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Get Zen Hot Yoga Teacher Biographies
Tiffany :
My interest in yoga began shortly after I obtained my Masters of Science degree in Psychology/Counseling in 2000. Always intrigued and influenced by philosophy and psychology, I began looking for a deeper understanding of the human psyche and my own quest for meaning within my life. I started practicing in a Bikram Studio in California and learning about the 26 postures involved with the practice. As my postures improved, I began an interest in Power yoga and have continued to enjoy the challenge, insight and mental clarity that comes from each practice. I have found that the time I take for my active meditation and proper breathing techniques is what truly heals me from the inside out and it became a strong desire to become certified yoga instructor in order to share the gifts that have been given to me. Yoga has literally saved my life, I came to it after my mom passed away and it not only saved my life from heart ache and despair, it has helped me to change my perception of the world and turn my attitude to true gratitude. I am blessed to be a part of something so wonderful and I hope you will take time to honor your body and find out if Yoga is life changing for you too!
Cristina :
Originally from the Midwest, Cristina moved to Washington in 2009. From the first time she took a hatha yoga class, she knew she had discovered something special. She approached her hot hatha and vinyasa studies with an enthusiasm and devotion that allowed her teachers to push her farther- not just physically, but intellectually and spiritually as well.
She began teaching hot hatha after attending 100 hours of the Sattva Yoga Teacher Training and began studying with Ali Valdez who introduced her to different disciplines such as yin, vinyasa, tripsichore, and universal yoga. Cristina is currently completing an RYT-200 certification with Yoga Alliance through the Sattva Yoga program.
A graduate with high honors from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Cristina is also pursuing a BS majoring in Nutrition to better guide people on the path to making healthy and ethical dietary decisions. She is a firm believer that these decisions, combined with a regular yoga practice, can improve your quality of life in ways you could never have imagined.
It is her goal to connect each of her students to the childlike joy that comes with believing in themselves. The joy of trying something new and embracing challenges. She encourages gradual growth, making small improvements each time the student comes to the mat until they find themselves excelling well beyond their initial goals. Whether they are new to yoga or have a more developed practice, Cristina devotes herself to meeting her students wherever they are, inviting growth, joy, and gratitude into their practice.
Chastity :
Chastity Garcia is an avid student of all health science, holistic healing, and mind-body discipline since childhood. Beginning with reading her mothers anatomy books and playing various sports, she came to pursue a career in therapeutic massage. Driven by the physical demands of her career as a nationally recognized LMT she found yoga to be the best fit for increasing both inner and outer strength, balance, and equanimity.
Certified RYT with Yoga Alliance and currently completing her 2nd certification under master teacher, Ali Valdez. Garcia is enthusiastically dedicated to serving the Greater Seattle area in Hot Hatha, Yin, and Vinyasa traditions. Recently returning from Indonesia to deepen her personal practice as well as teach anatomy and biomechanics for the teacher trainees, her intention is to bring an anatomical and alignment-based awareness, in order to foster a safe and injury free, long-term practice for her students.
Brian:
Brian started practicing Hot Yoga about 9 years ago from the advice of a friend. He grew up playing sports, mainly soccer and snow skiing. He was a ski instructor for several years, realizing years ago that teaching others was something he had a passion for. Brian then got into Martial Arts. Studying Taekwondo, Kung-Fu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Brian also likes to spend time writing songs and playing music, as well as an occasional game of golf. Brian also has a passion for traveling and experiencing life to itʼs fullest. He has backpacked in over 35 countries to date because of a burning desire to understand the world and his place in it. Yoga has not only helped Brian with his ailments from many years of being active, but also helped him on his spiritual journey as well. “Only those who practice yoga actively can understand the positive effects it has on the entire mind, body and spirit”. Loving yoga and knowing his passion for teaching others, combined with his desire to help others receive from yoga the same benefits that he has, Brian decided to go to Baron Baptiste Level 1 teacher training in August of 2010. He then went on to complete his Baptiste Level 2 training in May 2012. Brian is now a full time yoga teacher and he could not be happier, because..... “living your passions is the best gift you can give yourself” !!! :)
Marite:
Marty lives life as a dance - full of grace, compassion and pizzazz.
Dance, yoga and Pilates have been a significant part of Marty's life over the past 20 years. As a dancer, she appeared in various television, movie and stage performances, and along with her sisters performed on the TV show Star Search. Marty continues to dance today in the styles of hip hop, tap, ballet, modern and jazz. Combining her life long love of dance, yoga and Pilates, Marty created baryoga which she has been teaching since 2010.
Marty brings her passion for dance fitness to Get Zen Hot Yoga - a new and exciting fusion of HIIT training, ballet barre, yoga and Pilates.
Heidi:
Before teaching, I was one of the many stressed out, over-worked corporate professionals living a very busy, but unfulfilled life. I tried to make working out part of my routine but work always got in the way... until my friend introduced me to power yoga and I was hooked. At first yoga was just a fantastic work out, then it became my therapy where I could actually feel the stress and emotions release during class, then I started to feel myself change from the inside out in a very profound way.
At the end of class one day, I was lying there sweating from the heat and all the sudden I had this epiphany..."Life is short so do what you love." I love yoga and fitness, I love being healthy and environmentally conscious. I love to lead people and watch them grow. That one realization has now evolved to a health and fitness career here in the Seattle area. And so the saying is true, that thoughts lead to words, lead to actions and ultimately ended up shaping my life!
In my yoga classes, you can expect to be challenged and encouraged. I'll lead you through a sequence that builds heat and prepares you to try some fun and challenging postures. We'll work on alignment and I will be there to remind you to breathe and stay focused. I truly believe that yoga can benefit anyone no matter what you are seeking to change or improve - whether it's a physical workout, stress relief, energetic and spiritual work - just show up, do your best, keep breathing and enjoy the process along the way. See you in class!
Patrick :
Patrick’s Yoga journey started on a bet with his Dad about whether or not he could learn to do a handstand. The freedom of balancing upside down was invigorating and has been bringing him back to his mat everyday since. Patrick teaches alignment based Vinyasa Yoga with a focus on building strength, creating flexibility, and learning to float. His teaching style is inspired by Annie Carpenter, Brock and Krista Cahill; who he has done extensive training with. Classes are fun and playful with music to help students connect with their bodies. He is the co-creator of Kinetic Vigilantes, a Yoga community built to inspire people to practice every day!
Michelle's intention is to inspire and empower her students to honor their own inherent wisdom. She offers a down to earth, non-intimidating environment where each individual can comfortably explore his/her personal practice. Her hope is that through the practice of yoga, students can learn to transition more easily through some of life's challenges with strength, ease and introspection.
Michelle was drawn to movement from a very young age, leading her to pursue a career in ballet. Then, she shifted her vocational focus to grow in corporate management, where she discovered yoga as an outlet from the daily stress and demands of her work. Now, her passion for yoga and teaching is evident in the lighthearted, enthusiastic approach she brings to every class. Her vinyasa based classes focus on physical alignment, presence, reflection and intelligent sequencing.
Michelle trained in the YogaWorks method, combining Ashtanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga principles, and is registered with Yoga Alliance. She is currently completing her 500 hour certification with Theresa Elliott and Kathryn Payne. Michelle is infinitely grateful to all the wonderful teachers who continue to inspire her along the way, both in yoga and life.
Michelle :
David:
I found hot yoga December of 2010 and at that time, I weighed 280 lbs. After my 1st class I knew I found home. I've always loved the fact that you stretched out before baseball or football practice, but I had no idea there was a whole art about stretching, breathing and meditation! I've been hooked since the first day. Slightly after a year of practice I decided to become a yoga teacher. I have been humbled by the experience so far. I feel so blessed... to be traveling a whole a new life with yoga. I hope I can share my experience, strength, and hope. I hope I can help you enjoy yoga. Maybe it can help you as it has me.
Peace &love 2013
