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Santa Barbara Yoga Center Instructors

 

All Santa Barbara Yoga Center instructors, unless stated otherwise, offer private yoga instruction upon request. Please call the Santa Barbara Yoga Center at 805.965.6045.

• Cynthia Abulafia • Stefan Hermann
• David Benson • Erika Hewitt
• Maureen Clair • Kaj Hoffman
• Cheri Clampett • Kristin Jordan
• Lizzie Clapham • Zyrka Landwijt
• Niav Connor • Maggie Lang
• Kat Connors-Longo • Dorothea Laswell
• Romi Cumes • Meredith Medland
• Megan DeAinza • Michele Nichols
• Victoria De Maio • Shelle Noble
• Deborah Donohue • Emma Rollin Moore
• Steve Dwelley • Barbara Rose Sherman
• Siddhi Ellinghoven • Stephanie Sharp
• Karen Gabai • Heather Tiddens
• Debi Galliers • Felicia Tomasko
• Cybil Gilbertson • Anne Van de Water
• Mary Cate Hauenstein

• Paul Wehrman
• Kelly Heath

• Mary Kay West
 

• Denise Zaverdas

For Current Information on Classes (including cancellations), See Live ONLINE Schedule

Cynthia Abulafia

Level 1-2


Bio: Cynthia discovered yoga as a young teenager, and soon fell in love with breath, bandhas, and bones alike. After studying comparative religion at Tufts University in Boston, she returned to Los Angeles, where she was fortunate enough to continue her studies with her outstanding mentors from Yoga Works, Annie Carpenter and, in particular, Jasmine Lieb, both of whom nourished her love of anatomy, alignment, and intelligent sequencing in the classroom.

Though she generally teaches very strong vinyasa flow classes stemming from the ashtanga tradition, she has become equally fascinated with the therapeutic applications of yoga. She developed osteoporosis in her early 20's, which was truly a blessing in her life, moving her deeper into an interest in anatomy and yoga therapy. Yoga is a practice for everyone, at every stage of life, every age, and every physical ability. She believes in supporting the body with strength and vitality at all levels, two qualities that have made her bones healthy again.

Her classes will always bring a level of challenge to the physical body and a sense of humor and lightness to the practice. A safe space to explore boundaries and play at yoga. She has also studied with masters in a variety of traditions, including Iyengar with Gabriela Giubilaro, Vinyasa Krama with Srivatsa Ramaswami, Vinyasa Flow with Vinnie Marino, and Thai Yoga with Saul David Raye.

Her classes: Cynthia blends work and play in her classes. She brings her passion for intelligent sequencing and precise alignment to all of her classes creating a challenging yet safe environment for everyone, whether you are a beginner, working with injuries, or a dedicated yogi used to a rigorous practice.

When:
Level 1-2, $12: Mon/Wed, 3:00-4:25 pm
Level 1-2: Tue/Thu, 8:30-10:00 am

 

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David Benson

Level 2-Tai Chi Yoga


Bio: David Benson has practiced and taught therapeutic Tai Chi Yoga since 1999. He holds a Masters Degree in Psychology and Integrative Yoga from Antioch University Santa Barbara that includes a 750 hour Professional Yoga Therapists Certification from leading therapeutic teacher trainer Joseph Le Page of Integrative Yoga Therapy. DavidŐs primary Tai Chi training was conferred by Master Fu Yuan Ni; under whom David studied the Right, Left and Combination Yang Style Long forms as well as Tai Chi Sword, Tai Chi Saber and Wutang Solo Fencing.

David began integrating classical Tai Chi and Yoga practices into a single form during his tenure teaching therapeutic classes for individuals with chronic illnesses at facilities such as Sarah House (a living center for individuals with HIV), the Multiple Sclerosis Wellness Center, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital and the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara. He further developed his technique while teaching strength and mobility classes for seniors (many in their late 90s) at local living centers such as Casa Dorinda, Maravilla, Villa Santa Barbara, and Buena Vista.

David has studied Hands-on-healing and bodywork at Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute, and in Cheri Clampett's Therapeutic Teacher Trainings. DavidŐs unique bodywork method that integrates Mat-based Pilates, Restorative Yoga and Therapeutic Tai Chi has been featured in Spa Magazine. He is currently pursuing the 1000 hour Holistic Health Care PractitionerŐs certification at Santa Barbara Bodyworks.

Over time, as David explored both practice and teaching in all aspects of the Yoga Studio environment with well over 40 different instructors, he came to appreciate the great benefits that classical Tai Chi philosophy, practice and principles can offer to general Yoga practitioners. David believes that Tai Chi's sensitivity and mindfulness is a means by which many Yoga students may avoid and/or overcome many common Yoga related injuries as well as gain a variety of insights and tools that will enhance their Yoga practice for life. David is a creative, compassionate and humorous teacher whose teaching practice springs from a life long love of movement sports, martial arts and intuitive dance.

David has recently returned from a seven month sabbatical at Deer Park Monastery where he studied Engaged Buddhism with Zen master and peace-worker Thich Nhat Han. His most current interest lies in studying the relationship between Tantric and Taoist philosophy and practice as a means of cultivating an ever deepening personal wellness and awakening.

His classes: David Benson's Tai Chi Yoga classes provide a creative context in which David guides his students in how to use Tai Chi philosophy and technique to improve their understanding and practice of classical Yoga forms. As a work in progress, David envisions his method as a long slow conversation between two ancient traditions of personal awakening that leads to an ever deepening understanding, appreciation and respect for both.

When:
Level 2 – Tai Chi Yoga: Tue & Thu, 10:30 am-12:10 pm

 

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Maureen Clair

Pre & Post Natal Yoga, $12, Restorative Yoga

Bio: Maureen Clair embraces a heart-centered approach to teaching. Through a creative blend of Hatha, Gentle, and Restorative Yoga, Maureen instills in her students feelings of strength, peace, openness, and overall well-being. She also teaches Family-Focused Yoga including Pre & Post Natal, Teen, Family Workshops, and Children's classes ranging from ages 2-11. She participated in the teacher training program at SBYC.

Her classes:

Pre & Post Natal Yoga:Yoga for new and expectant mothers. Pregnant women can experience a safe and comforting setting to exercise, de-stress, and adjust to the changes in their physical and emotional bodies. Come and share in this community of women!

Restorative Yoga:Come relax and restore your body and mind with this gentle Yoga class. Using an array of props, including blankets and bolsters, the body is supported to create a soothing and peaceful environment free of gripping or tension. Appropriate for all levels including students working with injury or illness.

When:
Pre & Post Natal Yoga, $12: Mon & Fri, 12:15-1:45 PM
Restorative Yoga: Monday, 8:00-9:30 PM

 

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Cheri Clampett

Yoga for Healing, Workshops, Teacher Training Modules

Bio: Cheri Clampett, E-RYT is founder and director of the Therapeutic Yoga Training Program and co-author of the Therapeutic Yoga Kit. Cheri has co-led the Integrative Yoga Therapy Teacher Trainings and has presented her special style of Therapeutic Yoga at the White Lotus Foundation Teacher Training, Southwest Yoga Conference, Integral Yoga Institute, Himalayan Institute, Beth Israel Medical Center, and the Rusk Institute at NYU Medical Center. Cheri also teaches at the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara, and leads our Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training course. As a certified Yoga Therapist, Cheri focuses on the healing aspects of yoga; freeing the body, breath and flow of energy through practicing with awareness and love. For further information, please visit www.therapeuticyoga.com.

Her class: Cheri incorporates Therapeutic Yoga techniques including gentle & restorative yoga, breathwork, healing touch and guided meditation. For all who are in the process of healing on physical, mental or emotional levels, or those who want to experience a mild yoga class.

When:
Yoga for Healing: Tue & Thu, 5:00 - 6:25 PM

Also Teaches Therapeutic Teacher Training Module & Workshops.

 

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Lizzie Clapham
Level 1 & 2,$12

Bio: Dr. Lizzie Clapham is a registered and certified hatha yoga teacher in addition to a licensed naturopathic doctor. She completed a year and a half teacher training program with JJ Gormley at Sun and Moon Yoga Studio, Arlington, Virginia, in 1996, has been teaching yoga ever since in a variety of places around the country. She teaches every summer on the island of Vinalhaven, Maine. Lizzie recently took a month long course at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandarim in Chennai, India, which deepened her knowledge of yoga philosophy and therapies, especially as they relate to integrative medicine. Lizzie views health as the complex interaction between physical, mental, emotional and spiritual influences. The aim of the care of oneŐs health is to bring the body back into a state of balance. Yoga is one of the fundamental tools to assist in doing this. Lizzie wrote her thesis for medical school on Integrative Health with Yoga. For more information, please go to www.Pathways2nh.com.

Her class: coming soon

When:
Level 1-2: Wed, 12:15-1:30 PM, $12

 

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Niav Connor

Level 1 & 2, Level 2, Intro to Yoga Courses

Bio: coming soon

Her class: coming soon

When:
Level 1-2: Mon & Wed, 6:30 - 7:55 PM
Level 2: Sun, 9:00 - 10:25 AM

Also teaches Intro to Yoga Courses

 

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Kat Connors-Longo

Kat Connors
Level 1 & 2, Back Care, Intro to Yoga Courses, Workshops, Teacher Training Modules

Bio: Kat is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of her students through a mindful, dynamic approach to yoga, integrating mind, body and spirit. She has been practicing Hatha yoga since 1992 and teaching since July 1999. Kat is a Yoga Alliance ERYT-500 registered yoga teacher with over 9000 hours of yoga taught as of December 2007. She was first inspired to teach by Ana Forrest, who imparted the fundamentals of Forrest Yoga - encouraging honesty, integrity, strength and the healing process. Kat has completed teacher trainings with Ana Forrest, Donna Farhi, Erich Schifmann and Lisa Walford. Deeply influenced by Donna Farhi who gave her the gift of internal alignment; Her teaching style draws upon her intention to connect each individual to their unique, inner wisdom. At the Santa Barbara Yoga Center, Kat teaches beginning Level, Back Care, Yoga for Healing, Introduction to Yoga Program and Intro to Yoga Teacher's Tutorial Program. She also conducts therapeutic yoga classes at the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara and at the Rehabilitation Institute at Santa Barbara. For more information about Kat, Please visit her website at www.KatConnors-Longo.com.

Her class: Kat provides a safe, compassionate and inviting environment. Her emphasis is on breath, alignment and strength. Students create a connection to their core and build a strong foundation to deepen their yoga practice. Each student's individual needs are addressed, which allows them to heal both physical and emotional injuries while creating space to deepen a relationship with their authentic selves.

When:
Level 1: Tue & Thu, 6:30 - 7:55 PM
Level 1-2: Sun, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Back Care: Sun, 4:30 - 5:55 PM

Also teaches Intro to Yoga Courses, Workshops & Teacher Training Modules

 

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Romi Cumes

Level 1, Level 2- Eclectic Flow, Level 2-3- Eclectic Flow

Bio: Romi Cumes is a certified yoga instructor, licensed massage therapist and healing arts practitioner based in Santa Barbara, California. Her business Transformative Healing Arts offers professional yoga instruction, therapeutic massage, yoga/movement workshops and healing retreats. Romi has had a passion for movement and music her whole life. After a ten-year study of gymnastics and dance, she began practicing yoga in 1996. She began her advanced training in 1998 and received her Yoga Instructor certification from the White Lotus Foundation. Her other interests include: holistic health studies, wilderness and nature education, international travel, dance, meditation, culture, ethno-botany, art, playing music (guitar, piano, percussion) and songwriting.

Romi's style is eclectic and creative. She weaves strength-building sequences with movement and intuitive healing modalities. Each class is unique and draws from a mix of Hatha Yoga styles such as: Vinyasa flow, Ashtanga, Therapeutic Restorative, Anusara and Forrest yoga modalities. Romi draws from her extensive dance and acrobatic background and has been influenced by Modern/Jazz technique, Fire spinning, Afro-Brazilian, Traditional West African drum and dance, Improvisational, Hoolahooping/rhythmic gymnastics, Hip-hop and Capoeira.

Mystical shamanic studies and travels through the Americas and Africa have led her to explore the sacred connection between movement, nature, healing, rhythm and spirituality. Romi helps facilitate students to deepen their connection with Body and Spirit. Her intention is to help people live more freely in their bodies and embody their creative Spirit. Her classes and workshops support expansion, physical fitness, healing, spiritual wellness, personal growth and fun. For more information, please visit her website at: http://www.romicumes.com for Massage and Yoga.

Her classes: Romi integrates focused, mindful sequences with compassionate healing awareness to provide a transformative and practical Yoga session. Her style is both dynamic and supportive of the needs of each individual. She emphasizes breath and core strengthening to help build a student's inner foundation. Romi offers healing touch and a loving, grounded space for one to actively work on their healing process.

When:
Level 1: Monday/Wednesday, 5:00-6:25 pm
Level 2-Eclectic Flow $12: Sun, 12:15 - 1:45 PM

 

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Megan DeAinza


 

Level 1, Dharma Karma Talk, By Donation

Bio: Megan De Ainza tuned into Yoga and Meditation in 1999. Having practiced at home and in the studio, she decided to take herself on the road. Megan's path brought her to study primarily with Saul David Raye, Shiva Rea, and Mark Whitwell; becoming a certified Thai Yoga Therapist in 2003, and a Young Persons Yoga Instructor with Indigo Yoga in 2004. Living through yoga, buddhist and tantric meditation, surfing and creativity, Megan continues to promote health and wellness in all stages of life.

It wasn't until after experiencing a severe physical injury did Megan begin to truly surrender to the foundations of yoga. Wanting to share the vision and awareness found in the practice and study of the Yoga Sutra, Megan has been teaching a style of total integration. Megan's yoga works to align the human being with healing and transformation by presenting challenging and grounding postures. Keeping a balance between work and play, connecting within relationship, Megan welcomes you to her Breath of Yoga.

Megan is also available for one on one sessions of Yoga Therapy. "The candles are different, but the light is the same." Sri Sai Kaleshwara Swami

Her classes: coming soon

When:
Dharma Karma Talk: Monday, 6:30-7:30 pm, By Donation
Level 1: Tuesday/Thursday, 10:30-11:55 am

 

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Victoria De Maio, CYI, RYT-500


 

Level 1, Intro to Yoga Courses

Bio: An avid student and dedicated teacher, Victoria began to take yoga classes on a regular basis in 1998, well into "mid-life". Never having been a dancer or particularly athletic, " I found a home for my body Đ and, as it turned out, for my mind and spirit as well. To say that yoga has changed my life is an understatement! " A newfound passion was ignited and her entire life took a new direction. Within two years she was enrolled in Erich Schiffmann's teacher training and leaving the corporate world behind. She started teaching immediately and hasn't looked back since!

Completing her teacher certification and Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher requirements at the 200 hour level in 2000, Victoria's growth as a student and teacher is an ongoing passion. In October, 2005, after two years of comprehensive study, she