Connie Adamcio

Connie Adamcio began practicing yoga eight years ago at Shamatha Yoga Studio in Stamford, Conn. She began her formal training at Kripalu in 2003. Since then she has been studying and practicing various forms of yoga including - but not limited to - Anusara, Jivamukti and Vinyasa. 

Connie's classes are challenging because she believes it is through and in challenge we find peace, empowerment and wisdom. Her major goal is that students walk away from her classes feeling and knowing the beauty and love that they already posses.             

You can also practice with Connie at Darien YMCA and Equinox Darien

Virginia Atkins

Virginia began practicing Bikram yoga about 10 years ago - a practice that she continued until 2007 when she finally admitted to herself that something was missing. It was that acknowledgement that led her to Kripalu for a one week workshop where she discovered a deeper meaning to her yoga practice. Virginia completed her 200-hr yoga teacher training certification at Kripalu in February, 2011. She believes strongly in the potential healing power of yoga and desires to share those possibilities with other yogis.

Corti Cooperer

Corti Cooper is a seasoned yogi based out of Stamford, Connecticut whose passion for yoga has led her to the art of sharing yoga with others. A YogaWorks (http://yogaworks.com) Certified Teacher, Corti’s classes are breath centered combined with intelligent sequencing and creative flow. Each class integrates multiple inversions focusing on learning the inverted poses safely in order to gain many benefits. Her style is influenced by the classic poses Ashtanga, the alignment of Iyengar and the expression of dance. Known for her energy and sense of humor, Corti’s flows are invigorating and fun while focusing on moving from the core, both of the body and self. Corti is certified to teach Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga as taught by Sadie Nardini (http://sadienardini.com) and regularly assists Sadie in her transformative yoga immersions. Corti is also studying yoga anatomy under Leslie Kaminoff at The Breathing Project (http://breathingproject.org) in NYC. Corti’s has a background in art and design and is currently the Principal of Dot Think Designs (http://dotthinkdesign.com), a branding and design company which focuses on the wellness and lifstyle industries. Her style, like her yoga, uses clean and clear composition while incorporating elements of space and freedom.

David Eber

David Eber is a yoga teacher who resides in Connecticut. Blessed to be the father of three wonderful children.

He became certified in the May 2008 Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Training at Omega Institute. Currently is in the 500 hour apprenticeship at Jivamukti New York City with Dechen Thurman as his mentor.

Diagnosed in 2003 with Multiple Sclerosis, David has chosen yoga as his path of healing.

Having succesfully manufactured apparel for the global market for 28 years, David has launched a new company in November 2009, integrating the yoga principles of charity, fair trade, ecological balance into Samtosa Clothing, which is made in the USA out of organic fibers.

For David, the path of learning to teach yoga is only a first step toward enlightenment, the goal of daily sadhana.

He shares the blessing of learning from Sharon Gannon and David Life, the founders of the divine lineage of Jivamukti Yoga method.

Course Description: David’s Jivamukti class is a hatha-style vinyasa flow. Infused with bhakti (devotion), nadam(music) and concentration on japa mantra to promote joy and well being.

LOKAH SAMASTAH SUKINO BHAVANTU

Jeff Gallin

Jeff Gallin received his certification from Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health.

His personal experience with Parkinson's Disease led him to delve deeper and deeper into the many layers and benefits of yoga.

Yoga is the best part of his day, every day. He believes each of us can use the healing powers of yoga to improve the quality of his/her life.

He teaches in alignment with the idea that the individual does not have to adjust to yoga but that yoga has to adjust to the individual, meaning that each person should practice the postures that bring balance to his/her system.

He prefers a vinyasa class that includes meditation and breath work, all to focus the mind. He has taught various class sizes as well as one on one private practices.

Spencer Greene

My first introduction to Yoga was around 8 years ago. I remember my first Savasana like it was yesterday; the elated state of mind that I felt was beyond incredible. Over the years I have put forth many attempts to find "my Yoga." Most recently my search has taken me to the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health for my 200 hour teacher training. In one brief month my intrigue into the inquiry of Yoga increased exponentially. Though I'm now officially a Certified Yoga Instructor, I feel as if my study of Yoga is really just beginning. Carried within this beginning is a momentum that brings a touch of joy into every aspect of my life. In searching, I have found my Yoga in sweat lodges of bamboo built in the rural south, in practicing from Light on Yoga in the depths of a New England winter, in the rummaging through various sacred texts while studying Religion & Myth in college, and also by simply sharing insights and opinions with family and friends. Today, I find that my Yoga is in all of these things, and more

Loren Hager

As a practicing chiropractor, Loren realized the holistic health benefits of yoga after her first class. Since then Loren has incorporated principles of yogic philosophy and asanas into her patient treatment to guide her patients, and herself, to optimal health and well-being. Loren completed her teacher training at Saraswati's Yoga Joint. As a yoga instructor she looks to use her strength of knowledge of the body and alignment principles to guide her students to better alignment of mind, body and spirit. Her classes are lively, dynamic and powerful. She emphasizes challenging her students' boundaries in body, mind and spirit to keep them moving forward on and off the mat. Loren lives in Norwalk, CT with her husband Dan and their dogs Gertrude and Dewey. She also enjoys hiking and rock climbing. You can follow her on Twitter: @Drlorenhager

Hannah Hill

Hannah first discovered yoga while working as a counselor with at-risk children and their families, using pranayama to promote relaxation and behavior modification. Seeing the benefit for her clients, she then began practicing yoga for personal fitness and relaxation. After the birth of her daughter, Hannah was introduced to the Kripalu tradition and was captivated by the blending of movement with meditation and spiritual exploration. Her yoga practice served as a sacred space to meditate and re-energize in the whirlwind of being a full-time mom. Hannah also draws inspiration from time spent with family, hiking, playing in the garden, and cooking. A brand new yoga teacher, she completed her training at Kaia Yoga of Westport, CT in spring 2011 with the goal of helping others to experience the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga. Her Vinyassa flow style is sure to help you create a sacred space amidst the buzz of daily life. She invites you to come explore, learn, and grow together.

Regina Hodel

Regina had a curiosity for yoga most of her life and took her first class in 1994 in New York. She has practiced and studied yoga continuously since that time.

In 1996 Regina moved to Stamford and soon discovered Yoga Source in Darien. There she practiced and completed her teacher training in the Sivananda style with Roberta Fortune Dale in 2000. While at Yoga Source Regina taught regular and pre-natal yoga classes and completed several training workshops. She has also completed a YogaFit Level I training.

During her 16 years of practice Regina has experienced several traditions of yoga including Kripalu, Anusara, Iyengar, Jivamukti and Kundalini. Regina has a prenatal yoga certification from Yoga Fit. She has participated in workshops with instructors like Rita Trieger, Ross Rayburn, Mitchel Bleier, and Lisa Matkin.

Regina’s classes are based on the Sivananda tradition with an easy paced vinyasa flow incorporated. Prepare for a well rounded class with lots of imagery and breathwork.

You can also practice with Regina at the Darien YMCA (one Sunday per month,) or (check schedule,) or privately. She can be reached by email at reginamary@yahoo.com.

Jen Irwin

Jen received her teaching certification from Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health.

She embraces the Kripalu tradition of flowing gently with the rhythms of life while facing challenges or challenging personal limits from a strong core - physically, mentally and emotionally. 

She has been practicing Yoga for over ten years which came as a natural transition in adulthood from the competitive gymnastics of her youth. She found Yoga supported her need for movement, flexibility and inner peace and helped her grow through a series of traumatic events. Feeling grateful to her practice and her teachers the next natural transition was to share her practice with others and she set off on the path to teacher training. 

Today she is influenced by the many lineages she has practiced over the years from Ashtanga to Anusara and Kripalu to Jivamukti. She brings her students a blend of breath, movement and meditation supporting others as they gently flow through their own waves of life. She feels a strong core as well as a strong Yoga community to practice with allows people the comfort and security to open and blossom in their own lives touching those around them. 

Expect her class to be gently challenging, joyous, loving and a relaxing piece of inner peace in your day.

Rebekah Jacobs

Rebekah Jacobs serves as Creative Director and Manager of The Yoga Loft at Bedford Post Inn, Bedford, NY. She is an Anusara Inspired instructor with RYT 200 Hour status. Rebekah is a brand ambassador for Lululemon and was honored to attend the Ambassador Summit in Vancouver, BC. One of 100 Ambassadors invited from Hong Kong, Australia, Canada and The United States to participate, she was chosen for her dedication and commitment to elevating our community. Additional trainings include "Yoga for Two" Prenatal Course with Mary Barnes, "Om Shree Om: Anusara Yoga for Kids" with Christine McArdle-Oquendo and Pilates Mat with Physical Mind, NYC. Rebekah continues to study with Elena Brower, Ross Rayburn, Zhenja LaRosa, Bernadette Birney, Sianna Sherman, Todd Norian, John Friend, Seane Corn and Mitchel Bleier. Rebekah is grateful for all of her teachers and for you. You can find Rebekah at The Yoga Loft at Bedford Post Inn, Pryority Fitness, Dew Yoga and Blackbird Yoga

Francine Morina

Fran has been a Property /Casualty Insurance professional for over 25 years working in the corporate environment as well as a consultant.

She graduated from SUNY @ Oswego with a degree in Business Administration and followed with her Finance MBA from Pace University in New York.

Fran has been passionate about physical fitness and nutrition for most of her life and eight years ago, after her third child was born, decided to pursue her passion by obtaining her Yoga Fit yoga certification.

Her style of teaching has been greatly influenced by the Anusara Yoga Method.

Five years ago Fran was introduced to Pilates and became devoted to the principles that Joseph Pilates developed. She became a regular practitioner and devotee to the Authentic method which then lead her to the Art of Control (SUNY Purchase) Pilates apprentice program in the fall of 2008 teaching both apparatus and mat.

Fran also teaches private and semi-private at the following pilates studios; Movement Design, New Canaan; Ward Pilates, Darien; Fairfield Pilates and The Art of Control Pilates Studio, Purchase College. She also teaches privately.

Robert Ortner

Robert's approach to the art and science of yoga begins with the phrase “We are our own best teachers.”

One does not just do yoga, one becomes yoga; it is a lifelong journey that anyone can make.

Offering classes and programs that work with the whole person, from gentle conditioning and beginner classes to more traditional vinyasa and high-energy yoga for strength and endurance.

He balances the need for both strength and flexibility, stress reduction (aka surviving modern life) and meditation, along with breath work and inner quiet.

Drawing from an interdisciplinary yoga background, and blends different styles and techniques that allow the body to open and expand throughout its entire range of motion. Offering a strong foundation in yogic essentials, as well as an encouraging and up-beat learning environment that allows each student to practice safely and at their own pace.

Come have some FUN !

• E- RYT-500 Yoga Teacher certification with Don and Amba Stapleton; www.nosarayoga.com
• Yoga of the Heart, yoga therapy training with Nischala Joy Devi, the former director of Yoga for the Dr. Dean Ornish Heart Program for Reversing Heart Disease and co-founder of the Commonweal Cancer Help Program; www.abundantwellbeing.com
• IYT-Integrative Yoga Therapist training with Joseph Le Page; www.iytyogatherapy.com
• Thai Yoga Bodywork certification Levels 1 thru 4 with Jonas Westring; www.shantaya.org
• Pilates Mat Certification at the PhysicalMind Institute.

You can find more about Robert on his website, at www.XL-12.com.

Lissa Palermo

Lissa Palermo has been practicing yoga for over 15 years. Her discovery and love for yoga began as a way to focus her inner awareness as well as to heal her body and mind. Of greater importance to her is the transformational effect or “gift” of yoga to the mind, body and spirit and her goal is to service others to find their own awakening. Lissa is certified in Vinyasa Yoga, Pre-Natal Yoga including The Khalsa Way, Yin Yoga and Kids Yoga. She is also a certified Birth Doula with DONA International and empowers women to feel strong, confident and beautiful in their pregnant bodies as a pathway to ushering in the souls of tomorrow with grace, beauty and a trust in the Divine. Her personal and professional philosophy focuses on balancing mind, body and spirit through movement, an open heart, nutrition & health, service and kindness to all beings. She has created PSH Yoga to provide service and awareness from infancy through adulthood, to empower individuals to create peace, strength & harmony from within; to become free and happy. Nourish your Body. Free your Mind. Satisfy your Soul. Do something good, DEW yoga!

Martha Risom

Every one of us has a special gift inside, our true nature and spirit, that yoga helps us rediscover and nurture. Through pranayama, vinyasa flow and meditation, Martha Risom inspires her students to celebrate that gift on and off the mat. Martha received her yoga certification from Gina Norman and Stan Woodman of Kaia Yoga. She completed Restorative Yoga training with Jillian Pranksy, studied under Schuyler Grant (Kula Project), Roberta Dale (Yoga Source) and currently studies Dharma Mittra yoga under Yogi Brian Buturla. She is eternally grateful to them and all of the wonderful teachers who have encouraged her on her path.

Dale Rowley

Dale Rowley has been teaching Yoga since 2006. She has completed her 200 hour teacher training program with YogaFit and has recently started the journey to complete her 500 hour. Dale has expanded her knowledge with other trainings such as Yin Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Senior Yoga, Balancing the Chakras, and Restorative Yoga. At Dew Yoga she teaches restorative Yoga, vinyasa, gentle, and prenatal.

• Licenses & Certifications
• 200-hour Teacher Training Program, YogaFit
• Balancing the Chakras with Layne Redmond, Kripalu
• Group Exercise Instructor Certification,
• Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
• Current CPR/AED Certification
• University of California, Davis, 2007

About Dale
Dale was raised in Marin County, California. In 2006, she studied art and art history at UC Davis, where she started teaching Yoga. After college, she moved to Connecticut and teaches a variety of Yoga classes at Dew Yoga, GE, Pryority Fitness, and New Canaan and Darien YMCA. Dale lives in downtown Stamford with her boyfriend Rich and their two cats Rider and Eddie. When not working she likes to throw dinner parties and see live music.

Lisa Shufro

“Every day we fall into bad habits and repetitive motions that can hurt us over time,” says Lisa Shufro. She learned this after 20 years of playing violin professionally caused her serious injuries.

Eventually the Feldenkrais® Method helped Lisa regain the power of “natural movement.” Inspired by her own transformation and full recovery, Lisa trained for 4 years to become a Certified Teacher.

She is currently on the faculty of the Feldenkrais Institute of New York. “Great teaching is surprising people with their own capabilities,” she says. “I always look for ways to create ‘aha moments’ for my students.”

Ann Russell

Ann “discovered” yoga as a teen in the ‘70’s. TV gurus Richard Hittleman and Lilias Folan planted the seeds of a life-long exploration. 

Hatha yoga was included in the curriculum at AADA West and after graduation in 1980, Ann was led to Hari Singh Khalsa in Pasadena to continue her study of yoga in the Kundalini style of Yogi Bhajan. 

The late ‘90’s brought an exploration of the Ashtanga and Vinyasa styles of practice in San Francisco at “It’s Yoga” with Larry Schultz and Hatha Flow with Darren Main at “Castro Yoga”. Moving to Norwalk, CT in 2000, “Yoga Source” owner Roberta Fortune Dale urged Ann to begin teacher training and invited her to teach at “Yoga Source” in Darien, under Roberta’s knowledgeable guidance in the Sivananda style. 

Longing to deepen her personal experience and garner more tools as a teacher, Ann was led to the “Kripalu Center for Yoga” in the Berkshires to continue her on-going education. 

With deep gratitude to the many senior Kripalu teachers who have guided her — Yoganand Michael Carroll, Sudhir Jonathan Foust, PremShakti Mary Stout, Sudha Carolyn Lundeen, Stephen Cope, Bhavani Lorraine Nelson, to name a few — Ann has earned her 500-hour certification. 

Ann offers on-going group classes, series, workshops and private instruction in Fairfield County, CT.              

Ann has "public classes" Monday & Wednesday Mornings 9:30-11:00 @ Stamford JCC (follow the link for address and hours) and also teaches privately. Contact Ann

Laura Sink

Laura sink combines breath and movement in the body with pure awareness to find the fullest expression of oneself. Trained 200+ hours at Saraswatis's Yoga Joint, Laura focuses on alignment through the body with self affirming conversation to make more connections in the universe and participate fully in life. She infuses each yoga class with lots of love and good music, with a simple goal of having fun and feeling good. Owner and teacher of Hot Pantalones, a new boutique yoga studio in South Norwalk, offering a progressive Friday evening with plenty of play, and an intro reggae Tuesday eve...come join!

Barbara Templeton

Author of the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Stretching and Editor and contributor of the book Yoga of Heart, The Healing Power of Intimate Connection, Barbara Templeton, MS, E-RYT (500), has studied with many renowned yoga masters. Barbara takes these teachings to her public classes and private students to help them connect with the deeper aspects of yoga. Templeton received her formal yoga teacher certification from the famed Kripalu Center, the largest site for yoga and holistic health in the United States and she is a certified Vinyasa Krama teacher. She is a member of the Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

Rita Trieger

Rita Trieger is the founder and editor-in-chief of Fit Yoga magazine (2003-2010), the author of Yoga Heals Your Back (Fairwinds, 2005), and Tranquil Mind, a meditation and yoga CD. She incorporates a variety of traditions into her inspiring teaching style, and has cultivated an enthusiastic following in both vigorous Vinyasa flow classes and healing/restorative/therapeutic classes. A spirited and sought-after teacher, Rita has presented at several national yoga conferences including The International Yoga Therapy Conference. For the last nine years, Rita has been teaching yoga for various departments of Stamford Hospital, in Stamford, Connecticut. At the hospital’s Bennett Cancer Center (BCC), she has built a strong yoga community for cancer patients and survivors; at The Health and Fitness Institute (HFI), her thrice weekly Vinyasa flow classes continue to thrive, and she has also developed a series of yoga-based classes for HFI’s newly launched Integrative Fitness Program for cancer survivors; and at The Center for Integrative Wellness/Cardiac Rehab she serves as the stress-management facilitator for the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for the Reversal of Heart Disease. More recently, Rita developed yoga for cancer video sequences on You Tube for the Connecticut Challenge, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyle choices for cancer survivors, and is developing a Yoga for Cancer Teacher Training with yoga therapy colleague Antonio Sausys, and senior Kripalu teachers. Rita’s abstract and article, Open Heart Yoga was published in the Spring of 2011, for the medical journal, Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation (TGR), and she has contributed a chapter for the upcoming book The Sacred Thread of Yoga compiled by renowned yogi and teacher, Kofi Buscia. In July 2011 she will be initiated into the sacred Kalachakra Tantra by H.H. the XIV Dalai Lama in Washington, DC and has begun in-depth studies in Buddhism with the most Venerable Upasanti Rinpoche in New York. In addition to her work at Stamford Hospital, Rita currently teaches yoga and meditation at The Yoga Loft in Bedford, NY, Dew Yoga in Stamford, CT., and Elements Yoga in Darien, CT., as well as a flourishing private clientele. Visit her blog at ritatude.blogspot.com