yoga Teacher Training in 2009, after practicing yoga on and off for over thirty years. Influenced by all her teachers, she finds she learns and gains new understanding of yoga from each teacher, as well as from each student. Her training in massage and adjustments are evident in classes, as she helps students move gently into poses with less effort and more grace, through proper alignment. Teaching from the principles of the eight-limb system of Hatha Yoga, Sharon believes that each limb supports and interconnects one-another to bring about peace and contentment in ones’ life. She hopes to spread her knowledge to others, so the world becomes a more compassionate, peace-loving network of individuals, one yogi (yogini) at a time. Sharon is an energized student of life who looks to keep exploring and learning. She is dedicated to helping others find a life of more ease, more joy, and more compassion towards oneself and one-another. “Life can be more effortless and free, filled with love, creativity and play.”

Movement has been in Shelley’s nature before she can remember. Upon growing up, Shelley was introduced to the physical practice of yoga. As a dancer it has assisted in being a healing and balancing benevolence. Shelley now attends Mason Gross School of the Arts as a B.F.A. dancer, where she was introduced further into the practice of yoga. She now applies yoga and meditation into her daily lifestyle and experiences. Shelley is a recent graduate of the PCYH teacher training program. Her focus is being present and content in every moment as well as bringing herself and others to their highest potential.

Suzanne Dakini is a seasoned Yoga teacher with certifications in Sivananda and Jivamukti Yoga. Suzanne’s passion lies in the aspects of Devotion and incorporates mantra, music and Vedic philosophy into her classes. She gives pranams (honor) to all her teachers, starting with her parents who supported her in all her endeavours,to her Sifu Anthony Tardy for introducing the Eastern Spiritual ways, her teachers Yogi Hari and Leela Mata for the introduction to Nada Yoga, to David Life and Sharon Gannon, for the exemplary way they live their lives and for devoting themselves to the Ancient Teachings and applying them to our modern day living and for never ’selling out" on their beliefs. Suzanne is a student and lover of the Sanskrit language and she bows to her teacher Manorama for infinite wisdom end encouragement. “I have been graced with the most wonderful teachers all my life.” My main goal is to share my knowledge with others and to inspire them to attain their goals.

Suzin Green, MA, has been a student of yogic wisdom traditions for over thirty years. A gifted teacher, she is known for her ability to guide students into profound levels of insight and stillness where they experience openings that bring real transformation.

with the United States National Karate Federation (USA-NKF). A former All-Japan champion, Takeshi has also placed 4th in the world. Since moving to Princeton from Japan two years ago, Takeshi has taught regular classes at Princeton University and maintains an active teaching schedule within the New York area. He also serves as the head coach for the competitive division of the Union City karate club. Takeshi has extensive teaching experience with all age groups and levels, from beginners to national champions and from children to senior citizens.

For the last 7 years world beat musician Wynne Paris has split his time between New York City and LA, learning the music of yoga, producing new age music and developing a musical style that he describes as “Raga Rock”. As a Bhakti, or devotional singer, he draws upon influences from Indian and Tibetan folk music, blues and Jazz, and chiefly from Kirtan; a devotional form of singing that he performs at yoga centers, raves, and festivals and gatherings. By mixing ecstatic and holistic expressions of music, Wynne uses tabla loops, Indian instruments, chanting, an innovative guitar style, and a generous helping of Sarod (an esoteric Indian instrument) to serve up a spiritually funky and uplifting sound. “Wynne Paris blends an eastern Heart and a western Head for a great mix” – Krishna Das.

Zora has been practicing yoga for 12 years and was inspired by her mom, who raised her with an appreciation for Eastern practices and philosophies. Zora became a certified Soma Yoga Instructor in March of 2008. She attributes yoga for getting her through the challenges of life with greater ease. She feels grateful to have these incomparable tools and wishes to share what she has learned with others. Zora is also a certified children’s yoga instructor and has a young daughter with whom she practices.