Amanda Russcol
I was 22, working as a carpenter, and more like an old man than a young woman. My back ached, my knees creaked, my shoulders hunched, I was tired all the time and living in Boca Raton, Florida - a.k.a. Heaven's Waiting Room. I fit right in with all my elderly neighbors.
Then one morning I woke up with tears streaming sideways across my face, my back spasming so intensely I could hardly move. I realized that I needed a change, and I knew that stepping up my yoga practice to more than "sometimes" would help. I couldn't afford indefinite yoga classes, but I found a teacher training program I could afford and started a few days later. The program taught us about all paths of yoga, and vegetarianism was mandatory. After just a few weeks my aches and pains were gone, my digestion was phenomenal, I had tons of energy and I was learning how to work through some major issues in my life. Yoga became my home. I couldn't stay away... I also loved that incredible high that came at the end of each class.
Over the next year, I transitioned from vegetarian to vegan to raw. I enrolled in Life Coaching school, taught yoga nearly full time, and took classes all over town, with as many teachers as I could find. I opened raw and vegan restaurants and started hosting retreats. I studied (and taught) pre/post-natal yoga, kid's yoga, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Sivananda, acrobatic/partner yoga, senior's yoga, yoga for MS, adaptive yoga and more. I traveled to India to get my 500 hour training with Yogi Sivadas in the Himalayas.
And now, thirteen years since that tearful morning, I am still teaching yoga, still eating veggies, still coaching people to find their bliss, and still grateful for all the joy, clarity, direction and relief that yoga has brought to my life. I like to remind my students to stop waiting for the good parts of life - this moment is your life. Make it fun, or happy, or blissful - or miserable. It's up to you; you are in control.
I was 22, working as a carpenter, and more like an old man than a young woman. My back ached, my knees creaked, my shoulders hunched, I was tired all the time and living in Boca Raton, Florida - a.k.a. Heaven's Waiting Room. I fit right in with all my elderly neighbors.
Then one morning I woke up with tears streaming sideways across my face, my back spasming so intensely I could hardly move. I realized that I needed a change, and I knew that stepping up my yoga practice to more than "sometimes" would help. I couldn't afford indefinite yoga classes, but I found a teacher training program I could afford and started a few days later. The program taught us about all paths of yoga, and vegetarianism was mandatory. After just a few weeks my aches and pains were gone, my digestion was phenomenal, I had tons of energy and I was learning how to work through some major issues in my life. Yoga became my home. I couldn't stay away... I also loved that incredible high that came at the end of each class.
Over the next year, I transitioned from vegetarian to vegan to raw. I enrolled in Life Coaching school, taught yoga nearly full time, and took classes all over town, with as many teachers as I could find. I opened raw and vegan restaurants and started hosting retreats. I studied (and taught) pre/post-natal yoga, kid's yoga, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Sivananda, acrobatic/partner yoga, senior's yoga, yoga for MS, adaptive yoga and more. I traveled to India to get my 500 hour training with Yogi Sivadas in the Himalayas.
And now, thirteen years since that tearful morning, I am still teaching yoga, still eating veggies, still coaching people to find their bliss, and still grateful for all the joy, clarity, direction and relief that yoga has brought to my life. I like to remind my students to stop waiting for the good parts of life - this moment is your life. Make it fun, or happy, or blissful - or miserable. It's up to you; you are in control.
Abby Roemer
I began yoga in the midst of my junior year of college in 2008 in Ohio. Having walked by the only studio in town on a daily basis, it had noticeably been drawing upon my curiosity more and more strongly each day. During this time I was experiencing for the first time in my life a very life-force inhibiting and lingering state of depression. I'd never experienced anything that desolate before, but I knew it was a direct result of the pressure of competing and working endlessly on projects in a major that I never felt certain was meant for me. One day I finally dropped into a free community class, feeling nervous and uncomfortable in this unfamiliar experience; going into it without a hand to hold. Through poses I immediately made a connection to my gymnast background, but ultimately attribute my decision to return to another class to a shift in sensation at the end of class that simply felt better than what I had felt before entering.Thus began my journey of experiencing the transformative healing power of yoga. Above all, it's allowed me to consciously evolve into and embrace my authentic self. I completed a 200 hr "Empowerment Yoga Teacher Training" in Denver 2013 and then completed another 200 hr training in 2015 at the Nosara Yoga Institute (RYS) in Costa Rica. I'm inspired by a broad range of yoga lineages and enjoy many styles of classes. I'm thrilled to begin the journey of teaching this life-changing practice with both new and experienced students.
My other lifestyle hobbies include snowboarding, gardening, cooking, biking, camping, hiking, traveling, and supporting my passion for human health & wellness, the humane treatment of animals and the environment through volunteer opportunities and making thoughtful dietary choices.
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Marco Diferreira
Marco was exposed to yoga at a very early age when his dad was trying to quit smoking and took him along. Since then, yoga has helped him to be more in touch with the world and the idea of always evolving to discover the joys and mysteries of life. Being also a musician, he brings his artistic passion to the ancient practice. Marco believes that yoga is much more than uniting mind, soul and body. Yoga is a lifestyle to be practiced and learned on and off the mat. It keeps us present in the moment every time we remember to breathe. As we advance in our yoga practice, we increase our sense of community, compassion, inner peace and joy. By incorporating his own live music in class during shavasana, Marco strives to inspire his students and infuse their practice with creative energy. |
Shelby Lafrinere
I give immense gratitude for the art of yoga, an incredible set of tools that continually heals, grounds, and inspires my curiosity for seeking joy in life. Artist, activist, freelance professional dance artist, and lover of laughter, I began practicing yoga in 1997. As a student, yoga has guided my recovery from addiction, clinical anxiety, and in the continual healing of the severe hyper extension of my entire spine.
I practice and teach the full 8 Limbs of yoga and 9 styles of asana, and have written curriculum for 200 Hr YTT, 300 Hr YTT, and Continuing Education Intensives and workshops, as well as have been published for my sequencing within the national publication IDEA Fitness Journal (2013). My specialties include Injury Rehabilitation, Chronic Pain Management, Breathing Improvement, Postural Repatterning, Meditation, Addiction, and Eating Disorders. I have also held management positions at high volume and high quality yoga studios in Southern California and Ohio, have taught yoga and philosophy as a lecturer at the Ohio State University, and have been employed as an injury recovery specialist and arm balance/inversion coach for professional dance companies.
I began teaching in 2005, and training teachers since 2010, having since accumulated almost 4,400 hours of in-class teaching experience. Having been a professional dancer who suffered a major spinal injury, I have a wealth of modifications in my tool belt, a deep understanding of kinesiology, and an ability to connect on a human level with those who are struggling - we rise together.
Also a certified Polarity Practitioner (integrative bodywork), my offerings pull from personal life experience, the Yamas and Niyamas, as well as the Krishnamacharya lineage, rooted in the belief that yoga “should always adapt to meet the ever changing needs of the unique individual.”
It is an honor and a great joy to share the art of yoga, and this life, with you.
I give immense gratitude for the art of yoga, an incredible set of tools that continually heals, grounds, and inspires my curiosity for seeking joy in life. Artist, activist, freelance professional dance artist, and lover of laughter, I began practicing yoga in 1997. As a student, yoga has guided my recovery from addiction, clinical anxiety, and in the continual healing of the severe hyper extension of my entire spine.
I practice and teach the full 8 Limbs of yoga and 9 styles of asana, and have written curriculum for 200 Hr YTT, 300 Hr YTT, and Continuing Education Intensives and workshops, as well as have been published for my sequencing within the national publication IDEA Fitness Journal (2013). My specialties include Injury Rehabilitation, Chronic Pain Management, Breathing Improvement, Postural Repatterning, Meditation, Addiction, and Eating Disorders. I have also held management positions at high volume and high quality yoga studios in Southern California and Ohio, have taught yoga and philosophy as a lecturer at the Ohio State University, and have been employed as an injury recovery specialist and arm balance/inversion coach for professional dance companies.
I began teaching in 2005, and training teachers since 2010, having since accumulated almost 4,400 hours of in-class teaching experience. Having been a professional dancer who suffered a major spinal injury, I have a wealth of modifications in my tool belt, a deep understanding of kinesiology, and an ability to connect on a human level with those who are struggling - we rise together.
Also a certified Polarity Practitioner (integrative bodywork), my offerings pull from personal life experience, the Yamas and Niyamas, as well as the Krishnamacharya lineage, rooted in the belief that yoga “should always adapt to meet the ever changing needs of the unique individual.”
It is an honor and a great joy to share the art of yoga, and this life, with you.
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Amy Allured
A recreational runner, skier and lover of all that Colorado has to offer, Amy began practicing yoga for its physicality as a complement to her active lifestyle. It wasn’t long before her mat became a source of inspiration and a place of solace from the anxieties and expectations of the outside world. When faced with a career transition, she hit life’s curve ball and earned her 200-hour power yoga teacher certification.Amy gives her students the tools to explore the benefits of yoga, increasing body awareness and opening both mind and body. |
Shilah Copeland
At a young age, I discovered a passion for yoga and the way that it always had my back when I needed it; or even when I didn’t think I did. My practice began as more of a physical journey, that helped with my active lifestyle, and delved into a deeper spiritual lifestyle, after I discovered the true benefits of yoga on the mind and body. I obtained some injuries in my younger years which in turn, lead me on the path to yoga and vegetarianism. Wanting to avoid doctors and medications, I turned to yoga to help me get back in tune with my body and learn how to naturally heal myself. Through this journey, I’ve been able to subside my sciatica issues, reduce anxiety and stress, and help my over all digestive functionality. Now, I promote a holistic approach to a healthier, happier lifestyle that starts on your mat. After a long work day, my mat was my favorite thing to turn to for some truly present me time.
The universe was able to open its doors and I took my first 200HR teacher training in Denver under Rob Loud, Geenie Celento and Keith Allen through YogaPod to help deepen my practice. It was there that I discovered a passion for creating a personal, peaceful environment for yogis, especially in this constantly busy life. The gift of truly devoting time to nourish the mind, body, and soul is so very important and I love being able to share with others what we practice on our mats, and take it out into the world.
At a young age, I discovered a passion for yoga and the way that it always had my back when I needed it; or even when I didn’t think I did. My practice began as more of a physical journey, that helped with my active lifestyle, and delved into a deeper spiritual lifestyle, after I discovered the true benefits of yoga on the mind and body. I obtained some injuries in my younger years which in turn, lead me on the path to yoga and vegetarianism. Wanting to avoid doctors and medications, I turned to yoga to help me get back in tune with my body and learn how to naturally heal myself. Through this journey, I’ve been able to subside my sciatica issues, reduce anxiety and stress, and help my over all digestive functionality. Now, I promote a holistic approach to a healthier, happier lifestyle that starts on your mat. After a long work day, my mat was my favorite thing to turn to for some truly present me time.
The universe was able to open its doors and I took my first 200HR teacher training in Denver under Rob Loud, Geenie Celento and Keith Allen through YogaPod to help deepen my practice. It was there that I discovered a passion for creating a personal, peaceful environment for yogis, especially in this constantly busy life. The gift of truly devoting time to nourish the mind, body, and soul is so very important and I love being able to share with others what we practice on our mats, and take it out into the world.
Betsy Cochran
Betsy has been practicing yoga for over 15 years. An avid distance runner, she first turned to yoga as a complimentary exercise and a means to stay limber and strong. At some point, something sparked and yoga became so much more than just the postures. Through yoga and the mind-body-breath connection, Betsy finds joy, grace, focus and enlightenment every day on her mat and off. Betsy became a RYT200 certified teacher in 2013 and is currently working towards her 500 hour certification through Kindness Yoga’s Teacher Training program. Betsy brings enthusiasm and a peaceful energy to her classes and invites her students to explore the light and transformation that yoga offers and that they leave her class refreshed and renewed. Off the mat, Betsy loves to run, cook, travel, bike, read, knit, spend time with her family and friends and explore the light and energy that every day has to offer.
Betsy has been practicing yoga for over 15 years. An avid distance runner, she first turned to yoga as a complimentary exercise and a means to stay limber and strong. At some point, something sparked and yoga became so much more than just the postures. Through yoga and the mind-body-breath connection, Betsy finds joy, grace, focus and enlightenment every day on her mat and off. Betsy became a RYT200 certified teacher in 2013 and is currently working towards her 500 hour certification through Kindness Yoga’s Teacher Training program. Betsy brings enthusiasm and a peaceful energy to her classes and invites her students to explore the light and transformation that yoga offers and that they leave her class refreshed and renewed. Off the mat, Betsy loves to run, cook, travel, bike, read, knit, spend time with her family and friends and explore the light and energy that every day has to offer.
Melissa O'Neal:
I've been a student of yoga since 1977. Introducing people to the joy this rich, multi-faceted practice can bring is truly an honor. I look forward to assisting your journey into an authentic yoga practice.
I've been a student of yoga since 1977. Introducing people to the joy this rich, multi-faceted practice can bring is truly an honor. I look forward to assisting your journey into an authentic yoga practice.
Chelsey Walton
200 Hr YTT certified yoga instructor through Kripalu School of Yoga in June 2014. Chelsey has been teaching, weekly, here at Yoga High Denver for a little over two years. Since beginning her journey as a yoga teacher, she has completed a six month Yoga Teacher Accelerator program at Yoga High. This course's focus was based around proper positioning and alignment, biomechanics in asana, ancient yoga traditions, and inspirational ways to bring Dharma- or offerings, personalized by life experiences- into class themes.
Chelsey's classes are influenced by these yogic traditions through Pranayam (breathwork), awareness of the self throughout asana, and building of a strong foundation in the physical body in order to reach higher states of conscious awareness in meditation.
She offers an experience through an inward driven practice and holds space for students to explore themselves safely, compassionately, and lovingly.
In addition to yoga teaching, Chelsey has completed Levels I and II Reiki Certification courses and has felt a strong calling to heal through energy work.
She has acknowledged yoga as a tool for examining the physical body, allowing sensation to rise for review- in order to release trauma manifested as blockages in the energetic fields.
Chelsey's goal is to raise the frequency by the passing of knowledge, helping others to heal through this practice.
The Journey Begins Within
200 Hr YTT certified yoga instructor through Kripalu School of Yoga in June 2014. Chelsey has been teaching, weekly, here at Yoga High Denver for a little over two years. Since beginning her journey as a yoga teacher, she has completed a six month Yoga Teacher Accelerator program at Yoga High. This course's focus was based around proper positioning and alignment, biomechanics in asana, ancient yoga traditions, and inspirational ways to bring Dharma- or offerings, personalized by life experiences- into class themes.
Chelsey's classes are influenced by these yogic traditions through Pranayam (breathwork), awareness of the self throughout asana, and building of a strong foundation in the physical body in order to reach higher states of conscious awareness in meditation.
She offers an experience through an inward driven practice and holds space for students to explore themselves safely, compassionately, and lovingly.
In addition to yoga teaching, Chelsey has completed Levels I and II Reiki Certification courses and has felt a strong calling to heal through energy work.
She has acknowledged yoga as a tool for examining the physical body, allowing sensation to rise for review- in order to release trauma manifested as blockages in the energetic fields.
Chelsey's goal is to raise the frequency by the passing of knowledge, helping others to heal through this practice.
The Journey Begins Within
Madelyn Cecily Ryan
Madelyn’s journey to yoga has been one of discovering balance in every aspect of life; simultaneously finding a humble spirit and self-confidence, knowing when to hold on and when to let go, and listening to the body, mind and soul allowing them to align. She brings this sense of balance to her classes and aims for her students to leave feeling both relaxed and energized.
Madelyn considers teaching to be actively sharing knowledge, as we are all students of one another. She received her YTT in Chiang Rai, Thailand and is trained in traditional Indian style hatha yoga which includes mantras, pranayama, asana, and meditation. Madelyn believes in quality above all else and that is what she brings to each of her classes.
Madelyn’s journey to yoga has been one of discovering balance in every aspect of life; simultaneously finding a humble spirit and self-confidence, knowing when to hold on and when to let go, and listening to the body, mind and soul allowing them to align. She brings this sense of balance to her classes and aims for her students to leave feeling both relaxed and energized.
Madelyn considers teaching to be actively sharing knowledge, as we are all students of one another. She received her YTT in Chiang Rai, Thailand and is trained in traditional Indian style hatha yoga which includes mantras, pranayama, asana, and meditation. Madelyn believes in quality above all else and that is what she brings to each of her classes.
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