Our Teachers

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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