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TEACHER HIGHLIGHTS: |
| TESTIMONIALS: What our students are saying |
YOGASPACE CO-OWNERS :
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Gloria Owens Gloria (aka "Ariel") is a co-owner of YogaSpace and a Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor who has been teaching yoga since 1994 and practicing for more than 20 years. Her popular classes offer an eclectic mix of styles in a fun and non-judgmental atmosphere, and her compassionate and intuitive teaching style makes each class a unique experience. Gloria draws inspiration from many of her teachers including Angela Farmer, Lillias Folan, Shiva Rea and Sudha Carolyn Lundeen, with whom she completed her Restorative Yoga training in 2013. Additionally, Gloria is proud to be part of the faculty for the Lotus Gardens Yoga 200hr. Teacher Training. As a talented graphic designer, visionary artist and photographer, Gloria brings her playful, creative energy to each class, and invites her students to do the same. You can check out a gallery of Gloria's fine art here and a 4-minute multimedia presentation that was shown at the United Nations in 2010 as part of the UN's Week of Spirituality and Global Concerns. Gloria teaches Mixed-Level Yoga and Kripalu Yoga. She has also written articles on yoga; see her latest at Zunity.com. Contact Gloria directly here. |
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Heather Philip Heather is a co-owner of YogaSpace and a Certified Kripalu Yoga instructor. Her moderate level classes encourage each student to work at their own pace, while challenging each individual to meet their perceived limitations with compassion and awareness. Her soothing voice helps make her class a nurturing and relaxing experience. In January of 2007 Heather created the Kripalu Yoga By Donation class at Yogaspace and continues to donate her time weekly to give back to the community. Proceeds from this class have been supporting charitable organizations locally and around the world. Find out more about the charities that have benefited from Heather's class. Contact Heather directly here. |
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Saeeda Quaisar Saeeda is a certified yoga instructor in the Himalayan tradition of Hatha yoga. She has been teaching yoga since 2011. Her knowledge of various styles such as Hatha, Kripalu, Kundalini, Anusara along with substantial understanding of the philosophy of yoga make her teaching versatile. Saeeda’s primary goal is to create an experience in her yoga classes that enriches the lives of the participants on and off the mat. In her class she invites students to connect with their body, breath and mind. She focuses on alignment along with helpful reminders to connect breath with asana. She encourages students to listen to their bodies with compassion and only go so far. Saeeda believes if you are looking to reduce stress, find balance in your life, bring harmony to relationships then you can benefit from her yoga class. Saeeda teaches Mixed-Level Yoga and Lunchtime Yoga By Donation. Contact directly Saeeda here. |
Jump to:
ALINE • CARLY • CHRISTINA • COLETTE • DINA • DOUG • GLENN • GLORIA • HEATHER • JOE • JEANINE • JESSICA • JULIET • KAREN P. • KAREN G. • KEN • KENNETH • KRISTI G. • LAURIE • LISA • LIZ • MARY • MARYELLEN • MEGAN • MIMI • MIRIAM • MISSY • NATASHA • PATTY • PENNY • SAEEDA • SHARONA • SUPRIYA • TESA • WENDY
CURRENT YOGASPACE CLASS INSTRUCTORS:
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Mary Gerdes ERYT500 spent several years in the study and practice of classical yoga and the Ashtanga discipline. In 2000 she was introduced to and became immersed in tantric teachings and the Anusara method which became her guiding focus. She has extensive training in precision alignment, therapeutics, anatomy, philosophy, meditation and a full range of complimentary practices. Mary has a profound respect for the entire yogic lineage from the historical masters to the modern revolutionaries. She is deeply grateful to the dozens of highly skilled and generous teachers with whom she has and continues to study, while she seeks to pay forward that wisdom and experience. With skill, joy, humor and enthusiasm Mary offers each student a safe and supportive environment in which to explore their own physical and spiritual greatness. Mary teaches and Hatha Flow. Read our teacher highlight article about Mary. |
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Missy Gregson |
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Aline Marie |
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Mimi Lee Mimi completed her 200 hour teacher training in hatha yoga at Yoga Haven in NY under the direction of Betsy Kase. She also had the opportunity of studying under a variety of teachers in California while living there this past year. She is nationally certified and registered with Yoga Alliance. Mimi loves to teach classes with focus on proper alignment along with helpful reminders to connect your breath with your movement. Her relaxing voice and sublime hatha/vinyasa mix will leave you smiling inside and out! Mimi teaches Gentle Flow., Gentle Yoga and Intro to Yoga. |
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Jessica Outlaw - NEW! Jessica Outlaw has been teaching yoga in the New York City area since 1999. Her teaching approach and personal practice owe a debt of gratitude to the many teachers and styles of yoga she has studied over the past 15 years. She has been greatly influenced by Shiva Rea, Erich Schiffman, Om Yoga, Laughing Lotus, Kula Yoga Project, Anusara and Iyengar Yoga. Within the nurturing and safe environment she creates Jessica leads her students on path of self-discovery by encouraging them to practice with intelligence, mindfulness and curiosity. She is also a Holistic Health Counselor and DONA trained Doula. Jessica teaches Mixed-Level Yoga and we are thrilled to add her this season to our ongoing schedule! |
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Karen Pierce A life-long student of yoga, Karen’s style is based on her extensive teaching experience and her studying with multiple lineages, teachers and styles of yoga. Karen takes what is most helpful and meaningful from a vast array of different sources and styles. She is a master of progressive teaching and every class has an intention or sequencing (krama) that is unique. Karen works with movement sequencing (asana and somatics), breath work (pranayama), mudras, energy work, and the wisdom of Ayurveda (Indian Medicine) so that the yoga can be adapted to all levels of ability. As a Yoga Therapist, Karen works one-on-one with individuals honoring ancient yoga techniques while combining modern wisdom to identify imbalances and empower the person to progress toward improved health and well-being. Karen is the author of YogaBear: Yoga for Youngsters (Northword Press, 2004) and co-contributor to Yoga in America (2009). Karen teaches Mixed-Level Yoga and is also available for private yoga sessions. Contact Karen directly at InnerSpacesbyKaren.com |
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Lisa Rosenthal Lisa is certified by Lotus Gardens Yoga School with Lara Ward and is a member of the Yoga Alliance (RYT200). She practices daily, with an emphasis on Viniyoga and Vinyasa. Lisa's classes move through poses, using breath, body, spirit, love and compassion. Lisa says, "Continuing to learn from the masters, my teachers and my students, keeps me living in gratitude and thankfulness." Lisa teaches Mixed-Level Yoga as well as Flow Into The Weekend and Fertile Yoga (a free class offered to both men and women). Check out Lisa's blog, Path To Fertility. |
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Supriya Swerdlick Supriya has been an Integral Yoga teacher since 1989, teaching Hatha Yoga and meditation with love and compassion for over two decades. A licensed massage therapist, certified Kripalu Danskinetics (YogaDance) teacher, and graduate of the New Seminary, she facilitates weddings and sacred ceremonies and has served on the staff of Omega Institute since 1995. Supriya teaches Gentle Yoga and leads our Drum & Dance events at YogaSpace. (see special events). |
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Wendy Verga Wendy is a licensed Physical Therapist who specialized in back care, postural alignment and ergonomics. As a Yoga Instructor, her practice is based on the principles of Anusara Yoga, noted for it’s emphasis on alignment and recognition of our inherent goodness. Wendy is a supportive teacher who uses her background in anatomy, therapeutics and kinetics to safely guide her students through a fun, yet challenging practice; encouraging a sense of curiosity and self discovery. She firmly believes that the lessons we learn on the mat can be applied to our everyday lives. In our search for health, happiness and peace, our yoga practice can keep us grounded and focused, and provide perspective when managing life’s challenges. Wendy teaches Mixed-Level Yoga. |
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Colette White Colette White is an avid student of yoga who has approached the exploration of her body, mind, and heart with boundless curiosity and a delightful sense of humor. She is a supportive teacher with a keen eye and an open heart. Her training as an Early Childhood educator informs her teaching and makes her a sensitive listener. Colette has studied a variety of styles of yoga but her heart lies with Anusara Yoga. She is grateful to the teachers who have supported her on her journey, including John Friend, Bernadette Birney, Moses Brown, Suzie Hurley, Todd Norian, Susan Rubin, Mary Gerdes, Annie Hampford, and Ross Rayburn. Collette teaches Mixed-Level Yoga and Not-So-Gentle Yoga. |
Jump to:
ALINE • CARLY • CHRISTINA • COLETTE • DINA • DOUG • GLENN • GLORIA • HEATHER • JOE • JEANINE • JESSICA • JULIET • KAREN P. • KAREN G. • KEN • KENNETH • KRISTI G. • LAURIE • LISA • LIZ • MARY • MARYELLEN • MEGAN • MIMI • MIRIAM • MISSY • NATASHA • PATTY • PENNY • SAEEDA • SHARONA • SUPRIYA • TESA • WENDY
GUEST INSTRUCTORS & SPECIAL EVENT LEADERS:
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Juliet Ben-Ami - NEW! We are thrilled to officially welcome the jubilant Juliet Ben-Ami to our teaching staff! Juliet comes to us with a diverse background in yoga, martial arts and fitness. She is a 200-hr. certified Yoga teacher through Lotus Gardens Yoga School and a personal trainer, with experience in Bikram Yoga as well. She has been assisting our Wednesday evening Kripalu Yoga class at YogaSpace, where she has also been mentored by YogaSpace owner, Gloria Owens. Juliet brings her youthful, vibrant energy and radiant smile to her classes. "Juliet's confidence, compassion, presence and ease defy her age", says Gloria. "She's simply a Natural!" |
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Megan Carr Megan is an avid yoga practitioner and RYT certified Ashtanga instructor. Her journey into yoga began many years ago when she first attended power yoga class at a local gym. A busy professional during the day, she found that the meditative quality of yoga helped her to realize greater mental calm and focus at work. Narrowing her studies to Ashtanga, Megan has been practicing at The Yoga Shala in Georgetown, CT and was certified by Valerie Schniederman, talented instructor and student of Tim Miller. |
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Penny Cidri Penny brings gentleness and compassion to her work in helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle. She earned her Health Fitness Specialist Certification through the American College of Sports Medicine and her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Certification under the direction of Lara Ward. In 2009, Penny continues to share her knowledge and passion for wellness and became a Certified Wellness Coach. As a former 9-to-5-er, she understands the necessity of keeping the body flexible and fit when much of our lives are spent close behind a desk. As a health and fitness enthusiast, Penny has successfully motivated many students of varying abilities and ages, providing them with the tools necessary to achieve their individual goals and stay active for a lifetime. |
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Sharona Fein Sharona Fein has been a practitioner and teacher of energy healing for over 25 years and is and certified Integral Yoga teacher. Formerly the director and creative force behind The Healing Arts Community of CT, she has reinvented herself yet again, immersing herself in the study and practice of Thai Yoga Body Therapy while doing extensive trainings in Canada, Thailand and Loas. Sharona offers private Thai Yoga Body Therapy sessions at YogaSpace. A "woman of the world" in the best sense of the word, Sharona teaches Mixed-Level Yoga and occasional Thai Yoga Body Therapy workshops when she is not circumventing the globe. (see special events). |
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Dina Ferrante Dina is a former co-owner of Yogaspace and Yoga Alliance certified through Devalila Yoga (“Divine Play” in Sanskrit) in Lambertville, NJ. Dina has combined her training and other studies with nationally recognized teachers, to create her own unique style of yoga; guiding students through the process of gently releasing tension held deep within the body. Her style is playful and free-flowing, invigorating and relaxing. Dina’s detailed instruction with careful attention on alignment and breath gives students the opportunity to become deeply connected with all aspects of themselves. Her philosophy is that after yoga practice you should not only feel better in your body, but better about your life. In the summer of 2011 Dina moved to Colorado. We will certainly miss her! Contact Dina directly via email here and check out her website, dinaferrantecoaching.com |
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Christina Gondolfi Christina is a 200 hour certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher and has been practicing yoga since 2006. Her yoga practice began as a way to stretch after cycling class and has evolved into an exploration of the body, mind and spirit in moving meditation. She encourages students to experience yoga from the inside out, living their personal truth on and off the mat. Christina occasionally leads our Yoga Basics class for beginners. |
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Doug Greene Doug Greene is a 500-hour Kripalu Certified teacher who has studied the Eastern metaphysical and mystical arts and sciences - Yoga, Reiki, Pranic Healing, Ayurveda and Yoga Tantra - on a continuing basis since 1972. Doug teaches the transformational aspects of yoga as a process of compassionate inquiry, evolution and growth. He credits his practice of Yoga for helping to manage stress and to maintain his health, both physically and mentally. He is an avid snowboarder, hiker and surfer, as well as a veteran volunteer firefighter and enjoys woodworking, boatbuilding, piano, music and photography. Doug leads our Yoga For Men classes as well as occasional special events. Read our teacher highlight article about Doug. |
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Kristi Gunnarshaug Kristi is a graduate of Lotus Gardens Yoga School's 200 hour certificate program and is currently working on her 500 hour certificate. She is a graduate of Connecticut Center of Massage Therapy in Newington. Kristi has a passion for yoga that came through her practice several years ago. She fell in love with yoga due to the over-whelming feeling of peace and acceptance that the yoga practice gave her. She has taught classes to different populations from those with physical disabilities to 'seasoned' yogis, from children to teens to adults. She teaches with a light sense of humor while holding the practice sacred at the same time. |
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Joe Gillotti As a student and devotee of the late Rev. Sri Swami Satchidananda for more than three decades, Joe has studied and practiced the ancient science of Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga (Yogic Philosophy) as taught by his teacher and the Integral Yoga Institute. He completed his Integral Yoga Teaching Certification in 1974 and has been providing Hatha Yoga classes and Yoga Philosophy talks to a wide range of students; from college students to cancer patients and everyone in between. Joe's extensive knowledge and ability to share the depth of Hatha Yoga (postures), Raja Yoga (philosophy), Pranayama (breath control) and most recently Laughter Yoga, makes him a terrifc resource and guide for students at YogaSpace. Joe is married to Yoga teacher Karen Gillotti (below). Joe leads ocassional classes & workshops at YogaSpace. (see special events). |
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Karen Gillotti Karen is certified in Integral Hatha Yoga (beginner to advanced) as well as in Prenatal, Postpartum and yoga for cardiac patients. She has been teaching for 13 years in a variety of settings. Through self study and personal practice, Karen also has knowledge of Viniyoga, Kripalu Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and likes to incorporate and blend various styles of yoga in her classes. Besides the physical postures, she also teaches pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation and deep relaxation. She is married to Joe Gillotti (above). Both Karen and Joe have been teaching at YogaSpace since our inception in 2001. |
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Carly Hilliard Carly has spent the last few years of her life deeply involved in learning the arts of yoga, massage therapy and a variety of healing techniques. She graduated from Kripalu with Certifications in Yoga and Massage Therapy. During her time at Kripalu, Carly had the opportunity to volunteer for a year, during which she took a variety of courses, included were Kundalini Yoga, Journey Dance, and more. Although she is relatively new to teaching yoga, she has been practicing for years. Carly is most passionate about helping students how to focus in on their own self awareness and self love. |
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Kenneth Hoffman, L.Ac, Ken trained under the tutelage of a Taoist medical and qi gong master in the 1990s where he began learning the art of Chinese healing through Tai Qi, Qi Gong, Herbology, Tui Na (Chinese medical massage). He then went on to finish a 4 year Chinese medical school program at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and has been teaching Tai Chi for over 10 years. He is the medical director for Sophia Natural Health Center in Brookfield, one of the largest acupuncture and Oriental medicine centers in CT, where his specialties are hormone conditions, allergies, pain and medical thermography. Ken brings a wealth of Eastern knowledge to his accessable classes, perfect for Westerners! He occasionally leads our Tai Chi Fusion class. |
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Laurie Mayper Laurie Mayper, RYT, is registered with the Yoga Alliance. She is certified at the 200 hour level through YOGAspirit Studios and Level 1 through YogaFit. Originally a gymnast and dancer, she is certified by the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America for Group Exercise Primary and Mat Science I and II. She holds Pilates, Personal Training, and Group Exercise certifications through the YMCA of the USA. She has attended workshops in Pi/Yo Strength Fusion, and with prominent national teachers: Beryl Bender Birch, Seane Corn, Yoganand, Rolf Gates, Todd Norian, and Ann Greene. Laurie encourages students to practice at their own level and own range of motion to avoid injury and increase enjoyment. Laurie occasionally teaches Pilates Fusion and/or Yoga classes at YogaSpace. |
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Natasha Raymond Natasha is the original founder of YogaSpace and was a professional journalist prior to opening the studio in 2001. She has always been motivated to help others access the truth and realize their highest potential. She uses her gift with words and depth of practice to lead students in a form of moving meditation that heals the mind, soothes the soul and frees the spirit. Certified in Ashtanga and Integral Yoga as well as SomaSoul, Natasha is natural, heart-centered teacher. She views students and clients with enormous compassion and understanding from the perspective of the mind, body and spirit and sees each person as a whole, unique beings. Natasha offers private Yoga Therapy sessions. Natasha moved to California with fellow yoga teacher Glenn Tucker in the Spring of 2013. We will miss her! She would love to keep in touch with YogaSpace students and friends. You can contact Natasha directly here. |
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Jeanine Schimel Jeanine began her yoga practice in 1997 when her future husband took her to her first class. Six months later she took her first class at the Jivamukti Yoga School on 2nd Avenue in NYC. Jivamukti's asana practice, spiritual teachings, and focus on ethical practices inspired her yogic lifestyle. She completed the 800 hour Jivamukti Yoga teacher training program in 2001, apprenticed with Sharon Gannon, and received her Advanced Certification in 2010. Jeanine lives in New York City and Connecticut where she teaches open, basic, prenatal, and private Jivamukti Yoga classes. She thanks her family, students, and teachers, Sharon Gannon and David Life, for their love, inspiration, encouragement and teachings. Jeanine leads occasional Jivamukti Yoga workshops and classes at YogaSpace. |
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Ken Sprano (Jai Bhava) Jai Bhava has been studying holistic health, yoga, counseling, massage therapy, and eastern philosophy for over 30 years. He has studied at such places as Yale University, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, Integral Yoga Institute, University of Connecticut, Woodbury Yoga Center, Harvard University, Connecticut College, and Kripalu Center for Holistic Health. He shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with a kind, open heart. Jai Bhava teaches ocassional Meditation & Mindfulness classes at YogaSpace. |
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Maryellen Travis Maryellen has been practicing yoga for more than 15 years and is certified by Lotus Gardens Yoga School. Her journey began as a certified personal trainer and has evolved into a lifetime pursuit of integrating mind, body and spirit through movement and meditation. Maryellen's teaching is a blend of yoga styles & philosophies emphasizing acceptance, compassion and always a sense of humor. Off the mat, her interests include hiking, kayaking, biking, horseback riding, photography, and just plain enjoying the great outdoors! |
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Glenn Tucker Glenn is a 500 hr. Kripalu-certified yoga instructor. He has also completed intense study in Yoga Therapy with Mukunda Stiles, and is one of our most senior teachers at YogaSpace. He brings a strong interest in yoga philosophy, history and literature to his practice and teaching and is a firm believer in the benefits of personal practice. He actively supports his students in developing and maintaining their own regular yoga practice. Glenn teaches safe, gentle but rigorous ways to dive deeply into yoga practice. His classes focus on postures (asanas), breathing (pranayam) and movement but include other techniques to explore the "eight limbs" of classical yoga for a balanced, complete and satisfying experience. Glenn moved to California with fellow yoga teacher Natasha Raymond in the Spring of 2013. We will miss him, and look forward to occasional visits. Contact Glenn directly here. |
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Liz Wendel - NEW! |
Jump to:
ALINE • CARLY • CHRISTINA • COLETTE • DINA • DOUG • GLENN • GLORIA • HEATHER • JOE • JEANINE • JESSICA • JULIET • KAREN P. • KAREN G. • KEN • KENNETH • KRISTI G. • LAURIE • LISA • LIZ • MARY • MARYELLEN • MEGAN • MIMI • MIRIAM • MISSY • NATASHA • PATTY • PENNY • SAEEDA • SHARONA • SUPRIYA • TESA • WENDY
WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS & HEALERS:
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Patty Lennon • LIFE COACHING Patty is a Martha Beck certified life coach with a Masters of Science in Counseling from Pace University. Prior to becoming a life coach she worked at a large global bank for 15 years. While in banking she coached, counseled and mentored a number of colleagues seeking satisfaction in their career and seeking balance in life. As a life coach Patty partners with her clients to dissolve limiting beliefs in order to open up a life of possibility, develop authentic goals and build the steps necessary to achieve those goals. Check out Patty's new website, Mom Gets A Life! Patty leads personal development workshops at YogaSpace. (see special events). |
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Supriya Swerdlick |
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Tesa Baum |
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Miriam Zernis ('Sita") • NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING Miriam Zernis is an internationally certified Sivananda Yoga Acharya (Master), a Reiki Master Teacher and a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She is available for personalized, one-on-one nutritional counseling programs and private yoga classes and she leads our seasonal detox cleanses. Inspired by the many years of devotional chanting in ashrams around the world, Miriam recorded her CD, "Sita's Light" in the fall of 2007 and founded a kirtan group by the same name. Miriam currently leads Kirtan (musical prayer) events and plays for yoga classes throughout CT and NY, sharing her beautiful voice and inspiring others through this uplifting practice. She credits devotional music masters Deva Premal, Miten, Krishna Das, Bhagavan Das, Snatam, Wah! and others for their inspiration and opening her awareness to the Divinity of chant. Her CD is available in the YogaSpace shop. You can listen to mp3 clips and find out more at www.sitaslight.com.Contact Miriam directly here. |
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IN MEMORIAM Françoise Esteve Our beloved friend and inspirational dance & yoga teacher, Françoise Esteve was accidently killed in her native France on 4/9/09. Françoise was an amazing teacher who helped us open our hearts and unleash our spirits through dance, yoga, and her bright, playful spirit. She will be missed by theYogaSpace community, her friends and family. |
Contact us: YogaSpace | 777 Federal Rd., Brookfield, CT 06804 | (203) 775-6220 | info@yogaspace-ct.com
