Julie Rost, RYT 500 is the Director of the Blue Moon Yoga studio. Her training and prior experience were as full-time Classical Yoga Instructor and Coordinator of 200 and 500– hour Yoga teacher training programs at the Yoga Life Institute in Pennsylvania, a Yoga studio and teacher training center born of the Yoga Institute of Mumbai, India. Julie currently teaches classes, leads workshops and retreats in the Exeter/Portsmouth area, and is Director of the Classical Yoga Teacher Training Program of New Hampshire (200 and 500 hour levels).  Julie believes the power of Yoga lies in its rich lineage of wisdom, utilizing the ancient texts; connecting to our higher levels of consciousness; utilizing the breath and mind-body awareness in poses, relaxation exercises and meditation; and practicing ethical living in our daily lives.

Karen Batchelder, RYT is a graduate of the YogaLife Institute’s 200-hour Classical Yoga Teacher Training program and continues her studies in the 500-hour program.  She is also certified in the Usui System Reiki tradition.  Karen began her yoga journey as a method to alleviate anxiety from her hectic life, believing yoga would be a better choice for her than medication.  She discovered that yoga provided not only stress relief, but a series of tools and life lessons that help with anxiety and so much more.  She aspires to help others who seek relief from anxiety by integrating these tools and personal discoveries into her yoga classes.

Jamie Brown, RYT, is certified with the Yoga Alliance and trained in Classical Yoga, through the Yoga Life Institute. She was first introduced to the vinyasa style of yoga back in 2003 and uses her daily practice as an inspiration for holistic and mindful living. Jamie is also certified in the Usui System Reiki tradition. When not in the studio, Jamie is passionate about cooking, fitness, riding horses, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in international & environmental affairs.

Lisa Burk-McCoy, RYT received her 200 hour teaching certificate in Classical Yoga from the YogaLife Institute. She is currently completing her certifications to teach children's yoga through ChildLight Yoga, and prenatal yoga with Martha Chabinsky. As a result of her deep interest in physical movement and how it influences health and well-being, she is continuing her studies in the Iyengar method. Lisa dabbles as a musician, playing flute in a local contra dance band. She is blessed with a wonderful family– a husband, son and daughter, and a menagerie of pets -- with whom she makes her home in Exeter, NH.

Nicolle Casey, RYT is a graduate of the 200-hour Classical Yoga Teacher Training program and has been practicing yoga since 1995. Her healing and spiritual journeys have led her to become trained in Reiki & Somatic Repertory Integration (breath work associated with Network Chiropractic care). Nicolle’s approach is to integrate the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yoga into daily living. She practices hands on healing as a healing minister at Christ Episcopal Church, Exeter. She resides in Stratham with her husband and two children.

Valerie Gilbert, RYT: Yoga has changed my life. After my husband died Yoga opened me to all the wonderful adventures and possibilities life has to offer.  My desire is to open this door for others to enter. The community here is nurturing and welcoming.  I teach Yoga in N.H. and Costa Rica, my second home.

Wendy Henshaw RYT, is a recent graduate of the classical yoga teacher training program. She has been practicing hatha yoga since 2000 and teaching since 2001. After mentoring with a Kripalu trained instructor she realized not only the physical benefits of yoga, but also the spiritual side of Yoga. Her spiritual experience led her to energy work and she is Certified as an Integrated Energy Therapist. Through divine wisdom we all come together to share Yoga and our spirit. She lives in East Kingston with her husband.

Dawn Klinker, RYT is a graduate of the Yoga Life Institute's 200-hour Classical Yoga Teacher Training program, is certified by the Yoga Alliance, and intends to continue studies in the 500-hour level. She has been informally practicing yoga since childhood, and decided to formalize her practice after traveling the world observing different people, cultures, and traditions. Her full time job has been inspiration for learning to integrate daily life and the yoga lifestyle, and in her spare time she is a NH Master Gardener, and works with stained glass. She lives with her husband and cat in Kensington, NH.

Daniela Kulik, RYT 500, received her Sivananda yoga training certification in 1994 while living in Austria (near Vienna) where she has enjoyed teaching yoga to various levels of adults and children. Daniela's yoga journey eventually brought her to the Blue Moon Yoga studio where she completed her 500-hour Classical Yoga certification through the YogaLife Institute of NH in May 2010. Daniela is also a Reiki Master, a certified Montessori teacher, has worked with preschool and kindergarten children in Austria and the United States for over 20 years and currently enjoys teaching German at a Waldorf School.

Rosemary Matheny, RYT is certified at the 200 hour level in Classical Yoga.  She is currently pursuing her 500 hour level certification.  She continues to study at the New England Division of the Yoga Life Institute in New Hampshire, with USA headquarters in Pennsylvania, and International headquarters and certified by The Yoga Life Institute in Mumbai, India.  Rosemary is also certified in level II Reiki.  Yoga has become the stabilizing force in her life that drives her to teach.  Her classes focus on coordination of movement with the breath to build flexibility and strength in connection of body, mind, and spirit.  “The goal is to find that inner balance, light, and peace which resides in each of us that will sustain us in all of life’s situations.”  She resides in Greenland with her husband and two children.

Aaron McNulty has been practicing yoga for five years and is currently continuing his studies with the Yoga Life Institute.  Aaron found himself at a pivotal point in his personal journey in 2004, where he discovered and turned to the practice of yoga to come to a deeper level of understanding of his life and personal path. Aaron brings this level of self discovery and awareness to the class.

Allison Parks Dugas, RYT, is certified with the Yoga Alliance and a graduate of the YogaLife Institute of NH's 200-hour Classical Yoga Teacher Training program. She began her yoga practice in 1999 studying Ashtanga and vinyasa-style yoga. She was drawn to the benefits of a physical practice; connecting the mind and body through the breath, becoming more present, reducing stress, and learning how to truly relax along with gaining strength and flexibility. It wasn't until she discovered the YogaLife Institute's Teacher Training program that she was able to expand her understanding to include the mental, spiritual and philosophical elements as well as a gentler form. When she isn't on her mat, she tries to bring the benefits of her practice and mindfulness into her day-to-day life.

Kristin Pope, RYT, became serious about her yoga practice when she traveled to India in 2001. At the time, she was attending the Universtiy of New Hampshire where she graduated with a degree in Womens Studies. Five years later, Kristin became a certified Kripalu yoga teacher and has been a dedicated student and teacher of the Kripalu tradition ever since. Kristin is also a birth doula, currently working on her certification through the Doula Organization of North America. As a doula, she is able to offer support to women and their families throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Kristin is the founder and creator of an herbal product line specifically formulated for women who are pregnant, have recently given birth and their babies. Her gentle teaching style allows students to deepen their practice while working at their own pace. Kristin views the labor and birth process as a yoga practice in and of itself and sees it as an honor to be a part of this special time in a woman's life.

Pilar Prime, RYT 200, trained in Classical Yoga at the Portsmouth, NH branch of the YogaLife Institute, born of the Yoga Institute in Mumbai, India. She teaches in a supportive and nurturing way, opening the body and mind to a state of balance, strength and flexibility.  Pilar is also a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, affiliated with Columbia University, where she was certified as a Holistic Health Counselor.  Pilar has a passion for healing people with food, enhancing their physical, mental and emotional wellness--not through diets or deprivation, but through learning to feed all parts of themselves. Pilar lives with her husband and daughter in Strafford, NH, where they grow vegetables, raise chickens and enjoy the country life. She teaches yoga, counsels in holistic nutrition and gives workshops in and around the Seacoast area. Pilar is board-certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP).

Lisa Rockenmacher, RYT 500 is certified with the Yoga Alliance and received her training in Classical Yoga. She is a devoted practitioner of yoga- it is her daily practice (sadhana) that keeps her centered and provides her with the inspiration that she brings to her students. Holding a Master’s degree in both Usui and Karuna Reiki, Lisa brings her awareness of healing energy into each class. Her teaching incorporates her experience with various styles of yoga; no matter the specific modality, the emphasis remains the same- Lisa is dedicated to guiding students to discover clear access to their own inner wisdom and guidance.

Brian Serven, RYT, is a graduate of the Yoga Life Institute's 200-hourClassical Yoga Teacher Training program and continues his studies in the 500-hour program. He has recently become a certified Sankyu in Shudokan Karate which has enabled him to be aware of the many threads that connect the arts. He is an active musician that continues to make records and travel the US and overseas. He found yoga to be a perfect companion along with his interests in wellness and health.

Lily Sibley, RYT 500, owner of Ocean Spirit Yoga, has been teaching yoga in Portsmouth, NH, as well as Kittery, ME, Exeter, Rye and Newburyport, since 2002. Lily has advanced certification as a Classical Yoga teacher, is a certified Reiki Master and a licensed teacher of The Lebed Method, a movement therapy program for breast cancer survivors and chronic illness. Currently, Lily is a senior teacher in the YogaLife Institute of NH yoga teacher training program, a program born of the Yoga Institute of Mumbai, India.

While introducing her students to the physical and mental benefits of a regular yoga practice, Lily encourages her students to be comfortable with their individual levels of ability. Her students are further encouraged to "take their yoga off the mat" -- to create harmony and a sense of well being in their lives. While building strength and flexibility in their bodies, Lily's students discover the stillness and peace that lies within each of us. Using classical texts, such as the Bhagavagita, the Upanishads, the Yoga Sutras, the Tao Te Ching, as tools for discussion, students learn to live in the ups and downs of a fully integrated life.

Deborah Sisson, RYT, received her teacher training with the Yoga Life Institute. She has participated in a wide range of practice styles from traditions which reflect her love of dance, literature, and philosophy. In her classes she tries to nourish the authentic body that resides in the physical body. Deborah loves sharing the many gifts of yoga including postures, breathing, balance, strength, concentration, and meditation. She finds inspiration in nature and all its elements, beings, and miracles. Come, she says, let's practice together.

Sara Strohecker, RYT is a graduate of the 200-hour Classical Yoga Teacher Training Program in New Hampshire.  She began her yoga practice as a tool for dealing with stress at the same time toning her body and calming her mind.  Her love of yoga blossomed with energy and therapeutic benefits that yoga provided.  She resides in Exeter with her husband and two children.

 

Sally Sugatt, RYT 500 started practicing postures in 1978, pregnant with her first child, and is grateful to many teachers for their wisdom.  In 2006 she was ready to learn more and Julie Rost appeared!  Sally finished the Classical Yoga Teacher Training Program with Julie at the 200 hour level in 2007, and continues to day in the 500 hour program.  She began teaching at Blue Moon in 2007. As a child and family therapist, Sally is particularly interested in how the ancient practices of yoga--all eight limbs--inform our relationships: with ourselves and with others.  At the Blue Moon Sally has found a committed and supportive yoga community.

Jennifer Wilhelm, RYT is certified with the Yoga Alliance and received her training in Classical Yoga, through the Yoga Life Institute. Yoga has given Jennifer a new lens through which to view life. Though she has always enjoyed the physical practice of Yoga, she never realized the emotional and intellectual benefits it offers until she began studying Yogic philosophy. As an environmental sustainability professional, she appreciates the simplicity and moderation that Yogic philosophy encourages. Jennifer believes that by living a simple, more balanced life, we are able to increase our own contentment, while decreasing our impact on the natural world. Jennifer brings this perspective of contentment through simplicity to her classes.

Roberta Whitney, RYT, is a graduate of Yoga Life Institute’s 200-hour Classical Yoga Teacher Training Program.  She will begin advanced coursework toward 500- hour certification in Fall 2009.  Having studied during this past decade myriad modalities toward cultivating health, awareness and growth, she has and continues to learn how transformative yogic philosophies and practices can be to wholeness and vibrant living. Roberta’s insights have changed her life and she continues to seek ways to share what she learned, Roberta hails from Andover MA where she lives with her husband, David and teenage children.

Tara Whitney, RYT has received her 200 hour teaching certificate from Baron Baptiste's Power Vinyasa teacher training. She has also trained with Seane Corne, Bryan Kest, Ana Forrest, Gregor Singleton, and Claire Estes-MacDonald. She came to yoga almost 10 years ago to seek relief from an aching body from miles of running and biking. She found that her yoga has brought her physical practice to an inward journey. She guides her students with a powerful and playful spirit. Tara lives in Newfields with her husband and three children.