Audrey Allen - I began my practice of yoga in 1997 when I took my first class and was hooked for life. I was drawn to teach yoga through a deep desire to share the joy and many benefits of the practice with others. As co-owner of The Yoga Company, I see and hear amazing stories of transformation through yoga every day. My intention for my classes is that they be a safe place for students to come and discover their own inner strength and peace. I truly want people to understand that they are their own best teacher, and that you only need to quiet the mind, to reveal the answers within you. My classes focus on moving the breath consciously through the body, moving from and strengthening the core, a bit of sweat and some lighthearted fun.
Malia Hill
I went to my first yoga class in 1995. I felt so awkward and uncoordinated that I never went back. In 2004 I was dragged to a yoga class by a friend. The class was taught by an amazing teacher who changed my life forever. Through my teacher’s guidance I became more aware of and more inside of my body. As my yoga practice deepened, I started to become more honest with myself. I made changes in my life that I had always been afraid to make. I learned to deal with stress and challenge in healthier ways. My teacher passed away, but left a legacy of changing lives through teaching yoga. She has inspired me to want to do the same. I was lucky to have taken Teacher Training at The Yoga Company under Gloria Capron and Audrey Allen’s diverse instruction. Come to my flow class prepared to have fun, sweat, and listen to some great rock and roll and hip hop! My pre and post natal class for expecting and new mothers is gentle while still giving you a workout.
Jan Miller [& Jack LaLane]
I have a BFA in Ballet Pedagogy. After I finished dancing I got into the fitness industry. I taught group exercise (aerobics, toning, stretch classes) for 20 years. The last six years, of which, I added personal training. I am a licensed massage therapist. My massage training included the study of Tai Chi. Technique is an integral part of my teaching to assure longevity and safety of the practice. Dance was very inspiring to me, I missed that when teaching fitness, I have found that inspiration again in Yoga. I love teaching and I learn so much from my students. The music that I use ranges from opera, to classical, to new age, to classics. Yoga is about finding freedom, opening up, finding self. Bring an open mind, heart, and body to class and bring a towel.
Gloria Capron -
I love teaching yoga! Our bodies are the vehicles we use to traverse these busy, sometimes hectic lives. Through the practice of yoga we revitalize our bodies and enhance every aspect of living. Yoga is not a religion but for some it provides an avenue for our spiritual exploration. I have been studying yoga since 1995 and teaching yoga since 2000. I have graduated from the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Fransicso at the 500 hour level. Some of my additional studies include Yoga Trance Dance Teacher training with Shiva Rae, studies at The Chopra Center, Prenatel Teacher Training Certification and Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique training. Music has profound healing properties and the music I use in class is an eclectic blend of soft rock, jazz, new age, and various pieces of healing instrumental music.. My intention is to share the exploration of living and that we leave class feeling joyous and uplifted.
Audrey Allen and I share the ownership of The Yoga Company and I am greatful to say that I also have the privledge of being the Director of Teacher Training.
Amy Ploeckelman
When I graduated from UW-Milwaukee in 2002 with a degree in Kinesiology and Athletic Training/Sports Medicine I had no idea that the road would take me to California where I changed my life and my focus to healing myself and facilitating healing in others through bodywork and exercise. I have found it is true what they say, “Exercise is the best medicine”. Before moving to California in the late summer of 2004, I worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer for many sports teams and athletes. From the Milwaukee Ballet company where I worked as the Head Athletic Trainer to traveling tournaments for USA Volleyball to College football to soccer tourneys, etc. they all started me on the path to finding something deeper in the healing and injury recovery process. After getting certified in Acupressure I studied various other bodywork modalities and techniques that added to my bag of tricks. My path is currently taking me on the journey of becoming a Yoga Teacher through The Yoga Company Teacher Training program. My extensive background in the mind-body connection, athletic injuries and healing have opened new doors for me when teaching exercise classes and rehabilitating injuries. I am honored to motivate, educate, and support others on their journey through these modalities. When you come to class be prepared to work and have a great time doing it. I believe in being upbeat, positive and energetic while maintaining focus and balance…time will go by very quickly and you will leave with a smile, knowing you have been served well!
Mike Brabant
In 2007 I had my first taste of prana through the healing practice of
Reiki and it forever changed my life. I found myself wandering into
Gloria Capron's Kundalini class as a timid spiritual seeker and found
my path with yoga. My thirst for growth and openness to self-discovery
has led me to subtler levels of mind, body, and spirit awareness that
deepens my experience of life.
Teaching has given me an opportunity to serve others and
be a channel of the divine flow of energy. Mindfulness, pranayama,
Hatha, Restorative, and Kundalini yoga all play a part in my
sequencing and approach to class. My class is appropriate for all levels of student as I offer many variations for the postures. I am humbled by the opportunity to
join you on your path.
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Jennifer Keenan
I have been an athlete all of my life. I played competitive sports in school and earned my BS in physiology at UC Davis. It was only natural that I become a certified exercise instructor, and take my “love for working out” and share it with others. I love to sweat. I want to inspire and encourage others the same way. My goal is to unveil the strength that is inside all of us. I want everyone to be aware of all parts of their body, not just the ones we can see. We are only as strong as our weakest part. In barre fusion class, you will sweat! By combining, pilates, yoga, ballet, and athletic moves, you will get an all over body workout. Because there is deep, yoga stretching between moves, your muscles will not only get stronger, but longer as well.
BJ Jesse Wandering into a Yoga class at the gym several years ago, I was unaware how profound this "exercise" could Be. Emotional strength through the asana practice was nothing short of a miraculous reality. Yoga's deep healing on a physical and emotional level turned my "wandering" into intentional direction. Classes and workshops from a variety of teachers, studios and disciplines over several years and completing TYC's teacher training under Gloria Capron has given me jewels I wish to share and discover with fellow practitioners. Coming from over a dozen years of working with spiritual leaders and directing an educational program involving dance, art and music, the connection between body and spirit is central in my approach heavily influenced by the wisdom of Purna and the strength of Iyengar methods. My classes, like nature around us, can range physically from energetic grounding to calm centering. Musically classes range from pop to classical. Always, the direction of movement is towards and from the heart inviting you to discover who you are andwho you might become.
Danelle Lateur -I teach Yoga because I believe in the power of Yoga to promote profound healing of the mind and the body. I experienced
the power of Yoga within my own body while battling a debilitating depressive episode in 2002. I met Ana Forrest in 2003 and was immediately drawn to the intensity of Forrest Yoga and it's ability to help me work powerfully yet safely. I completed the month long 200 hour teacher training with Ana in 2006. I am committed to do my part in helping others work through thier physical and/or emotional pain so that we may walk a little lighter on the earth. My classes are challenging, sweaty, fun and freeing. You do not have to bring strength or flexibility to my class, only bring your willingness to learn, and work openly and honestly.
Penny Townsend
I entered the world of yoga about 10 years ago, looking for a way to recover from my first Multiple Sclerosis attack. At the time of diagnosis, I was literally numb from my chest down, and unable to easily move around or pick anything up. Having previously taught dance for 12 years with a professional qualification from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, I had competed, taught and choreographed dancers and shows. I was suddenly made a prisoner of my own body. Recovery was slow, but yoga transformed my view of myself, and also breathed freedom into my muscles and joints. Yoga is truly accessible by all and can help us feel healthy no matter what our age or situation. I recently started teaching yoga to share my experiences with others, having studied under Audrey Allen and Gloria Capron.
Casey Walles
Yoga came to me at about age 18. I was struggling with chemical dependency, depression, and white knuckling my way through some general ed at community college. I was at a crossroads in my life... Trying to decide what to do with myself. The answers were not so clear and good sleep was hard to come by. One morning around 3 or 4 in the morning I got tired of tossing and turning, turned on the television, and my life was forever changed. There were these guys that had to be in their 70's or so doing yoga, so I tried it, and I felt so good the rest of that day. Yoga had found me, and I could feel a shift in my being.
The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yuj meaning union or communion. This is the basis of my practice; The eight limbs of yoga. I definitely believe in the power of asana (pose) practice. We can also eat, breathe, & sleep our yoga by practicing presence, non-attatchment, kindness, and just allowing the sweet essence of ourselves to shine through.
In my classes you can expect an eclectic blend of music and yoga. I did my teacher training at Downtown Yoga with an Iyengar inspired teacher, and I have a love for flow, so My classes are a good blend of holding poses, and flowing from one pose to the next. I teach with love, compassion and playfulness. Live inspired, and let all that you do inspire. Breathe it in, and live your yoga. I look forward to practicing with you.
Noel Sivazlian
My yogic path began about 11 years ago. I received a book on ayurveda and yoga as a gift and by the first chapter I knew that yoga would forever be a part of my life. In 2001, I attended the month long teacher training at Kripalu and have since studied in other tradtions, mainly Anusara, Sivananda and Ashtanga.I recently have enrolled in the American Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and eventually hope to become an ayurvedic therapist. I primarily like to teach a traditonal yoga class, that includes pranayama, attention to alignment, and holding poses while watching the breath. My intention as a teacher is to create an enviroment that is safe, fun and informative , leaving the student with a greater sense of self awareness.
Michelle Kissinger- My intention is that my classes be upbeat and inspiring at all levels: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. My classes are challenging but accessible to all. I work to make each of my classes original and unique, I consider myself a life-long student of yoga, and look forward to meeting each student with a sense of curiosity as well as a heart of compassion for each individual's life path. I completed a comprehensive 200 hour training at The Yoga Company/Greenpath Yoga in San Ramon in 2006 and continue my on-going studies with Judith Lasater, Tias Little, Tim Thompson, Seane Corn, Ramanand Patel and Paul Grilley. Pleae visit my website at www.abundantzestforlife.com.
Deb Stone -My inspiration as a teacher is to empower the student in thier personal journey to self discovery and healing. Classes focus on a physical foundation based in alighnment and meditaiton with the intention of connecting oneself to the intuitive nature of the heart center. Classes are multi-leveled, suitable for beginners but layered with opportunity for challenge and growth for the intermediate student. A student and techer of Yoga for 10 years, I feel honored to have received my education and in depth apprenticeship with world renowned teacher Aaidel Palkhivala. I teach publicly and privately throughtout the Bay area as well as retreats internationally.
Contact Deb @ myfavoritethingz@comcast.net
Roberta Wilson
My first experience with Yoga began with a referral from a friend “try Yoga, it is harder than lifting weights”. The physical challenge was great, but I knew right away there something much more profound than the physical practice. By the end of my first Yoga class I knew I wanted to become a teacher. I was certified through Kripalu in 2002, and have subsequently finished the 500 hour advanced training. In addition to Kripalu I have spent many hours studying with Judith Lasater, John Friend and Ana Forrest. The practice is an eclectic blend of these traditions with a strong emphasis on Pranayama, proper alignment and relaxation. My intention is to offer a safe place to ride the wave of sensation, a moment to be present without judgment, the opportunity to experience a practice that is life enhancing. The room is kept at a comfortable temperature. Music designed to aid in relaxation, including instrumental Yoga music and chanting, create a comfortable space in which to explore.
Krista Parker
I wish I had a life altering story to explain why I got into yoga, but I don't. I'm not sure I was looking for yoga, but it definitely found me. I was at a point where I needed a physical activity other than regular gymwork, and very unmotivated and unsure what to try. I had two babies at home, a job and was suffering from aches and pains that made me feel far older than my years. I took one class and knew I was onto a life changing course of healing and a new sense of calm. After 8 years, my passion naturally took me to the teacher training at the Yoga Company. I'm excited to share my passion with others.
Stacy McGinty
I love yoga! After my first class, I knew I was at “home.” I couldn’t believe that someone was giving me permission to just “be”..lay down and do nothing! It was like music to my ears. In 2007, I finished my 200 hour yoga certification with Kate and Jim Coughlin. I continue to educate myself and explore all aspects of yoga. Even after a decade of doing yoga, I still get that same feeling of ease and peace at the end of a practice. I love to share this with everyone. We live in a very competitive world. In yoga, we get a chance to drop the competition and truly just listen to what we need and want...for some of us for the first time ever! It’s powerful. When we practice together, you will get a chance to ground your body, work to your edge and leave very balanced. I teach a vinyasa style yoga with an Iyengar influence. Props are there if you need them. I like to have fun. Be ready to laugh, not take yourself seriously, and grow stronger and more flexible. See you on the mat
Kelli Barnett~ I love yoga. I started doing yoga after 9/11, I felt sad and depleted. Within a week, I was at the ashram in Colorado, soaking up the sun and the sun salutaions. Since that time, I have felt how a consistent practice can renew our life force even during our most challenging times. I love the strength yoga gives me and I love sharing it with anyone and everyone. My classes come from my heart. I like to make my classes accessible to all levels of students. You can expect to sweat and cleanse as I teach in a heated room. Many variations are given so we can all explore the depths of our strength and the power of our breath.
