Director, Karina Ayn Mirsky, MA, E-RYT 500
Devi Das, 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 Para Yoga 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,her private sessions, or to view her national teaching schedule click here.
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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 and the Sangha Yoga Teacher Training Program in 2009. 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.
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Kara Aubin, RYT 200
Kara Aubin has been discovering yoga since 1998, and teaching since 2002. She brings 15 years of movement experience as a modern dancer to her mat along with study through Iyengar, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and Para Yoga. Kara completed the Para Yoga Foundations Teacher Training with Karina Ayn in 2004 and completed her 200 hour RYT training in 2009. Kara find both peace and joy in the yogic overlap of movement (action), and a one pointed mind (intention). Kara specializes in working with beginning yoga students. In a nurturing and vibrant manner she helps people discover what they CAN DO in yoga pracitce. Kara's classes provide a safe, structured format, with attention to clear verbal and visual instruction. She offers both group classes and private sessions at Sangha Yoga.
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Kirsten Lyon, ERYT 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.
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Kirsten Kloster, RYT 200
Kirsten began studying yoga with Karina Ayn in 2003. She began teaching in 2005. Kirsten completed the Pure Yoga Foundations Teacher Training in 2004, her 200 hour RYT training at Sangha Yoga in 2009. Kirsten is currently pursuing a MA in Occupational Therapy at WMU. She delights in seeing students gain awareness of the body-mind connection. Her classes have a therapeutic focus, and she has experience working with all body types and fitness levels. A true "Sanghini," Kirsten is a dedicated community advocate. She is a PeaceJam® Mentor and yoga workshop facilitator. She is also the Director of the Sangha Yoga Teacher Training Scholarship Program. Contact Kirsten.
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Jerry Givens, RYT 200
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. Jerry completed the 200 Hour RYT Program at Sangha Yoga in 2009. Jerry's constant endeavor is to find peace in all aspects of life, while helping others to do the same. |
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Mark Duval, CMT, E RYT 500
Mark Duval has studied, practiced, and taught yoga in Kalamazoo since 1989. His background includes studies in Iyengar Yoga, Anusara Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Viniyoga, Meditation techniques, and various other health practices. As a massage therapist, Mark has a acute understanding of human anatomy and physiology. His massage training as well as his comprehensive knowedge of yoga makes him a master of yoga posture alignment and safety. Mark has a gentle nature and brings humor to his teaching. He is also talented local musician. |
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Alexander Wolf , ( Qi Gong / Taoist Yoga Instructor)
Al received his master’s degree in traditional Chinese medicine from Yo San University in Los Angeles in 2000 and was licensed by the California Acupuncture Board in 2001. Al has had the good fortune of learning medicine and internal arts from a variety of teachers, including Master Kai Ying Tung, Master Paulie Zink, Dr. Hua Bing Wen, and Master Hyunmoon Kim. Al is very grateful to all of his teachers for their inspiration, dedication, and sharing. Al practices acupuncture at Shanti Massage and Healing Arts and teacher Taoist Yoga at Sangha. |
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Affiliate Teachers |
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. |
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Bernard (Bernie) Rosen, PhD., E-RYT-500
Bernard Rosen has been practicing yoga since 1997 and teaching since 2000. He is a wellness educator and consultant, and certified yoga teacher in the ParaYoga tradition. Bernie received his PhD in Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health, MBA from Northwestern University and BS from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to founding Rosen Wellness, he was a marketing and strategic planning executive for over 20 years. Bernie's transition from corporate marketing to yoga & wellness resulted from his desire to share the knowledge and benefits he experienced from his personal lifestyle changes. Bernie lives in Wisconsin. When in Kalamazoo he assists Karina with the Sangha Yoga Teacher Training Program, offers nutrition and yoga workshops and private consultations at Sangha Yoga.
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Melissa Spamer, E-RYT 500, 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. 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 |
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