yoga • tai chi • qigong • meditation

"When the heart is right, for and against are forgotten. "

~ Thomas Merton

About the Instructors

	Jay Averell Jay Averell has been a student of Iyengar yoga since 2001, and is a certified Iyengar instructor. He graduated in 2006 from the three year teacher's training program at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles. Having worked in the medical field for many years, he developed a great understanding of human anatomy, which he incorporates into his teaching. He studies regularly with Manouso Manos, and in 2007 attended the Iyengar convention where he studied with Geeta Iyengar. In addition to teaching at local studios, Jay also volunteers once a month to teach yoga to the inmates at the California Correctional Institute for Women. His love of Iyengar yoga is evident to his students through his infectious enthusiasm.
	Ann Braden Ann Braden is devoted to renewal, connection and healing. In yoga, each person is seen as already whole. Yoga Therapy is about removing obstacles within the system, allowing our natural life force, prana, to flow freely. Her teaching emphasizes breath, movement, awareness and compassion to strengthen our connection with our own true nature. Her classes are a safe and playful space for learning, peace and maybe a little more happiness in our lives. Ann holds teaching certifications from Yoga Works, Yoga Ed. (teaching yoga to children and teachers), Nischala Joy Devi’s Yoga of the Heart training for cancer and cardiac issues. She has completed two years of study in the Yoga Therapy Rx Program at Loyola Marymount University and is member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Ann is currently in a yearlong mentorship program for Yoga Therapy with Physical Therapist Sherry Brourman, author of "Walk Yourself Well."
	Doria Cook-Nelson Teaching tai chi chuan publicly & privately since mid '70's, Doria feels honored to be part of a legacy of teachers who've enthusiastically shared this timeless information with the world. "When drinking the sweet water always remember who dug the well." She's a member of the Jian Mei Internal Martial Arts Asso since 1992 and the National Tai Chi Chuan Asso from 1971-2007. Serving as NTCCA President, VP, and Park Director, Doria directed many tai chi chuan demonstrations, conducted workshops and Teachers' Certification Training, lead 'Dr Marshall Ho'o 1990 China TCC & Qigong Research Tour', produced instructional videos for others, and directed WTCQD-LA global springtime event, www.worldtaichi.org, from 1999-2007, archiving learning tips from important masters by publishing free program magazines. Most students are looking for refreshment, and to gain self confidence: Class staples of Liangong Chinese Health Exercise, chi kung, old temple meditations, meridian and breathing exercises clear the mind of worry and stress, revitalize energy, tone muscles, stabilize skeletal alignment, supplement rehabilitation, increase oxygen distribution, renew focus to prevent various ailments and pain. She uses her primary acupuncture training (required by her teachers) to magnify tai chi's restorative and rejuvenating features. Lessons are based on traditional Yang style TCC forms, occasionally introducing Wu and Chen style techniques.
	Kelli Fish I have been studying Iyengar Yoga for over a decade under the guidance of Aida Amirkhanian along with other highly ranked teachers in the Iyengar system. I am a graduate of the 3 year 500 hour Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Program and assessed at the Introductory 1 level. My approach to teaching yoga is with humor, humility and strong dash of tenacity. I know that my relationship to yoga is life long and I am excited on a daily basis by the unique opportunity that yoga offers me, a chance at transformation. A devoted yoga practice gives us all an opportunity to see past who we think we are and find out who we actually are. What a blessing! Besides teaching yoga I also have Bachelor of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition and have a nutrition consulting business giving specific advice on health and nutrition. "Persistent practice is the key to yoga." BKS Iyengar
	Erin Gray Erin Gray's life as a model, and actress, necessitated keeping her body thin, strong and agile. For over 40 years she studied various exercises, dancing, weight training, aerobics, Pilates, marathon training and yoga. With Tai Chi Erin found the perfect exercise for her hectic and stressfully demanding life. In 1980 Erin's tutelage began under Grandmaster Marshall Ho'o, creator of the National Tai Chi Chuan Association. After 15 years of studies from varied and respected teachers such as Mantak Chia, Master Tung, TY Pang, Master Hong Liu, Dr. Paul Lam and Doria Cook-Nelson, Erin was invited to teach at UCLA, and for past 10yrs. she's taught Tai Chi at Dr. Kim offices, now called 'Heal and Soul'. Erin loves traveling around the country teaching classes, and inspiring others with her passion for Tai Chi. "I feel within Tai Chi's structure are the keys to unlocking your greatest potential in mind, body and soul."
	Leah Kalish Leah is a dedicated yogi of 20 years and a recognized expert on yoga education. A Yoga Alliance registered ERYT 500 hour, Leah was one of the first graduates of the Yoga Works Teacher Training Program in 1992. Her current practice and teaching style is largely influenced by Anusara Yoga, which she finds safe, clear, inspiring and effective. Leah also holds a BS in Dance Education from New York University and a MA in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, CA. She believes that "play is nature’s biological plan for learning" and that yoga and creative movement offer an ideal playground and laboratory for the education of SELF! Her company, Move With Me Action Adventures, creates and produces children's movement enrichment resources for schools and families. Leah has co-created many successful curricula and products: Imaginazium - Yoga Kit and Empowerment Pack for Kids Gaiam - Yoga Fitness Videos for Kids, ages 3 - 6 and 7 - 12 Barefoot Books - Yoga Pretzels and Yoga Planet Decks Yoga Ed. - Pre-K - High School Yoga Programs for PE and Classrooms Yoga Playgrounds - Pizza Party, A Complete Yoga Class for Kids Teaching Yoga to Children with Special Needs She resides in Encino, CA with her husband, Bruce, and their teenage son, Mack. Leah Kalish, MA
	Joseph Kim As a third generation practitioner of Eastern medicine, Dr. Joseph K. Kim, L. Ac., O.M.D., Ph.D., specializes in Sasang "Constitutional" Medicine. He has served as Chairman of the Department of Oriental Medicine at Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Los Angeles, and is a former acupuncture researcher at University of California at Irvine, studying the effects of acupuncture on brain patterns as translated by a functional MRI. Dr. Kim received advanced clinical training in China and Korea and has four books in print. He translated and revised Oriental Medicine: A Modern Interpretation and An Introduction to Sasang Constitutional Medicine, and written Compass of Health and Science and Tao of I Ching. His fifth book, Yin and Yang of Life will be published in 2010. Additionally, he has written numerous articles on various aspects of Eastern medicine. Dr. Kim also possesses more than 30 years of martial arts training, including Qi Gong and Tai Chi. He served as team doctor for the United States Tae Kwon Do Team (ITF) of 1988. He maintains a private practice in Encino, California.
	Marcella Mee Marcella Mee began her studies in the Iyengar tradition in 1999 because of physical injuries. Started teaching yoga in 2004. A graduate the IYASC Teacher Training Program in 2006, received Introductory level certification of Iyengar Yoga in 2008. Primary teachers; Paul Cabanis, Nancy Sandercock, Manouso Manos in Los Angeles. Has attended many Iyengar intensive workshops and retreats in and out of the country. The 2007 Las Vegas convention with Geeta Iyengar and in 2009 lived for 3 months in Pune, India and studied under the teachings of the Iyengar family at the Ramamani Iyengar Yoga Memorial Institute. Marcella continues her studies with senior teachers and is inspired to pass her knowledge on to fellow students.
	Maryam Naghibi Maryam Naghibi is a Certified Intermediate Junior 1 Iyengar Yoga teacher and has been teaching Iyengar Yoga since 2000. She is privileged to have studied with Mahyar Raz, the founder and Senior Teacher of Iyengar Yoga School of Toronto and Iyengar Yoga School of Tehran and has studied with Geeta and Prashant Iyengar at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India in 2008. Iyengar Yoga, one of the world's most widely-practiced forms, emphasizes correct alignment of all parts of the body within each yoga pose. This precision builds strength and stamina--balance and flexibility-- and a new sense of well-being
	Nicole Netanel "I feel my physical "weakness's" have become my teaching strengths. I know the poses must be gently, compassionately and safely taught, educating one's body to trust itself to go deeper. I love working with small groups because I can give each person more attention, and meet their particular needs." Niki's yoga style continues to evolve with a focus on alignment, breath, flow and fun. She has Yoga Alliance, YogaEd and Yoga Therapy Rx Level 1 and 11 certifications, is currently interning at the Tensegrity Yoga Therapy studio (guided by exceptional Yoga Therapists Sherry Brourman and Leslie Kazadi) and is a Member of IAYT. Niki has lived in Africa and Israel, has a BS Psychology and an MA in Communications Media. Since 1997, she has taught Yoga in Austin, Israel and LA.