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Master Trainers
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 Stephanie
Adams
Stephanie, YF Master Trainer for 10 years, has been humbled, inspired, and truly honored to bring the gift of transformational yoga instruction to thousands. She appears in the YogaFit Level 1 Training DVD, with her daughters in the YogaFit Kids DVD, and appeared as a frequent guest on Seattle's Fox Morning News teaching yoga. Stephanie's education and achievements include Yoga Alliance RYT/E-RYT 500, ACE PT, AFAA, Bachelor of Science from Washington State University, and a 220-hour certificate from BodyMind Academy as a Fitness and Nutrition Consultant, where Stephanie later taught as the primary fitness faculty member. Stephanie owns and teaches at FLOW Yoga & Health Studio in Hood River, Oregon with her husband, Adi.
Stephanie began practicing hatha yoga in 1994. A social activist, a spiritual and life explorer, a background in the fitness industry, and a love for vinyasa yoga naturally led her to YogaFit. As a founding member of the Education Board, Stephanie wrote and developed the YogaFit Kids Teacher Training Program, YogaStrength, Anatomy & Asana, and co-wrote Levels 3 and 4. Stephanie teaches: Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, Anatomy, YogaCore, YogaCycle, YogaStrength, and Specialties--Kids, Seniors and Prenatal. |
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Nanani Alicea
Nanani is the Co-Owner of Hip2Hip Dance & Fitness Center, Co-founder of BellyRok Dance and Fitness, Yoga Alliance E-RYT, ACE certified, and a Licensed Massage Therapist. She has been enthralled by the movement of the human body from a young age, and that fascination is what has led her to a career in health and fitness.
With over 20 years of dance experience, Nanani was officially introduced to yoga in 1998. "It was a gift that I immediately wanted to share with as many others as possible," she will state about that initial experience. In 1999 Nanani met Beth Shaw and attended her first Yogafit session. She chose Yogafit as her "yoga home" because it was completely in tuned with her dance/fitness background. Her personal mantra is," A body moving well, is a beautiful body," and she feels that at Yogafit we truly teach a bodies to move well.
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Mary Aranas
Mary Aranas is 500-hour E-RYT certified in the ISHTA Yoga tradition under Yogiraj Alan Finger, and has taught full-time since 2002. With her theater, dance, and martial arts background, Mary's Vinyasa style is flowing. Infusing Chakra exploration in her teaching, Mary honors diverse lineages, with joy and healing as her guiding principles. In her classes Mary uses yantra, mantra, pranayama and vinyasa, grounding her students strongly in alignment, then releasing them into their power, freedom and beauty. Her Restoratives are a special treat, combining aromatherapy, music, meditations, and healing touch. In 2007 Mary discovered AcroYoga®, and in 2008 she became one of 120 certified AcroYoga® teachers worldwide. Mary is a certified Thai massage practitioner since 2009. Her Thai Yoga practice and her ongoing AcroYoga® performance and teaching are an endless source of inspiration in her life. Mary lives in New York city with her actor husband and son.
ISHTA: Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra and Ayurveda; derived from the Sanskrit word ishta meaning personalized: a style of hatha yoga that meets the needs of each individual.
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Jenny
Baldwin
Jenny has a BA in Elementary and Special Education from Furman University in Greenville, SC. She was an Elementary & Middle School Special Education teacher for several years before she left that industry to raise her children. She began teaching group fitness in 1994, and segued into Yoga in 1999. Jenny chose YogaFit for her yoga training because it was so in tune with the fitness background and training that she had. After her initial Level One training, she immediately began to pursue a future and career with YogaFit, and continued her training by earning her RYT-200 and E-RYT. She finds that her background in education helps her tremendously in teaching others about YogaFit. She feels she is able to truly use the lessons that she learned as a teacher to guide trainees through the process of becoming a YogaFit trained teacher. "I am honored and proud to be a part of what I consider to be the best training program in fitness today.
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Brett
Barnes
Brett's fitness journey began when he
joined the Marine Corps (USMC). After
four years of honorable service he started
a fitness regimen, which included weight
training and running. A few years later
he decided it was time to share his knowledge
and became an ISSA certified personal
trainer. After taking a few yoga classes
from a friend, he found a peaceful balance
within himself. He found an instant connection,
both physically and spiritually, that
made him want to continue studying this
ancient practice.
Brett began educating himself on meditation and
different styles of yoga. After finishing the 200
hour RYT training with YogaFit, he found myself wanting
to show others about the YogaFit program. Practicing
yoga has greatly improved his strength and flexibility.
He enjoys sharing his passion for yoga with others
by guiding them through their practice.
Brett is currently pursuing a degree in exercise
science. He currently holds a personal trainer certification
through the ISSA, a group fitness certification through
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Jill
Belongia
Jill Belongia was a music educator for 11 years with a love of fitness and wellness. Her personal yoga practice and love of teaching brought her to her group fitness certification in 2003. Jill has taught group fitness and yoga classes at universities and fitness centers in Miami, Florida, East Lansing, Michigan, and Bloomington/Normal, Illinois. She is currently a group fitness instructor, yoga instructor, and instructor trainer for the Wellness Program at Illinois State University, and a Senior Trainer with YogaFit. Jill hopes to be able to help and inspire others through her YogaFit trainings and by teaching using the YogaFit style. Jill holds a group fitness certification with ACE and is an E-RYT 200 with Yoga Alliance.
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Brandi Bernard
Brandi's educational and athletic experiences began as part of both the cross country and track and field team at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). At GVSU she completed her Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Exercise Science and her Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Brandi has continued her education and has graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University. She has also earned her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist status with her desire to improve athlete’s ability to compete at collegiate and professional levels. It has been though her own personal athletic injuries and resulting surgeries that has driven her to a more holistic centered lifestyle which she discovered through YogaFit. She has obtained her RYT through YogaFit and has found continuing with YogaFit a very rewarding experience along with Beth Shaw's vision to bring YogaFit to everybody.
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Kelli
Braud
Kelli began teaching
group fitness in 1998. After many years of
teaching high impact cardio classes, her focus
began to shift to more mind/body fitness. She
took her first YogaFit training in 2001 and
was hooked. She was heavily drawn to the safety
principles of the YogaFit program, the inclusiveness
and acceptance of each YogaFit class, and the
positivity that YogaFit embraces.
When not training, Kelli teaches yoga classes
in Birmingham, Alabama and is the Assistant
Fitness Director at Greystone Golf and Country
Club.
Her certifications include AFAA group fitness and personal training,
ACE personal training, and an RYT with Yoga Alliance. Kelli
teaches: Level 1
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Sandi
Call
Sandi has been
in fitness since 1985 and ACE certified since 1986.
Her love for the industry has brought many opportunities.
She has been a Fitness manager for several health clubs.
She has her own business providing Wellness programs
for companies in the Salt Lake area. She provides services
like health fairs, ergonomic reviews, fitness center
management, group fitness classes and personal training.
Sandi has taught group fitness for all of the 20 plus
years she has been in the business. She teaches step,
aerobics, group strength training, cycle, pilates and
of course YogaFit.
Her first YogaFit training was in 1998 with Beth
Shaw in California in the old YogaFit Studio in Hermosa.
This began a move to bring YogaFit
and all ins benefits to Salt Lake City. “ I was a candidate to
become a trainer because I took level 1 about 6 times, because I loved
it so much ” Since then she has been in nearly every state in the
union teaching the YogaFit style. “I have learned more in my association
with YogaFit and in my travels and meeting all the wonderful people who
come to trainings than I could ever teach anyone.”
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Suzie
Celentano
Listed as a Movement Educator in Who's Who in the World since 2006, Suzie brings over 20 years of experience in the arts, education and wellness fields to her current work in Yoga, Pilates and Lifestyle Coaching. Believing that everyone needs both the arts and wellness to live happy, healthy and centered lives, she holds two masters degrees --a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Health and Kinesiology, and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Theatre. Holding ERYT, PMA-CPT and ACE-CPT credentials, she is currently a teacher trainer (CEC provider) for the Yoga Alliance, the Pilates Method Alliance, and the American Council on Exercise. As a Senior Trainer for YogaFit, she trains yoga teachers in the YogaFit vinyasa-style of yoga, and as the Founder/Director of the Mind Body Workshop, she trains Pilates instructors in both classical and contemporary approaches to the Pilates mat and apparatus technique. Her lifestyle coaching company, centeredbeing, teaches children, adults, and older adults to live the Pilates principle of Centering, and the mind/body/spirit connection of yoga, in the other 23 hours of their day they spend off of their mat. When she isn't traveling internationally leading workshops or developing curriculum, Suzie enjoys spending time with her family and creating her own artistic work. Her latest book, Child's Pose: A Mother and Daughter's Artistic Vision for Your Yoga Practice, features poems written by Suzie and artwork created by her (then 7-year old) daughter for over 30 yoga poses. In her work, and by her example, she is committed to empowering others to discover the joy, knowledge and creative expression they have within.
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Suzanne Chiasson
Suzanne describes teaching group fitness and yoga as "the only job I've ever dreamed of..." She has worked in the fitness industry consistently for over 20 years teaching various formats and she holds certifications from ACE and Yoga Alliance. Suzanne first trained with YogaFit in 2001 and has enjoyed sharing it with others ever since. In addition to working as a YogaFit trainer, she teaches regularly at several clubs and studios in the Los Angeles area.
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Mary
Comfort
Mary believes that the first transformation step on the mat can lead to so much… a place to find health, to find strength, to find fitness, to find relaxation, and brings one to join a community that is both embracing and opens one to unimagined possibilities. This is very much Mary’s personal story when she first stepped on a mat 15 years ago to just spend time with her mother (in their overly busy type-A lives)…and the doors have continued to open ever since.
Mary is a Senior Trainer and has her E-RYT and RYT-200 with Yoga Alliance through YogaFit. She also holds the ACE and AFAA group fitness certifications, has trained in cycling and Les Mills Body Pump, and possesses extensive experience working with programming and health management for the older adult population. She also has substantial background in studio and group fitness management. Her sense of humor, enthusiasm, and ability to connect with students to deliver inclusive yet personalized instruction, make her classes refreshingly unique and fun. A very strong chakra practitioner, Mary leads levels 1, 2 and 3, Seniors, PreNatal, Kids and Basics.
Happy that life is letting her spend more time on the mat, Mary has a thriving instructional practice in Pittsburgh, is a Senior Advisor with the Silver Sneakers program, and does “left-brained” work for the family business. If that isn’t enough, her other passions are her two amazing children, Camille and Trent, wine tasting and collecting, taking yoga classes everywhere and anywhere, traveling, and reading.
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Alison Curtis
Alison began her journey in the fitness and yoga world in 2003. Her first YogaFit training in 2004 opened her eyes to the freedom of movement and the availability for awareness and acceptance through Yoga. After graduating from UW-Madison in 2007 with a BA in South Asian Religions, Alison moved to Chicago and created I.A.M. Wellness, Inc. I.A.M. has since been her vessel to inspire, motivate, and empower every body to become aware of their true selves through movement and to journey toward their optimal wellness state.
Alison is a Yoga Alliance 200-RYT and an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. She feels grateful to have found a platform to share the joy and peace of yoga in a seemingly overwhelming world. The freedom of movement in Yoga has opened Alison's eyes to the great lessons of authenticity, balance, acceptance, and transformation.
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Kathy
DeKramer
Kathy DeKramer is a Senior Trainer for YogaFit and has been teaching
in the Fitness Industry for over 26 years. She received her Bachelor
of Arts Degree in Physical Education and Recreation Therapy from Whittier
College (CA) in 1981 and is an ACE and AFAA certified instructor (both
Primary Group Exercise and Yoga). Kathy has been teaching yoga for 8
years and is currently an E-RYT (200hr) with Yoga Alliance.
Kathy took her first YogaFit
training in Jan. 1999 and fell in love with not
only the style of movement but its application
to education and transformation and went on to
become a Master trainer currently leading all levels
and Specialty Programs for YogaFit.
Kathy
is a member of YogaFit’s
Education Board and has contributed to various
manual revisions, assists with website inquiries
and currently appears on YogaFit’s Senior
Video/DVD. Kathy teaches: All levels and specialties
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Heidi Dix
Heidi has been involved in the health and wellness industry for over 15 years and began her YogaFit journey in 2006. She has her BA in Kinesiology and Sports Medicine and Masters in Education from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Heidi is a Licensed Athletic Trainer and currently serves as a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. She also is a Group Exercise Instructor with ACE and a RYT 200 with Yoga Alliance. Yoga has provided Heidi a sense of peace and balance to her own life, and given her the opportunity to share yoga with others so that they too can experience and connect with their true self.
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Marchond Gardella
Marchond has been a certified yoga teacher since 2003. With over twenty years of experience in teaching many formats of group exercise, she is also a certified personal trainer and has completed her Stott Pilates training in both comprehensive mat and reformer. She received her 500 hour level RYT (Yoga Alliance) through studying Asthanga yoga with Jayakumar Swamysree at the Pranava Yogadhama Trust in Mysore India and with YogaFit , completing it's current programming in yoga therapy and restorative yoga. She is currently a presenting trainer for YogaFit Training Systems.
Her approach to yoga embraces and emphasizes the adaptive nature of modern yoga. This adaptive approach facilitates the ability to change class with ease, so students can modify postures, learn the subtleties within their bodies and gain greater kinesthetic awareness. Marchond has tremendous respect for the differences in her students' skeletal structures, muscular flexibility and strength. This facilitates the capacity to celebrate natural abilities and nurture aspects that are more challenging, the goal being, to create a balanced and resilient body, as well as a clear and relaxed state of mind.
Besides her love of an athletic asana practice, her current passion is yoga therapy and it's ability to improve and heal our bodies and minds. Marchond is a member of IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists).
"I like to bring levity to class. I love what I do and want my students to have fun."
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Lisa Greenbaum
Lisa is lucky enough to have two careers! She is a full time fitness instructor and YogaFit trainer in Canada. She has also been designing and operating her own clothing line since 2002. Discovering Yoga was like uncovering her life's mission. Through YogaFit she has been able to help class participants, new instructors as well as her closest friends and family learn the amazing benefits and life balance that a regular practice can bring to our lives. She also has learned how Yoga can hone creativity and discipline in her own busy life as well. Lisa has been teaching group fitness classes for GoodLife Fitness in Toronto, Canada since 2001. She is a certified Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer through CanFit Pro, LMI BodyFlow & BodyJam, EFI Gravity Training Systems and Pilates Mat & Reformer.
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Taj Harris
A detail-oriented leader with over 10 years of proven results in management, teaching, personal training and public speaking. Taj has been spotted on TV appearances for her expertise with ABC, CW11, FOX and CBS. She has presented at both Domestic and International Fitness Conventions as well as written fitness articles for magazines such as Shape and Health. Taj holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Minor in Biology from GA State University. Certifications include:
- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council of Exercise (ACE)
- YogaFit - 200 Hour RYT
- Spinning
- Rebounding
- Kickboxing
- Step
- Antigravity Yoga Wings
- BOSU Balance
- TRX
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Tracy
Jennings-Hill
Tracy ventured into her yoga
practice over 8 years ago as she was retiring from the
US Air Force after serving over 20 years. While on active
duty, an injury caused the physical challenge of sciatica
to arise, so as a way to help maintain a healthy and
balanced lifestyle she began dabbling in different disciplines
of yoga, discovering the YogaFit style, finding her home.
As she grew to understand the value of the mind/body
connection, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming
a fitness professional, embodying all aspects of the
profession, instead of using her BS in Human Resource
Management.
Subsequently, she attended her first YogaFit Level 1 training in 2001.
Since then she has completed all levels through 5, Anatomy and Alignment,
Seniors, PreNatal/PostPartum, and Moodlifting. In addition to having completed
her 200 R. Y. T., she has been an AFAA certified group fitness instructor
for over 10 years, where she now focuses on indoor cycling, dance, and
preprogrammed muscle strength and endurance training. She also is a game-fully
employed AFAA/ACE Certified Personal Trainer and has managed group fitness
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Patricia
Hess
Patricia Hess, RRT-NPS in addition to being a Master
Trainer with YogaFit, is a registered yoga teacher
with Yoga Alliance and is a certified group
fitness instructor by ACE. Patti maintains her medical license as a Registered
Respiratory Therapist, Neonatal Pediatric Specialist and is the owner
of Kids Fit Club®, a company providing after school fitness programs
for children. Further, Patti is completing her Bachelors degree in Health
Care Management and is currently teaching multiple group fitness classes
in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Michelle
Hutchins
Michelle Hutchins comes to YogaFit with a background in many disciplines, including years of training in classical ballet and competing in Tae Kwon Doe martial arts, as well as years of experience teaching a variety of group exercise classes.
Yoga, Michelle discovered, allows her to incorporate all her skills and interests, while giving back in a profound way. While Michelle continues to teach a variety of fitness, pilates and yoga classes, as well as lead YogaFit teacher trainings throughout the Pacific Northwest, she has a particular passion for teaching the "first-time" yoga student and those with physical limitations.
Michelle is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through Yoga Alliance's 200-hour teacher-training program, an ACE-certified Group Exercise Instructor, a Zumba-certified instructor and AFAA-certified Primary Group Exercise Instructor.
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Janet
Leland
Janet started teaching
group fitness in 1979. Certifications include
ACE and AFAA group fitness instructor, Pilates
instructor in matwork including advanced
and standing Pilates through Pilates Physicalmind
Institute. She is a Yoga Alliance 200 hr.
R.Y.T., and Master trainer for YogaFit, and
current presenter for I.T.A. and W.S.S.C.
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Kristin
Mabry
Kristin has enjoyed
group fitness since wearing leotards and
leg warmers in her pre-teen years. She began
studying yoga in 2000, but kept her yoga
practice separate from her love of fitness.
YogaFit has shown Kristin how to keep all
the beauty of a yoga practice while making
it safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.
Her love of yoga, sharing knowledge, travel,
and meeting other altruistic souls makes
Kristin’s role as Senior Master Trainer
a successful one. She hopes to share YogaFit
with as many people as possible, in addition
to helping preserve natural resources in her Alaskan environment. Kristin
is an E-RYT/RYT, holds ACE group fitness and personal trainer certifications,
and has a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University. Kristin
teaches: Levels 1, 2, and 3, YogaButt, YogaStrength, Seniors, Prenatal,
and Kids.
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Kristy Manuel, ERYT-200, RYT-500
Kristy, a triathlete, marathon runner, and tennis player was looking for a kinder gentler workout for her body when she started practicing yoga in 2001. Kristy felt as if she had found her passion after taking her first YogaFit Vinyasa flow class in 2003. Excited to share what she had discovered with others, she began her teacher training journey with YogaFit. She completed her Yoga Alliance 200 hour certificate in 2006, and her 500 hour yoga teacher training certificate in 2009 after an intensive in India. Kristy holds a Master's Degree in Health & Fitness Management from the University of Oregon and is a Certified Health Fitness Specialist by the American College of Sports Medicine and holds an American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer Certification. Kristy is a 25 year veteran of the fitness industry in both management roles, presenter, lecturer and personal trainer.
Kristy currently teaches yoga in and around the Nashville, TN area and is a Master Trainer for YogaFit International, traveling and presenting teacher training workshops in the USA and internationally.
Kristy discovered the mindful aspect of yoga brought her more into balance both physically and mentally. Kristy is passionate about sharing yoga with as many people as possible and her powerful flow classes are filled with options making yoga accessible and safe for anybody!
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Aimee Marshall
Aimee has a B.S. in Organizational Management from Ashford University. She has been teaching all modalities of group exercise and has been a personal trainer for over 24 years.
Aimee began her YogaFit journey in 2001 and because of the connection she felt for the program, she fast tracked her way through the 200 hours.
Aimee holds certifications from ACE, AFAA, Pilates Mat and Apparatus, Spinning, Resit-A-Ball and Zumba. She completed her 200 hour Yoga Alliance Certification through YogaFit.
When not training, Aimee teaches various fitness classes in the Berkshires, Massachusetts and is the Group Exercise Director at the Berkshire West Athletic Club. She also enjoys spending time with her family, especially her nephew, Nicholas, and her four – legged children (all 8 of them!)
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Josh
McGirk
Josh McGirk has his E-RYT 200 from Yoga Alliance, a BS in Biology and Chemistry, speaks five languages, is a certified Senior Strength Trainer, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, ACE Certified Group Exercise, Aerial Yoga Trainer, Black Belt Shao-Lin Kung Fu, BTS Lead Instructor at six gyms in Denver, and is certified in all SilverSneaker programs.
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Theresa
Merz
Theresa is YogaFit’s
International Trainer, speaks three languages and has
taught a variety of people from 4 to 90 from many different
cultures. She has been in the fitness industry for
20+ years and has practiced yoga on and off since 1981.
While studying engineering, she discovered yoga was
the perfect escape for the goal oriented behavior of
a woman engineer. A graduate from South Dakota School
of Mines and Technology, she decided to focus on human
body movement at a Masters level. Theresa is an ACE/AFAA
continuing education provider, and certified in group
fitness, personal training, Pilates, YogaFit®,
RYT, Medical Exercise Specialist, Master Water Fitness
Instructor, and Older Adult Trainer.
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Claudia
Micco
Claudia Micco has joined
YogaFit’s Training Staff. She holds
an RYT and EYRT and she will be adding a
lot of cutting edge Mind Body Programming
to our growing list of offerings.
Claudia has been teaching Mind/Body Exercise since 1985. She is the creator
HypnoFit, a method blending hypnotherapy, personal wellness training
and massage. Claudia spent several years traveling the teaching these
techniques to instructors throughout Europe.
Currently, she specializes in Hawaiian Healing techniques and is a
licensed Massage Therapist and Hypnotherapist. In addition, she has
teaches Yoga,
Tai Chi, Pilates and Bioenergetic exercise for stress reduction. Claudia
studied with the esteemed Gloria Keeling for 10 years in Maui. She was
formerly program director of Strong, Stretched & Centered Mind/Body
Institute of Maui and is the Wellness Coordinator for the Ritz Carlton
Maui.
Claudia will be presenting at many MBF’s in 07 and is a lead
presenter for Boston Mosaic 2 Nov 8-12 2006.
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Emily Morris
Emily Morris has been in the fitness industry since 1996. What first began as a hobby has now led to countless hours inspiring others to a world of fitness and yoga. She currently holds several national certifications, including Yoga Alliance RYT-200 and E-RYT, ACE certified personal trainer, AFAA certified group exercise instructor, Arthritis Foundation trained – land and water, and a trained CPR instructor. She has a bachelor's degree from Missouri State University and manages full-time a continuing care retirement community's fitness center. On the side, she teaches a broad spectrum of fitness classes at local Y's, for corporations, in private studios, and also does in-home personal training. She feels her background in broadcast journalism helps her easily communicate and connect on an intimate level with all of her participants. As part of the YogaFit team, Emily knows she is blessed to work alongside an amazing group of knowledgeable individuals.
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Robin Mosley
After many years of dance and group exercise, Robin naturally found her way in to the world of yoga. After attending her first Level 1 training with YogaFit, she was completely transformed by the strong focus on letting go of competition and judgement. This approach to physical activity was totally foreign and yet, entirely refreshing to her.
Robin has taught yoga at universities, military bases, gyms and studios of all sorts. From California to Georgia and Belize to Japan, Robin has had the pleasure of interacting with students all around the world.
Robin has studied at the University of San Diego, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Utah. She holds a B.A. in Theological & Religious Studies, an M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science as well as ACE Group Fitness Instructor and ACSM Personal Trainer certifications. She loves all things health & fitness and has served as a wellness coach in a variety of clinical settings, working with individuals and groups on creating and sustaining healthy behavior changes.
Robin adores her family, mostly in Southern California, and loves to travel, run, and see live music when she isn’t doing yoga.
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Sybil Nance
Sybil Nance was the fitness coordinator at a small fitness and Racquet club in Portland Oregon. When asked to find a yoga teacher she was having a difficult time finding just the right person. In her wisdom she looked on line and found Yoga Fit. So in 1999 Sybil took her level one training with Beth Shaw and then soon went on to complete several more levels and became a Senior Master Trainer. Sybil has always been involved in the international expansion of YogaFit with trainings throughout Canada, and she has presented and lead trainings in Britain, Brazil, and Taiwan.
Sybil brings easy going relaxed nature along with her love of spreading the yoga message to her exciting International trainings.
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Barbara
Nobles
Having been in the
fitness industry since 1988, Barbara Nobles
has taught just about every group exercise
class out there. Realizing that she couldn't
continue at this pace forever she began looking
for a kinder form of activity to add to her
repertoire. Barbara began practicing Yoga
as a student in 1998 and attended her first
YogaFit training in 1999, she immediately
knew that she had found what she was looking
for.
In 2003 Barbara decided to turn her lifelong vision into a reality and
Body Benefits, an exclusive fitness studio, opened for business. In addition
to being the sole owner of Body Benefits, Barbara is also a guest columnist
for the local paper and has appeared in the fitness segments for the
local news.
When not at work Barbara loves spending time at home with her Husband,
Mark and their standard poodle, Toebear. As certified scuba divers, vacations
always involve tropical locations with diving opportunities.
In addition to being a YogaFit trainer and a 200 hour Registered Yoga
Teacher with Yoga Alliance Barbara also holds the following certifications:
ACE Personal Trainer, IFPA Personal Trainer, AFAA Group Exercise Instructor,
Johnny G Star 3 Spinning Instructor, Karobics Kickboxing Instructor,
AEA Aqua Instructor, Mississippi Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation
Arthritic Aquatic Instructor.
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Mark Norwich
Mark began teaching group fitness as a Step instructor
in 1993. In the summer of 2002, he attended his
first YogaFit class and slowly began to integrate
that into his personal fitness program. Fully
appreciating the benefits that this had, he took
his first YogaFit training and began to teach
at the facility where he was already an instructor.
He also discovered the beauty of the YogaFit
program, continuing his education and becoming
a Registered Yoga Teacher in October 2006. Before
his RYT journey came to an end, Mark knew that
he wanted to still be a part of these trainings,
but on the other side of the mat, and he is continuing
on that journey today.
Mark lives in Concord, NC with his wife and son. In addition to teaching yoga, he also leads Spinning and weight training classes and is an E-RYT as well as ACE certified. Mark leads a variety of YogaFit levels and specialty classes.
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Katie Pearson
Katie has always embraced fitness and wellness as a lifestyle. In 1995 she began writing for CareWise, an international health care education company. Shortly thereafter she started teaching group exercise classes, from Step Aerobics to Super Abs, as well as working privately with prenatal and postpartum clients. In 2003 Katie became a Master Teacher Trainer for YogaFit International Training Systems, certifying yoga instructors across the country to teach a wide variety of yoga classes from YogaCore to YogaFit Kids - an opportunity that has taught her that this ancient practice truly is for everybody and every body. In the last several years Katie has owned a yoga studio, appeared on several DVDs, was Project Consultant for Beth Shaw’s YogaFit, Second Edition (reviewed by Oprah Magazine), published fitness articles, continued to teach yoga and yoga workshops, as well as worked as a writer and personal counselor for iChange, an online nutrition and weight management company. Katie is ACE-certified as both a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor, and is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) through Yoga Alliance.
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Skila Ramirez
Skila began practicing yoga in 2002 as a healthy alternative to prescription drugs for pain management stemming from a car accident. After several years of practicing with many respected yoga instructors and attending several clinics, she became a certified yoga teacher. Yoga has not only given her a healthy way to manage chronic back and neck pain but has also aided her in body acceptance and helper her to maintain a healthy body-weight (she has lost 50 pounds and kept it off for over 10 years).
Skila teaches various styles of yoga and several specialty courses. A professional in her field, her certifications and trainings include: 200-hr RYT, NASM Personal Trainer, ACE and AFAA group exercise, Silver Sneakers, PilatesFit, Kids In Motion, and more. Her knowledge of diverse training methods compliments her yoga practice. She embraces her past injury as an opportunity to understand and help others with pain management and body acceptance. "We should love where we are today. In each moment, we are given a divine opportunity to enjoy life."
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Linda
Roseborough
Linda is YogaFit’s Canadian Trainer and
has been involved in the health and wellness
industry for over 18 years. As a registered kinesiologist
and Health and Wellness Advisor for the University
of British Columbia, Linda is an active instructor,
trainer presenter, program coordinator and freelance
media and print journalist.
With her degree in exercise science, Linda found that YogaFit blended naturally
with her training and yet provided the spiritual aspects of yoga that she
so desired. Yoga has greatly improved her strength and flexibility while
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Linda Rowe
Linda started her professional health and fitness career in 1994 as a Doctor of Chiropractic, graduating with honors (magna cum laude) from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. Her interest in fitness led her to become a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician in 2000. Linda's chiropractic practice was inside a popular fitness gym while living in Southern California.
Linda's yoga journey began in 1998 with Beth Shaw at Beth's original YogaFit studio in Hermosa Beach. Linda was immediately drawn to Beth's classes and the YogaFit style. She attended Beth's classes regularly for several years and then decided to become a yoga teacher herself.
Linda is currently a RYT (200hr) with Yoga Alliance and holds an ACE personal trainer certification. Linda combines the art and science of chiropractic and yoga in her current chiropractic practice, ChiRoweYoga LLC, located inside Poise Studio in Beaverton, Oregon. Linda is the author of YogaFit's current Yoga Therapy program.
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Carol Shankland
Carol lives in Colorado and has been teaching fitness to all ages
since 1980, and training for YogaFit since 2003. Her degree as a Physical Educator
has given her the opportunity to teach in
schools, colleges, health clubs, corporations
and Air Force bases all over the country.
She likes to collect certifications including:
ACE and AFAA Primary, STEP, Kickboxing, ESA
Personal Trainer, Mat Science 1&2, and
PiYo 1-5. Carol is a Yoga Alliance 200 RYT and ERYT and is a Senior Trainer for YogaFit.
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Laurie Schoonmaker
Having taught group fitness classes since she was sixteen years old, Laurie brings a strong fitness background to her yoga classes. She is certified in Johnny G Spinning, Les Mills BodyPump, and Russian Kettlebells. Her main teaching focus is to "bridge the gap" for fitness buffs, bringing them from the gym mat to the yoga mat. Her extensive knowledge and experience teaching group fitness allows her to connect with her students and athletes in easy language and descriptive physical explanations to find the yogi within.
Laurie personally enjoys an active lifestyle of running, cycling, kayaking, rollerblading, and weight training...and insists that her regular yoga practice is what enables her to keep physically active without injury.
Laurie has spent time studying with renowned yogi's David Swenson (Ashtanga), John Friend (Anusara), Doug Swenson, and John Keller.
She is also an attorney; licensed with both the Ohio and the Florida Bar. She likes to keep her law practice in balance with her yoga practice.
Laurie's dedication to health and fitness is an inspiration to all and her motto is helping women to age more gracefully.
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Katie
Schuver
Katie has been involved in the health, fitness, and sport industry for over 12 years and began her YogaFit journey in 2002. Katie holds several national certifications, including ACE certified personal trainer and group exercises instructor, AFAA certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor, and Yoga Alliance E-RYT 200. She has a master’s degree from Gonzaga University and is currently a doctoral student at the University of Minnesota. Katie is honored to be a part of the YogaFit community and looks to create an environment of empowerment and inspiration in her classes, where individuals can recognize the true beauty of self-acceptance. |
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Jenn Tarrant
Yoga found Jenn at a time in her life filled with challenges and changes. After initially coming to class in hopes of a great cross-training option from hours spent running, Jenn found that yoga offered a safe haven from the pushes and pulls of life. Yoga quickly became a place of peace in the middle of the daily demands of life. Now, Jenn embodies a life of joy by living and enjoying each moment. It is Jenn’s desire to create experiences within yoga class where others can also find peace, presence and joy.
Jenn began her journey with YogaFit in 2007. At the end of her first Level 1 Training, she was inspired to not only complete her 200 Hour training, but to also become a Lead Trainer someday. Each training confirmed and strengthened this desire until she joined the Team of YogaFit Trainers in early 2010. While teaching yoga brings joy every day, having the opportunity to teach other yoga teachers is like icing on the cake. Empowering others to bring the gift of yoga into their own communities makes her heart soar.
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Rachel Wilson
Driven and ambitious, Rachel was on the fast track to career land, recieving her B.A. in marketing and beginning law school. When stress and some major life changes forced her to slow down, she took some time to stop and actually think about what she truly wanted to do. Considering her life-long love of sports and fitness, she decided that just maybe she could find great fulfillment by taking her passions and making a career out of them.
Six months later, Rachel began personal training and teaching yoga, and the real journey began. She is an ACE certified Personal-trainer, holds RPM and Zumba certifications, and is a trained pilates instructor on both mat and apparatus. In Yoga, Rachel's true love, she is an RYT-200 and has been teaching in the YogaFit style for over 6 years.
An avid runner, Rachel has competed in many marathons including Boston. She is a triathlete, a lover of music and dance, an adventurous traveler, a total daredevil, and a tender and sensitive spirit. The moving meditation of vinyasa yoga has been liberating and healing on so many levels for Rachel, and she is full of passion to share this incredible gift with others.
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Rose
Zahnn
Rose Zahnn is the Founder of Healthy Habits Fitness, Yoga and Pilates Studios in California. A UCLA graduate and a fitness professional for over 20 years, Rose holds a variety of certifications in the fitness and health fields. She is a Master Trainer for YogaFit and Balletone, and the creator of PilatesFit, Dancelicious and the Learn to Be Lean Program. Rose enjoys sharing the joy of movement in videos, magazines and television, as well as through instructor trainings and classes around the world.
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Felicia
Tamasko
Felicia Marie Tamasko inspires people to follow the path to personal freedom and vibrant health through Yoga and Ayerveda. Her practice includes teaching Yoga in studios, teacher trainings and conferences as well as a private practice in the healing tradition of Averyada, a system of holistic and integrative medicine native to India.
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Christy
Plaugher
Christy Plaugher is a veteran fitness professional with a passion for incorporating the continually developing science and spirit of the profession to promote wellness among people she has the privilege to coach/train/instruct. She is a 1993 graduate of the University of Cinncinnati where she earned a degree in Health Education with an emphasis in community health and cardiovascular fitness. During her fitness career, Christy has fulfilled many rolls including group fitness instructor, instructor staff manager, personal trainer, fitness center manager and fitness studio owner/operator. Christy’s interest in Yoga began in 1995. She has since enjoyed growing her own personal practice using many different styles of Yoga. Upon being exposed to YogaFit, Christy decided to pursue becoming an instructor and completed her two hundred hour RYT training in July, 2008.
In addition to Yoga Alliance RYT 200 certification, Christy holds certifications through American Council on Exercise, Mad Dog Athletics Spinning and Stott Pilates.
Christy lives in Granville, Ohio with her husband Kevin and daughters, Kate and Lily.
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Adi
Vajra
Adi Vajra invites seekers of Truth into the direct path of peace and freedom right now. Since he was a young boy, Adi had been interested in knowing Truth and, in 2003, experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He began teaching later at the request of his shamanic teacher, Medicine Eagle. Adi journeyed to India in search of an enlightened master, and found the non-dual teachings that have been his passion ever since. Adi Vajra has spent tens of thousands of hours teaching, studying, and practicing the Direct Path. Adi is grateful for the wisdom of his teachers in Truth, and the great Masters he has been instructed by, including Sri Ramana Maharshi, Gangaji, Buddha, Jesus, Adyashanti, Paramahansa Yogananda, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Suzuki Roshi, and Elle Collier Re amongst others.
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