|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
Click here to view our Philadelphia Team > Ashtanga Christopher Hildebrandt Christopher graduated magna cum laude from Franklin and Marshall College with a triple major in Greek, Latin, and English, taking honors in Greek and English. He continued his doctoral studies at Brown University in classical philology and Sanskrit. Christopher has taught at Brown University, Franklin and Marshall College, and New York University; he ran an intensive ancient Greek summer school at Elizabethtown College and St. John's College, Santa Fe. Christopher has taught at the Jivamukti Yoga Center, where he also served as director of the Ashtanga program and mentor and co-director in the teacher training program. He has taught at the New York Ashtanga Yoga Shala with Guy Donahaye. For two years he taught Ashtanga and served as Director of Yoga at Karma Yoga in New York. Christopher teaches Sanskrit, yoga philosophy, meditation, and subtle anatomy in Yoga Sutra's Patanjalayoga teacher training and privately. He is grateful to his teachers Sri Narayana Acharya, Dr. M.A. Jayashree, Dr. Nagaraja Rao, Sri Jagannath, Sri Sanjeeva Hegde, and Sri Lakshmish Bhat. Christopher strives to teach in the spirit of his teacher. Erica Berg Erica has a BFA in acting from NYU, and is an actor and filmmaker. She was also an assistant photo editor on Petri Raisanen's book on the primary series (published in Swedish, Finnish, and French). Lorrie Dirkse Lorrie has a BFA in dance with an emphasis in cinema. She graduated with distinction and taught dance before transitioning into the publishing world, where she has served as an editor of children's books and a contemporary art magazine. Lorrie also has studied the martial arts. In addition to teaching led Ashtanga at Yoga Sutra, Lorrie assists Erika in Mysore-style led Ashtanga. Lorrie's emphasis is about slowing down the breath, opening the heart, and giving in to movement. Through this process, the mind can become still. Constanza Roldan She received early inspiration from the writings of David Life and Sharon Gannon: finding herself quite moved by the stand they had taken on animal rights, in particular. She began her daily Ashtanga Yoga practice with Guruji during one of his visits to NYC in 2005. Since then, Constanza has practiced with Manju Jois, Greg Tebb and Christopher Hildebrandt. Constanza has Bachelors Degree in Art. She has also taught Yoga in Montreal and Toronto. Amy Santos Amy holds both a BS and a MA from New York University, but still considers herself a student of life. In addition to teaching and practicing, she is also a professional dancer. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband Steve, their shih tzu Shanti, and their tabby Geetha. Amy wishes that all her students personally experience the happiness, wellness, and joy that she herself receives from this spiritual path. She is grateful to Christopher, Greg, David, the staff and students of Yoga Sutra for welcoming her into their beautiful family. Hanne Sydanmaa Greg Tebb In New York Greg has been teaching Mysore style Astanga yoga for ten years. He has worked at Patanjali Yoga Shala for three years assisting Eddie Stern and Manju Jois; has taught at Astanga Yoga Shala, and Shiva Yoga Shala. His primary teacher and teaching inspiration is Manju Jois, son of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Greg has travelled to Mysore twice to study with Guruji and Sharath. For the past five years Greg has been taking classes and workshop with Manju Jois. Greg is married and has one child. Vinyasa Guta Hedewig, Director of Programming, Co-Director of the Vinyasa Department, Director of Individualized Yoga, Director of Teacher Training Guta directs, teaches in, and serves as a mentor in Yoga Sutra's teacher training program. She heads the 'Individualized Yoga Program,' creating individualized practices for students adapted to their specific needs. Guta heads the 'School of Yogic Studies,' a Continuing Education initiative at Yoga Sutra, where she teaches Vedic Chanting. She also serves as part of a committee as head of the Vinyasa department, in which she teaches. Altogether, Guta oversees the entire programming at Yoga Sutra. She endeavors to create an atmosphere of the serious, in-depth study of yoga in all its aspects, based in the tradition of Krishnamacharya's teachings. Concurrently, she choreographs for her dance company (www.gutahedewig.com). Guta is a certified Shiatsu practitioner. Jill Camera Jill is a student of the Western Spiritual Tradition and is known for integrating both Western and Eastern philosophies into her classes. A lighthearted and practical approach makes the ancient teachings accessible to her students. From alignment basics to vigorous vinyasa and everything in between, the human body is used to experience the evolving of consciousness towards the Divine. When the self meets the Self, the results are magical! Jill expresses sincere gratitude to her family, students, and teachers for their love and support. Jill is an author of the book, Yoga Fan and is currently working on a book regarding women spiritual teachers and their lifestyle choices. Julie Ducote Julie has a vast background in movement and dance which greatly contributes to her understanding of the body in her classes. Since the age of three, Julie has studied many forms of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and swing and spent four years performing with Academy Dance Theater in Louisiana. She completed the USIS program at Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in 1999 with studies in ballet, modern, Dunham and Pilates. Currently, Julie teaches Vinyasa yoga and Pre-natal classes at Yoga Sutra and has many clients she sees privately. She also teaches dance to children ages two - eight and co-directs a performance workshop for children every summer in the city. Julie's interests include global travel, reading, and continuing to expand her knowledge about yoga and pre-natal care for women. Julie's openness and warmth make her energetic yoga class a beautiful, loving, and comfortable experience for beginner and advanced practitioners alike. Students find their "flow" to fun and inspiring music while being encouraged to take their practice in the direction that will most benefit them. Julie believes that every "body" is different and she encourages everyone to find a practice that meets their needs. Leigh Evans Leigh has traveled several times to Asia, studying Indian Odissi dance, Japanese Butoh, and Balinese Dance as well as yoga, Thai massage and Vipassana meditation. Her dedication to Asian forms of performance and healing arises from her desire to share the meditative and Tran formative states of consciousness prevalent in these traditions. Leigh's classes focus on healing and transformation by blending a strong vinyasa practice with gentler restorative asanas, meditation, and chanting. Her emphasis is on developing mindfulness through the yoga practice, inviting you to witness the shifting sensations of the body and attune to the inner unfolding of each asana. Leigh loves the practice of yoga for the peacefulness and clarity of mind that comes from the breath flowing freely in the body. Michael Gilbert Helping people to get out of body pain, Michael's work combines unifying principles from many disciplines, including Massage Therapy, Structural Integration (Rolfing), Pre-Med Anatomy, and Physiology. Rhana Harris Her intention is through alignment and the breath, to convey an experience of the dynamic balance of stability and freedom in the body, mind and heart. David Hollander David is also a classically trained painter who exhibits in New York. His perspective is that of an artist, first and foremost, inviting others on this exciting adventure of yoga with Love, Lightness, and Devotion. Davids' vinyasa flow incorporates elements of Ashtanga, Iyengar, and other flow styles into a dynamic experience that invites participants into the depth of the practice. Yoga Philosophy is presented in practical, useful ways along with chanting, singing, music, and artistic expression. Carl Horowitz Carl has a solid background in eastern philosophy. He holds a BA in Classical Studies and another in The History of Religions. This has helped him to understand the original context within which the yoga tradition first evolved. He also has a strong physical background. He was a professional in-line skater who did a stunt show for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus for two years. During this time he got to work with some of the best acrobats in the world. His teaching also draws on his knowledge of anatomy, movement theory and therapeutic applications of movement. Central to his work is the intimate understanding of the connection between mind, body and breath and the ways in which these affect the deeper energetic and emotional aspects of the individual. This has led him to explore several methods of integrating movement with breath to affect change and promote health on many different levels. His personalized approach, which has been effective for students from all walks of life, often involves neuromuscular repatterning and respiratory reeducation. As a result of his experience, Carl feels that a thoughtfully designed yoga practice can help you achieve focus and clarity, enhance your experience of life, and help you perform to your fullest potential. Visit Carl's website at www.yogascope.com. Kevin Ryder Kevin holds a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Cincinnati and was certified at the Swedish Institute in New York City for massage therapy. An inveterate cyclist, he has found that certain pranayama techniques have greatly added to his appreciation of pedaling through the Himalayas. His Vinyasa classes, with a steady eye to both the Iyengar and Ashtanga aspects of the Krishnamacharya tradition, are challengling but doable by students of various levels. An intelligent and efficient use of props is indicated where appropriate to assist in making the impossible seem a little more approachable. Sanskrit chanting (with printed translations available) and pranayama are offered. "A Riddle, Wrapped in a Mystery, Inside an Enigma," would seem to apt description of the yogic processes. (with thanks to Sir Winston). Cliff Schuman Karen Schwartz In addition to teaching health and fitness for a decade prior to Yoga, Karen is a licensed New York State clinical social worker, bringing a unique understanding of the mind-body continuum to her work. She is most interested in exploring how emotional issues manifest physically, and has specialized in working with issues of depression, body image and self-esteem, and recovery from trauma. Karen is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and has been a frequent contributor to their newsletter, Yoga Therapy in Practice. She has also written several articles for Fit Yoga magazine. Karen believes that Yoga is about freedom, and that through exploring the edges of our physical, mental and emotional conditioning, we can become greater expressions of our authentic selves. Karen teaches a fluid, graceful vinyasa class in which students are encouraged to use asanas as means of self-exploration and finding the Yoga that is “right” for them at any given time. Iyengar Dmitri Shapira Dmitri's Iyengar training began in Boston where he studied primarily with Liz Owen. Upon moving to New York, Dmitri began studying with Kevin Gardiner and Brooke Meyers. His primary teacher is Mary Dunn for whom he acts as teaching assistant and has been a student of for seven years. In the spring of 2003 Dmitri completed a two-year teacher training program at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York. Dmitri traveled to Pune, India, in 1998 to study with the Iyengar family, and has returned to study at the Iyengar Institute in Pune, R.I.M.Y.I., two times since. Dmitri has been practicing Iyengar Yoga for nearly 15 years. Initially drawn to Yoga for its physical benefits and for the relief of back pain, Yoga's use of the body as a tool to train the mind soon became more important. Also a musician with a Master's Degree from New England Conservatory of Music, Dmitri has and continues to find parallels between his two pursuits. He strives to approach both with a balance between practice, repetition, and a turning away from the familiar. For Dmitri, Yoga happens when an asana becomes less of a series of discreet actions and more of a unified whole where the various parts are balanced and synchronized. Dmitri's teaching style is challenging yet sensitive to those with physical injuries or limitations. It is serious yet balanced with a dry sense of humor. Naghmeh Ahi She has taught since 2002, receiving formal teacher training at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York, led by senior teacher, Mary Dunn. Naghmeh is currently a certified Introductory teacher in the Iyengar system. She has also studied with Geetaji Iyengar on several occasions and once, long-term with the Iyengar family in Pune, India. Prior to yoga, Naghmeh was a practitioner of Mkeka-do karate, a Japanese martial art. The discipline in this art form she found similarly in Iyengar yoga, where involvement is total. She also plays piano or paints, on a whim. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English literature, where her focus of study was the epic form; this, too, yoga fulfills through its sources, the sacred texts, and its practice that is based on a respect of tradition through the ages. Yoga shows the way, the tools and the temple. Naghmeh thrives to bring to class a focused, attentive, and energetic environment where students can experience yoga safely and completely. Carolyn Christie Her education includes a B.A. in Art, Art history, and Italian language. Carolyn was also a bicycle tour guide in Europe, America, and Asia. In addition to her Iyengar yoga practice and study, Carolyn has a Buddhist practice guided by Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Tarchin, HH Dalai Lama, Robert Thurman, Gelek Rinpoche, and other great Buddhist teachers. Carolyn believes it is her responsibility as a teacher is to give a place of focus from which one can explore oneself. A teacher's job is to give a sense of direction and correct the student when they see the student has not yet got the particular focus and direction. This takes time and trust between student and teacher. Matt Dreyfus When Matt first encountered Iyengar Yoga, he was pursuing a masters degree in music (Matt holds degrees from SUNY Purchase, The Juilliard School, and the Manhattan School of Music), and for several years after finishing his schooling in 1996, he made his living as a classical double bassist, performing all over the world; some of his work included playing and touring as a substitute with the New York Philharmonic. Matt teaches at the Iyengar Institute of New York, at Columbia University, and several other places in New York. He also volunteers and collaborates with Dalia Zwick, an Iyengar Yoga practitioner and physical therapist who applies yoga in her work with people who have a wide range of serious disabilities, such as spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. Matt has also been a practitioner of Zen Buddhism since 2000. Matt feels that the practice of Yoga is an opportunity for the exploration of what it is to be alive, to be human, to be here; to connect with ourselves and begin to realize what is truly important. As we reduce afflictions and access energy through our practice, we become freer to orient our lives toward our deeper aspirations. Adina Ghen Eve Holbrook Eve was introduced to yoga while pursuing a masters degree in theatre (she holds degrees from Northwestern University, The British American Drama Academy, and The Old Globe Theatre), and has worked as an actress and producer on and off Broadway, in the film and television industry, and in regional theatres across America. Since she began teaching in 2002, Eve completed a two-year teacher-training program at The Iyengar Institute, earned a national certification from IYNAUS (Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States), and founded The Nerve of Expression, a community project which offers yoga to artists living with multiple sclerosis. Eve teaches at Yogasana Center in Brooklyn, Yoga Sutra, and Yoga Union Center for Backcare and Scoliosis in Manhattan, as well as several other places in New York City. Eve has a particular interest in the application of yoga for back pain which stems from her own experience with it, and the insight yoga has given her about how it may be addressed and relieved. She has assisted Deborah Wolk in her scoliosis workshops, and attended classes with Bobbie Fultz. Eve views the practice of Yoga as an opportunity to explore the nature of life and what it is to be a human being; to see ourselves and discover what is important to us, and, as we progress in our practice, weave that insight into the way we live our lives. Michelle La Rue Michelle danced professionally for twelve years; beginning with her early ballet training, then as a modern dancer until 2002. Michelle's loves teaching Iyengar Yoga. Her teaching is strong and precise. She blends physically demanding asana work with clear verbal instruction. Her aim is to instruct and lead her students while allowing them to stay connected to their own experience. Brooke Myers Kavi Patel Kavi is from Vaishnav family in India, holds an MBA, and is a Krsna devotee since 1978 (he lived in ashram until 2006). He is also involved in the health & nutritional business to help promote understanding about the subject to yoga students. Two great works of yoga 'Bhagavad-Gita' and 'Patanjali Yoga-Sutra' solely influences his teaching. He keeps the goal of practice in focus from Yamas and Niyamas to Samadhi or Isvara Pranidhana, while applying in present context according to time, place, person, and circumstances. In another words, Kavi endeavors to discipline senses and mind, and elevate them to higher awareness of Eternity, Knowledge, and Bliss. His aim in teaching and his personal practice is to experience the transformation on the plane of the body, psychological, and spirit. Kavi helps students take that transformation from yoga mat into life to experience how yoga practice unfolds in our day-to-day lives; and in midst of all that, we live blissfully. Pranati Pratap, Iyengar Management & Staff David Kelman, Managing Director First and foremost, David is the dedicated father of two beautiful children, Charlotte and Wyatt. He is grateful to everyone that has made Yoga Sutra possible and takes great pride in the faculty, staff, and community that has grown and prospered since opening in 2004. David earned his BS cum laude from Babson College and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Lisa Bridge, Director of Operations Lisa moved to New York in 1998 after graduating from Purdue University with a B.A. in Creative Writing. She began work in large advertising and publishing companies until being accepted into the NYC Teaching Fellows Program. While earning her M.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Bank Street College under this scholarship, Lisa taught third grade in Central Harlem. There, she developed programming to bring yoga to at-risk students, later utilizing a National Americorps Scholarship to complete her certification in Vinyasa yoga. Upon graduating, she began teaching in the non-profit educational sector, bringing yoga, meditation, and music weekly to over ninety under-served children under a 9-11 Red Cross Grant. Lisa is currently launching a certification program and Children's Yoga Department at Yoga Sutra. She continues to be involved in bringing yoga to underserved areas by building outreach initiatives and hosting fundraisers for partnering organizations at the school. Lisa is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in order to broaden her ecumenical work. She is also the singer-songwriter and rhythm guitarist for 14 Lines - an alternative rock band and project with Urban Iguana Music Productions. Dana DeFrancesco-Clark, Senior Manager After earning a BFA in Dance Education from the University of the Arts, Dana came to New York City on scholarship from Alvin Ailey. She is also certified in Dynamic Fitness and Yoga, teaches Ballroom Dance and Latin Dance, and works as a choreographer. In her spare time she works hard on honing her skills and expanding her repertoire of movement based disciplines. Passionate about giving back, Dana has taught learning disabled children. Through Yoga she helped expand their range of motion, gain confidence, and sharpen their concentration and focus. Dana is a horror movie enthusiast who has also served as a producer on several short films. She is also a skilled construction worker, avid Steelers fan, and enjoys seeing new places and trying new things. She is happy to be a part of the Yoga Sutra family, a calm and healthy oasis smack dab in the middle of the beautiful insanity of the Big Apple. Maria Schirmer, Senior Manager In 2004 Maria spent 5 months in India, traveling in the southern states and studying with Sri. K Pattabhi Jois and his family in Mysore and upon returning to the states she got hired at Yoga Sutra and began studying with their wonderful teachers. Maria holds a BA cum laude in Theater with an acting concentration from Marymount Manhattan College. Since graduation she has designed, directed, stage-managed and of course, acted for the theater. She believes strongly in the power of yoga to compliment and enhance the creativity that she (and everyone) possesses. Michael Cancelmi, Assistant Manager He studies with Christopher Hildebrandt and also attended the David Williams workshop in March 2008. He is enthusiastic about his studies so far and looks forward to many more years of practice. Michael graduated with high distinction from Indiana University with a major in Classics (Latin and Greek) and honors in Italian. He spent nearly five years in Italy studying and traveling, the last year being at the University of Bologna. He now teaches Italian in New York City. He plans to pursue a graduate degree in the humanities in order to teach and do research, combining his academic background with his love of literature, film, dance and theatre. Julie Meslin, Assistant Manager She went on to practice Bikram yoga in Seattle, vinyasa in Jerusalem, and most recently began an Ashtanga practice at Yoga Sutra. Julie graduated summa cum laude from Lehigh University in 2001 with a degree in Theatre and English. She has been a scene painter, puppet-maker and published poet. She now teaches second and third grade at a Reform synagogue in Brooklyn in addition to her work at Yoga Sutra. Danielle Pietropaolo, Manager
|
|
Christopher Hildebrandt has studied yoga since 1987 and taught since
1997. He is a student of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore,
India, and also studies with his son, Manju Jois, and
his grandson, R. Sharath. He has travelled to
Mysore eight times, spending almost two years there altogether. Christopher
also studied with Sharon Gannon and David Life, and is
certified in Jivamukti Yoga. 
Erica first began practicing yoga in 1991, and has practiced
Ashtanga since 1999. She has studied in New York at Eddie
Stern's shala and Ashtanga Yoga Shala with Guy Donahaye, and
in Stockholm, Sweden with Maria Boox. She has taken workshops
with Nancy Gilgoff, John Scott, and Tias Little, and practices
at Richard Freeman's studio in Colorado when she is out West
teaching theatre. 
Lorrie Dirkse has been practicing yoga since 2000 and learned
Ashtanga Yoga from Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in 2004. Her New York
teachers include Erika Hildebrandt, and Christopher Hildebrandt
at Yoga Sutra. In 2005 she received her 200-hour teacher training
certification at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Neyyar
Dam, India. 
Constanza began studying Vinyasa Yoga at home with the aid of various
books from various teachers. Which she would tell you today, is no substitute
for instruction from a skilled teacher. 
Amy Santos began practicing yoga as a college student in the late 1980's. She has been teaching yoga since 2001, and is blessed to be officially authorized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois to teach the Ashtanga Yoga Method. Amy continues to study regularly with Guruji, Sharath, and Saraswati in Mysore, India. She has also received certification from the Sivananda and Laughing Lotus Yoga Centers, and studies in New York with Eddie Stern. In addition to ashtanga, she loves teaching yoga in the NYC public schools through Bent on Learning. Amy thanks her Guru, Mata Amritanandamayi, for opening her heart and gracing her with the opportunity to serve others. 
Hanne
started practicing Ashtanga yoga in Finland, under the guidance of Lino Miele.
She made her first trip to Mysore to study with Guruji, Sri K.Pattabhi Jois 2001,
and continues to study there yearly. She wants to thank deeply Guruji, Sharath,
and Saraswati, Lino Miele, Eddie Stern, and all the teachers and students who
have crossed her path.
A native New Zealander, Greg Tebb has been practising yoga since 1984 starting
with Hatha Yoga until he was introduced to Ashtanga yoga through Graeme Northfield
in Australia. Greg started teaching Hatha Yoga (Dip IYTA) in 1993 and
later Ashtanga yoga as a member of the Tasdance dance company. Greg
taught yoga and danced professionally in Australia until moving to New York
in 1997. 
Guta Hedewig started practicing yoga in 1991. She has studied the teachings of Krishnamacharya with TKV Desikachar and Kausthub Desikachar at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai where she has completed advanced yoga courses. She is currently enrolled in their four year long Yoga Therapy Training through the Krishnamacharya Healing & Yoga
Foundation. She also learned Vedic Chanting at the affiliated
Vedavani (Vedic Chanting School) in Chennai. Additionally, Guta
has studied Ashtanga in Mysore with K. Pattabhi Jois and with
V. Sheshadri for many years.
Jill
Camera began teaching yoga in 2001 and is a 500 Hour E-RYT. She is
trained in the Krishnamacharya lineage: Vinyasa flow, alignment, and classical
philosophical methods. 
Julie
Ducote began studying yoga in NYC in 1999. She received her certification
through New York Yoga after thorough studies with David Hollander,
Michael Gilbert, and Govinda Kai. Julie eventually found her calling teaching
pre-natal women and received her certification in Pre-Natal Yoga in
2006 under the direction of Mia Borgetta at Lila Wellness. Julie has completed
intense studies of anatomy with Irene Dowd and workshops with Shiva
Rea and Sri Phattabi Jois. 
Leigh Evans is a yoga teacher and dancer dedicated to awakening creativity
and aliveness in the body. Since 1985, Leigh has practiced Hatha Yoga
in the Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Viniyoga traditions in the U.S. and India.
She is grateful for the guidance of her teachers, Dharma Mitra, Sarah
Powers, Rodney Yee, Lisa Walford, Barbara Benagh, Mary Paffard, Ramanand
Patel, and for her studies at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, 1996,
and in Mysore with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, 1995. Leigh has been teaching
for 14 years. 
Michael
R. Gilbert has been practicing, teaching, and researching yoga for over
20 years. Starting in 1984, Michael has been studying yoga with BKS Iyengar
himself in India and Manuso Manos in San Francisco. In New York City he
taught one of the first yoga classes at the established 92nd Street Y
and managed its yoga department for many years. In addition to teaching
at Yoga Sutra, Michael conducts unique corporate workshops (such as "The
Sport of Sitting") and has a private clientele for body pain
management. 
Rhana completed the year long Jivamukti Teacher Training Program with Sharon Gannon and David Life in 1997. In 1999 she traveled to India to study Ashtanga Yoga with Shri K Pattabhi Jois. Since 2002 her main influence has been Anusara Yoga. She has done numerous intensive retreats, immersions, Therapeutic workshops and teacher training's with John Friend and many of his amazing senior teachers including Amy Ippoliti, Julie Dorhman, Elena Brower, Lois Nesbit, and Zjena La Rosa. Rhana continues to study with all of these teachers.
David
Michael Hollander, RYT 500, was introduced to yoga asana as a
teenager and began taking classes at Sivananda yoga in the late
1980's. At about the same time he came into contact with the
teachings of Sri Chinmoy. He has studied with many teachers over
the years including Sri Pattabhi Jois, Manju Jois, V. Sheshadri,
Dr V. Nagaraj, Dharma Mittra, Shiva Rae, and Michael Gilbert.
David began teaching in 1994.
Carl is a New York City yoga teacher who is most interested
in helping people to learn effective ways for personalizing
their practice. His work is influenced by the teachings of
T.K.V. Desikachar and his father T. Krishnamacharya. It is
based on the principle that there is an appropriate yoga practice
for everyone and, in order to achieve the best results, this
practice must be adapted continually to suit the individual's
changing needs. 
Kevin has studied yoga for over a decade including Teacher Trainings
with David Williams, David Swenson, Cindi Lee, and Richard Freeman. Alison
West, Kevin Gardiner, Dharma Mittra, and the Venerable Swami
Bua have added immeasurably to his education. 
Cliff Schuman, certified Jivamukti instructor, has been teaching
for over eleven years in New York City. He has been trained by the
well renowned owners of the Jivamukti Yoga Center, Sharon Gannon and David
Life. His travels in India and studies with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
have made his knowledge of vinyasa yoga and Ashtanga Yoga more complete. His
comprehensive style, along with attention to detail and a sense of humor,
make his class a unique and healing experience.
Karen Schwartz received her Yoga teaching certification in 1996
from the White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA. She has since
received two advanced certifications and served as teaching assistant to
the esteemed Ganga White and Tracey Rich. She has also studied Thai
Yoga Therapy with Saul David Raye, Iyengar Yoga with Genny Kapuler, Principles
of Mind-Body integration with Anodea Judith, and has taken master classes
and workshops with many noted teachers such as Mark Whitwell, Scott Blossom,
Leslie Kaminoff, Paul Grilley, Erich Schiffman, and Joel Kramer.
Dmitri
Shapira is the Director of Iyengar at Yoga Sutra. As such,
he teaches a full schedule at Yoga Sutra, personally selects
and oversees the Iyengar teaching faculty, and helps to set the
long-term direction for the school. 
Naghmeh has studied yoga since 1999 when she began regular study with James
Murphy and Kevin Gardiner. She continues to study and apprentice with
James (her mentor and primary teacher). 
Carolyn
has been practicing and teaching Iyengar yoga since 1989. Her primary
teachers are Mary Dunn, Patricia Walden, Gabriella Giubillaro, and Robin
Janis in New York and Italy. She also studies with the Iyengar family
in Pune, India. 
Matt began studying Iyengar Yoga in 1994, primarily with Mary Dunn. Since
discovering Iyengar's method he has been ardent and dedicated in his practice. In
the fall of 2007, Matt will make his fourth trip to Pune, India, to study directly
with the Iyengar family. 
Philadelphia native, Adina Ghen arrived in NYC in 1974 as a student in the Whitney Museum Independent Studio Program. Ms. Ghen remained in New York as a full time artist for nearly twenty-five years prior to becoming interested in self-health orientations. In 1993 she became a licensed massage therapist studying at the Swedish Massage Institute and in 1995 she began practicing yoga. In addition to maintaining a reflexology practice, Ms. Ghen has taught yoga to others for the past 7 years.
Currently, Ms. Ghen teaches Iyengar (gentle) yoga at Integral Yoga Institute, Yoga Sutra, and in her private yoga studio. Since 1997, Adina has been studying with Brooke Myers a senior Iyengar teacher and she is currently in her second year of Teacher Training at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York. She teaches gentle, fundamental, and level 1 yoga classes in the Iyengar Tradition. Having just returned from the birthday celebration and yoga workshop in India with Dr. Geeta Iyengar and Mr. BKS Iyengar, she is scheduled to study for 6 weeks at the RIMYI Institute, December-January 2006-07.
Eve
began practicing Iyengar yoga in 1993 with Kevin Gardiner. She continues
to study at the Iyengar Institute of New York, primarily with Mary Dunn
and Lara Warren. In the fall of 2008, Eve will make her second trip
to Pune, India, to study directly with the Iyengar family.
Michelle LaRue began studying Iyengar Yoga in San Francisco in
1994 and has been teaching in New York since 2001. She
has studied primarily with Mary Dunn, Brooke Myers, and Kevin
Gardner. Michelle went to study with the Iyengar family
in Pune, India in 2005 and looks forward to returning in 2008.
Currently she holds an introductory level 2 certification and
is preparing for her junior intermediate level 1 assessment later
this year. Recently she has begun pursuing an interest in the
therapeutic applications of Iyengar yoga. 
Brooke Myers is a founding member of the Iyengar Institute of New
York. She has practiced yoga for 30 years beginning the study of Iyengar
Yoga in 1986 and since then has made many trips to study with the Iyengar
family in India. 
Kavi Patel has been practicing yoga since age ten under tutelage
of parents and sports mentors. He embarked on serious
study of Iyengar yoga in 1990, and began teaching since 1997. His
teachers include Genny Kapuler, Mary Dunn, Patricia Walden. Kavi
is currently finishing Iyengar yoga teacher training and pursuing
certification. In addition to his Iyegnar training, Kavi
has trained in Integral yoga and Anusara. 
Pranati
is from Pune India - home to the Iyengar family. Pranati
has been a student of the Iyengars for the past 23 years and has been teaching
yoga in the U.S. for 15 years. 
David has been a dedicated practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga for
over ten years. After spending almost ten years as a mergers & acquisitions
specialist at several large Wall Street investment banks, David
decided to pursue a more balanced approach to business and life,
and founded Yoga Sutra with his teacher and friend, Christopher
Hildebrandt.
Lisa was one of the first hires at Yoga Sutra when it opened its doors in October, 2004. She began as an Assistant Manager and was quickly promoted to Manager, Administrative Director and now, Director of Operations. Lisa has been integrally involved in helping with the growth and structure of the center. She oversees the entire managerial staff, daily operations of the center, and is a key programming director.
Dana DeFrancesco-Clark comes from Steel Town USA, also known as Pittsburgh, PA. As
a young child she was fascinated by movement and the relation of the body to
gravity. An energetic child, Dana was always moving and experimenting
with dance and moving in new and often strange ways. After seeing a
television show about Yoga, she was hooked. She began practicing Yoga when
she was fifteen; coming to it from a physical standpoint and quickly learning
that asana was merely the tip of the iceberg. 
Maria has been practicing yoga since she was a young girl, having grown up in a spiritual community in Fairfield Iowa and attending a school from
kindergarten to 12th grade, where Transcendental Meditation was part of the curriculum. As well meditation and yoga, her education included Sanskrit and the study of Vedic texts and oddly enough she
thought this was what every kid did in school until about the age of 10! 
Michael recently began practicing yoga for the first time at Yoga Sutra. 
Julie grew up in Connecticut where she was a gymnast from age five to fourteen.
Not until her first yoga class during college did she find another pursuit
as physically demanding and mentally exciting as gymnastics had been for her
as a child. 
Danielle Pietropaolo was born in Houston, Texas and moved to Providence, Rhode
Island at the age of nine. She received her B.S. from The University
of Connecticut in Human Development and Family Relations, and recently received
her M.A. from The City College of New York in Psychology. Having completed
her thesis in the area of Cognitive Neuroscience, Danielle began to explore
the connection between the mind and body. Rather than looking outside ourselves
for help, Danielle feels it is beneficial to have our own inner way of healing
to bring energy to ourselves and renew balance. As a daily practitioner of
Ashtanga yoga herself, Danielle would like to one day research the neurological
effects of yoga on prevention and well-being. Formerly, she was the Director
of Operations for Greenhouse Holistic Wellness Center and currently works as
a clinical researcher in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.