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Ashtanga Amy Santos Erica Berg Erica has a BFA in acting from NYU, and is an actor and filmmaker. She has just completed the English translation of Petri Raisanen's book on the primary series (previously published in Swedish, Finnish, and French), and is eternally honored and grateful to Petri for having trusted her 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. Arthur Roldan Constanza Roldan She began her daily Ashtanga Yoga practice with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois's in his classes during his visit to NYC in 2005. She has practiced at Yoga Sutra since 2006. While studying here, she has benefited from the teachings of Christopher Hildebrandt, Erika Hildebrandt, John Campbell & Kimberly Flynn. Currently, Constanza is co-teaching our 6:30am Mysore Class with Arthur Roldan. Constanza earned her Bachelors Degree in Art. She has also taught Yoga in Montreal and Toronto. Vinyasa Guta Hedewig, Co-Director of the Vinyasa Department; Director of Teacher Training; School for Yogic Studies; and Individualized Yoga Guta directs Yoga Sutra's teacher training programs. She heads the 'Individualized Yoga Program,' creating practices for students adapted to their specific needs. Guta heads the 'School for Yogic Studies,' a Continuing Education initiative at Yoga Sutra, where she teaches Vedic Chanting. She also co-directs the Vinyasa department. Altogether, Guta 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, Director of Vinyasa Department She is also a student of the western esoteric tradition and is known for integrating both western and eastern philosophies into her classes. A lighthearted and practical approach makes the yogic teachings accessible to her students. From alignment basics to vigorous vinyasa and everything in between, the human body is used to experience greater clarity of mind, while developing ease, rhythm and stability in the practice of yoga. Jill completed her advanced certification with Adrienne Burke in 2003 and went on to assist Adrienne in her subsequent teacher trainings. In 2004, Jill co-authored the book Yoga Fan and has been teaching philosophy and asana and methodology in numerous teacher training programs in New York City and Philadelphia for over 5 years. She has studied anatomy and alignment with Beth Biegler and currently practices Ashtanga, Iyengar and Vinyasa. She studies Vedic Chanting with Guta Hedewig and regularly attends philosophy classes with Dr. Edwin Bryant and Christopher Hildebrandt. Jill expresses sincere gratitude to her family, students and teachers for their love and support. Julie Ducote Julie also teaches children in various schools around NYC. Since her classes have had such a great response from students, teachers and parents she has developed a special curriculum for yoga in the classroom through a program she is co-creator of called Young Yogis. Having a vast background in movement and dance greatly contributes to her understanding of the body. She has completed intense studies of anatomy with Irene Dowd and completed the USIS program at Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. She continues to study with Michael Gilbert on helping clients manage chronic pain. While her classes may be challenging, Julie believes that yoga should feel good and encourages her students to practice in the direction that will most benefit their own body. 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. Kristin Leal In 1995, she graduated from the Swedish Institute for Massage Therapy and became a Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki practitioner. She has additional certifications in Thai Massage, Neuromuscular and Myofascial Release. She has been honored to lead many workshops and teacher trainings around the country and in 2005 Kristin created the Kaya Yoga 200 and 300 hour teacher trainings to share her passion for the miracle of the human body and the liberating potential of movement. She has been blessed to graduate over 100 students to date. She is a co-author of the book The Yoga Fan which has been reviewed as being "an indispensable guide for the serious yoga student". Kristin's classes are a challenging mix of strong anatomical alignment and powerful vinyasa flow all while maintaining a sense of humor and a connection to the divine within. Her classes are influenced by everything from quantum physics to her new love of the trapeze but most of all the beautiful teachings of all of her teachers and students who continue to inspire her every day. 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 challenging 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). Francisca Alexander Francisca has had had a life filled with music and art since her youth. She has a BFA in Painting and Printmaking. She is a practitioner of Vipassana Meditation in the tradition of S.N. Goenka feels the practice has been the missing link to her for really practicing the art of living in all activities. Her vinyasa class includes exploration on the physical level as Eternal thanks to her parents, and gratitude to the yoga teachers of past and present for lighting the yogic fire. Special thanks to Sri Dharma for his humble example and for his unwavering expression of compassion to all beings. 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. Eve Holbrook Since she began teaching in 2002, she 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, Yoga Union Center for Backcare and Scoliosis in Manhattan. 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 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 truthfully 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. Management & Staff Lisa Bridge, Managing Director Lisa graduates with a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University in the Spring of 2010. She also still rocks it out with 14 Lines, an alternative rock band in New York City. Megan Alexander, Director of Operations She later encountered yoga for the first time at the age of 17. She studied Theater at the University of Hartford, graduating summa cum laude in 2005. During her undergraduate studies, she also underwent a semester of intensive conservatory training at the National Theater Institute which included certification from the St. Petersburg State Theater Arts Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was at NTI that she studied under her most influential yoga instructor to date: Marya Ursin. Marya's teachings opened Megan's eyes to the true joy that is working with ones mind, body, and breath with intention, balance, and awareness. Megan is thrilled to have been welcomed so warmly into the Yoga Sutra family. She looks forward to completing a teaching certification program so that she may pass on the gift of yoga to others while pursuing her ambitions in theater arts.
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Amy Santos began practicing yoga as a college student in the late 1980s. In 2003, she was authorized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois to teach the Ashtanga Yoga method. In 2009, Amy was invited to participate in the first authorized teacher training of the KPJAYI in Mysore, India, and now holds authorization level 2 status. She has also received teaching certification from the Sivananda and Laughing Lotus Yoga Centers, and studies in New York with Eddie Stern. In addition to ashtanga, she enjoys teaching yoga to NYC public school children through Bent on Learning.
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, in Stockholm, Sweden with Maria Boox, and in Colorado with the many gifted teachers at Richard Freeman's studio. She has also taken workshops with Nancy Gilgoff, John Scott, David Williams, and Tias Little, and is deeply grateful to 
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. 
Being introduced to Sivananda Yoga in 2001, Arthur Roldan was inspired by Sri K. Patabhi Jois during one of his workshops in New York in 2004. Arthur has succesfully taught in Montreal and currently be found teaching Ashtanga basics and one of the several Mysore classes at Yoga Sutra in New York City.
Constanza began practicing yoga in 1998.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.
Guta Hedewig 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 and studied privately. She is a certified teacher through the Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation and is currently enrolled in their four year long Yoga Therapy Training. She also learned Vedic Chanting at the affiliated Vedavani (Vedic Chanting School). Additionally, Guta has studied Ashtanga in Mysore with K. Pattabhi Jois and with V. Sheshadri for many years.
Jill began teaching yoga in 2001 and is a 500 Hour E-RYT. She
is trained in the Krishnamacharya lineage: vinyasa, alignment and classical philosophical methods.
Julie Ducote began studying yoga in NYC in 1999. She
received her certification through New York Yoga under
the direction of David Hollander, Michael Gilbert and
Govinda Kai. Wanting more knowledge on how to
accommodate pregnant women in her vinyasa class, Julie
trained and completed an internship with Mia Borgatta at
Lila Wellness. After discovering how powerful yoga can be
for pregnancy, Julie felt she wanted to share this knowledge
and created the prenatal program here at Yoga Sutra.
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. 
Soon
after moving to New York City in 1993 to pursue her dance career Kristin’s
friend dragged her to her first yoga class at the old Jivamukti yoga school.
While she had no idea what anyone was talking about, she immediately fell in
love with the poetry of meditation in movement. She studied with her first teachers
Sharon Gannon, David Life, and Katchie Ananda for many years trying to discover
and understand herself and this transformative practice she stumbled upon. She
hungrily went to every workshop and studied with every teacher that passed through
town and completed several teacher trainings with Adrienne Burke (a senior Jivamukti
teacher), Rodney Yee, and Betsey Downing Ph.D.
Kevin has studied yoga for over a decade including Teacher Trainings
with David Williams, David Swenson, Cyndi Lee, and Richard Freeman.
Alison West, Kevin Gardiner, Dharma Mittra, and the Venerable
Swami Bua have added immeasurably to his education. 
Francisca Alexander is grateful for the practice of yoga coming into
her life in the late 1990’s. Inspired to share the practice
with others due to the tremendous healing and growth experienced in her
own life, she was certified to teach in 2003. Her studies continued with
Adrienne Burke (senior Jivamukti teacher) in a 500hr Training. The past
years have led her to practice and study with yoga master Sri Dharma
Mittra and she has completed his Life of a Yogi 500hr Training in 2008.
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). 
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 made her second trip
to Pune, India, to study directly with the Iyengar family.
Eve was introduced to yoga while pursuing a masters degree in theatre at
Northwestern University, and has worked as an actress and producer on and
off Broadway, in the film and television industry, and in regional
theatres across America.
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. 
Lisa was one of the first hires at Yoga Sutra when it opened its doors in October, 2004. She has been integrally involved with the growth, structure and vision of the school for the past five years. She oversees the entire managerial and teaching staff, daily operations of the center, marketing and promotion of the school and is a key programming director.
Megan grew up in Northwestern Connecticut and has been living in New York since the summer of 2005. As a child, she began studying ballet but soon after discovered the world of Martial Arts. Over the course of ten years of study under Kevin Sullivan, she earned her first degree black belt in Kenpo Karate.