Kimberly Murphy E-RYT500, C-IAYT, YACEP.   Yoga is more than a practice or a class for Kim, it is a way of life.  Spend any length of time around Kim and her three passions in life will become readily apparent, fitness, yoga and helping people.  Like many people, Kim began her yoga journey in a yoga class after suffering from bouts of depression most of her life. It did not take many classes for Kim to realize that when yoga was part of her everyday routine she was able to see things in a positive way and as a result had more energy, felt alive and was able to face whatever challenge life brought her.

Kim’s passion for knowledge and helping others led her to teaching, but she will always be her first student. A continual student of Yoganand Michael Carroll, she is certified at the 200-hr level with Kripalu & Pranakriya Yoga and the 300-hr through the Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts (PKSYHA) , as well as being certified with the International Association of Yoga Therapists, a Thai yoga therapist and a Reflexologist.  Her passion for working with beginners has led her to become a Director of the Pranakriya 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training Program and she is training to lead the Meditation and Theory and Teaching program which is part of the 300-hour level certification with the PKSYHA.   Kim is Leadership and Intensive certified in Y12SR Yoga for 12 Step Recovery and believes that yoga can heal the body from the inside out and is a necessary component of healthy living.

 

 

 

Bria’s first introduction to yoga was through an Instagram post in 2012. With confidence from lifting regularly and a life of sports, she was assured that she could easily access the pose she saw. When the asana humbled her, she was determined to achieve it. In the process, she fell in love with the practice. It became a staple in her life, helping her maintain mental and emotional well-being, deepening her flexibility and mobility, and assisting her resilience post-surgery.

 

Bria earned both her 200-hour and 300-hour yoga training through Spiritual Essence Yoga and Wellness Center (SEY). Additionally, she earned her Trauma Conscious Yoga certification from the Trauma Conscious Yoga Institute. She looks forward to providing students with diverse yoga flow opportunities and embracing their anatomy as they deepen their connection with themselves on and off the mat. Bria is passionate about sharing the benefits of yoga and meditation with her community and encourages folks to give it a try. There’s a style that appeals to everyone!

 

 

 

Darlene Bergener, E-RYT500, RPYT, LMT, CD(DONA) completed her 500hr training through the Himalayan Institute in traditional Hatha Yoga and holds an additional 200hr certification in prenatal & postnatal yoga through Colette Crawford of the Seattle Holistic Center. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist, specializing in Myofascial Release and prenatal & postnatal massage, and is a Certified Birth Doula though DONA International. For more information see www.yoga-massage.com

Darlene began her yoga journey in 1998 during her 12 year career as a mechanical engineer, turning to yoga to maintain her own health and well-being. After experiencing the profound benefits of yoga for herself, she is honored to share it with others. With a strong knowledge of anatomy and a good sense of humor, Darlene encourages students to have fun while maximizing their physical, mental, and emotional health. Darlene teaches “yoga for life”, not just for in the classroom!

 

 

Pam’s background is rich in knowledge, experience and a dedication to wellness motivated by a family history of obesity, unresolved conflict, and mental health challenges. Self-inquiry, lifelong learning, and movement are the cornerstones of Pam’s teaching. As a highly accomplished group fitness leader for more than 30 years, she guides clients through sessions that provide opportunities to tap into deep wisdom, to help shift perspectives about what is possible and to explore how truly magnificent our bodies really are; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Pam’s professional journey began with modern dance in 1981. Movement was the medicine she didn’t know she needed. Her current passion is primarily teaching yoga, cycling, suspension training, and Resist-a-Ball® helping to guide clients through classes or sessions that provide opportunities to grow inside and out.  She has a special affection for beginners, obese, chronically injured and de-conditioned clients because it’s never too late to start to move and there are always options available to choose to feel better in our bodies and in our lives. Pam is an AFAA and ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor, a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher, a Functional Aging Specialist and Teacher Trainer for Spinning®, CrossCore® and Resist-a-Ball®. As Program Director for Evolutions in Annapolis, she sincerely enjoys the challenge of coordinating instructors, participants, preferences, times and interpreting options to keep everyone fresh, happy and actively pursuing their personal fitness and professional goals.

When not in the studio on a mat, a ball or a bike, Pam prefers quiet times contemplating, reading, chillaxing with her family and friends, or meandering around this gorgeous planet with her husband. 

 

 

Kim has been practicing yoga around the world for over 20 years. Regardless of where she traveled or lived, she found connection and community within the wellness space. She is passionate about learning and sharing the historical, philosophical, spiritual, and medicinal aspects of yoga. Her yogic philosophy and background are a result of her 200-hour yoga teacher training with Dani Reidy of Arrow Yoga.

As a former elementary teacher and literacy coach, she brings her love of teaching, empowering others, and nurturing relationships into all of her classes. Her classes are accessible for all levels and are a blend of Vinyasa, Restorative, and Yin. Yoga has brought her a sense of peace, presence, and acceptance, which she hopes to bring to each of you. Off the mat, you can find her at the beach, traveling, reading, or paddleboarding.

Dr. Dat Cao is a Physical Therapist with over 10 years of experience treating a variety of athletes.   

He is a board certified orthopedic specialist and is certified in dry needling. He graduated with a degree in English from The George Washington University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of Maryland at Baltimore. He enjoys running, cooking, paddle boarding and spending time with his wife and two young girls. He started Native Physical Therapy earlier this year as a way to deliver Physical Therapy with a more effective and personalized approach.

Rachel is a Life and Leadership Coach, a Reiki Master, and a Mindfulness Educator who is passionate about using mindfulness as a tool to improve focus; decrease stress; improve impulse control; increase calm and empathy; and so much more.

By day, she works with leaders in organizations helping them rise with compassion, connection, and communication.  She is committed to supporting our next generation of leaders and has spent the last 6 years volunteering at Arundel High School by partnering with the school to develop a curriculum and connect with students on compassion, career, leadership, and empowerment.

Rachel began her mindfulness practice in 2015 as a means of stress management.  Through her development, she found Mindful Schools and in 2016 completed their Mindfulness Educator Essentials program to learn how to teach Mindfulness to kids in grades K-12.  Mindfulness has not only been a key component for joyful living for her, but it has also tremendously impacted her neurodiverse son. 

Jennifer’s yoga journey began in 2009 at the recommendation of her chiropractor to relieve her lower back pain. Amazed at how effective this mind/body form of exercise was, she began to add yoga to her regular fitness schedule.  Jennifer’s passion for yoga blossomed from there. Several times over the years she considered becoming a yoga instructor, but life, as it often does, kept getting in the way. She finally took the plunge and graduated with her 200-hour YTT from the Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts at Crofton Yoga in June, 2020.

Jennifer is also a Reiki Master/Teacher and a Past Life Regression Facilitator.  She was born in Pittsburgh, PA and grew up a short distance away in Youngstown, OH, where she received a BA in English from Youngstown State University. After moving to the DC area in 1989, Jennifer married her husband, Ed, in 1996. They currently reside in Crofton, MD with their daughter, Stephanie.

Jennifer is also a breast cancer and leukemia survivor, and credits yoga for keeping her life in balance. She is not one to “sweat the small stuff”, and if you were to ask her how she maintains her calming, positive attitude, she’d tell you to “Live Like You Were Dyin'” (credit to Tim McGraw).

Yoganand founded Pranakriya Yoga in 2005. He is a Master-Level teacher in the Kripalu Yoga tradition. Through many years of intensive study and practice of Swami Kripalu’s work, Yoganand has gained a profound ability to distill and interpret esoteric yoga texts and techniques.

After studying with Kripalu Yoga masters in India and America, Yoganand taught at the Kripalu Center for more than 15 years before founding Pranakriya Yoga, which he developed from the original teachings of Swami Kripalavandaji and reconfigured to meet the needs of Western yogis in today’s world without taking away from the ancient teachings.

Yoganand serves as the Founder and Dean of Curriculum for the Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts, leads trainings and retreats around the country and world and works to keep the history of Tantric Hatha Yoga alive. Students will find that Yoganand teaches from a place of deep experience and learning and that he shares his understanding in ways that allow them to cultivate and experience greater vitality in their own lives.  Yoganand is registered with the Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT500 level teacher and is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists – IAYT.

Yoganand teaches the following programs:  Understanding the Hatha Yoga Pradipika; Understanding the Bhagavad Gita; Deepening the Asana Experience:  Asana for Meditative Posture 1 & 2, Asana for Yoga Workout 1 & 2; Asanas as Spiritual Doorways; Meditation:  Theory & Teaching; Pranayama:  Theory & Teaching; The Universe Inside the Body of the Yogi:  Chakras, Nadis & Granthis

 

 

Danny comes to yoga instruction from his passion for building and sharing movement practices. He believes in yoga’s potential to open space for healing by allowing us to accept and anchor in the body’s experience. His teaching style seeks to encourage curiosity and creativity in participants, supporting people to explore new possibilities within their bodies and spirits. 

Danny has been doing yoga since he was 18 years old in various ways, and his time at Syracuse University’s BFA program allowed him to study Linklater, Tai Chi, Feldenkris, and other movement practices. He spent two summers living and volunteering at Kripalu and received his 200 hour certification in 2013. He taught at Hosh Yoga in New York City before moving to D.C., where he taught regular classes and assisted on training courses at Be Here Now Yoga. At this time, he was also able to acquire his AMSAT certification as an Alexander Teacher. This variety of movement disciplines has given him a deep appreciation for the vast potentials present when bringing awareness and care to our bodies and the ways we move.

 He is currently completing an MFA in poetry and teaches literature and composition at George Mason University. He lives with his wife in Capitol Heights Maryland, where you can find him playing with his cats or trellising kiwis in the garden.

 

Lisa Consiglio Ryan is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, award-winning author of

best-selling cookbook, Go Clean, Sexy You, and sustainable lifestyle shop founder- RASA juice

shop in downtown Annapolis. As a nationally acclaimed wellness expert and speaker, Lisa has

worked with tens of thousands in her wellness programs online as well as in person, allowing

individuals to customize their wellness and develop ownership for a loving, respectful

relationship with their bodies.

In addition to her consulting practice, Whole Health Designs, and her brick and mortar shop, RASA juice, Lisa leads workshops and retreats nationally as well as in Costa Rica. She is opening her second RASA juice location in 2023.

Lisa loves vegan tacos, green juice, running, and traveling. She lives in Annapolis.

 

As a teacher, Zach aims to create an environment of acceptance, equity, and charity, all with a sense of humor. Accessibility is incredibly important in his teaching, so his classes are truly catered to a mixed level experience. Whether one practices standing or seated, with or without props, Zach actively invites those who practice with him to engage themselves exactly as they are. Zach has spent many years cultivating a personal practice of compassion and aims to extend that to those who practice with him.

 Zach believes yoga is a journey to discovering your personal power and then utilizing that power to benefit the world around you.

His areas of experience and interest are alignment-based Hatha yoga, subtle body systems (nadis, vayus, chakras,) meditation, restorative practices, and mudra.

 Zach completed his 200 hour training in 2022 at the Yoga Center of Columbia, studying with Lucy Lomax and Kelly Fisher

 

Patricia’s yoga journey began in 1989. During the most challenging time in her life, and with the help of friends, family and life mentors, she turned to yoga, plant-based diets, and other wellness techniques to manage her crisis and gently restore her health and wellness.

The lessons Patricia learned, and years of yoga practice led to an enthusiasm for well-being, and to a search for a depth of knowledge that provided a compass for her life and career. In 2019, motivated by a desire to start sharing this knowledge with others, she completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health.  It also led her to pursue training in the plant-based chef program at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City. She completed her 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2023 also at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health.

Patricia’s teaching style reflects the influence of gurus and teachers that have come into her life. She is passionate about teaching the foundations of yoga to beginners and all … partly because she spent many years working on the basics, but also because she believes that anyone – no matter the physical challenge – can practice yoga. She loves to help others connect with their inner wisdom, and she believes that a genuine practice starts with a strong foundation honoring the principles of ‘ahimsa’ – first do no harm. 

 

Janet began her yoga journey in March 2014. She had been interested in yoga for several years, but never got past thinking you had to look a certain way or be able to contort your body into shapes she knew her body was not doing. On March 8, 2014, at the age of 50, She rejoined Weight Watchers in an effort to re-lose a lot of weight and stay healthy and hopefully ward off the diseases that come with aging and being overweight. She also joined a gym. The gym offered yoga classes twice a week, so she decided to go to her first ever yoga class, with Kim Murphy. Then she went to the next class with a different instructor. It only took a few classes for her to realize she had been missing out, and soon knew that yoga was for her. She came to love the practice and tried to never miss a class. 

After about a year or so, she returned to her goal weight and started wondering if she could someday teach yoga. She inquired about the process, but filed the information away for someday when she thought was ready or “good enough”. There was still a lot to learn. And still is. Janet knew she wanted to bring yoga to those who were in the same boat she was in. Those thinking they couldn’t “do” yoga; maybe because of weight, lack of flexibility, or other reasons.

One day in June 2017, she learned Kim would be directing a YTT, at Crofton Yoga, beginning in September. Although she was interested, she still wasn’t sure she was ready or that she could make it work in such a short amount of time. After talking with Kim, the stars aligned and it all came together. After taking that leap of faith, Janet completed her 200 hour training, with Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts, in May 2018 and is currently working on her 300 certification with Pranakriya.

In addition to practicing yoga Janet has run numerous half marathons and full marathons. She also enjoys powerlifting. Yoga is her passion, and she is passionate about bringing yoga to those who don’t think they can “do yoga”.

When she is not teaching yoga Janet takes care of four of her grandchildren daily “the littles”. She enjoys reading and learning. She will always be a yoga student. Janet says “yoga helps me to be a better me”.

Marissa Guerrero Elliott is a dance artist, educator, yoga instructor and most recently a busy
mom of two boys. She is constantly balancing her daily life of motherhood, dance career and
the love for yoga. Yoga has brought a sense of balance, self reflection, and strength in her life.
She hopes to share this perspective with her students and loved ones.
Marissa is currently a faculty member at Towson University where she teaches yoga, dance
history, and jazz/modern technique classes. Marissa has performed for various professional
companies in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas. She has had the opportunity to serve
as faculty at University of Maryland, College Park, Kinetics Dance Theatre, City Dance Center
at Strathmore, and Georgetown University through their Summer Discovery Program. In
addition to teaching, Marissa has had the opportunity to work as an arts administrator for the
Maryland Youth Ballet and National Dance Education Organization.
She earned a BFA degree in dance performance and choreography from the Ohio University,
Athens in 2001 and received a MFA degree in dance with an emphasis in choreography from
the University of Maryland, College Park in 2008. Marissa Guerrero Elliott earned her 200hr
certification from the Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts in 2014. She is currently pursuing
a deeper yoga journey by starting her 500hr program. Marissa is excited what yoga will inspire
for her students and for herself.

 

Emily Gretz, E-RYT500, RCYT, YACEP brings a career in education and an entrepreneurial spirit to her role as yoga teacher. For over ten years Emily has been sharing her love of yoga with children and adults. Equally skilled at leading adults and children in yoga practice, Emily is passionate about yoga’s benefits and is anxious to share them with people of all ages and skills levels.

As a mother of two girls, Emily believes introducing yoga to children can help provide them with tools for coping with life’s stresses. At a very young age, children can learn to use their breath to calm their body and mind while learning how to develop muscles and balance through physical postures. Emily has collaborated with Steve Wolf on Yoga Nidra for Children (see “classes/schedule”-“kids yoga”), a CD compilation of engaging yoga nidra-based stories designed to help children deeply relax their mind and body.  She is co-director of the Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts’ Musculoskeletal Assessment Program, Director of the PKSYHA 95hr Children’s Yoga Training and holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Loyola University Maryland and is an active member of her local community.

 

Lily Gretz is a recent graduate of Loyola University Maryland who earned her BA double majoring in Writing and Global Studies. She has worked under the Pranakriya umbrella for about 5 years as a writing and editing intern. After learning more about the yoga through this role, Lily decided to become a teacher herself and took her first teacher training with PK Kids in 2019.

Lily had her first yoga experience at age four, 18 years ago, and has been practicing ever since. One of her first teachers was her mother, Emily Gretz, who she has since worked side-by-side with for a number of kid’s yoga camps. Lily is grateful for the constant yoga has brought to her life, helping her remain balanced throughout her transformation to adulthood. She’s excited to teach kids the same mind and body strengthening techniques that have helped her over the years. 

Stacee Johnson has been practicing yoga since 1999. Through the Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts, developed by Yoganand Michael Carroll, Stacee completed both her 500-hour certification and prenatal yoga training.

Stacee originally started her yoga practice as a way to relieve her migraine symptoms and to reduce stress but quickly became intrigued by the many benefits of yoga. She maintains that yoga brings a sense of serenity to her life and she’s passionate about helping her students find that within themselves.  She invites students to combine breath and movement to invoke a powerful and transformative yoga practice.

By incorporating Sound Meditation, with the use of quartz crystal singing bowl, Himalayan singing bowls, chimes, and wind gong, Stacee provides a deeply relaxing experience that helps everyone StaCentered.  Off her mat, Stacee enjoys traveling, indulging in spas and cooking.

Stacee currently teaches within the Baltimore- Washington area.

 

Joanie’s immersion into fitness occurred when she met Pam Blum (a current Crofton Yoga Instructor).  In 2007, Pam was managing a gym that Joanie was a member. Pam recognized something in Joanie and asked her to become a Group Power Instructor.  The rest is history as they say; however, it was not all by chance.  Joanie is a former high school and college athlete so the transition into fitness was somewhat natural.

Since 2007, Joanie has made fitness her full-time career and is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Johnny G Certified Spin Instructor, Power Pilates Certified Instructor, and most recently (July 2020) has completed a 200-hour Pranakriya Yoga Certification from Crofton Yoga. Joanie teaches several formats at Severna Park Racquetball & Fitness and Evolutions in Annapolis to include Bootcamp, Abs, Arms & Assets, Total Body Fitness, Total Body Fusion, Spin, and Yoga.  When she is not teaching, she is taking care of her clients in-person and virtually. “I consider myself a well-rounded instructor and trainer and my philosophy reflects that well-roundedness by keeping my participants challenged, safe, and optimized.  I work hard at creating classes and training sessions that are both safe and effective in reaching participants’ personal goals. I am a stickler for “good form” and never willing to compromise.  My job is to educate my participants so that when they are not in my presence – they have the foundation and the tools to exercise safely and properly.”

 

Noël discovered the peace of yoga amidst the war in Lebanon when she was 18 years old. Yoga provided her with a haven while the world around her was falling apart. She practiced yoga largely on her own for
30 years until she moved to Crofton, MD in 2008 and joined Crofton Yoga where she completed her Pranakriya 200 hr and 500 hr in teacher training. A mother of three grown daughters, who also practice yoga, Noël currently lives with her husband in Eastport, Annapolis where both are employed by Anne Arundel County Public Schools. She acquired a master in philosophy from the Université de Saint
Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon and a master in library science from College Park, University of Maryland, and is currently the school librarian at Old Mill Middle North. Noël believes that through the practice of meditation, breathing techniques, physical postures, and relaxation, balance in the body and mind can be restored, energy renewed, and a sense of well- being achieved.

 

Amina Naru is the founder of Posh Yoga, Co-founder of Retreat to Spirit, a Usui reiki master, trauma sensitive yoga instructor, and chair of the Race and Equity Consortium in Yoga, with a specialty in providing yoga and mindfulness programs to incarcerated youth and adults. Amina is an active member on the board of directors for the international non-profit, Accessible Yoga Association, and also serves on the board of directors for Bmore Empowered Inc., a non-profit dedicated to empowering women and girls of color through mindfulness and entrepreneurship in Baltimore City, Maryland.

She is the former executive director of the national non-profit organization, Yoga Service Collective, and served three terms as secretary for the YSC Board of Directors. She is a contributing author to the books “Best Practices for Yoga with Veterans” (YSC/Omega, 2016) and “Best Practices for Yoga in the Criminal Justice System” (YSC/Omega, 2017). She worked as the project manager and contributor for “Yoga and Resilience: Empowering Practices for Survivors of Sexual Trauma” (Handspring 2020), and the “Best Practices for Yoga with People in Addictions and Recovery Symposium” at the Omega Institute. She also served as Executive Director of the nonprofit Empowered Community in Wilmington, DE and is the first black woman to implement curriculum-based yoga and mindfulness programs for juvenile detention centers in the state of Delaware.

 Amina has been featured in the books, Yoga Revolution by Jivana Heyman, Yoga Radicals by Allie Middleton, and Restorative Yoga for Ethnc and Race Based Stress and Trauma, by Dr. Gail Parker. She has also been featured in Yoga Journal, Yoga Therapy Today and on the J. Brown and Yoga Alliance podcasts. Amina Naru’s yoga service work is deeply informed by her studies with master teachers Johnny Gillespie of Empowered Yoga, James Fox of Prison Yoga Project, B.K. Bose of the Niroga Institute, Nikki Myers of Y12SR, and Jennifer Cohen Harper of Little Flower Yoga.

 

Lydia Nemirovsky, MS, OTR/L is the CEO and founder of SPMS. Lydia has a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Towson University and has worked throughout the Baltimore/Washington area. In addition to specializing in chronic pain management, Lydia also has extensive experience treating patients with neurological conditions including stroke and traumatic brain injury.

 

Ten years ago, Linda walked into her first yoga class totally by divine guidance when her high impact class at the gym was cancelled. It was love at first asana. Over the years, yoga, has helped Linda find her way back to the self she wants to be. It is still a work in progress as we all can be. Her first yoga teacher was Pranakriya trained. Linda has tried and enjoyed other styles of yoga but Pranakriya speaks to her mind, body, and soul. In May of 2018, Linda completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) from the Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts. She swore she didn’t want to teach! After working the front desk at Crofton Yoga and eventually being talking into substituting for a few of our teachers, the teaching bug bit Linda. She has been teaching a Level 1 class at Crofton Yoga since 2019 and loving every minute of it. Linda loves to bring yoga to people who have never done yoga. It is the main reason she loves teaching at Crofton Yoga because she knows that yoga is for ‘Every Body’.

When not teaching, Linda loves to hike, garden, walk her dog, and spend time with family and friends. Her family is about to expand as she will become a first time Nonna (Italian for Grandmother) in the spring of 2021.

 

Yoga is more than just a practice or exercise to Stacey it is a way of life, one that has changed the course of her journey and ignited a passion for guiding others to experience the same profound healing. After many years of depression, addiction and a generally unhealthy lifestyle Stacey made the decision to surrender her will and try a new way of life. One of those new choices came in the form of a gym membership. Little did she know that small decision to take a first step into a yoga inspired class would be the pivotal step that would change the course of her path.

Over the next five years Stacey has become certified in many formats of group exercise such as Les Mills Body Flow, Les Mills Sh’Bam, SB Barre, Aerial Yoga and Les Mills Body Pump and is the current co-director of Gold’s Gym.  In 2016 she attended and completed both the Y12SR Intensive and Leadership training with Nikki Meyers, and has previously hosted donation based yoga for 12 step recovery meetings in Anne Arundel County. In May 2018 she graduated the 200 hour yoga teacher training at The Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts at Crofton Yoga.   Due to her own substance abuse disorder and subsequent recovery, she knows firsthand that healing the body from the inside out with yoga is necessary for achieving sustainable long term recovery for her. Stacey shares that gift with anyone willing to open their heart and mind to a new way of life.

Ashley is a 200 hour RYT certified yoga instructor, specializing in vinyasa, yin, and children’s yoga. She also has a degree in dance with a focus in education, and has been teaching movement to children and adults in Anne Arundel county for over a decade. Ashley had been interested in trying yoga for years to help with her depression and anxiety. but didn’t find herself in a yoga class until her orthopedic surgeon recommended it for her spinal injury, which threatened her with the possibility of not being able to walk, let alone dance again, at only 22 years old.

 Ever since walking into her first yoga class 7 years ago her life has changed in ways she never thought possible. She is now pain free mentally, physically, and spiritually (most days). Ashley loves to share the healing qualities of yoga with anyone she can. Nothing brings her more joy than to be able to serve others through guiding them in a yoga class.

 

Kathy received her yoga teacher certification from Columbia Yoga Center in 1995 and in 2010 she completed the Avalon 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training to satisfy the requirements for Yoga Alliance RYT.  Kathy teaches in the Iyengar style with strong emphasis on alignment and creative uses of props.  Kathy has taught all age groups and has developed particular expertise in offering yoga to seniors and those requiring a gentle approach to yoga.  Her teaching encourages students to develop their own personal practice to gain the full benefits of everyday yoga.  Kathy also teaches Tai chi and enjoys blending the concepts of these two ancient traditions.  Kathy has recently studied the healing art of sound massage and sound meditation.

 

Katie believes that yoga transcends practice on the mat, and extends into life at home and work.  She considers yoga to be the physical stretching of the body, as well as the emotional stretching of the mind, which enables her to live life with intention.  Katie completed her 200 hour training through the Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts. She began practicing at Crofton Yoga in a prenatal class and it was in this class that her love of the  Pranakriya style was born.  After her daughter’s birth, Katie returned to Crofton Yoga.  She was recovering from a broken wrist, and with guidance, Katie began to notice how the postures changed as she used props and modified her hand placement.  This sparked her interest in how modifying postures could deepen the individual experience and change the muscular engagement in a pose.

When she isn’t on her mat, Katie enjoys bike rides with her 4 children, cooking with her husband, playing with her dog, and spending time outdoors.

 

Wendy integrates her experience over 30 years as a nurse practitioner into her love for yoga and pilates. Since her teenage years, Wendy has been an avid yoga practitioner and tennis player incorporating fitness and nutrition into her daily lifestyle. Wendy’s passion is for teaching her students to build strength and flexibility in the body while learning to guide and discipline the mind. “My experience has been that with consistent practice of yoga, change occurs on every level of your life – body, mind, and soul.”

Wendy shares the transformational experience of yoga with others, helping them to be the best they can be – Healthy, Happy and Whole. In addition to her nursing credentials, and a Masters in Science, Wendy is certified in Power Pilates Mat and is a 200RYT in Hatha and Kundalini Yoga

 

Audrey started practicing yoga in 2001 while she was studying at the University of Florida. Yoga has transformed her life in so many ways. Over the years, it has helped her become healthier – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Audrey enjoys sharing her love of yoga with students by exploring movement, breathwork, and chanting as ways to reduce stress and bring more ease into daily living. She completed her first 200-hour certification in 2012 through Sanctuary Yoga in Gainesville, Florida, with a focus on hatha, restorative, and yin yoga. In 2018, she earned a 100-hour certification in yoga nidra. In 2020, she moved to Maryland and completed her 200-hour certification with Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts. “I love how Pranakriya integrates pranayama and meditation into the yoga class experience. It teaches you to be present so that you can enjoy your life more fully while mindfully navigating through life’s challenges.”

Sandra began at Crofton Yoga in 2009 in search of an escape from a desk job that didn’t leave much time for physical movement. Having never been athletic, yoga helped her listen to and connect with her body in ways that she had never realized were possible. The mind-body-breath connection has also taught her how to manage stress and hectic schedules (she can frequently be found doing Dirgha at her desk).

Sandra completed her 200 hour teacher training through the Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts and approaches teaching with an enthusiasm for giving students a space to explore and connect more deeply with themselves.

 

Cecelia Ritchie has been teaching yoga since 2010 when she received her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Certification through the Pranakriya School of Yoga and Healing Arts.  She continued to take advanced courses and in 2018 achieved an additional 300-hour Certification.  Her training primarily focused on healing trauma through yoga.  Cecelia also completed the Y12SR Program Certification – Yoga for 12 Step Recovery.  Yogic principles, philosophy, and practice are the perfect complement for the 12 Step Recovery process that she began in 1985.

In her heart, Cecelia has always been a teacher, and throughout her career and life has found ways to teach – in corporate training and development, and in her faith community.  And as a student and seeker, she knows the learning never ends.

Mind, Body, and Spirit is a recurring theme in Cecelia’s life.  She brings her whole self to her classes, including her sense of humor.  “It doesn’t matter how ‘serious’ our work is, we can always have fun while we’re getting the job done.”

 

Yoga has been a part of my life for over 10 years, and my practice has helped me grow stronger, more flexible, and I am becoming more fearless, both on and off the mat.

I completed my 200 hour Yoga training with Yogasteps.  Yogasteps incorporates key elements of Kundalini, Ashtanga, Viniyoga, Power along with Tibetan Rites; my 300 hour training is with Yapana, a restorative yoga practice.

In my classes, I have a non-judgemntal style, everyone is where they shouldbe now.  My goal is to help others thrive by empowering them to allow the mind, body and spirit to meld together allowing their own healing ot begin.

Off the mat I am a usui Reiki Master.  I have been involved with Reiki energy for over 20 year.  I love the healing energy and the ability to help others usuing Reiki energy.

 

Laura Rush has enjoyed practicing yoga for over 20 years.  She is a graduate of the 200 – hour YTT Pranakriya School of Healing Arts.   She is also an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Yoga Fit Instructor, Les Mills Bodyflow and Power Pilates Mat level 1 & 2 Instructor.

Her yoga journey began as a Fitness Instructor back in 1995.    As a young military wife and mother of 2 children she quickly realized that maintaining her health was of utmost importance to keep her family healthy and stable.   Laura’s love of daily exercise and mindful meditation led her to her first yoga class.    After many years of helping others find their love of exercise and the mind-body connection, Laura found the Pranakriya Yoga of Healing Arts School.  This is where the real work began.  A deeper dive into self and inward reflection is how true healing began.

Yoga is what continued to grow Laura’s love to inspire others to feel their absolute best.   To calm the mind, dissolve negative energy, keep bodies strong and empowered.  This wonderful connection of mind, body and spirit is what makes teaching yoga such a joy for Laura and will keep her a lifelong student of Yoga.

Combining her fitness background and love of Yoga Laura has created a wonderful style of teaching.  You will walk away from class feeling better than when you arrived, and with a renewed sense of mind-body balance.   Laura believes that yoga truly offers something for everybody.  We not only purposefully move our bodies but our minds as well.

 

Peace & blessings friends!  Rick began practicing Yoga in 2014. Having always thought yogis were “cool” & after a push from his partner, He took a chance and gave beginners yoga a shot. 

60 minutes later, He was hooked & left class with a renewed connection to his self & a peacefulness he had yet to feel as an adult. Cheesy, Of course, but true! 

He discovered Yoga to be a way of life that transcends the mat & a powerful connection between breath & movement, & while he takes his practice seriously, he does not take himself too seriously! He believes Yoga is equal parts fun, deep & playful! 

After exploring his connection to yoga on & off the mat & through different styles & studios, he committed himself to always being a student first & found a sense of home with the Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts, where he completed Yoga Teacher Training in 2020 with his 200hr certification & continues to train & study as he works towards a 300hr certification. 

As a young gay latino man with a military upbringing, he knows how scary it can feel to be different in a new place. For that reason, Rick is committed to creating a loving & safe environment for every person to connect with their authentic selves. Through the practice of Yoga & a smile, you’ll work to find peace, strength & balance on & off the mat!  Never judgement, always love,  See you on the mat! 

 

Aimee began practicing Vinyasa Flow yoga in 1996 as a fun way to work out. She quickly became excited by all of the benefits that yoga brought into her life and went on to become a 500-hour E-RYT. Her most recent trainings have been in the Anusara and Para styles of yoga. In addition to being a certified Prenatal Instructor in the Pranakriya tradition, she has trained in the Swaroopa style of yoga. Beginning her group fitness career as a step aerobics and muscle conditioning instructor, she is certified with the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).

Over the years, her passion for yoga has grown as it has brought flexibility, strength, balance and serenity into her life. She takes great pleasure in sharing her enthusiasm and devotion to yoga with others. Aimee enjoys travelling and is a constant student of yoga and spirituality. She also works in the field of Special Education and earned a B.A. in Psychology and Social Work from UMBC

 

Laura Seal is a professional figure skater and Pilates instructor. Currently a Principal Performer with Disney on Ice, she continues teaching Pilates and skating when home. Laura was certified in Pilates in 2015 and has taught to all age groups and abilities, with much experience using Pilates to aid her figure skating students. She holds a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland and a Master of Public Health from George Washington University.

After suffering a back injury as a competitive figure skater as a teenager, Laura used Pilates as a Primary rehabilitation technique to strengthen the core muscles supporting the back and has been a huge advocate for its benefits ever since!

Steve Smith has been a student of Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang since 2011 and has been studying Tai Ji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan), Ba Qua Zhang and Xing Yi Quan since 2011. He currently holds the rank of brown sash/white stripe and trains at the US KuoShu Academy.

For several years, Steve has enjoyed competing in local, national and international tournaments where he has won numerous 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals in forms, weapons, and push-hands.

Steve is also an acupuncturist with a thriving practice here in Crofton Maryland. Steve started Acupuncture training while still on active duty as a combat medic in the United States Air Force. Retiring after 20 years’ service Steve is enjoying the transition from military to civilian life.  He earned a Bachelors of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi, Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Maryland with an internship at Saint Johns College, Cambridge, England. Additionally, Steve has a Masters Degree in Acupuncture from TAI Sophia (Now the Maryland University of Integrative Health)

Steve is interested in the study, application, and promotion of the internal arts, especially Tai Ji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan), Xing Yi Quan, Ba Qua Zhang and Daoist meditation, as a comprehensive system of self-development as taught by Grandmaster Huang.

 

Pamela is the Founder and Director of Yoga2Sleep, Co-Founder of Retreat to Spirit, and Clinic Faculty at the Maryland University of Integrative Health. She is a certified yoga therapist, meditation teacher, and end of life doula with specialized training in plant-based nutrition, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), and trauma-informed yoga to work with service members, veterans, their caregivers, and insomnia sufferers. Previously serving as Co-Executive Director of the Yoga Service Collective, she cultivated financial resilience and strategic partnerships for the organization. An avid yogini for over 20 years, Pamela was motivated to begin her teaching journey when she realized that yoga decreased her insomnia and reduced her knee osteoarthritis pain.

Pamela has a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health and a Master of Business Administration from University of Maryland Global Campus. In addition, she is a contributing editor of Best Practices for Yoga with Veterans (YSC/Omega, 2016) and Yoga and Resilience: Empowering Practices for Survivors of Sexual Trauma (Handspring, July 2020), as well as researcher/author of Yoga Therapy as a Complementary Modality for Female Veteran Caregivers with Traumatic Stress: A Case Study (Maryland University of Integrative Health, March 2018), and Addressing Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms: A Yoga Therapy Case Study (Maryland University of Integrative Health, June 2019). Pamela serves on the advisory board of Yoga Unify, the Grant Advisory Committee of the Yoga Alliance Foundation as a collaborative response to the impact of COVID-19 within the yoga community, and on the editorial board of the Journal of Applied Yoga Studies.

An accomplished consultant, advisor, published author and national speaker, Pamela has worked for numerous agencies including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Veterans Administration, the Department of Labor, as a yoga therapy intern for Johns Hopkins Medical Center, and as an advisor on Congress-supported publications centering on substance abuse, mental health, criminal justice and military and veteran family matters. Her work and writing have been featured with Yoga Therapy Today, Insight Timer, Meditation Studio, Gaiam, Military Family Life.Com, Military Spouse Magazine, Yoga Journal, Mantra Yoga and Health, Essence, the Huffington Post, and on Ellen and MSNBC.

 

Missy, RYT-500, first began teaching yoga to children and then quickly wanted to share the benefits and calming effects of it to adults as well. This inspired her to complete the Avalon 200 Hour Teacher Training in 2011 and the 300-hour Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts training in 2021. She also trained through Radiant Child to teach yoga to children and is working toward completing the Pranakriya Kid’s Yoga training. Missy plans on continuing these trainings to complete the RYCT designation. In 2017, she trained with Dr. Fishman and Ellen Saltsonstall and received a certificate to teach Yoga for Osteoporosis. Missy is an Accessible Yoga Ambassador and welcomes everyone into her classes. She brings a nurturing style to her classes and builds a safe environment for all students to grow in their practices and receive the many benefits of yoga. She enjoys working with students of all ages!

 

For over a decade, Alex Wieland, RYT 200, has worked tirelessly to hold spaces and create places that are better than she found them.

In 2018, Alex completed her yoga training through the Pranakriya tradition at Crofton Yoga Studio. But as far back as high school, yoga was part of Alex’s life – a recovery method for years spent on field hockey and lacrosse fields. Yoga continued to be her source of perspective, strength, and relaxation up until two weeks before giving birth to her daughter. Then, she took a breath to discover her new role as a mother.

Missing the consistent presence and benefits of yoga and inspired by the events of 2020, Alex began playing an active role in advancing socially just policies and practices by volunteering on Pranakriya’s Social Justice Committee. She also launched www.bewellbeyou.org to share yoga’s restorative power with students regardless of where they are spiritually and geographically.  In 2021, Alex joined Pranakriya’s Board of Directors.

Bringing calm energy and a passion for wellbeing, expect Alex to encourage you to be well (however you define that), and most importantly to be you… on and off the mat.

 

Steve got his first exposure to yoga as a teenager in the late ’60s.  After experimenting with an assortment of classes over the years, his yoga practice solidified in the 1990s.  For over 35 years he has also been a devoted student of the Japanese martial art of Aikido, which shares many philosophical similarities to yoga. Steve is currently ranked as a 5th-degree black belt and is a head instructor at Northern Virginia Ki Aikido.   In 2005 Steve founded Awase Publishing to distribute yoga related media around the world.  His yoga Nidra recordings are currently used in a number of teacher training programs around the country, and he is a Program Director with Pranakriya School of Healing Arts to Develop and teach their Yoga Nidra Program.

Steve’s is registered as E-RYT 500 (Experienced Registered Yoga teacher) with the National Yoga Alliance. He completed his initial 200 & 500-hour requirements with Yoga West near Houston, Texas, and in early 2010 he wrapped up a second 500-hour certification in the Pranakria tradition with master teacher, Yoganand Michael Carroll. For over 40 years he has also been a professional musician performing throughout the U.S. and Europe.  Visit Steve on the web: awasepublishing.com & traditionsinmovement.com

 

Linda completed a Yoga Alliance-approved 200-hour teacher certification in 2013 in Yin and Vinyasa yoga and received her 300-hour Yoga Alliance advanced teacher training certification in 2021 in Tantra Hatha Yoga (Swami Kripalu lineage/ Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts). Currently, she is completing the 95-hour Yoga Alliance specialty teacher training certification in children’s yoga led by Pranakriya, PK Kids.  
Along with her personal yoga practice, and as her professional life allows, Linda teaches yoga classes, works with private clients, and teaches yoga classes and workshops in international venues.

When not teaching yoga, Linda is an international technology, transaction and media attorney. She originally sought out yoga to help balance the challenges of her overseas travel and law practice. Linda practices in English and Spanish and is a student of French.

Linda loves teaching yoga to children and guiding their energy, creativity, awareness and growth.”