Karen Tasto's yoga journey began over 14 years ago while studying with Richard
Freeman in Boulder, Colorado. Once she moved back East she discovered Anusara
yoga with Heather Schwartz and is grateful to her for inspiring her to share this yoga
passion with others. She has since studied with many profound teachers including
John Friend, Moses Brown, Suzie Hurley, and Jenny Otto. She continues to train with
John Friend, Rod Stryker and Kathy Donnelly. Karen has been teaching in the Olney
community since 2003. Her classes are empowering and supportive, while allowing
for self-discovery and awareness. Karen inspires her students to awaken to their
highest selves with a focus on breath and alignment for a heart-opening experience. In
addition to her daily yoga and meditation practice, Karen is inspired by nature,
reading, and from the energy and spontaneity of her three young boys.
Freeman in Boulder, Colorado. Once she moved back East she discovered Anusara
yoga with Heather Schwartz and is grateful to her for inspiring her to share this yoga
passion with others. She has since studied with many profound teachers including
John Friend, Moses Brown, Suzie Hurley, and Jenny Otto. She continues to train with
John Friend, Rod Stryker and Kathy Donnelly. Karen has been teaching in the Olney
community since 2003. Her classes are empowering and supportive, while allowing
for self-discovery and awareness. Karen inspires her students to awaken to their
highest selves with a focus on breath and alignment for a heart-opening experience. In
addition to her daily yoga and meditation practice, Karen is inspired by nature,
reading, and from the energy and spontaneity of her three young boys.
Kim Groark has been a devoted teacher and student of vinyasa flow yoga for over a
decade. She teaches yoga as a system for healing, transformation & vibrant living. As
space. Her creative approach to teaching empowers students to discover their own
willingness to share her personal understanding of the practice, as it evolves and an
artist/waitress in New York City. Her very first yoga class hooked her, and she
continued to study yoga at Jivamukti and Yoga Zone. Three years later, Kim moved to
Los Angeles and was blessed to train and practice with some of the most renowned
teachers: Shiva Rea, Max Strom, NaimeJezzeny, Hala Khouri, Saul David Raye, Erich
Schiffman, John Friend, Govindas, Gurmukh, and Desiree Raumbaugh. Her studies
span a diversity of styles and disciplines, which allowed her to form a personal practice
and teaching style that felt authentic, both on and off the mat. Above all, Kim is a
wife and a mother to a spunky 2 -year -old daughter, Sophie, who teaches her daily
the art of living with joy and authenticity!
decade. She teaches yoga as a system for healing, transformation & vibrant living. As
space. Her creative approach to teaching empowers students to discover their own
willingness to share her personal understanding of the practice, as it evolves and an
artist/waitress in New York City. Her very first yoga class hooked her, and she
continued to study yoga at Jivamukti and Yoga Zone. Three years later, Kim moved to
Los Angeles and was blessed to train and practice with some of the most renowned
teachers: Shiva Rea, Max Strom, NaimeJezzeny, Hala Khouri, Saul David Raye, Erich
Schiffman, John Friend, Govindas, Gurmukh, and Desiree Raumbaugh. Her studies
span a diversity of styles and disciplines, which allowed her to form a personal practice
and teaching style that felt authentic, both on and off the mat. Above all, Kim is a
wife and a mother to a spunky 2 -year -old daughter, Sophie, who teaches her daily
the art of living with joy and authenticity!
Guest Teachers
Hayley Littman is a certified Power Pilates and Kids Yoga instructor. Hayley bring
her excitement and energy to every Pilates class, as she believes exercise should be a
complete mind/body experience and yet a physical workout as well. She has been
practicing Pilates for 8 years as it has been her connection to exercise and fulfillment.
She has recently been trained in Radiant Child Yoga. Her love and patience for
children have inspired her to teach children the fun and beneficial world that yoga
inspires. Hayley lives in Olney with her husband and three children.
her excitement and energy to every Pilates class, as she believes exercise should be a
complete mind/body experience and yet a physical workout as well. She has been
practicing Pilates for 8 years as it has been her connection to exercise and fulfillment.
She has recently been trained in Radiant Child Yoga. Her love and patience for
children have inspired her to teach children the fun and beneficial world that yoga
inspires. Hayley lives in Olney with her husband and three children.
Orly Leizerov is a child development specialist and a certified yoga instructor for
children. As an avid multi-disciplinarian practitioner, Orly integrates the visual arts,
creative movement and music in her work with children and yoga. She combines the
basic elements of yoga in a playful and fun way that incorporates sensory integration
and lots of imaginative play. Orly holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences
and a Masters in Developmental Psychology and Communication. She has been
practicing yoga for the last 13 years. She was certified as a yoga instructor for kids at
NGY in New York, the first and one of the leading kid’s yoga studios in the U.S.
children. As an avid multi-disciplinarian practitioner, Orly integrates the visual arts,
creative movement and music in her work with children and yoga. She combines the
basic elements of yoga in a playful and fun way that incorporates sensory integration
and lots of imaginative play. Orly holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences
and a Masters in Developmental Psychology and Communication. She has been
practicing yoga for the last 13 years. She was certified as a yoga instructor for kids at
NGY in New York, the first and one of the leading kid’s yoga studios in the U.S.
Neva Ingalls began at an early age with dance and studied classical ballet in the
USA and abroad for 15 years. She was trained in Royal Academy, Imperial Society and
Cecchetti techniques.At the age of 19 she began the practice of Self-Knowledge or Raj
Yoga, taught to her by Maharaji otherwise known as Prem Pal Singh Rawat. Through
this pure practice of going within to discover Truth, her love of dance drew her to
explore the Fusion of the divine through the expression of the physical body, in the
form of Hatha Yoga. For the last 20 years Neva has been instructed in Iyengar by John
Schumacher, Jane Fryer and others, Viniyoga, by Gary Kraftsow and certified in
Ashtanga by David Swenson. Some of her teachers include Chuck Miler, Max Strom,
Shiva Rea, Mark Stephens, Lauren Peterson, and Micheline Berry. She has also studied
movement as a healing art as taught by Charmaine Lee, in the process of Synergy, as
well as touch for health as taught by Mary Burmeister and her beautiful and ancient
healing art, Jin Shin Jysutsu. Neva is currently based in Washington DC, where she
helps students find inner peace and balance in a challenging environment. She holds
private and group classes, workshops and travels to retreat locations in Jamaica,
France and the USA to provide an opportunity for in-depth experience, removed from
the stresses of daily routine.
USA and abroad for 15 years. She was trained in Royal Academy, Imperial Society and
Cecchetti techniques.At the age of 19 she began the practice of Self-Knowledge or Raj
Yoga, taught to her by Maharaji otherwise known as Prem Pal Singh Rawat. Through
this pure practice of going within to discover Truth, her love of dance drew her to
explore the Fusion of the divine through the expression of the physical body, in the
form of Hatha Yoga. For the last 20 years Neva has been instructed in Iyengar by John
Schumacher, Jane Fryer and others, Viniyoga, by Gary Kraftsow and certified in
Ashtanga by David Swenson. Some of her teachers include Chuck Miler, Max Strom,
Shiva Rea, Mark Stephens, Lauren Peterson, and Micheline Berry. She has also studied
movement as a healing art as taught by Charmaine Lee, in the process of Synergy, as
well as touch for health as taught by Mary Burmeister and her beautiful and ancient
healing art, Jin Shin Jysutsu. Neva is currently based in Washington DC, where she
helps students find inner peace and balance in a challenging environment. She holds
private and group classes, workshops and travels to retreat locations in Jamaica,
France and the USA to provide an opportunity for in-depth experience, removed from
the stresses of daily routine.
Liz Chabra has been a devoted pilgrim and teacher of Yoga since she was 19. She was
born and brought up in India and had her initial training in the land that created
Yoga. She teaches from a place of faith, healing and transformation. Through her
classes her students begin or continue their journey of honest exploration, acceptance
and personal freedom. She draws her inspiration from bringing out the true potential
in the people she touches and keeps that quest alive in her own life. As a teacher Liz
is known for her compassion, clarity and commitment. Her classes are light hearted
yet sneakily challenging! She is grateful to her teachers – Rod Stryker, Marion Griffin,
Balmukund Singh, Guru Ramdev and Liz Marx to name just a few. They continue to
guide and inspire her. Liz's karmic yoga continues as she makes her roots in the US
and as a wife to her husband of 18 years and mother to her two children.
born and brought up in India and had her initial training in the land that created
Yoga. She teaches from a place of faith, healing and transformation. Through her
classes her students begin or continue their journey of honest exploration, acceptance
and personal freedom. She draws her inspiration from bringing out the true potential
in the people she touches and keeps that quest alive in her own life. As a teacher Liz
is known for her compassion, clarity and commitment. Her classes are light hearted
yet sneakily challenging! She is grateful to her teachers – Rod Stryker, Marion Griffin,
Balmukund Singh, Guru Ramdev and Liz Marx to name just a few. They continue to
guide and inspire her. Liz's karmic yoga continues as she makes her roots in the US
and as a wife to her husband of 18 years and mother to her two children.
Melissa Lindon, RYT 200, brings inspiration to her teaching from the rich traditions
of Anusara, Kripalu, and Svaroopa styles of yoga. A longtime yogi with a background
in dance, Melissa's yoga journey has led her from a practice that was a "good stretch"
to one that teaches the delight of opening to grace and compassion, both on and off
the yoga mat. Also a professional flutist and kirtan musician, she enjoys introducing
the benefits of yoga to musicians. Her teaching style is light-hearted and fun.
of Anusara, Kripalu, and Svaroopa styles of yoga. A longtime yogi with a background
in dance, Melissa's yoga journey has led her from a practice that was a "good stretch"
to one that teaches the delight of opening to grace and compassion, both on and off
the yoga mat. Also a professional flutist and kirtan musician, she enjoys introducing
the benefits of yoga to musicians. Her teaching style is light-hearted and fun.
Susan Zwiers feels blessed to have found yoga, knows that everyone can experience
its transformative effects, and believes that being present is one the greatest gifts in
life. Her style incorporates the dynamic fluidity of vinyasa flow yoga with an
emphasis on alignment, to create a safe environment for her students. Susan helps
students find the strength and surrender in their own practice, honoring their
individual bodies and minds. She is grateful to her many teachers including Jenny
Aurthur, Simon Park, and Kim Groark. Susan is constantly inspired by her fellow yogis,
family, and friends, who have helped guide her journey. She has completed her 200
hour training with YogaWorks in June 2007. Susan has a masters in biology, has
studied infectious diseases, and currently works in the biotechnology industry. In
addition to yoga, Susan loves nature, cooking, and enjoying life with her husband.
its transformative effects, and believes that being present is one the greatest gifts in
life. Her style incorporates the dynamic fluidity of vinyasa flow yoga with an
emphasis on alignment, to create a safe environment for her students. Susan helps
students find the strength and surrender in their own practice, honoring their
individual bodies and minds. She is grateful to her many teachers including Jenny
Aurthur, Simon Park, and Kim Groark. Susan is constantly inspired by her fellow yogis,
family, and friends, who have helped guide her journey. She has completed her 200
hour training with YogaWorks in June 2007. Susan has a masters in biology, has
studied infectious diseases, and currently works in the biotechnology industry. In
addition to yoga, Susan loves nature, cooking, and enjoying life with her husband.
Sarah Fishman is a Washington DC native who received her BFA in Musical Theatre
from Syracuse University. After several years as a professional modern dancer, Sarah
discovered yoga, and unleashed a passion for the healing integration of the physical,
emotional, and symbolic realms of self-discovery and expression. In her personal
practice, she is known for dynamic sequencing on the mat, and for abandoning the
mat when the spirit moves, flowing off of and around it! At the studio, Sarah
cultivates a safe space where students can take their own journeys of self-inquiry, and
deeply honors the opportunity to share a practice with anyone who finds the courage
to unfurl their mat. She is inspired by the potential of all yogis to align themselves for
better health and more fulfilling lives, and to take the gift of yoga one step further --
off the mat -- to serve, heal and unite their communities.
from Syracuse University. After several years as a professional modern dancer, Sarah
discovered yoga, and unleashed a passion for the healing integration of the physical,
emotional, and symbolic realms of self-discovery and expression. In her personal
practice, she is known for dynamic sequencing on the mat, and for abandoning the
mat when the spirit moves, flowing off of and around it! At the studio, Sarah
cultivates a safe space where students can take their own journeys of self-inquiry, and
deeply honors the opportunity to share a practice with anyone who finds the courage
to unfurl their mat. She is inspired by the potential of all yogis to align themselves for
better health and more fulfilling lives, and to take the gift of yoga one step further --
off the mat -- to serve, heal and unite their communities.
Charlene Marie Muhammad began studying yoga about 25 years ago after her
mother, a professional ballet dancer, introduced her to the Iyengar Yoga Center in
New York City’s lower-west side. Her mom sensed that Charlene, a newly graduated
college student, was far too stressed out living the corporate life. (She was right on!)
Once bitten by the yoga bug, Charlene continued developing her own practice
throughout the years and as her little family grew, she incorporated children into the
practice. Her sons, now 18 and 20 years old, continue to practice yoga. Yoga has
always been a personal and spiritual practice for Charlene. Obtaining her Yoga
Teacher Certification was a way for her to “grow up” and share her understanding of
yoga as an expression of self-care and self-love with others. As a practicing Clinical
Herbalist, she prescribes a daily yoga practice to her clients as a basis for their overall
healthy lifestyle. Yet she also recognizes that it takes a certain strength and internal
sense of worth to step into the yoga studio for the first time. Her teaching
continuously honors and celebrates her yoga students’ willingness to open up, and she
encourages each student to share their tenderness and heart strength in class. Charlene
believes and no one is too old or too young to practice yoga. Perfection is uniquely
individual. Each and every yoga practitioner is beauty in motion; through grace,
strength and personal effort, students achieve a sense of self-care, inner strength and
renewed tenderness for their own well being.
mother, a professional ballet dancer, introduced her to the Iyengar Yoga Center in
New York City’s lower-west side. Her mom sensed that Charlene, a newly graduated
college student, was far too stressed out living the corporate life. (She was right on!)
Once bitten by the yoga bug, Charlene continued developing her own practice
throughout the years and as her little family grew, she incorporated children into the
practice. Her sons, now 18 and 20 years old, continue to practice yoga. Yoga has
always been a personal and spiritual practice for Charlene. Obtaining her Yoga
Teacher Certification was a way for her to “grow up” and share her understanding of
yoga as an expression of self-care and self-love with others. As a practicing Clinical
Herbalist, she prescribes a daily yoga practice to her clients as a basis for their overall
healthy lifestyle. Yet she also recognizes that it takes a certain strength and internal
sense of worth to step into the yoga studio for the first time. Her teaching
continuously honors and celebrates her yoga students’ willingness to open up, and she
encourages each student to share their tenderness and heart strength in class. Charlene
believes and no one is too old or too young to practice yoga. Perfection is uniquely
individual. Each and every yoga practitioner is beauty in motion; through grace,
strength and personal effort, students achieve a sense of self-care, inner strength and
renewed tenderness for their own well being.
Teachers
Admir (Adi) Trakic has been interested in the practice of Yoga since his teenage
years. He began first focusing on the more physical aspects of the practice, but soon
went on to explore the other, more spiritual, elements of yoga: meditation,
pranayama (special breathing techniques), and yogic philosophy. In 2001 he began
practicing more intensively Hatha Yoga and finished both the Bagheera Yoga DC and
Satyaram Canada teacher training programs. He has been teaching Yoga since 2004.
He enjoys cultivating a comfortable, informal atmosphere in his classes and believes
that a bit of laughter and light-heartedness can be the best medicine.Adi is a member
of Mid Atlantic Yoga Association.
years. He began first focusing on the more physical aspects of the practice, but soon
went on to explore the other, more spiritual, elements of yoga: meditation,
pranayama (special breathing techniques), and yogic philosophy. In 2001 he began
practicing more intensively Hatha Yoga and finished both the Bagheera Yoga DC and
Satyaram Canada teacher training programs. He has been teaching Yoga since 2004.
He enjoys cultivating a comfortable, informal atmosphere in his classes and believes
that a bit of laughter and light-heartedness can be the best medicine.Adi is a member
of Mid Atlantic Yoga Association.
Jessica Koch is a certified Five Element Medical QiGong instructor. She began
studying QiGong shortly after her introduction to the benefits of meditation over six
years ago. Recognizing the universal benefits QiGong has to offer prompted Jessica to
study and explore the healing effects of qi through energy balancing modalities such as
Zero Balancing and External Qi Healing. She enjoys providing the opportunity for
others to experience healing in both the classroom setting and one-on-one sessions.
studying QiGong shortly after her introduction to the benefits of meditation over six
years ago. Recognizing the universal benefits QiGong has to offer prompted Jessica to
study and explore the healing effects of qi through energy balancing modalities such as
Zero Balancing and External Qi Healing. She enjoys providing the opportunity for
others to experience healing in both the classroom setting and one-on-one sessions.
Dawna Houston is known for her dynamic teaching style and unique posture
Vinyasa flow practice, which is supported by Anusara principles from study with John
Friend and certified Anusara teachers Kathy Donnelly and Jenny Otto. Joe Roberson
inspired her interest in Kundalini Yoga, and she studied further with Ravi Singh and
Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa. Restorative training with Roger Cole and Yoga Therapy with
Jenny Otto ground her vinyasa practice and teaching with strong alignment and
adjustment skills. For Dawna, yoga is the perfect blend of spirit and science. Her
background includes a BS in Microbiology, a Masters degree in Cell Biology, a career in
biotechnology, and the life-long education provided by motherhood. She is currently
studying with Jenny Otto and Lynn Matthews in their Advanced RYT 500 training
program.
Vinyasa flow practice, which is supported by Anusara principles from study with John
Friend and certified Anusara teachers Kathy Donnelly and Jenny Otto. Joe Roberson
inspired her interest in Kundalini Yoga, and she studied further with Ravi Singh and
Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa. Restorative training with Roger Cole and Yoga Therapy with
Jenny Otto ground her vinyasa practice and teaching with strong alignment and
adjustment skills. For Dawna, yoga is the perfect blend of spirit and science. Her
background includes a BS in Microbiology, a Masters degree in Cell Biology, a career in
biotechnology, and the life-long education provided by motherhood. She is currently
studying with Jenny Otto and Lynn Matthews in their Advanced RYT 500 training
program.
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Carol Cox has spent the last five years practicing, studying, and teaching the Pilates
method for local gyms and studios. She is certified as a Pilates mat instructor, and is
currently completing requirements for her comprehensive Pilates equipment
certification with internationally renowned teacher Michele Larsson, in Santa Fe, NM.
Carol regularly participates in continuing education in the field, and has trained in a
variety of specialized areas such as Pilates for Seniors, use of props, Pilates and the
Chakras, and Pilates and the Psyche. She holds a B.A. in art history and an M.A. in
interior design.
method for local gyms and studios. She is certified as a Pilates mat instructor, and is
currently completing requirements for her comprehensive Pilates equipment
certification with internationally renowned teacher Michele Larsson, in Santa Fe, NM.
Carol regularly participates in continuing education in the field, and has trained in a
variety of specialized areas such as Pilates for Seniors, use of props, Pilates and the
Chakras, and Pilates and the Psyche. She holds a B.A. in art history and an M.A. in
interior design.
Christen Iannone is a clinical psychologist specializing in psychotherapy with
children, adolescents and adults. Her practice utilizes both traditional as well as
holistic approaches (i.e., meditation, spirituality) to address emotional issues. She
began practicing yoga as a way to manage stress and heal physical injuries due to
running and strength training. The majority of her practice and training has been with
the Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga. Christen was drawn to this very dynamic and
powerful yoga style due to it’s integration of the physical, emotional, and spiritual
aspects of yoga. She has found profound strength and healing through yoga and
believes that yoga can transform your physical body, mind, and spirit. Often our
experiences on our yoga mats mirror the way we manage our daily lives. Yoga helps
you look at how you deal with challenges and offers you the opportunity to explore
alternatives. Christen’s classes follow a prescribed set of yoga poses which tends to get
people out of their heads and into their bodies. Her classes are highly energetic as well
as nurturing to the mind, body and spirit.
children, adolescents and adults. Her practice utilizes both traditional as well as
holistic approaches (i.e., meditation, spirituality) to address emotional issues. She
began practicing yoga as a way to manage stress and heal physical injuries due to
running and strength training. The majority of her practice and training has been with
the Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga. Christen was drawn to this very dynamic and
powerful yoga style due to it’s integration of the physical, emotional, and spiritual
aspects of yoga. She has found profound strength and healing through yoga and
believes that yoga can transform your physical body, mind, and spirit. Often our
experiences on our yoga mats mirror the way we manage our daily lives. Yoga helps
you look at how you deal with challenges and offers you the opportunity to explore
alternatives. Christen’s classes follow a prescribed set of yoga poses which tends to get
people out of their heads and into their bodies. Her classes are highly energetic as well
as nurturing to the mind, body and spirit.
| © 2008 Olney Yoga & Wellness. All Rights Reserved. Last updated 7/1/2008. |
| Cultivating a Healthy Community |