Find a Yoga of Recovery Teacher near you…

International

Tarini
– Chennai, Tamil Nadu, South India

Certified Sivananda Hatha Yoga Teach, Yoga Nidra Teacher (California College of Ayurveda), and Ayurveda Lifestyle Counselor

Tarini is a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher in both Sivananda & Krishnamacharya traditions and has been studying closely with Yoga of Recovery creator Durga Leela for the past 5 years.  Tarini is an enthusiastic and upbeat teacher, excited about the level of healing the Yoga of Recovery practices have brought to her own recovery journey and has committed her life to empowering others to realize their own healing capacity through these teachings.

Tarini is from Sacramento, California and currently studies Yoga Therapy in the Krishnamacharya tradition at Yoga Vahini Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.  Email Tarini here

Michel Manser
– Zurich, Switzerland

Certified RYT Vinyasa, Yin Yoga and Hatha Yoga teacher – certified by the standards of the European and German Yoga association (BDU & EYU). For many years I’ve practiced Vipassana meditation.

When I came into recovery in 2009 I discovered 12 step meetings, Yoga, and Ayurveda. From then on my life has been constantly evolving. Having worked for many years in the textile business, I knew after some years in recovery, that I want to shift my work more into the Yoga and Recovery field. I wanted to share the power and the possibility for transformation that I experienced myself.  Hence I co-founded Yogaherz with Nicole Spencer, as it was clear to us that we wanted to teach the YoR program in Europe, uniting these techniques together in a holistic approach.  Yogaherz offers beautiful Yoga Retreats and also one on one YoR consultations and retreats specifically working through the principles of YoR.

Nicole Spencer
– Zurich, Switzerland

RYT 200 Hatha Yoga; 100 Workshops in Yoga Nidra, Mantras and Pranyama

Nicole’s journey with yoga first started in 2009 after she entered into recovery. She found that yoga really helped with a lot of the challenges she faced in early recovery including fear and anxiety. She was also introduced to Ayurveda and was very attracted to it’s holistic approach to living a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Combining 12 Step programs, Yoga and Ayurveda has helped her tremendously in her own recovery and in living a healthier life. She co-founded Yogaherz with Michel Manser, to share this experience.  Now she brings the tools of Yoga of Recovery to help those who are both in recovery and those looking for classes that offer a holistic and balanced approach to yoga using mind, body and spirit.   Email Nicole here

Grace Van Berkum
– Nicaragua and Toronto. 

Grace is a Sivananda Yoga Teacher, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer and Theta Healing Practitioner Level 1. She offers Gracious Living Yoga Adventure Retreats (5-14 days) in Nicaragua for 7 months of the year. Explore stunning, tropical Nicaragua while doing yoga and meditation and learning about raw and vegan nutrition and cooking. Surfing, volcano hiking, boat excursions, and canopy zip line tours are also available. Nicaragua offers a place to relax, recharge and rejuvenate in gorgeous settings, while learning about healthy lifestyle tips. You can hire Grace to teach a retreat in your area (yoga & cooking classes). Please check her website for more information, www.gracevanberkum.com or email Grace here.

Hariyah dan-Fodio
– Rural Island Communities and Urban Cities

Storytime Yoga, TeachingYoga to Children with Special Needs, Yoga for the Pelvic Floor, Earth Qigong for Women,, Thai Yoga Massage, Thai Herbal Massage, Thai Reflexology, Spiritual Aromatherapy, Sports Nutrition, REIKI USUI SHIKI RYPHO Levels 1 and 2, Positive Psychology, Structured Family Therapy, and Masters in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling.

Hariyah embraced a natural living lifestyle and was introduced to yoga, ayurveda, and meditation at the age of 14. When she was 17 she began to study the mysticism of Islam and has spent her adult life practicing this Path to Peace. She has immersed herself in the healing energy arts and utilizes creative movement expression and aromatics as essential self-regulating modalities. She has spent years developjng ways of teaching children and adults how  to gain beneficial self-knowledge and self-awareness by utilizing the five senses and has fallen in love with the basic teachings outlined in the Yoga of Recovery program. She holds a Masters in Psychology and feels comfortable helping people discover and re-story their life stories.  Email Hariyah here

Canada

Evonne Sullivan
– London/Toronto, Ontario

BA, CHRL, RYT 200 Yoga Teacher and Wellness Advocate – Evonne specializes in yoga and mindfulness for mental health and addiction recovery. With lived experience, her regular yoga practice is fundamental in her ability to overcome struggles with anxiety and depression. She credits her health, wellness and sobriety to living consciously and in touch with the mind-body connection.

Evonne has trained with Yoga of 12-Step Recovery, Recovery 2.0 and LifeForce Yoga for Depression and Anxiety. She facilitates independent wellness and recovery groups, as well as teaching with clients, organizations, schools, treatment centres and at special events.  Visit website here

As a person in long-term recovery, Evonne promotes a holistic, healthy lifestyle approach to mental health and addiction. In her work life, personal life and volunteering within the community, she is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and helps to break the stigma surrounding addiction.  Email Evonne

Gabriela Weaver
– Edmonton, Alberta.

Gabriela, RYT, has been teaching yoga since 2006. She teaches large groups in treatment centres. Her teaching style is dynamic, light-hearted and inspiring; using asana, meditation, pranayama and visual relaxation techniques. She is also expanding her training and expertise – training as a Holistic Nutritionist and also training to become an Addictions Counselor. She has a keenly compassionate heart, having herself recovered from debilitating addictions spanning 20 years, and is dedicated to helping others in recovery find peace.www.healingspirityoga.ca    Email Gabi here

Taryn Strong
– Victoria, British Columbia

300 Hour Moksana Teacher Training Certification – 2007; Certified Mat Pilates Instructor – Feel Good Yoga & Pilates 2010

Taryn was raised by recovering parents, so recovery has been and continues to be part of her everyday life, a life still surrounded by recovering addicts and other people who actively work various 12-step programs. An introduction course on becoming an addictions counselor solidified her interest in helping people recover from addiction, but the western approach didn’t completely resonate with her. Soon afterwards, she found yoga and now integrates the spiritual principles of recovery with yogic philosophy while sequencing poses together that flow smoothly. The result: balance, strength, and flexibility in a calm body, mind and spirit.  See www.anahatamoonyoga.com or email Taryn here

Joanne Alexander
– Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

YTT2007 200 hrs. from Sacred Ground Yoga, Saskatoon Saskatchewan; Recovery date:  March 20, 1981; Registered Social Worker for the Province of Saskatchewan; Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), University of Regina

What a life!  I have practiced yoga regularly since 1995.  Twenty years prior, I joined Alateen and eventually participated in numerous 12 step fellowships to address addictive behaviors with drugs, relationships and eating.  I own a home-based self-discovery business.  Each year I attend additional training including Jivamutki, Anusara, Kripalu, Iyengar and now Yoga of Recovery.  Email Joanne here

Vietnam

Swami Narayanananda
– Da Lat

Swami Narayanananda is the Director of the Sivananda Ashram in Vietnam. Swami saw that many of the people who are drawn to the Yoga Path have experienced the suffering caused by addictions and self-destructive behaviors. His participation in the Yoga of Recovery Course opened him up to the 12- step philosophy and particularly how much it parallels yoga philosophy. Swami is keen to guide students on how to integrate their yoga practice with their recovery tools.  Email Swami Narayanananda here.

USA by State

California

Brigitte Parvin
– Auburn

In long term recovery since 1992, RYT 200 Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra Instructor, Certified Hypnotherapist, Advanced Angel Therapist Practitioner®, Reiki Practitioner, Author, and owner of Studio Be Yoga & Wellness Center in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills, Auburn where weekly Yoga of Recovery Meetings are offered.

Brigitte is an Advanced Angel Therapist Practitioner® certified by Doreen Virtue and specializes in Addiction, Codependency, & Yoga of Recovery.  As Hay House Authors, Brigitte and Doreen are writing a book about over coming addictions and experiences of Divine Intervention titled “How To Get Your Life Back.”  Also runs Studio Be Yoga & Wellness Center with Husband Doug Parvin and Daughter Noelle Swonsen.  Email Brigitte here

Doug Parvin
– Auburn

In long term recovery since 1995, RYT 200 Hatha Yoga, Certified Hypnotherapist, Sound Healing Practitioner, Angel Therapist Practitioner®, Reiki Practitioner, and owner of Studio Be Yoga & Wellness Center.

Have been practicing the 12 Step Principles since 1995 – I believe in continued work and application in the 12 Steps for my spiritual growth and assisting others along the way by sharing what I have learned in many traditions, practices, and healing modalities from many amazing teachers.  I Love the support, health, healing, growth, & laughter in the Recovery Community.  I run Studio Be Yoga & Wellness Center with my Beautiful Wife Brigitte Parvin and Amazing Daughter Noelle Swonsen.  Studio Be also holds weekly Yoga of Recovery Meetings.  Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills in Auburn, CA.  Email Doug here

Waleska (Durgha) Suarez
– Encinitas  (50 hour YoR July 2017)

RYT 200 Hatha Yoga, certified in Yin Yoga, and Pranic Healing.

Waleska’s journey with yoga began when she went to a class as a last resort after learning she would need a lung transplant.  Her love of yoga now leads her to training for 500 RYT and IAYT Accredited Yoga Therapist certifications.  Yoga has been her ongoing tool for healing both physically, mentally and emotionally.  She brings her experience of healing the body to her classes and students and has great compassion for the process of getting the body and muscles to open up and loosen. Being a stiff yogini herself she knows how frustrating it can be to not be able to do a pose, so she utilizes many different styles and props in her classes.  Waleska offers individual consultations, and teaches groups and workshops. She is co-owner of Pranava Yoga with her mother.   Email Waleska here

Teresa Austin
– San Diego  (50 hour YoR July 2015)

1000 hour Yoga Therapy with a specialization in symbolism and story-telling – Teresa created Myth Asana® and the DVD Myth Asana®, which incorporates yogic mythology and philosophy within a powerful practice of movement and mindfulness.   500 hour Soul of Yoga Certification YT,  Yoga of the Heart – Nischala Joy Devi and California Credentialed English Teacher.  She is a volunteer at Shakti Rising (addiction recovery) and Sean O’Shea Foundation Oncology at Rady Children’s.

Teresa has been a practitioner of yoga for over 20 years, and was a world mythology teacher for over 10 years. Through direct personal experience, Teresa knows the power of yoga while in recovery. She specializes in bringing the individual back to their innate true self.  Yoga, mantra, meditation, sound healing and the power of symbolism are woven within her compassionate therapeutic approach. She is a senior yoga teacher and holds many workshops on the power of symbolism and myth within the realm of self-healing.  Email Teresa here

Erika Lee
– San Diego, CA (50 hour YoR July 2015)

I discovered Yoga a little over 20 years ago and it has been an integral part of my life ever since. Yoga heals from the inside out and is the absolute connection of mind, body, and soul. I have been teaching Yoga since 2008 full time and I am constantly evolving as a student and a teacher. I am drawn to the universal aspects of Yoga in regards to healing and recovery. I am currently enrolled in the Yoga Therapy program at Soul of Yoga in Encinitas, CA. I specialize in bringing Yoga to students in need of techniques to heal their bodies and their emotions. I am a Yoga Therapist at the Eating Disorder Center of San Diego and offer anxiety reduction classes for the clients. My ultimate goal is to create a safe and sacred environment for my students to heal and explore their practice.  www.bodyandsoulintegration.com,  Email Erika here.

Kate Danta
– Pacific Beach, CA (50 hour YoR July 2015)

Owner of PB Yoga and Healing Arts – offering a variety yin or restorative based yoga practices for 13 years. Holistic Health Practitioner since 1981. Graduate of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy course 1994. I’ve been teaching Svaroopa yoga, a deep core opening style for the last 20 years. Ten years prior to that I taught in the Style of Indra Devi. In 2013 I graduated from 3HO Kundalini Yoga Teachers Training in San Diego. I got way more than a certificate, I found my sadhana practice that helps to sustain my spiritual longing. Currently enrolled in the 2 year Yoga Therapy program at Soul of Yoga. Mentored in ‘Touch for Health’ a practical guide to natural health, by a gifted Naturopath, Doctor Phil Selinsky, for last 33 years. I offer deeply therapeutic massages that include muscle testing, acupressure points, meridian therapy and dietary counseling. I recently completed Landmark Forum curriculum for living course where I was brought to a greater understanding of myself thru poignant and introspective inner work. Twice weekly Yoga of Recovery classes are offered at PB Yoga, taught by Paige Sapp and Celeste Mendelsohn, whose level of expertise and understanding will benefit us all. I have a grown son who is married and currently lives in Carlsbad with his wife and two adorable children. I have a wee, cream color pup named Lilli that accompanies me almost everywhere I go. Life is good!!  Email Kate here

Gita Devi
– Ukiah, California

Clinical Ayurvedic and Pancha Karma Specialist, Advanced Sivananda Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master, EMF balancing Technique Teacher/Practitioner

Gita Devi entered into recovery in the UK in 2001 then completed the Sivananda Advanced Yoga Training and studied Ayurveda in Kerala, South India. In 2005 she graduated from a 2-year course with the California College of Ayurveda, USA.  She found that Yoga and Meditation helped a lot of the challenges she faced in early recovery including fear, anxiety and frustration.  Combining Yoga, Ayurveda and 12 Step programs has helped her tremendously in her own recovery and holistic approach to living a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.  Now Gita Devi brings the tools of Yoga of Recovery to help those who are both in recovery and those looking for classes that offer a holistic and balanced approach to yoga using Mind (Yoga), Body (Ayurveda) and Spirit (12 Steps).  Email Gita Devi here.  Visit website here

Alan Kaye
– Los Angeles County

RYT 200.  Alan holds certifications from Sivananda International for:  Yoga & Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor;  Ayurvedic Cooking –   Food as Medicine;  Yoga for Trauma. In addition, Alan is a Level 1 & 2 iRest® Yoga Nidra Teacher. He also holds certification in a Therapeutic Yoga Training program. Follow him on Twitter under: STOPCANCERNOW or though the Blue Dot Newsletter too.

For 37 years Alan was active in the field of Laboratory Science, having been an owner of a national pathology, molecular, clinical lab that focused in on Cancer and STD testing. During this time, Alan maintained his personal Yoga & Meditation practice. He served for 7 years at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) on the Directors Consumer Liaison Group (DCLG) & the Data Safety Management Group (DSMG). He is the cofounder of the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC)  and the Global Initiative Against HPV & Cervical Cancer (GIAHC). He is on the Board of Directors of American Sexual Health Association (ASHA).   He is incorporating YoR & 12 Steps into his own life and healing and is available to help you too. Please feel free to email Alan today.  You can also follow him on Twitter under: STOPCANCERNOW or through the Blue Dot Newsletter

Kashi Ananda
– Sebastopol

Kashi is the owner/director of Devi Yoga Center. She is a senior teacher of TriYoga International and is on the TriYoga teacher training staff. Her lifelong exploration of movement, breath and spirit has strongly influenced her teaching style. In classes, private sessions, retreats and immersions, Kashi creates a safe and joyful environment for students to enter deeply into the inner flow of healing and transformation. The devotion, dedication and compassion that she brings to her teaching, reflect her many years of study with her Guru as well through her personal experience of recovery through al anon. Kashi has over 23 years of teaching experience.  Email Kashi here.

Shipra Maurya
– Northern California

BA in Holistic Health; RYT – Registered Yoga Teacher; CMT – Certified Massage Therapist; AHP –  Ayurvedic Health Practitioner; PKS – Pancha Karma Specialist.  Within her Holistic Health training Shipra was formally introduced to Yoga and Ayurveda, and was immediately taken back to memories from her childhood, where she has been practicing Yoga and Ayurveda without her knowledge through traditions of her family.  Yoga of Recovery has transformed the way she sees Ayurveda and Yoga.  By adding the 12-steps she has opened her knowledge with both therapies and continues to incorporate this knowledge within her practice, see website here.  Email Shipra here

Winifred Wilson
– Ojai

Winifred is deeply interested in the 12-steps particularly as it relates to yoga. She began teaching One Breath at a Time, a yoga class geared specifically for those in recovery in January of 2008 and is pursuing certification as a substance abuse couselor and therapist in addition to her ongoing work as a yoga teacher. She recently launced Yoga Blue, a non-profit outreach organization to bring yoga to those recovering from substance abuse and other self-destructive behaviors.  Email Winifred here

Lisa Dixon (Kamala)
– San Diego 

Kamala has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and became a Sivananda yoga instructor in 2002 and a certified massage therapist in 2000.  She trained at the California College of Ayurveda for Ayurvedic body work and helped to establish the Ayurvedic treatment center at the Sivananda Yoga Farm in Grass Valley, CA in 2002.  She went on to study Ayurveda and received a diploma in Ayurvedic Sciences from the Ayurvedic Institute of America in March 2007.  Kamala has been using her experience teaching yoga and Ayurveda to create wellness programs for addiction treatment centers across California for the last 8 years.  Email Kamala here

Deshan Foret (Shakti)
– Grass Valley

Deshan (RYT-200), has been teaching living the yogic lifestyle for 2 years, in service to the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers. Through personal experience, she understands the wisdom and benefit of combining 12 step recovery with Yoga and Ayurveda. Deshan holds MPH credentials and has over 10 years of experience in public health education and group facilitation.  Email Shakti here

Kyczy Hawk
– San Jose

RYT 200, member of the Art of Yoga Project and Niroga Institute. Kyczy focuses her teaching practice on working with those in recovery and at risk youth. Having found the deep and profound benefits of hatha yoga and yoga philosophy herself, she looks to share these with others.  With a few decades of recovery that include a desperate struggle against relapse, Kyczy understands the benefits that yoga can bring to those in recovery; both those new to a sober life and those wishing to continue to flourish and grow.  Kyczy holds Y12SR (Yoga & 12 Step Recovery) meetings/classes at Willow Glen Yoga in San Jose. Using the tenets and tools from Yoga of Recovery trainings, she is able to work one on one with yoga students to assist them in their journey of self discovery and self care.  She has written a book, Yoga and the 12 Step Path, scheduled for release by Central Recovery Press April 2012.  See www.yogarecovery.com for more information.

Linda Burkard
– San Francisco, East Bay

E-RYT 500, certified yoga teacher/therapist. 14 years ago my life was in a downward spin from addiction. I began a recovery program combining the 12 steps, yoga/meditation and ayurveda. The intertwining of these paths was life changing. I have spent the last decade obtaining my E-RYT 500 teacher certification from the best schools and teachers in the country in the field of yoga therapy, Ayurveda and Addiction. I am also certified with the Niroga Institute Yoga Corps. This program enhanced my yoga training with tools for working with at-risk populations. I also give credit to the teachers of life, those in the 12 step fellowship. I do private sessions and group classes using traditional recovery tools to offer a more holistic mind, body, spirit approach helping people to address addiction and self-destructive behaviors. My classes combine yoga therapy, breathing, visual techniques, meditation, yoga & 12 step philosophy.  See Linda’s webite  or Email Linda here

Vincenza J. Baldino
– Oakland & Vallejo

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist; Integral Hatha Yoga Teacher; EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing); California Association of Marriage Family Therapist Clinical Supervisor; Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Levels I & II; Integral Yoga Studies from CIIS (California Institute of Integral Studies). Vincenza’s clinical focus is trauma and the somatic process. She interweaves clinical theories with mindfulness practices and has guided many individuals on the recovery path from additions to self-discovery through the use of psychotherapy, 12-step philosophy, yoga asanas, yoga philosophy and specialized training in multicultural and diversity issues. She teaches “Anyone Can – Relaxation for Parents and Children” and Yoga for Parents classes.  Email Vincenza here

Charles Rios (Premadas)
– Sacramento

A clinical social worker for 23 years in the field of mental health with adults, couples, teenagers and families, Charles has worked for 12 years in hospital-based, outpatient clinics for persons recovering from drug, alcohol and relationship addictions in Northern California. He is intent on service and devoted to the application and integration of Yoga of Recovery principles and practices into the Western social/cultural model of managed health care. Established in the teachings of classical yoga in the lineage of Sri Swami Sivananda, Charles maintains deep respect for the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Sri Krishnamacharya, T. K. V. Desikachar, Vanda Scaravelli, Yogi Bhajan, and Bill W.   Email Charles here

Celeste  Mendelsohn
– San Gabriel Valley

RYT-200, 16 years in Al-Anon.  Celeste has been involved in yoga for most of her life.  About 9 years ago she started studying regularly with a teacher to work on physical pain issues diagnosed as Fibromyalgia.  Thie practice brought her to understand what she wanted to do with her passion for yoga – teach.  That in turn showed her how well Yoga and 12 Step philosophies compliment each other and the desire to teach this multi-focused discipline was born.  Celeste has developed her own teaching style using the tools she has been given in her formal training; developing cohesive foundation classes that combine asana, pranayama and meditation with the concept of satsang to create a safe and supportive learning environment for 12-Steppers and non 12-Steppers alike.  Email Celeste here or visit her website www.12stepyoga.net

Deanna Parameshwari Galkin-Doran
– Los Angeles Westside (LAX area)

Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training May 1995; Advanced Teacher Training June 2012 E-RYT, Yoga Therapy Certification 2009-2010 Loyola Marymount University (LMU), Los Angeles, CA, Yoga Therapy Internship with Sherry Brourman E-RYT and Physical Therapist; Graduated in December 2011.  OA Member since July 2012

Parameshwari (Deanna Galkin-Doran), CYT, has practiced and taught Yoga since 1991 at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Marina del Rey.

“In my short time in the program, through working the steps with my sponsor, I have learned there IS hope for a life without obsession in my addiction. I feel the truth of the parallels between Yoga, Ayurveda and the 12-Steps and work one day at a time to apply them in my life and share the lessons I am learning with my clients and students.”  Email Parameshwari here or visit her website www.parameshwariyoga.com

Kimberly Freesh
– San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles

Kimberly is a yoga Teacher in the Hatha/Viniyoga Tradition, Yoga Therapist and Ayurvedic Health Practitioner.

Her birth home was abusive of both a substance and mental/emotional nature.  While the growing pains were intense, she never gave up seeking a “way out” of the challenges she faced both as an Adult Child of Aloholics and emotionally abusive parents and her own struggles with food and alcohol addictions.  The search to heal herself led her in to Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga Therapy Training, Ayurvedic College and, finally, to an ACA meeting where her awareness of the “problem” shifted and sent her forward with the desire to assist others to grow away from their abusive patterns and offer the hope of change through the tools of Yoga and Ayurveda.  With 18 years of teaching the art and science of yoga, today she offers ongoing yoga and Ayurveda classes at her beautifully situated private studio in Chatsworth.  Her moto is, “A little spark is all you need to reclaim the life that is intended for you!”  Email Kimberly here

Colorado

Jeff Finlin
– Fort Collins, CO

RYT 230 from Asheville Yoga, Council Tech- Harmony Treatment Center, Estes Park, CO, Wounded Warriors program-Fort Collins, CO

Jeff specializes in working one on one with yoga in relationship to Addiction, PTSD, Trama and Co-dependence. Sober for 18 years, he has spent the years since Yoga certification practicing and developing practices for individuals. He is currently founding “RecoverYoga” with the hopes of consulting individuals yogically in relationship to their recovery. As well as a Yogi, he is a highly regarded singer songwriter and performer.  Email Jeff here  www.jefffinlin.com

Stephanie Willner
– Boulder, CO

MS, Exercise Physiology; Yoga Alliance-Certified (Hot Yoga, Power Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Yoga for Cancer Survivors); Certified Ayurveda and Wellness Counselor; 12-Step Recovery  – 12 years

Stephanie has been involved in the fitness and wellness field for over 20 years as an Exercise Physiologist, instructor, and trainer. She began practicing yoga as an evolution of her athletic endeavors as a gymnast and dancer and found that yoga went beyond physical asana practice, offering her a new insight into herself through breath and meditation. Stephanie has been teaching yoga since 2010 and has recently moved into yoga as therapy, focusing on individuals challenged by illness, injury, and addictions. Her physiology background, coupled by her personal experiences with trauma and the healing process offers her students the opportunity to approach life’s challenges by developing inner peace and acceptance.  Email Stephanie here

Conneticut

Joy “Jaipreet” Herbst
– Fairfield County

MSN, APRN, CYT, Registered nurse since 2002, National board certified and CT state licensed APRN/Family Nurse Practitioner since 2008,  YTT certifications with Lotus Garden Yoga School, Bernadette Birney, and Anusara.  Ayurvedic Natural Medicine Approach to Health and Healing from Maharishi, student of American Institute of Vedic Studies, and Wise Earth Ayurveda.

Joy has enjoyed sober living since 7/2014.  She is a loving advocate of the body’s natural ability to heal, and honors deeply how emotional stressors can manifest in illness and dis-ease. She draws from her experiences as a clinician in hospitals and private practice, in the yoga studio, in sobriety and at home with her family.  She is grateful for the wisdom that allows her to not just survive in this whirlwind world, but to thrive in a connected, happy life. She aims to compassionately recognize and support the everyday Superwoman through the science of daily living.  www.PurnimaWomensHealth.com Email Joy here

Cindy Vannoy
– Sharon

RYT 200, certified Yoga Works Teacher and Nationally Registered Yoga Alliance Instructor. She holds advanced teacher trainings and certifications in Yoga of the Heart for Cardiac and Cancer Care, and Restorative Yoga. Cindy was instrumental is developing the Yoga program at High Watch Recovery Center and is a teacher for their program. She has been teaching since 2005 at Yoga at Space in Lakeville, CT. Her compassionate style of teaching integrates movement with breath to affect change and promote health on many different levels. Cindy is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.  Email Cindy here.

Florida

Kathy Shafer Ph.D., LCSW, CAP
–  Jupiter

E-800, IAYT, Yogafit 500RYT.  Kathy is a consultant for Addiction Treatment Centers in Florida for over 30 years, trainer at Kripalu and other professional organizations integrating Yoga into Addiction and Mental Health Treatment, Hosts and attends ACA 12 step meetings (Adult Children of Alcoholics), conducts workshops for Breast Cancer Survivors as she is one.

For over 30 years, Dr. Kathy is known for her work as a licensed psychotherapist, certified addiction professional, trauma specialist presenter, and author. At Limitless Potentials, her private practice in Jupiter, FL, she integrates behavioral interventions such as lifestyle coaching, nonconfrontational communication, and stress reduction skills as her comprehensive approach for mindbody health.  She is a certified practitioner of mental imagery, EMDR, DBT, and is a LifeForce™ Yoga practitioner. She created and owns the trademark for FUN™: a self care program for mindbody health. She offers individual, group (monthly Women and coed Recovery Groups) psychotherapy, family therapy, and yoga classes (taught by Dr. Shafer and other yoga teachers).  Email Dr Kathy

Patsy Mennuti
– Fort Lauderdale

Registered Yoga Teacher RYT 500 with focus in Ayurveda, active member of 12-step fellowship since 2012

My journey of conscious personal growth began in my teens after experiencing depression, anxiety and issues related to food. Finally, in my 40s, I am discovering the incredible healing tools of Yoga, Ayurveda, 12 Steps and aligning with my purpose. My passion moving into the “PM” or afternoon years of my life is to share my experience, strength and hope gleaned from these traditions to assist others in their personal transformation and expansion, to facilitate their recovery of wholeness.  www.pmyogini.com  Email Patsy here

Cindy Lauter
– Titusville

Giri Bek
– South Florida

E-RYT 500, Transformational Breath® Trainer, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified in Yoga Nidra, Chakradance & Reiki.

Giri has been on her own healing journey since 1994, and has been sharing what has worked for her since then. Recovery life is dynamic, and the practices that are used and shared allow the ever-changing, ebbs and flows, to be navigated with grace and peace. She would love to be part of the process of reminding you that you are already whole & perfect! Giri offers private, group and retreat sessions.

Giri is the co-creator of the Breathe in Recovery 8 week online holistic recovery program. This program is suitable for people new in recovery, or who are wanting to take their recovery to a higher level through committed lifestyle changes. Although it is based on the 8 limbs, and the chakra system, it is delivered in such a way as to be suitable for even a complete beginner. Please see www.breatheinrecovery.org for more information or email Giri here

Laura Gomez
– Miami

Recovery and Yoga changed my life and inspired me to share my experience, strength and hope with all who want to develop a more balanced, mindful and fulfilling lifestyle.  Tranformational experiences with my Yoga of Recovery mentor Durga Leela at Satchidananda Ashram Yogaville and my residence at the Himalayan Institute have guided me to my current Ayurveda teacher, Dr. Light Miller at the Guru Kula Program of the Ayurvedic College in Hollywood, FL.  I am also very blessed to share the amazing tools of recovery, wellness of yoga practice and the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with my students at Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Center in Miami, FL.  Read more about my work at www.odatyoga.com or email me

Georgia

Barbara Austin
– Atlanta

Registered Nurse for over 30 years with a Master’s in Nursing Administration and certification in gerontology. Clinical experience spans ER/critical care, home and community services, senior residential, and most recently, complex case management in an acute care hospital.  Have completed course work for substance abuse counseling. I am a trained intervention program facilitator for the Georgia Nurses Association Intervention Program. I would love to continue the path of exploring ways to helping other nurses with chemical substance abuse issues.

Currently,  the combination of nursing and desire to help other impaired nurses, led me to Metro Atlanta Recovery Center, where I have been a weekly volunteer in their professional after-care groups since 2010.  Email Barbara here

Hawaii

Alicia Ortiz
– Maui, Hawaii

With a B.A. Psychology and 11 years in recovery, Alicia brings Yoga to her workplace and community by sharing her knowledge of meditation, Hatha and Vinyasa leading yoga sessions during lunch hours and providing Yoga of Recovery workshops. She has completed 200 hour RYT with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center.

Email Alicia here

www.onedayatatimeyoga.com

Illinois

Radhika Maria Grandas (they/them)
– Edgewater, Chicago

Yoga Acharya, M.S., Nationally Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor

Maria is truly excited to share yoga and Ayurveda to anyone seeking to overcome self-destructive behaviors.  She believes that all people are naturally inclined to move toward wholeness; the ancient wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda provide powerful, practical tools that can help everyone integrate their mind, body, and spirit in order lead a more healthy and joyful life.

Maria has been practicing yoga for many years and finds that it both connects and elevates her to truth, love, and her greatest self.  She began working in the field of addictions post graduate school and immediately began to notice the similarities between yogic philosophy and the principles of the 12-step program.  Thorough her YoR training she is now able to join these two ways of life into a user-friendly approach to holistic self-care at the Sivananda Yoga Center in Chicago.  Email Maria here

Massachusetts

Katherine (Karuna) McHugh, MS, MBA
– Boston

Kate is a licensed clinician and International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) certified yoga therapist. Karuna started her career in the life coaching and fitness industries and began to practice and teach yoga in the 90s. She holds yoga alliance 500 hour qualifications from Claire Diab and South Boston Yoga, and maintains several additional professional certifications.  Kate has been blessed to study and practice in the Yoga of Recovery with Durga Leela, Rolf Gates, Nikki Meyers, Tommy Rosen, Deepak Chopra, and others. For over 20 years, she has offered professional psychotherapy, corporate consultation, fitness, health & yoga therapy (complemented by training in mind-body techniques, such as: Ayurveda, Yoga, Integrated Health, Nutrition & Mindfulness) in a variety of professional settings. She currently offers yoga therapy, fitness programs, workshops and trainingsat McLean Hospital and the Cape Cod Center for Well-Being, LLC.  www.onerecoveryboston.com Email Kate here

Laura Douglass, Ph.D.
– Arlington

Laura has been studying and practicing yoga since 1997. She is a certified Ayurvedic Educator (through the Ayurvedic Institute New Mexico) and a certified Yoga Teacher with over 500 hours of study. She brings compassion and knowledgeable about the impact of trauma and family dynamics on addictions. She served as the Director of Education at Laurel Hill Inn for seven years, where she developed courses on somatic mindfulness and yoga therapy for individuals with eating disorders. She is on faculty at Lesley University and has a private practice in Arlington, MA. Visit Laura’s website  www.yogapsychology.org  or Email Laura here

Mississippi

Tania Bayne (Shanti)
– Gulfport

M.S. Counseling Psychology, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), NCC – RYT-200, Sivananda teacher, member of IAYT, professional training in Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-based therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment therapy.

Tania works as a licensed therapist with a clinical focus on trauma, addictions, and anger management. She has done extensive research on the benefits of yoga as an alternative therapeutic modality and has a unique integrative psychosomatic approach. She offers workshops in Yoga of Recovery, Yoga for Emotional Wellness, and leads groups in Anger & Stress Management, and Lifestyle Modifications with the Mississippi Wellness Foundation and school systems. She has opened Shanti Yoga & Counseling, an innovative studio dedicated to teaching yoga, meditation and also Professional Counseling Services and integrative mind-body therapeutic modalities, such as Emotional Yoga Therapy.  Email Tania here

Kate Read
– Oxford

RYT-200 Hatha and Vinyasa certified yoga instructor. Kate currently teaches guided meditation, pranayama and asana classes at Southern Star Studio. She also teaches the integrative Yoga of Recovery program at a residential substance abuse treatment center, Communicare’s Haven House. Kate understands the benefits and applications of the integrative system of ayurveda, yoga, and the 12 step program due to her own personal experiences. Kate believes in holistic health and has incorporated elements of yoga, Buddhism, Ayurveda and the 12-steps into her own personal life. She offers private classes to individuals in the 12-step program at a reduced rate. Email Kate here

Stacy Worley
– Natchez

Stacy is a certified Hatha Yoga instructor, RYT 500, and an active member of a 12 step program since 1998. In addition to her Hatha Yoga skills, she practices meditation as taught by Self-Realization Fellowship. She studied with Lex Gillan at the Yoga Institute in Houston, TX and obtained her 500 hour certification in 2011. Co-Owner of the Natchez Yoga Studio from August 2008 to August 2011. Stacy formed New Freedom Yoga to share all the benefits of yoga with members of 12 step communities and for people with addictive, destructive behaviors. She offers workshops, retreats and classes in Yoga Studios and Rehabilitation Centers. Email Stacy here

Nevada

Abby M. Geyer
– Las Vegas, NV

Abby has practiced yoga and Ayurveda for 20 years.  She is a certified (300-hours) Ayurvedic Health Educator, conducting Ayurvedic workshops in the Las Vegas area, and a RTC-200 yoga instructor.  Abby’s desire is to reach out to two different groups: veterans from the Vietnam war era who continue to be affected by PTSD and to the parents and/or grandparents of loved ones who are in substance-abuse recovery.  Abby’s own personal experience with co-dependency allows her to bring great understanding and compassion to all those working through their own co-dependency.  Abby is also a Reiki Master and brings that healing art to her students. She is the Advertising Manager for the Light on Ayurveda Journal and for the Int’l Association of Yoga Therapists publications.  She teaches yoga in Las Vegas to a varied group of students.  Due to her emphasis on breath and meditation, plus her slow-vinayasa style of teaching, she attracts the boomer/post-boomer age bracket to her classes, along with those in either substance-abuse recovery or post-injury/surgery recovery.  Abby is also certified as a Chair Yoga instructor and teaches this in a Senior community. Email Abby here

New England

Janine Robichaud
– MA, NH, Southern ME

RYT-200, Certified Integrated Yoga Instructor, Ayurveda & Yoga Wellness Counselor, Yoga as Medicine certificate.

Janine began her journey into yoga in 2003 as a way to help herself through a difficult transition.  Through yoga, 12-Steps and a mentor, Janine was able find inner peace.  The experience inspired her to take this knowledge and wisdom, and share it with others.  Janine owns a small studio, The YogaRoom, in Massachusetts and travels throughout NH, MA, and southern Maine using an adaptive and integrated yoga approach for your personal journey to wellness.  Everyone has a story, everyone has the ability to create inner peace, awareness and a balanced lifestyle.  You choose the path that is right for you and let her guide you on that path.   Email Janine here

New Hampshire

Heidi Eberhardt
– Lakes Region

Masters Degree in Acupuncture, Licensed Acupuncturist, NH, ME; National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) Acudetox Specialist; RYT200 Yoga Teacher in the Anusara Tradition

Heidi is a Licensed Acupuncturist at her private practice Sol Acupuncture Health Solutions in the Lakes Region of NH. She offers acupuncture, whole food nutrition/lifestyle counseling, yoga and essential oil therapy. With a passion for working with the recovery community she offers acupuncture and yoga at local recovery centers where classes incorporate recovery principles and offer a journey in to comfort, ease and joy in body.  Her style of yoga is informed by many different traditions and teachers to whom she is most grateful. Heidi’s own long-term recovery journey greatly informs her practice and teachings. Email Heidi for more information

New Jersey

Gail “Maheswari” Cristelli E-RYT 500
– Northern and Central NJ

Gail is a Certified … Professional Yoga Therapist (PYT) at 1000 hour level, Holistic Health Coach, Holistic Health Practitioner with the American Association for Drugless Practitioners, and Reiki Master. She is the owner of Yogaflow LLC; Yoga Therapy and Nutrition for the Soul. Gail became a student of meditation through the Ananda Ashram in NY where she studies meditation and yoga philosophy under the guidance of the Guru Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati’s senior teachers.

Gail’s journey began as a yoga practitioner and teacher for over 19 years. Her practice and teaching have evolved over the years from alignment based vinyasa flows into yoga therapeutic programs, guiding her students towards healing physical, mental and emotional conditions. Her own experience of unhealthy relationships and co-dependency informs her passion coaching people how to overcome their unhealthy addictive behaviors by working with the YoR tools and therapeutic yoga practices to increase awareness and find balance for a more fulfilling life. For more information regarding yoga classes, private yoga or nutritional counseling sessions, workshops and retreats visit webpage.  Email Gail here

Karen Mandell
– New Jersey/New York.

Karen teaches both vigorous prana flow vinyasa and gentle restorative yoga classes in the NJ/NY area. She has recently introduced a series of YoR workshops as well as a weekly YoR class to her community. Karen is also available for private sessions to counsel individuals who are intested in developing a personal program of recovery from addicctive or self-destructive behaviors using the tools of the Yoga of Recovery. www.yogakaren201.com

Email Karen here

Lynda Ferrara  (Mani)
– New Jersey

Lynda (RYT 200) currently teaches the beginners series at Naturally Yoga where she completed her teacher training. A recovering addict herself since 1988, she still maintains her connection to the 12 steps of NA. For several years Lynda has been compassionately giving back to populations in need  through the non-profit organization, Kula for Karma. Every Saturday morning Lynda weaves together her experience in recovery and her passion for yoga when she shares a class with thirty women residing at Integrity House in Newark. Always filled with gratitude and hope, she is dedicated to helping others attain the peaceful serenity that she has been blessed with on her journey.  Email Lynda here

New York

Brian Aubin
– Long Island, New York

Certifications: 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Hatha Teacher Training; Trainings in Yoga of 12-Step Recovery, Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra®, Five Element Yoga® , Accessible Yoga and Yoga of Recovery® ; Reiki Conduit; Completed Level One and Two of Samadhi Spectrum Training for individuals with Autism and their Caregivers; Staff member of Ashrams for Autism.

I’m a Long Island native, I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in my late teens. I struggled with anxiety and depression, as well as alcohol and drug addiction and suicidal tendencies. Today, I am sober and healthy, in part because to my discovery of the yoga and wellness community, spirituality and loving-kindness. My mission is to bring these benefits, as well as the skills and compassion of stress management and meditative practices to all individuals – especially those affected with, or impacted by, autism, special needs, mental health issues, and substance misuse. Please visit my website or email me here.

Agustin McCarthy
– New York, NY

RYT – 500 Hour, Thai Yoga Massage – Level 1 & 2; Head Instructor – Yoga of Recovery: NY Center for Living, New York NY; Leader – Yoga of Recovery Meet-Ups: Yoga Nanda, Garden City NY

Agustin is an Advanced Certified yoga teacher, Thai yoga massage practitioner and film professor. He teaches asana, restorative and back care classes throughout New York City and Yoga of Recovery at NY Center for Living, a holistic treatment program for teenagers and young adults recovering from chemical dependency. He also leads monthly Yoga of Recovery Meet-Ups at Yoga Nanda in Garden City, Long Island. Agustin has seen first hand the transformative effects of these practices in his own life and is honored to share these teachings with others seeking to find peace and balance in their lives.  Visit www.AgustinMcCarthyYoga.com   Email Agustin here

Marlene Altman-Kutler (Maheshwari)
– Malverne

32 years of recovery experience; Instructor in the Addictions Studies Program at Molloy College, Rockville Centre, New York; Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC);  Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R); International Certification/Reciprocity Consortium (ICADC)

Maheshwari Marlene was born and raised in NYC.  She has a personal as well as professional knowledge of addiction and has been employed in the addiction field since 1991.  She carries the experience of working in many levels of addiction care including detox, rehab, therapeutic community (TC), and prisons.

Maheshwari Marlene has been a spiritual seeker her whole life.  Having studied many of the religious doctrines, she sought to improve her conscious contact with her yoga practice.  While still a novice at the many Asanas, she is passionate about applying the Yoga of Recovery to her life, and teaching others to do the same.  Email Marlene here

Grace Welch
– Long Island

After retiring from corporate America at age 67, Grace started teaching yoga in Manhattan and Long Island. Grace offers Yoga of Recovery Classes for people in 12-step programs who want to learn Yoga techniques plus Ayurveda to help them through the process. The course consists of three 2-hour sessions in Islandia and covers the philosophy of Yoga, Ayurveda principle of a healthy life style, and includes one-hour Yoga asana class, breathing, relaxation and meditation.  Email Grace here

Lynae Kovatch
– Downtown Glens Falls

RYT 200 through Kripalu Yoga Center, 2004; Power Pilates™ trained, 2005; certified in Ashtanga yoga. Lynae has trained with Manju Jois and Mukunda Stiles and has performed social work at a local Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis organization for 3 years.

She received her Registered Certification as an Aroma- therapist through The Michael Scholes School for Aromatic Studies in 1992 and specializes in matching essential oils to body chemistry, custom blended aromatherapy body care and education in a corporate environment. She offers these unique services from her home wellness studio Yoga ‘n’ scents, and at the Glens Falls farmers market. Visit her Facebook Page for more information or  Email Lynae here

Allison Micco
– New York City

I am a Health Coach and Registered Yoga teacher currently living in vibrant and diverse NYC. I began practicing Yoga in college, when I realized the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits the practice had in my life. Since then I have been on a journey to incorporate the traditions of yoga, Ayurveda, other natural health practices and spiritual teachings to help create balance and harmony in our lives and our relationship with the world with which we are a part of. With the belief that every individual has ability to grow their life in love and light, I seek to educate, inspire and motivate others to create the life they were born to live. Email Allison here or visit her website, www.foxyflowerchild.com

North Carolina

Nancy Nandini Jurek
– Asheville, North Carolina

Integral Hatha Yoga, 200 and 400hr (basic and intermediate level) teacher training, Yoga Anatomy

Nancy has been teaching Yoga since 2009 and loving every moment of it. She creates a safe, sacred space for her students, wherever that may be, and provides an experience that nourishes the whole person. She has been teaching at a residential addiction recovery center since spring of 2015, and continues to be awed by the powerful transformative effects that Yoga has for helping people overcome trauma and substance/process addictions. She is an adaptive teacher with experience teaching students from 12 to 90 years old. Nancy is also a professional chef who specializes in creating nutritious and delicious cuisine infused with love.  Email Nancy or visit her website www.bluecranefly.com

Cristin Whiting, PsyD
– Winston-Salem

Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a Post Doctoral Fellowship in Addiction Medicine; Clean and sober since 2012 with strong 12 Step recovery and sponsorship.

Cristin has worked as a clinical psychologist since 2000 with those grappling with addiction.  Her own experience in recovery brought her to the yoga mat in 2012.  The wisdom of yoga and the wisdom of the 12 Steps were a natural pairing and Cristin began to weave the two together in her own recovery and in working with others in her private psychotherapy/wellness consultation practice.  Cristin was delighted to complete the YoR course in October 2013, receiving formal training in integrating these two models of healing.  Cristin begins yoga teacher training in January 2014 at Asheville Community Yoga with the mission of making yoga available to women in prisons, half-way houses and battered women’s shelters.    Email Cristin here

Prema Lynn Felder
– Winston-Salem

Prema has been working with people in recovery for nearly 30 years and has been working with Yoga of Recovery since 2007.  She is author of the DVD, “Gentle Yoga for Cancer Patients: Reconnecting Body, Mind & Spirit,” she empowers people living with cancer and chronic illnesses to participate in their own healing with Yoga. Practicing Yoga was instrumental to Felder’s own recovery from cancer in 1999, she has taught at Wake Forest University/Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC – in four research studies and ongoing classes – since 2004. She is co-director at the Yoga Gallery and teaches back-care/restorative Yoga and Flow classes there.  After a 25-year career in corporate journalism, Felder is a free-lance writer for newspapers and magazines with a book project currently in development.

Ohio

Stacy Lynn (Satya)
– Dayton/Cincinnati, Ohio

Satya has a bachelor’s degree in Health/ Physical Education/ Athletic Training and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology & Performance Enhancement/Injury Prevention.  E-RYT, IAYT, Prison Yoga Project Teacher,  Plant-Based Nutrition specialist, and Level III Reiki Master.

Satya was introduced to yoga following a college sports injury.  Being a dancer and athlete, yoga helped to heal her body, relieve her daily stress, and soften her heart.  Connecting with the breath during meditation and exploring the postures became powerful tools to guide her through her own trauma to a place of healing.  Using her background in Kinesiology and Yoga, Satya strives to bring balance and peace to the mind, body, and spirit of each individual she teaches.  Her focus is working with those who struggle with addictions, mental health issues, and trauma.  Satya embraces the tools that Yoga of Recovery provides for all individuals who suffer.  Her life’s passion is to empower others through yoga to promote their own physical and spiritual healing, recovery, and growth.

Satya is the founder of Empower Yoga Project, a service created to address the needs of at-risk populations who suffer from addiction/ dependency, depression/ anxiety, and PTSD/ trauma.  She is also the owner of a holistic health and wellness company, Enlightened Fitness LLC.  Email Satya here

Oregon

Kenan Rowlett
– Eugene and Springfield, Oregon

Certified by the Iyengar Yoga Institute in San Francisco in 1981 after completing a 1000 hour long training and one year apprenticeship. He taught yoga for track and field athletes at the University of Oregon and for Vidar Track Club in Oslo, Norway. Kenan taught at the Downtown Athletic Club in Eugene, area hospitals and businesses, and he has worked for physical therapists and chiropractor’s patients and conducted workshops to prevent on-the-job injuries for large corporations. Kenan’s teaching is centered on mindfulness, precision and alignment in postures. Pranayama and meditation are an integral part of his practice and teaching. Kenan is passionate about helping people in recovery with addictions. He is an accomplished teacher and has been a practitioner of yoga for nearly 40 years.  Email Kenan here

Greg Gumbs (Vishwamitra)
– Oregon

Greg (RYT-200) has been involved with the work of recovery for over 10yrs. His experience includes numerous different approaches to dealing with addictions and self-limiting behaviors. The Mentor/Teacher relationship, Treatment Communities, Counseling both Spiritual (intuitive) and Traditional (cognitive) are a few of models that Greg enjoys working in. Greg maintains connections with a vast number of other practitioners working in the fields of recovery and Lifestyle transition, offering significant access to resources for those seeking change. He is a member of an Online Wellness Association, Oregon based healing Arts Alliance.  Email Greg here

Pennsylvania

Lara Solensky
– Pittsburgh

Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, Licensed Professional Counselor, National Board Certified

Lara has devoted her post-graduate professional life to the field of addictions.  Directly after obtaining her Master degree in Counseling Psychology, Lara accepted a therapist position at an outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Pittsburgh, PA. Within her first three years of employment, she worked her way up to a management role in the company. She has thoroughly enjoyed the work and the experience over the years in her different capacities within the company.
On a related, yet seemingly more personal level, Lara has been practicing yoga and participating in spiritual self- study for just as long. When just starting out years ago, Lara viewed these aspects in her life as two separate things: her professional world working with addictions and her personal world focusing on self-care, spirituality, and yoga.  As time went on, however, she began to see the clear overlap between the 12-steps and yogic philosophies.  Now it is a true passion of hers to share this knowledge with others and promote healthfulness based on Ayurvedic principles.  Email Lara here   Find Lara on Facebook: YoR Pgh

Philadelphia

Vimukti Victoria Aslan, RYT
– Pennsylvania

Certified Integral Yoga Instructor for Levels I & II;  Certified Therapeutic Yoga Instructor with Cherie Clampett/Arturo Peal;  Certified Stress Management Educator, Integral Yoga/Satchidananda Ashram.  8 years of recovery through 12 Step.  Led workshops on Yoga and Healing from Sexual Trauma; Healing Back Pain

Vimukti Aslan has been a practitioner of yoga for over 13 years.  She is a certified hatha yoga instructor and Stress Management educator.  She teaches in the lineage of Sri Swami Satchidananda, who founded Integral Yoga Institute.  Vimukti’s compassionate style of teaching is partly a result of her understanding of body mechanics as a former dancer and black belt in aikido; and partly as her deep understanding of yoga as a path to a peaceful life.  Vimukti specializes in yoga for healing, therapeutic (restorative) yoga, and use of meditation and breathing techniques to reduce stress, bring health and create joy.  Visit website for more information, www.nobleheart.yoga

Tennessee

Katy Brandt
– Nashville

E-RYT 200, YACEP, Level 1 Training in LifeForce Yoga® for Depression and Anxiety

Katy Brandt is a certified Life Coach and yoga teacher. She holds yoga teacher certification at the 200 hour level and over 100 hours of training in LifeForce Yoga® for depression and anxiety. She offers group classes at her Nashville studio Lotus Blooming Yoga, as well as individual consultations and coaching, at www.KatyBcoach.com. Katy believes that each of us can find practices and tools in the rich traditions of yoga to support happy and healthy living.  Email Katy here  Find her also on Facebook

Virginia

Billie Southworth Carroll (Tara)
– Richmond

200 RYT in Hatha, Yin, Trauma Informed Yoga, Y12SR, Certified in Sattva yoga with Anand Mehrotra in Rishikesh, India. I have been a grateful member of Al-Anon since 2002 and am a member of several other 12 step organizations.

I took my first yoga class at age 19 and have had an on again off again love affair with yoga until 2015 when I received my first certification. I now consider us married. Yoga to me as always been much more than just the poses. When I entered recovery I realized how similar the philosophy of yoga is to the 12-steps. I currently use both while teaching men and women who are incarcerated and dealing with addiction as well as women, who like me, struggle with eating disorders and body dysmorphia. I also teach at a local non-profit studio, Project Yoga Richmond, which makes yoga accessible to all who desire it’s benefits.  Email Tara/Billie here

Jivani Lisa Drago-Bauer
– Virginia Beach

Jivani Lisa, M.S. Ed., E-RYT 500, YACEP,  has been teaching Hatha Yoga since 2000, and Raja Yoga in a university setting since 2012.  Her personal journey includes healing from severe post-partum depression in 1997 and recovery from eating disorders.  In 2007-08, she spent seven months living in a hermitage and then joined an ecumenical Christian monastic community called the Community of Solitude (where she is known as Sister Elizabeth Rose).  Jivani Lisa enjoys leading 3-hour Yoga workshops and has facilitated two 24-hour “Yoga and Christian Spiritual Practice” retreats at Richmond Hill.  She also holds a master’s degree in Counseling from Old Dominion University and a certification in Spiritual Direction from the Spiritual Direction Institute (SDI) of Tidewater, VA. Currently, she’s pursuing certification in yoga therapy through Integral Yoga.  Email Jivani Lisa  and find her on Facebook

Dawn A. Curtis
– Vienna

Dawn is a full time therapeutic yoga teacher (E-RYT 500) with 25 years of yoga experience, with experience in private yoga yoga sessions and group classes in Washington/Metro area, and is the proprietress of East Meets West Yoga Center.   Dawn oversees the yoga program at Sagebrush Treatment Center in Great Falls, Virginia, a holistic residential and outpatient treatment center for addictions.

Janice Gilmore (Anandaprema)
– Charlottesville

Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Counseling and Human Development. Licensed Professional Counselor with 23 years of experience working in the field of mental health and substance abuse.  www.brudercounseling.com   I am also a very grateful member of Alanon.  Certified Reiki Master Practitioner.  I have participated in numerous workshops and trainings over a 30 year period in the fields of yoga, metaphysical teachings, psychology, counseling, substance abuse, reiki and other energy healing modalities, dream interpretation, meditation, mindfulness, Buddhism, etc.  Email Janice here

Chitra Kate McDevitt
– Charlottesville

Integral Yoga Teacher.  Chitra was introduced  to yoga and meditation in 1999 when she was dancing with a butoh dance company in Erie, Pennsylvania. She quickly realized that yoga would play an important part in her life and in 2003 she completed RYT 200 at Satchidananda Ashram, Virginia. Chitra taught yoga for 7 years in the Lancaster, PA area running her own studio Cat Cow Yoga.  Certain events in her life led her in 2010 to quit her beloved job of 7 years as a store manager at The Body Shop and move to Yogaville in her words “to find the truth.” After receiving mantra initiation things started to rapidly become clear and a decision to stop drinking was made and she never looked back. 12 steps, yoga, meditation and dance/visual art make up the foundation for Chitra’s practice and success each day in sobriety.  Finding Yoga of Recovery (YoR) in the first year of recovery is a blessing Chitra is grateful for everyday.  Durga’s program and specifically her coverage of the doshic tendencies in addiction helped Chitra treat her own recovery with more understanding, compassion and practical tools to keep the system in balance.  Chitra shares YoR teachings to the Charlottesville community, see website.  Email kate here

Wisconsin

Susan “Vanipriya” Doyle
– Madison

BS in Natural Health, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) , E-RYT 200 and AyurYoga through Kanyakumari, Yoga of the Heart® Cardiac & Cancer Certification Training and Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra.

Susan has worked in healthcare since 1991.  Her own journey of self-discovery began when life threw her some curve balls – the death of loved ones, divorce and her son’s substance abuse – this led Susan to the healing practices of Yoga, Ayurveda and Alanon.   These healing practices truly transformed her life – she continues to work in healthcare and studies Yoga, Ayurveda and 12 Step Recovery.  This multifaceted approach to life enriches her life as well as the lives of her students. Practicing and sharing these transformative practices as well as continuing to learn from knowledgeable and loving teachers has become a way of life, allowing Susan to promote wellness for body, mind and spirit. Susan is the owner of Northside Yoga – her teaching reflects a therapeutic approach to wellness and stress management using Hatha Yoga philosophy, Ayurveda principles, pranayama, asana, mudras, meditation and deep relaxation.  Email Susan here