Teachers

Alison Rubin, Director of Harmony Yoga, E-RYT 500

My first experience of yoga was in 1972, the same year I moved from England to Southern California. I studied with a variety of teachers in California for 12 years and started teaching in Spokane in 1984, and I am now registered as an E-RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance. I have had the opportunity to take trainings with many excellent instructors over the years, especially those from the Iyengar and Anusara traditions.

My teaching style is eclectic, with a strong emphasis on precision of alignment and philosophy. I love to weave the philosophy of yoga into my classes and endeavor to practice moment by moment awareness in my life. In addition to teaching weekly classes, I am also the director of a RYT 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training Program. Our 2013 program starts on February 8, and we have space if you are interested. For further information or questions, I can be reached at (509) 747-4430.

Brit Penberthy, E-RYT 200

I have been practicing yoga since 1980 and teaching in Spokane since 1999 and I am an E-RYT 200. My eclectic approach is recognized for being personal, grounded, practical, and fun. I seek to connect each pose and class to the unique and changing needs of my students. I continue to be an avid student of various yoga traditions and am richly rewarded when those who study with me experience the joy of yoga both on and off the mat. I can be reached at britepen@gmail.com or (509) 458-3263.

Zoe Smith, E-RYT 200

I started practicing yoga in late 1998 on the advice of a Massage Therapist to help with stress reduction. In 2002, while recovering from work related injuries, I began exploring the benefits of gentle modifications to poses from the teachings of Judith Lasater, Lilias Folan, Peggy Cappy and others. In late 2008 I completed my teacher certification and I am now registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT 200.

My earlier explorations provided the insight I needed to focus my teaching on those who want the benefits of yoga but are less physically capable due to injuries, stress related illness, surguries, or just ravages of time. My goal is to help students find ease in the poses through the use of props, compassionate understanding, and encouragement so they can gently heal and rejuvenate their body and recapture their joy in living. You can reach me at (509) 276-5177.

Deborah Lyon

I discovered Kundalini Yoga through a P.E. class at the University of Massachusetts in 1975. I was immediately intrigued and inspired by the ancient technology that works on the energy flow of the chakras. I continued to practice yoga even as I pursued a career in social services and law. Kundalini Yoga helped to keep me balanced in body, mind and spirit. Years after my children were born, I had an opportunity to attend the teachers training program in Portland, Oregon. I obtained my teaching certification through the International Kundalini Yoga Teacher's Association.

I feel blessed and delighted to be able to share these teachings with others. One of my favorite quotes from a kundalini yoga teacher is, "Our goal in life is to be quiet enough to hear the voice of the soul and strong enough to do what it says. Kundalini yoga is the technology to get us there." Please feel free to contact me with any questions, at 509-869-5162.

Diane Sherman, RYT 500

I have practiced yoga since 1996, I have taught since 2001, and I am registered with Yoga Alliance as an RYT 500. Originally, I began yoga to help alleviate lower back pain, and then used the practice to rehabilitate my body after a serious car accident. Through dedicated practice, I was able to transform and heal my body in ways I didn’t think possible, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I also found the yogic path the perfect blend of spiritual, physical and mental practices.

As a teacher, I blend yin (long held passive poses) and yang yoga, which builds strength and stamina. The focus in each class is on an aspect of mindfulness, and a cultivation of compassion towards ourselves as we move through the asanas. My training includes in depth study of Iyengar Yoga, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa and Ayurveda. I am passionate about people finding a way to integrate body, heart and mind, and to feel strong and alive in their bodies. My most influential teachers include Sarah Powers, Donald Moyer, Scott Blossom, Pema Chodron, Gabrielle Roth. You can read more about me on my website www.lotusofferings.com, and I hope to see you on the mat! Namaste.

Neely Wadden

As a mother of two small children, I have personal experience with the amazing process of pregnancy, birth, and Motherhood. My Pre and Post Natal Yoga classes place special emphasis on the prevention and alleviation of complications and discomforts that can occur through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We spend time each class discussing whatever questions or concerns we may have, and exploring the many ways of preparing for birth and Motherhood. We create a safe and open atmosphere in which we can all discuss our chosen paths and feelings about pregnancy and birth. I received my training specifically in Pre-Natal Yoga from the Seattle Holistic Center. My other interests include skiing, reading, and of course, parenting. I can be reached at (509) 532-8749 or neelygibbons@hotmail.com.

Erin Wert, RYT 200

My exploration into yoga began in 2001 with Alison Rubin and I am a graduate of the 200-hour teacher training at Harmony Yoga. The serenity and joy I experienced after practice instantly drew me in and I continued to study with Alison for a number of years. Her focus on alignment melded with yogic philosophy set the foundation for the strong practice I now have.

In 2008 I began studying Forrest Yoga, an intense and therapeutic practice that truly resonated with my body. It was through this practice that I began to uncover that place of wisdom that resides within each of us. I find the subject of yoga infinitely fascinating and continue to practice Forrest Yoga, as well as Vinyasa Flow, Bikram and Iyengar-based yoga. My style of teaching incorporates an eclectic mix of core work, breath awareness and vinyasa flow – a moving meditation to access the mind-body-spirit connection. I can be reached at erin.wert@gmail.com or (509) 981-8809.

Katie Laughlin, RYT 200

I took my first yoga class in 2000 and soon realized that this practice would become a lifelong one.  I loved walking out of that  class feeling both energized and relaxed, a strange but delightful combination.  Though I first came to yoga looking for strength, flexibility and a new way to challenge my body, I've stayed with the practice out of an ongoing curiosity and search into the depths of this compassionate and loving tradition.  I still marvel that a single session on my mat can leave me strong and centered within my body, while still calm and peaceful within my heart.  My practice has deepened over the years and I recently completed the 200-hr Teacher Training at Harmony.  I am registered with Yoga Alliance as an RYT 200.  I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to share the practice of yoga with others.  I hope my students leave each class with that same sense of ease and vitality that greeted me so long ago. I can be reached at (509) 710-6521.

Emily Yingling, RYT 200

As a Licensed Massage Practitioner for the past 6 years, I have seen and touched every type of body imaginable. As I have nurtured a thriving business centered around treating the whole person, I have fallen deeply in love with the Art of the human body and its unique intelligent design! I have simultaneously delved into Yoga, beginning in 2006, when I became pregnant with my first child and wanted to be as healthy as possible. I spent 18 months studying Kundalini Yoga with Diane Bunting in Port Orchard and I hope to one day join her and yogi's around the world in the effort to bring a deep Kundalini practice to more people. My Love for Yoga and Massage has landed me in the role of Massage Instructor at Carrington college. Recently, I fulfilled a six year old dream to one day become a yoga instructor, and have completed the 2012 Teacher Training Program at Harmony Yoga. Sat Nam. I can be reached at (360) 471-7595.

Cyndi Slizza, RYT 200

I discovered yoga in 1999 as a stressed out business woman in San Francisco. The meditative quality of synchronizing breath and movement was a revelation. Yoga helped me alleviate back pain from scoliosis and taught me to tune into to my breathing, both on and off the mat. After moving to Spokane, I decided to dedicate myself to helping others feel their best through yoga and functional exercise. I became a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise in 2010 and earned my Yoga Alliance RYT-200 with Harmony Yoga in 2012. I enjoy helping students adjust the asanas to fit their own unique body. My teaching style is focused on precise alignment within a balanced flow of strength and flexibility. As a mother, I'm very aware that children and teens need the physical activity, confidence and breath awareness that yoga provides. I teach Kids yoga, Tween yoga, and Vinyasa Flow. You can reach me at feelbetterfitness@yahoo.com or (509) 863-9091.

Gigi Frost, RDH, RYT 200

I first discovered yoga in 2000 after having served 10 years in the Air Force as a Periodontal Therapist. My body began showing signs of musculoskeletal problems from daily patient care, and I knew I had to do something to prevent further injuries. Within my first few classes of yoga I soon realized the profound effects yoga had on me. It left me feeling more rejuvenated and relaxed, as if I had just received a full body massage. Not only did I enjoy the physiological and psychological changes, but most importantly it allowed me to connect with "my truest nature". My influences in yoga are Hatha and Anusara with a strong Iyengar-based foundation. Since completing my Teacher Training Certification in July 2012 at Harmony Yoga, my intent is to share my eclectic style, knowledge and experience of yoga with others so that they may explore and experience "their own yoga", and be able to reap the extraordinary gifts of a healthier lifestyle. Feel free to contact me at gigibrfrost@gmail.com.

Doll Fitzgerald, RYT 200

I began practicing at Harmony Yoga in 2000 as a means of managing work related stresses. My retirement last year from a long orthopedic nursing career resulted in my need to reevaluate how to find "balance and cultivate peace" in this stage of life's journey. I am a grateful graduate of the 2012 Harmony Yoga Teacher Training class and feel honored in sharing spiritual and physical tools that allow you to "start where you are" and grow at your own pace in maintaining health and vitality. (509) 327-8095

Sandy Nolting, PT, RYT 200

Licensed as a Physical Therapist since 1991, I practice in rehabilitation and acute care settings in Spokane. I started taking yoga classes in 2003 with Alison, and have completed the 200-hr. Teacher Training at Harmony Yoga. I am now registered with Yoga Alliance as a RYT-200. The attention to alignment made an immediate connection for me with my physical therapy knowledge. My love of teaching brought me to leading beginning level classes at South Perry Yoga in 2007. I like making yoga accessible and easy to understand, so I will frequently use props or modify poses in order to help my students (who often have musculoskeletal limitations) experience the benefits of yoga. By increasing awareness of their breath and how the body moves, along with careful attention to alignment in the poses, I find students are able to prevent and potentially heal any injuries. (509) 747-8362

Claudia Curran, RYT 200

My commitment to yoga came out of my extensive background in the business world.  I dabbled in yoga to help alleviate the stress and unwind my tight body. Over a decade ago, I found myself back home in Spokane, became a massage therapist, and slowly began a more focused yoga practice.  I discovered Yin Yoga and, with that experience, found a long lost flexibility that was truly liberating.  I migrated gradually to including yang asanas back into my life, spending time at both Harmony and South Perry Yoga.  Having recently completed the 200-hr Teacher Training at Harmony, I am thrilled to now be teaching.  I enjoy combining the serenity of my massage world with the active practice of asana, and love sharing these complementary energies with others. (509) 951-7269

Tom Light, RYT 200

I am a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and have been practicing various forms of yoga since 1991. I have taken 200-hr teacher trainings in Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar-based hatha yoga and Anusara yoga. I have also had numerous additional training workshops in these and several other yoga styles. I have a strong appreciation of the interaction of alignment, physiology, and inner focus. My workshops are designed to help the participants use these concepts to develop greater awareness of their potential for melding mind, body, and spirit in their practice .I use meditation as a pathway to awareness of the Inner Self, that force within you, and as you, which represents the primal force of the Universe. My background also includes many years of running and coaching runners, at the high school, open, and masters level. I can be reached at (509) 638-2274.