See Class Schedule Alissa is a student of movement. As a runner, swimmer, dancer, and explorer of nature, Alissa has always been on the move. Her yoga journey began 12 years ago, the same time she discovered her love for the study of human anatomy and physiology. Having experienced the transformative power of yoga as medicine at a young age, Alissa firmly believes that yoga can be for every body. With a desire to integrate her yoga practice with her western scientificinterests, Alissa teaches a unique blend of hatha yoga infused with mindful body alignment and therapeutic movement. Since earning her Bachelor’s of Science in biology in 2009, Alissa has worked closely with physical therapists expanding her understanding of body mechanics and how to safely move through injury in the body. Alissa is also a certified Yoga and Thai Massage Therapist and teaches anatomy and physiology to yogis in training.

See Class Schedule Amanda Moran spent 10 years in New York city where she studied and eventually taught at the Jivamukti Yoga Center. She is a graduate of the Jivamukti Teacher Training Program, class of 2000 and also received an Advanced Certification from her teachers Sharon Gannon and David Life in 2005. After trying just about every outward avenue in the quest for physical and mental peace, she finally found Yoga in 1992. At the time she suffered from chronic recurrent bronchitis worsened by her stressed out job managing tours of large theatrical productions. Through Yoga practice & a vegan diet she’s been bronchitis free for the last eight years. Her classes are Jivamukti style, consisting of challenging vinyasa sequences grounded in traditional and contemporary spiritual teachings, Sanskrit chanting, meditation, hands-on alignment adjustments, and relaxation. Classes include challenging variations for more advanced students, and accommodation for newcomers. She continues the tradition passed on to her by her teachers Sharon Gannon, David Life & Ruth Lauer Manenti, which emphasizes that Yoga practice leads to liberation. Amanda lives in San Francisco with her boisterous toddler Jackson and beautiful chef/yogi husband Jeremy.

See Class Schedule Chani is a yoga teacher, counseling astrologer and Reiki practitioner. Her classes are specific, slow, steady and challenging vinyassa- style classes that are designed to help focus the mind and strengthen the body. She believes that humor is an essential ingredient in yoga and that laughter is the best core exercise there is. She was initiated as a teacher by Saul David Raye’s 200 hour Holistic Yoga Program and his Thai Yoga Massage program in 2007. She is a certified Yoga Therapist from Loyola Marymount University, the first University-based yoga therapist training program and clinic in the country. Chani completed year-long internships with both nationally renowned chiropractor and associate director of the Yoga Rx Therapy program, Dr. Rick Morris, and author of “Walk Yourself Well”, Physiotherapist and Yoga Therapist Sherry Brourman. She has taught yoga in cancer centers, recovery homes, group homes, homeless shelters, seniors centers, gyms, parks, private homes, classrooms, office buildings and everywhere in between. She holds a B.A. in Integral Studies from CIIS and is currently studying there to become an Expressive Arts Therapist. For astrological musings, free monthly horoscopes and class schedules please go to untilthestarsfallfromthesky.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/chani.nicholas

See Class Schedule Chrisandra is a dedicated student of hatha yoga, tantra, meditation and Ayurveda. Her teaching skillfully weaves the practices of hatha yoga to awaken fire and remove obstacles within so that you may remember your natural state of meditative awareness and ease of heart. Her Teachers Practicing since 1996, Chrisandra was granted a certificate to teach by Piedmont Yoga Studio under the guidance of Rodney Yee, Richard Rosen, Clare Finn, and Patricia Sullivan in 2002. She has trained in Universal Freestyle Yoga with Ukranian yoga master and mentor, Andrey Lappa, and spent five years in the Shadow Yoga School with Zhander Ramete and Emma Balnaves. She bows to all the teachers who have greatly inspired her path and revealed the gems of dedicated sadhana and deep surrender – Krishna Das, David Nichtern, Arlene Griffin, Thomas Fortel, Jamie Lindsay, Peter Sterios, Richard Freeman, Ana Forrest, Angela Farmer, Dharma Mittra, Gary Kraftsow, Tony Briggs, Sarah Powers, Paul Muller Ortega, Robert Svoboda, Scott Blossom, Chandra Easton, Rinpoche Choje Phunsok of Lekshy Ling Monastery, Katie Silcox, Jill Leslie and Barbara Gabriel. She studies presently with great devotion and gratitude to Yogarupa Rod Stryker, founder of ParaYoga. Chrisandra is the founding Mama of The Heart of Renewal Retreats which informs and inspires life-affirming transformation through relationship to practice, food, Nature, creativity and community. She is an E-500 RYT registered with Yoga Alliance and trains and mentors aspiring teachers. Chrisandra models and writes for Yoga Journal, and is the voice of Yoga Journal’s Livemag. You can practice with her in Gravity & Grace DVD with Peter Sterios and Yin Yoga DVD with Paul Grilley.

See Class Schedule Darcy Lyon (MA, MFTi, RYT) is a Certified Anusara teacher and Expressive Arts therapist. After many years studying dance and theater, Darcy fell in love with the grace and intelligence of Anusara Yoga in 1998. Reflecting an exuberant playfulness and passionate love for movement, her classes are based in Anusara’s Principles of Alignment which support body, mind and heart to live with deep strength, wisdom and ease. Students can expect a non-competitive environment where we all support each other towards our personal best. In 1996 Darcy formed her company: Heartfire Arts for her work with healing, hope and transformation. She has been hired by the Federal Emergency Management Association to create a puppet show for traumatized children, developed a yoga program for an eating disorder clinic and developed a six month intensive that blends yoga and psychology. Her teaching equally reflects a depth of understanding in psychological change and bridging of eastern and western wisdom traditions. Darcy teaches public classes, leads retreats nationally and internationally, mentors new teachers and runs workshops for teachers and students.

See Class Schedule Watch Video Darren Main is a hatha flow and restorative yoga instructor and author. His books include Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic, Spiritual Journeys along the Yellow Brick Road, The Findhorn Book of Meditation and Hearts and Minds: Talking to Christians about Homosexuality. In addition to his writing, he facilitates workshops and gives talks on yoga and modern spirituality throughout the United States and abroad, and is the director of the Yoga Tree Teacher Training Program.

See Class Schedule Estee Fletter is a compassionate and inspired Vinyasa Yoga Teacher based in San Francisco. For Estee, the practice of yoga was initially a reminder to quiet the mind and simply be still. Over time, it transformed into a moving meditation of gratitude and devotion. Estee’s classes are a graceful experience blending chanting, music, and intelligent sequencing with emphasis on safe alignment and breathing techniques. Estee’s grounded and motivating energy provides all levels of practitioners the opportunity to work safely towards their edge while exploring their own unique possibilities. Estee has completed over 500 hours of teacher training and has been teaching yoga since 2007. Eternally a student, Estee continues to find divine inspiration in all of life’s many teachers, both seen and unseen. esteeyoga.com

See Class Schedule Ethan’s exploration into Eastern arts and culture began more than 10 years ago when he started studying traditional Japanese Karate. That interest took him to Japan where he lived and trained for more than three years. After obtaining his 3rd degree black belt and teaching license, Ethan returned to the United States to begin a Masters program in East Asian Studies. It wasn’t until a serious back injury that led to surgery that Ethan began to practice yoga. Ethan says, “I started practicing yoga to help recover from back surgery; little did I know that yoga would become an integral part of my daily life and something that I’m extremely passionate about.” Thus his journey as a yogi began. Ethan is grateful to his teachers: Janet Stone (Radiant Flow), Dijon Carew (Integral Yoga) and Shiva Rea (Prana Flow). He has also been inspired and influenced by Stephanie Snyder (Vinyasa), Scott Blossom (Shadow Yoga) and Jason Crandell (Vinyasa). “I’ve been extremely lucky to be surrounded by wonderful teachers since the beginning of my journey as a yogi. They inspire me to not only become a better yogi but a better teacher and a better person.” Ethan teaches a vigorous but mindful style of Vinyasa Yoga. He incorporates meditation, yogic philosophy and pranayama (yogic breathing) into his classes. In the true spirit of traditional Hatha Yoga, Ethan believes that yoga without a spiritual connection is just exercise and misses the more profound point. “First and foremost, I hope that people have fun in my class, and if they leave my class feeling grounded, aware, and content then I’ve done my job.”

See Class Schedule Jason Bowman has led eight 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certified teacher trainings as well as several immersions, workshops, retreats and guest lecture series both internationally and around the country. His practice has been greatly influenced by Ashtanga Yoga as he’s learned it from Richard Freeman and Maty Ezraty and Vipassana Meditation as he’s learned it from SN Goekna. Jason is well known for his ability to be thorough while maintaining a light-hearted sense of humor. His classes encourage a personal examination of the space between theory and direct experience and his love for the practice shines through in his ability to teach with a concrete yet creative voice. After living in Boulder for many years he has recently moved to the Bay Area. Find him online at jasonbowmanyoga.com

See Class Schedule Jason Crandell was recently named “one of the next generation of teachers shaping yoga’s future” by Yoga Journal for his skillful, unique approach to vinyasa yoga. Jason is the creator of Yoga Journal’s newest dvds: Yoga for Wellbeing; Yoga for Morning, Noon, and Night; and, The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Yoga. He is a contributing editor for Yoga Journal, has authored over 20 articles for the magazine and website, and is a regular presenter at several national and international yoga conferences. Jason has recently partnered with Yoga Journal to continue creating instruction-rich, home-practice DVDs and Podcasts. Jason’s steady pace, creative sequencing, and attention to detail encourage students to move slowly, deeply, and mindfully. Take a class from Jason and you will leave feeling grounded, clear, and content—and more informed of the nuances and habits of your body and mind. Jason credits his primary teacher, Rodney Yee, as well as ongoing studies in Eastern and Western philosophy for inspiring to him bring greater alignment and mindfulness to vinyasa yoga.

“It is teachers and practitioners like Jason that will take the art of yoga and teaching yoga to its next step.” — Rodney Yee

See Class Schedule Jason Gillenwater teaches an athletic but compassionate class in the Vinyasa Flow style, heavily influenced by his teacher Shiva Rea’s Prana Flow philosophy. Jason began practicing yoga in 2001 in an effort to alleviate chronic back pain he suffered from working as a professional saxophonist. What was initially a physical, results-oriented practice, soon became much more than that, and now yoga is a pillar in his life. He has spent the past ten years practicing, and learning about, yoga as much as possible, and loves sharing what he has learned with his students. Over the years Jason has studied various styles of yoga, including Prana Flow, Jivamukti, Anusara, Forrest, Kula Yoga (New York City), Ashtanga and Iyengar. While he teaches predominantly in the vinyasa flow style, he finds elements from each of these traditions form the foundation of his classes. Jason’s emphasis on creative, intelligent sequencing and proper alignment allows him to adapt his classes from everyone from beginners to seasoned practitioners. He always offers and encourage modifications, with the understanding that all students have strengths and areas to be developed. Jason works to enable each student to personally benefit from the practice.

See Class Schedule Karen Macklin (RYT 500) has been studying yoga and meditation since 2000, and has received training in the traditions of Iyengar, Ashtanga, Restorative, Shadow Yoga, and AcroYoga, as well as in various forms of Buddhist meditation. She has studied with a wide range of teachers, and has been most influenced by Scott Blossom, Sean Feit, Chrisandra Fox, Gary Kraftsow, and Jason Crandell. Karen teaches with an emphasis on building both internal and external strength, creating harmony in the body, cultivating vidya (clear seeing) in the mind, and laying the ground for personal transformation. Her classes, which incorporate yoga philosophy and energetics, are typically strong but slow, rhythmic flows that both challenge students and offer them an opportunity to enter a space of meditation and inquiry. Karen is also a professional writer. Her articles and essays about yoga have appeared in Yoga Journal, Yoga International, FitYoga, Alternative Medicine, Tricycle, SF Weekly, and the San Francisco Bay Guardian. Learn more about her at www.karenmacklin.com.

See Class Schedule Kiko began his study of yoga in 1996 and received his teaching certificate at the Dharma Mittra Yoga Shala in 1999. This Brazilian transplant is fiery and has energy to spare! Kiko’s vast background in fitness (Hatha raja flow, Ashtanga, Restorative, Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Cross fit – and as a Capoeira dance teacher) gives him a unique understanding of the blend of mind and body. He teaches a powerful yoga class that is suited for those who wish to blend their spiritual practice with an active asana practice. Join Kiko for a fun, high-energy exploration of your edge.

See Class Schedule Kim teaches an approachable, deep style of Vinyasa that safely challenges the body and soothes the mind. She presents a strong attention to alignment in a modern, easeful way. A steady focus on breath, layered with alignment promotes an inner relaxation through body and mind connection. She studies extensively with her main teacher and mentor, Jason Crandell, and is influenced by her studies in the Iyengar and Ashtanga tradition. In her class, you will breathe deeply, laugh hysterically, and move rhythmically into stillness.

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Kyle’s classes are an opportunity for students to move the body, breath and energy, to explore a deeper awareness of their own experience, and to build a little fire while maintaining safe alignment. Yoga has been fundamental to her personal growth, underpinning a period of tremendous change in her life. Her mat and the practice have been a safe place to process and release grief and pain, to discover and honor her own boundaries, to recover joyful movement, and to further explore her relation to spirit. She is living the benefits of yoga-aided freedom and have experienced first-hand yoga as a catalyst and a handmaiden for growth and life change. Kyle received her 200 & 500 hour teaching certificate from Yoga Tree. She is inspired by her mentor, Chrisandra Fox Walker and Jason Crandell.

See Class Schedule Laura’s creative and intelligently sequenced flow classes are known for being challenging, with a smooth and rhythmic flow. She incorporates strategically selected music organized to create a specific cadence and theme for each class. Laura is conscientious about catering to different levels and ability to ensure that all feel welcome and comfortable. Laura’s extensive studies, primarily under Shiva Rea and primary mentor Jason Crandell, have helped forge an intuitive, spontaneous and eclectic instruction style. Laura worked as the Yoga Director at the San Francisco Bay Club’s Mind/Body Center, has appeared in numerous online videos by Yoga Journal and Yogaglo, and was the June 2010 master class model for Yoga Journal Magazine. In addition to teaching yoga classes, Laura is the founder of Yoga Reach International, a company that specializes in yoga travel-adventures with a philanthropic intent: to help the communities that it touches through both hand-on projects or donations. Yoga Reach fosters a platform to bring well- being, adventure-travel and service together to benefit both communities in need and enrich the lives of those participating in the retreat. www.LauraBurkhartYoga.com www.YogaReachInternational.com

See Class Schedule Marissa (RYT-500, MSW) has a background in dance and has been practicing yoga for many years. She has studied several styles of yoga including Vinyasa and Anusara yoga. She completed her 200 hour teacher training in 2008 and has continued her studies with several notable teachers including Sianna Sherman and (this fall) Katchie Ananda. Marissa also works closely with the Art of Yoga Project and deeply believes in seva. Marissa has found much healing through her own yoga practice and enjoys helping others connect with their body and mind. Anatomy, philosophy, and heart felt enthusiasm are at the core of her classes. Marissa’s light spirit provides a playful atmosphere for her students to build confidence and expand.

See Class Schedule Sean Haleen (RYT-500, ERYT-200) is a celebrated Hatha yoga teacher and practitioner. Having practiced yoga from a young age, his understanding of the practice runs deep both on the physical and philosophical levels. Having taught thousands of hours of public classes and workshops, yoga is his full time job and passion. Sean’s classes are noted for their humor and depth. Focusing on alignment, students wishing to learn about their bodies and the different concepts of yoga philosophy in detail will enjoy his public classes. Sean teaches classes, workshops, and privates across the Bay Area and beyond. He has taught yoga to a variety of people including high schoolers, homeless groups, recovering drug addicts, and queer youth. He offers deep gratitude with each class to his main teachers, Katchie Ananda, Christine Price Clark, Chris Chavez, Brent Kuecker, and Paige Faraci.

See Class Schedule Watch Video Yoga radically transformed Stacey’s life, which is why she’s passionate about offering the practice to others. Over years of practice and teaching, she has helped her students become more comfortable in their own skin. Students describe her classes as “dynamic, playful, and joyfully expressed. She is known for creative and coherent sequencing; clear and precise instruction; and a light-hearted, down to earth attitude. She leads classes, immersions, retreats, and trains teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Stacey is also a columnist for Origin magazine and has contributed to Yoga Journal.