Avenues Yoga

Peter Francyk ~ Special Guest Teacher July-August 2010

Peter has been a student of movement and meditation including dance, Yoga, vipassana and many others for over 20 years. He has danced professionally both with Repertory Dance Theatre of Salt Lake City and with Pilobolus of New York City. His unique teaching style is a fusion of classical eastern yogic and meditation principles and western anatomy and kinesiology, as well as his own personal experience with injury and understanding misalignments of the body.

Peter has studied with TKV Desikachar, John Friend, Richard Freeman, Chuck Miller and Maty Ezraty, David Swenson, Rod Stryker, Sri K. Patabhi Jois, SN Goenka, Eiko & Koma, Diego Piñon, Cristina Mendoza Vidal, and many others. He is very grateful to his teachers and brings elements of their teachings to his students through the filter of his own daily practice.

Peter will be teaching Pranayama & Meditation on Wednesday nights, 7:15-8:30pm throughout July. For information about Peter’s other upcoming events, click here.

Peter is known for his grace, enthusiasm, kindness and ability to elucidate and penetrate deeply into yogic concepts and weave them throughout the practice.

Aiya

Aiya Williams-Cela, RYT 200, M.S. attended her first yoga class in 1999, because someone told her it would help relieve stress. Five minutes into the class, she realized yoga was much more that stress relief and knew she’d found a lifelong passion. Every day, Aiya finds yoga to be a healing and transformational path. She strives to bring her students a space to explore strength, balance, peace, and joy through both the physical yoga asanas and the perspectives a yoga practice can bring to one’s life.

In addition to her yoga studies, Aiya completed Duke University’s course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, which was initially developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Aiya holds a B.A. in Global Technology Transfer and a M.S. in Technical Communication, both from North Carolina State University.

Alaina

I am an Environmental Studies major at the University of Utah, and love the feeling of simply existing in nature. I was first inspired to practice Yoga regularly during an introductory class at Salt Lake Community College in 2002. Years later I went on to receive certification in hopes of sharing this wonderful art with others. I have always been and forever will be a student, learning with each new experience something I could not have known before.  Yoga and mindful movement have led me to a journey filled with self-discovery and many blessings allowing a creative strength to emerge.  Teaching and practicing Yoga has provided opportunities for threading deep connections and building relationships that I treasure. I believe Yoga gives us the chance to make our own path… to challenge our unique qualities and accept what is individual and true of ourselves.

Brande

Brande is a graduate of the Forrest Yoga Foundation Teacher Training Program, and continues to broaden her knowledge of this powerful practice by attending Forrest Yoga workshops and intensives. In May, 2009 Brande completed Ana Forrest’s Advanced Teacher Training Course; she is currently one of a small number of certified Forrest Yoga instructors worldwide, and the only certified Forrest Instructor in Salt Lake. Forrest Yoga has provided for Brande a path of emotional, mental and physical healing. Her mission is to pass these healing gifts on to her students in a caring and compassionate way.

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Charlotte

Charlotte Bell has been practicing yoga since 1982, and began teaching in 1986. Certified in 1989 in the Iyengar style of yoga, Charlotte enjoys learning from teachers of many different yogic perspectives. Charlotte’s teaching has been influenced by the work of Donna Farhi, specifically the fluid interweaving of breath and asana. She co-taught an international teacher training in Vancouver, BC, with Donna Farhi in August of 2002. Charlotte received her 500-hour certification from Yoga Alliance in 2000. Vipassana meditation practice has had the most profound influence on Charlotte’s work. She began her practice in 1986, and has attended many 10-and 30-day meditation retreats since then. Her practice has been guided by her spiritual mentors, Pujari and Abhilasha of the Last Resort in Cedar Breaks, Utah, since 1985. Charlotte has conducted vipassana retreats annually since 1997, including annual retreats combining yoga and vipassana meditation at Inner Harmony Retreat Center. All these influences combine to form an evolving style of yoga that acknowledges the alignment principles of the Iyengar system while applying mindful attention to gain insight into the truth of each individual’s asana practice rather than striving for preconceived goals. She encourages students to explore and trust their own experience in their asana practice, and enjoys learning new perspectives from her students. Charlotte’s book, Mindful Yoga, Mindful Life was published by Rodmell Press in 2007. Charlotte will be on leave from teaching until September 2010.
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Chase

Chase originally looked to yoga as a great workout but soon found it to be so much more. Not only is it a great physically and mentally challenging practice, it is also an opportunity to find the balance deep within yourself and a chance to reconnect to your breath through movement while – most importantly – having a lot of fun! Chase received her certification yhtough Centered City in 2007 and has continued her yoga education with Bryan Kest, Judith Laseter, and Scott Moore. She feels so lucky to teach at this beautiful studio alongside so many other wonderful teachers and fellow practitioners. When not teaching Express, Wednesdays at noon, practicing, or learning about yoga you will most likely find her outside playing with her two dogs Yogi and Ruby.

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Dawn

Dawn is a certified yoga teacher who moved to Salt Lake from Maine in 2006. She’s a rock climber and began doing yoga to help reduce injury. She quickly realized that there were many other benefits to doing yoga. She got certified to teach at the Ananda Seva mission in Santa Rosa California in 2007. Dawn particularly enjoys practicing Anusara and is working toward her Anusara inspired status. She’s thrilled that Salt Lake has so many wonderful teachers who teach such a variety of styles! Along with teaching yoga, Dawn is a certified climbing guide. When she’s not teaching or guiding, you can most likely find her exploring the mountains of Utah or surrounding states.

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Erin
Hi! I’m Erin Menut and Avenues Yoga is my heart-child – a true gift from the universe. I feel very blessed to be an energetic force supporting our studio (one of many), and so thankful and grateful that the studio continues to receive such a warm welcome in our community. I began practicing Yoga at the University of Utah, where I am currently ABD in English Literature. A martial artist since 1993, and a teacher of Moo Gong Do since 1995, I truly appreciate mindful movement, and instantly found myself drawn more deeply into Yoga’s union of philosophy and physical practice. Through Yoga, my chronic knee pain soon began to melt away. I felt stronger, clearer – more myself than ever before, and a better, more grounded self at that. My continued love of Yoga led me to seek instructor certification, and I now hold an additional certificate in Yoga of the Heart Yoga Therapy, granted by the delightful and deep Nischala Devi. This program, developed by Nischala Devi in coordination with Dr. Dean Ornish, teaches the art of Deep Relaxation as a healing practice for body and mind. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Peter Francyk, who, like a comet, continues to roam the cosmos shining the light of truth with his own special humor and style. I currently teach in the Yoga Teacher Training Program at Salt Lake Community College. As a teacher, I enjoy passing on the insights I have gained so far through my study and practice. As a student, I humbly continue to learn from the people, events and experiences that come my way. I believe that Yoga offers everyone a way of letting their inner light shine more fully, and that the practice of Yoga offers a time-tested way to live a life of Joy.
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Garrick

My main profession is as a business man in the Life Sciences industry. I have been involved in the Human Genome Project and the technologies that have allowed us to better understand biology and genetics for the last two decades. I came to yoga after injuries from basketball and other sports raised the question “Is there a physical activity I can be passionate about, and do at any age, that won’t put me at risk of injury?” Not only did yoga address my need for safe and effective physical activity, I have experienced new and higher levels of fitness. There are many other gifts yoga has given me that continue to drive my passion to explore it even further. I love the community around yoga and have met some of my favorite people through it. Developing a daily yoga practice has created space for physical discovery, healing, emotional balance, and has dramatically strengthened my meditation practice. To take my practice further, and with no intention to teach, I did Dana Baptiste’s 500 hour teacher training. I found that I have a skill for teaching yoga and also saw that it accelerated my own practice. Teaching yoga is always a challenging experience, allows for creativity, and requires me to refine my knowledge in order to share it effectively. Every class I teach is a unique and new experience; I am not really teaching so much as joining the class in a mutual self exploration. This is why I like to say, “yoga is my favorite team sport”.

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Jami

Diligent, passionate, intuitive, and dedicated, Jami will encourage your greatness to rise.

Jami brings insight and experience into the art of teaching Yoga.  She has studied the behavior and anatomy of the physical body through her passion in body therapy, massage, and yoga, combined with a deep understanding of pranic consciousness since 2000.  She is a leading certified Vinyasa Instructor through the Krishnamacharya Lineage.

She is known for bringing soul and movement to life with an infectious warmth and respect for sacred tradition. Weaving the art of living yoga with the fusion of sacred texts into each class as an opportunity for students to dive deep into the nectar of their Yoga Soul.  The invitation to hold sacred space for personal transformation is observed as well as classical and innovative asana linked through the natural rhythm of breath. Classes with Jami are musically infused, sweat inducing, intelligent, and full of Bhakti. Visit www.TheYogaSoul.com for details.

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Jennifer F

Jen began experimenting with yoga in 2001 after several injuries. After a short time, she realized the practice of yoga extended beyond just the physical. She began to explore yoga philosophy while also trying out various styles of yoga. Jen was attracted to the alignment techniques of Iyengar yoga and began an intense practice with a certified Iyengar teacher who guided her in developing a strong home practice. Her home practice served her well while living in South America for three years. Upon her return to the United States, a close friend invited her to practice Anusara yoga. She connected instantly with this style of yoga; her heart was touched deeply by the invocation at the beginning of the class, as well as, the playfulness of the poses. Jen´s desire for a more peaceful, positive world is one of her greatest inspirations for teaching yoga. She believes we must all look inward and discover the true beauty that resides in each of our souls. Through the practice of yoga we can empower ourselves. The energy which empowers our own mind and body has the potential to vibrate throughout the universe and influence those around us in a more positive manner.
Most recently, Jen completed a Yoga in Action course offered by Off the Mat Into the World and has been recommended, by the facilitators of this course, to teach her own Yoga in Action groups. Jen has had the opportunity to deepen her practice by studying with John Friend, Hala Khouri, Carolyn Belko and many other wonderful teachers. Although Jen is a certified yoga teacher who is registered with Yoga Alliance and has completed 115 hours of Anusara Immersion with Adam Ballenger, her studies are far from being complete. She is currently working towards the Anusara Inspired status and towards the even longer road of Anusara Certification. She is forever grateful for all of the great teachers, role models and inspiration in her life! To learn more about Jen you are welcome to come and say hello or visit http://jenfarrellyoga.wordpress.com/!

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Jen H

Jen is an Anusara Inspired yoga teacher who has always had a connection to the exploration of movement and the expression of her heart. So naturally Anusara was a match with its deep connection of flowing with the heart and the “Universal Principles of Alignment”. While teaching she incorporates her many years of studying dance where she had the opportunity to learn about energy, anatomy, kinesiology, and the fullness of expression. This is intertwined with her studies of yoga and philosophy. She has also had many trainings in yoga therapeutics and delights in sharing this knowledge throughout her teachings. Come ready to play and find a deeper connection to your heart.

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Lisa

Mandi

Mandi grew up dancing and performing and after several injuries began practicing Yoga and Pilates to assist in her rehabilitation. She fell in love with the physical benefits she experienced, as well as the balance, peace, and happiness these practices brought to her life. Mandi received her Pilates certification through Stott, and her Yoga Teaching Certification through Salt Lake Communiy College. She currently teaches Core Yoga on Fridays, and is very excited to combine her passions for performing, working with children, and Yoga in the “Yoga through Story” class new this Fall.
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Pati
Pati has taught dance and qigong for over 25 years. Movement has been a part of her own personal healing, passion and joy, which she shares with her students! Pati has studied in and practices a variety of meditation forms. She is also the founder of The Holistic Gourmet, offering nutrition and food counseling for improving overall health and treating addictions, offering holistic cooking classes, nutrition and sustainable education for the community.
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Rebecca

Bio coming soon!~

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Reina
Reina grew up in a household of Nepalese artifacts, meditation, and an early introduction to yoga through her siblings. She began a regular practice after taking a Donna Farhi- based course during her second year of college. After 10 years of practice, Reina became certified as an instructor and has been teaching yoga ever since. Reina worked for the Sandy Fire Department for 5 years as an Education Specialist and E.M.T, and she currently works for the Division of Child and Family Services as a Senior Business Analyst. In her free time Reina can be found hiking the highest peak in each county of Utah, climbing anything she can climb, reading for enlightenment, and eating dark chocolate.

Roz
Roz Newmark was first introduced to yoga over three decades ago. She has studied with numerous Senior Iyengar,  Anusara, and Para Yoga instructors completing several teachers training sessions. In her own teaching, Ms. Newmark blends the structure of these yogic traditions with elements of the Alexander technique, Body Mind Centering and Feldenkrais. It is her belief that by listening to the body’s deeper wisdom, the possibilities for finding greater ease of movement  increase.

Along with her studies in yoga, Roz is an active performing and visual artist. She has taught, choreographed and performed throughout the United States. She has a B.A, in dance and photography and an M.F.A. from the University of Utah in choreography. Her photographs have been published in books and exhibited in the Ansel Adams galley. She has been known to break the fun meter, when singing and playing the fiddle with various acoustic groups in the area.
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Sammy
My name is Sammy Brown and I LOVE yoga! I am certified by Yoga Alliance in Hatha yoga and have been practicing for around eight years. Yoga has transformed my life in a way that’s hard to put into words. I am also passionate about rock climbing. I have been climbing most my life and love to boulder up little cottonwood canyon.
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Shanna

Before moving from Cleveland, OH to Salt Lake City in June, Shanna Sheline was a professional Modern Dancer for ten years and cultivated a passion for teaching. Currently, Shanna teaches Yogalates (a dynamic integration of Yoga and Pilates) at Avenues Yoga. Shanna holds an M.A. in Dance from Case Western Reserve University, the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training from Kripalu Yoga Center and Pilates Mat certification from Power Pilates. Shanna is also a certified Thai Yoga Massage practitioner through Lotus Palm School. Although Shanna turned to Yoga, Pilates and massage in order to become a better dancer, she found that it enhances all other aspects of her life. Sincerely dedicated to integrated practice, Shanna provides a comprehensive experience to her students. She creates a supportive environment that reflects her enthusiasm for the practice and fosters continual improvement and self inquiry.

Shannon
Shannon brings together a variety of experiences as a Mat Pilates Instructor, Professional Fitness Mentor, Interior Designer, Feng Shui Practitioner, Life Awareness Coach, and Massage Therapist to assist and support others in enhancing their own natural healing and transformational process. She focuses on an eclectic blend of movement and awareness techniques that assist in releasing mind-body stress and restoring mind-body balance. Shannon’s passion and excitement for being a life-long student supports her in teaching and sharing her learning with others through a variety of classes and workshops. Shannon finds great adventure and joy in year-round outdoor recreation, personal development, reading, painting, traveling, and spending time with her amazing husband, family, and friends.
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Sima’s first experience of yoga was in 1994 Amman, Jordan. During that class she experienced a shift in perspective, a sense of expansiveness and lightness, which would eventually inspire her life in a new and uncharted direction. Sima really fell in love with yoga in 2001, newly graduated from university, suffering burn out and depression, she was fortunate enough to find Andreas Wisneiski, a yoga teacher who took her deeper into the physical practice of yoga and introduced her to meditation within the teachings of Zen Buddhism. He empowered Sima to eventually guide others on this path. Sima has received formal yoga teacher training from the Sivananda organisation, Erich Schiffmann, Seane Corn and the Prison Phoenix Trust. A full time teacher in London for 7 years, recently immigrated to the USA. Sima is an ordained Zen Buddhist monk under the guidance of her teacher Genpo Roshi here in Salt Lake City. It is her experience that the two practices of Zen and yoga compliment each other beautifully.