Karina Ayn Mirsky (Devi Das), Director, E-RYT
Karina Ayn Mirsky is the Director of Sangha Yoga and has been teaching yoga in Kalamazoo since 1998. She is an initiate of the tantric lineage of Swami Rama of the Himalayas, and a Senior Student of Yoga Master Rod Stryker. Karina was one of the first Certified Teachers of Rod Stryker's Para Yoga®; she now trains students and teachers in the system nationwide. Karina specializes in the custom needs of individuals. Her therapeutic approach addresses the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of students lives. For more on Karina, private sessions, or to view her national teaching schedule click here. |
|
|
Alycia Witt, Kundalini Yoga Certified Teacher, RYT 200
Alycia Witt has been a student of yoga and meditation since 2000; she began studying with Karina Ayn 2001. Alycia had the honor of training with Kundalini Yoga Master, Yogi Bhajan, before he left his body, obtaining her 200 hour R.Y.T. certification as a Level 1 Instructor through the International Kundalini Yoga Teacher's Association in 2003. She completed the Para Yoga Foundations Teacher Training in 2004. Alycia has been a leading teacher at Sangha Yoga since it's conception in 2003. Alycia has a passion for helping students discover their fullest potential as well as a desire to keep yoga practice lighthearted and accessible to everyone.
|
|
|
Maya Cordes, RYT 200, CMT
Always compelled to experience life more deeply, Maya Cordes began practicing yoga in 1996. She has studied with teachers in styles that have included Sivananda, Tri-Yoga, Iyengar and, most recently, Parayoga. In 2004, Maya began studying with Karina Ayn and Rod Stryker and in March of 2007, she completed her 200 hr. teacher training in the Parayoga system. Maya continues to learn about yoga through Tantric and Ayruvedic studies, as well as through the journeys of daily life. Maya has been practicing massage therapy since 1996 and holds a certificate in Herbal Medicine. Her work is inspired by her experiences studing with healers from Central America, South America, and the enchanted Southwest. Maya's understanding and wonder of the human experience continues to fuel her desire to learn and share more. She teaches the eight week "Pure Basics" classes and "Tantric Hatha" at Sangha.
|
|
|
Kara Aubin, TT
Kara Aubin has been discovering yoga since 1998. She has been sharing yoga with others through teaching for the last 4 years. Kara brings 15 years of movement experience as a modern dancer to her mat, along with study through Iyengar, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and Para Yoga. She completed the Para Yoga Foundations Teacher Training with Karina Ayn in 2004. Kara finds great joy in the overlap of the movement (action), and the one pointedness of mind (intention) found in yoga practice. As a teacher she excels in helping people experience what they CAN do, in a nurturing, growing, strong way. Her classes provide a safe, structured format with attention to clear verbal and visual instruction. She can be found breathing in, and breathing out on her mat at Sangha as a student in Karina's Advanced Class, and as a teacher of Pure Basics, I and II on Wednesday nights. |
|
|
|
Kirsten (Antkowiak) Lyon, RYT 200
Kirsten completed her 200 Hour Certification at Rising Sun Yoga School in Detroit . Kirsten studies asana, pranayama, yoga philosophy, Sanskrit, and hands on adjustments. She has completed many yoga teacher training programs; her most recent training was with Karina Ayn in the Para Yoga linage. Kirsten aims to be a catalyst for peace, harmony and balance in the world. In addition to yoga, her practice also draws form her years of study in various styles of dance and acting, also by her training and experience as a Traditional Usui Reiki Master. During her childhood, Kirsten's parents taught her the arts of yoga, meditation, breath-work and dream interpretation. Now as a mother of two, she enjoys carrying on these traditions within her family. Her passion is to help others see and know the light that shines in all people and things. |
|
|
Jerry Givens, TT
Jerry Givens graduated from Western Michigan University in 2007 with a Bachelors of Art in Organizational Communication. His journey in yoga began in January 2006 and has since been studying under the tutelage of Devi Das, Karina Ayn Mirsky. It wasn't long before Jerry started assisting his teacher by demonstrating asanas in two to three classes a week. He is now teaching regular "College Night" yoga classes, as well as substituting for other teachers at Sangha. In September of 2008, he will attend the 200 Hour RYT Program at Sangha Yoga. Jerry's constant endeavor is to find peace in all aspects of life, while helping others to do the same. |
|
|
Affiliate Teachers |
Melissa Spamer, E-RYT, CMT
Melissa has been practicing yoga for fifteen years. She completed her first certification to teach yoga in 1997 in the Sivananda tradition, and has been consistently teaching since that time. In 2005, she completed her 500 hour teaching certification with the International Yoga College, specializing in Yoga and Conflict Transformation. Melissa teaches energetically expressive vinyasa flow classes that are grounded in the subtle awareness of our body-mind patterns. Her approach to yoga is very organic and weaves together a rich tapestry of inspired teachings from such celebrated teachers as Angela Farmer, Victor Van Kooten, Rama Jyoti Vernon, Shiva Rea, Kali Ray and the students of Desikachar at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. Her practice is continually evolving, always becoming more Alive in Spirit and Form. She feels incredibly blessed to be carrying the light of yoga beside so many radiant beings in this great ocean of Awakening. Melissa has founded The World Yoga Fund to help increase the level of diversity within the global yoga community. She is also the Founder and Director of Lotus in the Flame, School of Yoga and Healing Arts.
www.lotusintheflame.com |
|
|
Joette Sawall, MA
Joette is an internationally knownMiddle Eastern dance instructor and classically trained dancer. She combines her extensive dance background and aerobics training into a Belly Dance routine for all ages, body types, and fitness levels. Her dancing style is graceful, passionate, and mesmerizing not to mention her easy approach teaching style make her one of the most sought after teachers in the mid west. She will combine easy-to-follow Belly Dance moves into a customized workout that targets different muscle groups to match your schedule and fitness goal. All these moves interweave Bellydance basics, plus it's lot's of fun! Don't miss this easy to follow, low-impact, stimulating, and complete workout while learning to dance at the same time! Learn more at www.wmschoolofmed.com. |
|
|
|
Jennifer A. Machiorlatti, Ph.D, E-RYT
"Jen Mac" has practiced yoga since
1988 and was grand-mothered into the Yoga Alliance Teacher's certification in 2001. She specializes in Hatha Yoga, restorative and therapeutic yoga and meditation for stress reduction. Jennifer studied with Richard Miller, Judith Lasater, and Mariana Smith and has been a member of the Yoga Association of Greater Detroit since 1993. Jennifer's eclectic training includes Pneuma and Buteyko breath work, as well as Feldenkrais methods. Most recently Jen Mac completed Foundational Training with Devi Das, Karina Ayn and the Pure Yoga Tantra Training with Yogarupa Rod Stryker. She is affiliated with the EarthWalk Spiritual Center in Detroit , Michigan where she facilitates women's circle work, rites of passage, and ceremonial practices. Jennifer is founder of Journaling from the Yoga Body T, which she has offered at various workshops in Michigan . She can be reached at drjamfilms@msn.com . |
|
|
| |
