Teachers and class descriptions


	Yoga and its benefits	Yoga and Pilates Styles
	About Yoga Space	HOME
	Teachers/classes	Map
	Schedule Summer 2010	Thai Yoga Massage
	Workshops and Seminars	Links
	Fees/Registration	Studio Pictures



	TEACHERS AND CLASS DESCRIPTIONS



	"I've heard it said that Yoga gives a person a second chance at life. Having worked with four of the teachers at Yoga Space, whether for workshops or classes, I can say that these instructors have the expertise, teaching ability, and generosity of heart to make that happen!" Trish Weil - 2007



	Julia Gaspar-Bates is a certified hatha yoga instructor and a recent graduate of the Boundless Yoga Teacher Training Program. A yoga practitioner for over 10 years, she has spent time at the Kripalu Center in Lenox, MA and at Sivananda ashrams in Kerala, India and in Montreal. Her classes are designed to incorporate a deep awareness of breath control with careful attention to the physical alignment and benefits of each pose. A cross-cultural trainer in her non-yogic world, Julia is currently researching ways to cultivate self-awareness through the practice of yoga and the development of cultural intelligence. "I've definitely been put off from yoga in the past by not getting such a thorough understanding of what I'm supposed to be doing and why. Maybe it was because I took a mixed-ability class, where the teacher didn't really have as much time to spend on us newbies since she was dealing with all those levels of ability. The classes weren't all bad, but they didn't engage me the way yours have. I'm really excited about yoga!"





	Nyla Elise is from the Motor City, Detroit, Michigan, and has lived in the DC Metropolitan area for several years. She has been a student of Middle Eastern and North African dance for eight years, and has studied with master instructors such as Malika Negwa, Morocco and Tarik, just to name a few. Over the past three years Nyla has taught at various workshops, private classes, and at the Dance Place Studio. She finds empowerment through this dance and encourages students to find and exude that inner confidence and self love we all possess.

	Beginners Belly Dance Belly Dance will resume in the Fall. Middle Eastern and North African Dance, also known as belly dance, is an art form that focuses on isolation. In Nyla's Introduction to Belly dance class, students will learn how to isolate distinct muscles and use them to execute a series of movements and dance phrases. This class is great for beginners; however, all level students will benefit and are welcome. Students can expect great music, knowledge of the culture and a fun environment to learn shimmies, undulations and rib lifts. Comfortable work out attire and a hip scarf should be worn for class.



cmermey@capaccess.org	Carol Mermey, RYT 500 / Anusara-inspired, trained at the the Willow Street Yoga Teacher Training Program in Takoma Park, and continues to study with John Friend and other senior Anusara teachers as well as Rod Stryker (ParaYoga). She incorporates principles of alignment, humor, and compassion to create a sense of well-being and empowerment. Her classes are designed to provide a welcoming and encouraging environment for anyone who wants to get in shape, feel good about their bodies, or simply de-stress. She sees yoga as a way to focus and stay connected to what's important. "Carol is always upbeat and very caring about all her students. Her classes are well thought out and enjoyable. I always feel that I get a good workout." (from a survey taken in February 2008)

	Anusara-Inspired Yoga: Beginning/Intermediate This class is suitable for beginners and for continuing students. Using fundamental principles of alignment, movement, and energetics, we work to open up the body--and the spirit--to new possibilities, creating a sense of relaxation and renewal by building strength, flexibility, and awareness. Classes include seated and standing poses, breath work, and relaxation techniques. We spend the first few weeks reviewing alignment and basic poses. Continuing students are offered more challenging variations. Everyone is encouraged to work at their own level, finding the balance between ease and effort that just feels right.



	Meghan Mullan is a graduate of the Tranquil Space Yoga Studio teacher training program in Washington, DC. She has practiced yoga since taking her first class in 1994 when she was living in Hermosa Beach, California. Meghan teaches a flowing and gentle practice influenced by vinyasa and Iyengar styles of yoga. She has been teaching since 2006. For Meghan, yoga is a path to opening the heart and accessing the deeper wisdom of the soul. Thorugh her teaching, she helps students to tap into their natural abilities for deep healing, satisfaction and creativity. Meghan has training in pre- and post-natal yoga and experience in teaching all levels of students.

	Vinyasa Yoga: All Levels WILL RETURN IN FUTURE SESSIONS Yoga with Meghan is an opportunity to meditate while moving and breathing. Unlike an exercise class, her yoga classes allow the settling of the nervous system and the calming of the mind while toning and strengthening the body. Asanas (postures) are used to find the joy in the body, while loosening the tension of the mind and heart. Each class is designed to meet the level of student where he or she is focused on proper alignment and continue deep breathing. Meghan finds that her classes encourage students to become gentle and more receptive to each other in their lives off the mat. Experience the opening of your heart and the graceful gratitude of breath and movement though yoga.



	Paula Philips is a certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor. Initially self taught (1974), Paula has been practicing sometimes consistently, sometimes intermittently ever since. In 1995, during a very stressful period in her life, she attended yoga classes at Willow Street Yoga Center and was introduced to Kripalu Yoga. From 1998 to 2002 she lived and worked at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and learned first hand the benefits of this "yoga of conscious compassion" on and off the mat. Paula has been teaching since 2001. "Paula brings her hearts and openness to the practice of yoga, which truly makes a difference in the impact of her classes on me." (from a survey taken in February 2008)

	Early Bird Kripalu Yoga WILL RETURN IN FUTURE SESSIONS Start your day by accessing your inner wisdom in this one hour class of meditative warm-ups, postures, breathing practices, and deep relaxation. Moderate Kripalu yoga classes provide experiences of body and breath awareness that develop flexibility, strength and endurance, supporting your ability to live with compassion for one's self and others. Kripalu Yoga lives both on and off the mat.



miltpugh@verizon.net	Milt Pugh is our Pilates instructor. He was certified by Roberta Stiehm Allen and continues to study with her. He originally decided to study Pilates to increase his bicycle and running speed. This class will help develop, tone, and increase flexibility of your body. But the class is not just for athletes, it is for anyone just tired of being a lump and out of shape. Milt will teach this class with heart. Check out his "magic socks." "Milt is a Mensch! He is to be included among the salt of the earth people of this world. He is an exceptional Pilates instructor. Has a lovely sense of humor. Provides useful feedback. Listens to his students and has creative ideas every week to share with us, both related and unrelated to Pilates." (from a survey taken in February 2008)

	Pilates Mat I Have you heard that you need to be fit and muscle-bound to take Pilates? Think again! Join this class, and you will soon begin to notice firmer muscles that were once flabby, a higher energy level, maybe even better looking! We strengthen the core muscles to make all this happen. To top it all off, we have fun! Join us and see for yourself how you will benefit.

	Pilates Mat I/II will be a continuation of Mat I. We will continue to build on our Pilates base, emphasizing developing more core strength, and refining our breathing and stamina by incorporating new exercises.

	Pilates Mat II is a continuation of Mat I/II. (Students must have completed at least one session of Mat I/II). This class moves with speed and further develops your core strength.



DouglasRThompson@hotmail.com	Douglas Thompson, E-RYT founder of Yoga Space, has been teaching Yoga in the Washington area since 1996, including at George Washington University, and the University of Maryland. Douglas is certified through the Himalayan Institute as a Yoga instructor, and is registered through the Yoga Alliance. He is a co-founder of a Yoga teacher's training program at George Washington University, which is accredited through the Yoga Alliance, where he teaches Yoga Anatomy. He is also certified through Integral Yoga to teach Stress Management, both as a part of a Yoga class, and within the business community in special one and two-hour seminars. He is certified in Thai Yoga Massage, and is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Douglas has served as President of the Mid-Atlantic Yoga Association (MAYA). His classes incorporate stress relief, increased flexibility, breath work, and fun! "I've practiced with many teachers, and Douglas is one of the best I've ever studied with. He patiently urges us to improve, without forcing a competitive environment. His kindness as a person informs his teaching, and for that I am thankful to be able to study with him." (from a survey taken in February 2008)

	Beginners and Gentle Yoga This is a combination of warm-ups, gentle postures, and pranayama (yogic breathing,) and is always followed by a guided deep relaxation. This class is designed for students of all ages, including seniors. This class is beneficial for people recovering from injury or illness and those experiencing chronic pain. It is also suitable for anyone who has never taken Yoga before and those who are simply looking for a kinder gentler Yoga! Continuing Yoga Designed for people that have taken Beginners Yoga, or who have recently taken Yoga. This class focuses on the foundation poses, and stresses correctness of posture, and endurance. Also included are several breathing practices. Each class ends with a guided deep relaxation.

After lots of anticipation, our little girl is here! It was a very fast, intense birth. The low moans & pelvic rocks we practiced in class were the best coping mechanisms for me. Thanks for all you do to bring healthy babies into the world naturally. Kandra Strauss Riggs 2008	Prenatal Yoga Mixed Levels is a wonderful tool that is especially suitable for the pregnant mother in preparing for birth. In this class you will use yoga to gently stretch and release some of the tension that can build up in muscles and joints. Your body will be toned and strengthened. As you move from trimester to trimester, some of the asanas will be modified to safely accommodate your changing body. Breathing techniques that can aid in labor and birth will be taught. At the end of each yoga session you will enjoy a "deep relaxation" which will further relax the body, as well as help you to release emotions. Although prenatal yoga is appropriate for women new to yoga as well as experienced students, you *must* first check with your Obstetrician, or Midwife and make sure they are in agreement that your yoga class will be of benefit to you. Adaptive Yoga for MS Mixed Levels Although it is designed for students with MS, it can equally be useful for those dealing with neuropathy or other similar conditions. It includes modified yoga stretches to release muscular tension (thus relieving spasticity), breathing practices, and fun. It has been reported by others with MS that doing yoga can increase body awareness; improve flexibility and strength; allow for better coordination and balance; and give the ability to better handle stress. Each class ends with a deep relaxation. Participants must be ambulatory & be able to transfer from chair to floor.