Theresa Elliott
Director, Taj Yoga
Co-Director, Pacific Yoga Teacher Training
Theresa
Elliott has been fascinated by the capacity of the human body since
early childhood. Her exploration began in routine children's sports,
made its way through music and dance, and then on to yoga in 1987.
Theresa became a certified Iyengar teacher in 1990 and has gone on to establish
herself as a nationally recognized practitioner and teacher of yoga.
Her yoga inspiration comes from long time friend and mentor, George
Purvis, and from the anatomical precision of Judith Lasater.
Core work,
unique movement patterns and humor form the heart of her teaching. “Why” and “what
are we doing” are continual themes in class as students come to understand
the rules of the body, and then the rules for breaking the rules!
Theresa
is the demonstration model for Judith Lasater’s highly
acclaimed book, “30
Essential Poses: For Beginning Students and their Teachers”,
and modeled for Hugger Mugger Yoga catalogs, posters and products
and served as an Ambassador to Blue Canoe, organic yoga clothing
and active wear. She wrote and released the video, "Stillness in
Motion: Yoga Vinyasa" and appeared in Yoga Journal's 1996 calendar.
Theresa is a mother, an avid dancer and loves to play the
djembe. She continues in her movement and rhythm studies, working
with Lara McIntosh of Wassa Dance and Bill Mathews of Fremont Drum.
For a complete listing of Workshops with Theresa
Elliott, click here.
Read articles by Theresa and
her blog A
Life Lived in Spandex.
She can be contacted
at theresa@tajyoga.com.
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Kathryn Payne
Kathryn Payne, Co-Founder and Program Director, has practiced asana
since 1989, and is strongly influenced by Dona Holleman and BKS Iyengar.
Her understanding of yoga deepened significantly in 1995 when she
began her study of Sanskrit with Vyaas Houston. Kathryn studied with the
Iyengars in India and is the Co-Director of Pacific Yoga Teacher Training
at Taj Yoga (www.pacificyoga.com).
Locally she teaches for the American Sanskrit Institute. Kathryn
believes that for everyone there is an inevitable unfolding of awareness,
and that ultimately each of us will realize ourselves as creatures of light
and compassion.
Kathryn can be contacted at kp@islandyogacenter.com.
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Melissa Samuels
Melissa
has studied movement since 1993 and came to yoga in 2002 as a way to
improve her extreme "duck walk". Melissa sees yoga as a valuable
tool that helps keep the mind clear and the body balanced. She is a
certified yoga instructor through Pacific Yoga Teacher Training and
a graduate of the Brian Utting School of Massage.
Melissa is also the
founder of BodyNerds (BodyNerds.com),
a quarterly networking meeting for bodywork professionals. When she is not
teaching or being a nerd, Mel enjoys gabbing with friends and competing
in lively games of skeeball.
You can reach Melissa at thewildduck@mac.com.
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Dylan Noebels
Underneath
Dylan’s casual demeanor lies a deep respect for the tradition
of yoga. Dylan uses yoga to gain a greater awareness of the body and
mind. His teaching emphasizes proper alignment and clear intentions
to realize our full potential a breath at a time. He is grateful for
the inspired teachings of Kathryn Payne and Theresa Elliott and is
certified through Pacific Yoga Teacher Training.
Dylan also write, directs and stars in his own movies!
You can reach Dylan at: dylann@gmail.com.
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Carol Levin

Began her movement studies as a modern dancer.
She went on to teach dance and became the artistic director of a
small dance company. Drawn to teaching, Carol’s personal philosophy
is summed up by the following: Educardi: means to draw out... to draw out a student’s
curiosity to learn. To create the conditions where students learn,
in an atmosphere of safety, so that they can continue to teach themselves--
She has taught the Alexander Technique throughout Seattle, notably
at the University of Washington and Cornish School of the Arts. She
was certified by the Alexander Technique International in 2004 and
has studied yoga since 1998.
Carol has an extensive background in the theater
and also writes poetry. She has been published in literary journals
and her work has been set to music and performed by choirs in Seattle.
Finishing Line Press published her chapbook, "Sea Lions Sing Scat",
2007. A chapbook "Red Rooms and Others" is pending from
Pecan Grove Press.
Carol can be reached at: levincarol3@gmail.com.
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Kelly Baker
Kelly originally came to yoga seeking relief from chronic back pain. She soon
discovered her body strengthening practice also brought an increasing calm and balance to her mind.
As a young mother and nanny she saw the potential of these therapeutic effects of yoga for children
as well as adults. Eager to share her experience with others Kelly completed Pacific Yoga Teacher Training
in 2006 and brings with her knowledge from previous studies in dance, music and psychology.
Kelly can be reached at: kellybaker2006@yahoo.com
and through her website at kellybakeryoga.com .
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Laura DeFreitas
Laura
came to yoga in order to reclaim her body. 15 years of disciplined
gymnastic training left her viewing her body from outside as a tool
and object to be manipulated in space. Yoga offered a way back to home
and unexpectedly opened a door unto a realm of mental/emotional reintegration.
In 2002 Laura completed the Pacific
Yoga Teacher Training and since
has been heavily influenced by the Ashtanga and Universal Styles of
Yoga. She specializes in Integrative
Restoration (Yoga Nidra), a meditation
technique that restores an awareness of our True Nature. It is Laura's
intention to be a conduit through which the teachings of yoga can reveal
the inner teacher, transcend the mat, and inspire everyday life.
When outside the studio Laura enjoys long walks, reflective writing,
experimenting in the kitchen, tropical adventures and consuming large
quantities of raw/dark chocolate. Learn more about Laura and her
local and international offerings with a visit to her website and her blog.
Laura can be reached at yogini@lauranidra.com.
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Joanne Pearson
Joanne
has studied Iyengar yoga since 1970, mostly at the Iyengar Yoga Institute
in San Francisco, until moving to Seattle in 1990. She received certification
in 1989. Her primary teacher at the Institute was Judith Lasater. She
assisted Judith twice a week for three years in addition to taking
classes. Joanne was one of the founders of the Community Yoga Circle
at University Heights and remained a principle until 2007. She now
teaches about once a month at Taj Yoga.
Joanne can be reached at joanneyoga@comcast.net.
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Nikki Chau
Nikki's intention is to help her students move well and feel good in their own skin. She focuses on anatomy and kinesiology, providing tools and techniques for anyone to build a personal yoga practice. Approachable, clear communication and a down-to-earth sense of humor are hallmarks of her classes.
Nikki received her 200-hour certification from Pacific Yoga Teacher Training and is currently pursuing her 500-hour certification. She is highly influenced by the teaching of Theresa Elliott, Kathryn Payne, and Judith Lasater.
When not on the yoga mat, you can find her doing graphic and web design, playing soccer, and climbing on rock faces around the Puget Sound and beyond.
You can contact Nikki through:
Website: nikkiyoga.com
Email: nikki@nikkiyoga.com
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