Meet Our Teachers
We’re proud to introduce our Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers (CIYT). Every teacher at IYISF continues their studies with teachers in the direct lineage of B.K.S. Iyengar and is certified in the Iyengar Method. Earning an Introductory level of certification represents approximately 800 hours of training. Achieving Junior and Senior levels constitutes thousands of hours of dedication, study and practice.
Sharon Hawley
“…Balance is the state of the present – the here and now. If you balance in the present, you are living in Eternity.” B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Life,... more
Kathy Alef
I am inspired by the profound and sensitive teaching of yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar and his children, Geetaji and Prashantji. My regular visits to Pune enrich... more
Patti Martin
Patti Martin is a warm, encouraging and upbeat teacher who inspires confidence in her students to explore their potentials. Patti is inclusive and respects... more
Miri Aloni Rivlin
I danced for 16 years and seeked for something beyond the physical. When I found Iyengar Yoga I knew that my search was over. Since then my focus was solely... more
Mychal Bryan
Mychal A. Bryan is a CIYT practicing and teaching in Nassau, Bahamas. He has been directly trained by Lois Steinberg and has spent several years travelling... more
Victoria Austin
I began practicing yoga in 1971, after a near-death experience showed me some home truths about my limitations and delusions. In 1983, I came to IYISF to do... more
Chad Balch
I bring to my teaching an enthusiastic belief in yoga as a practice that can infuse each moment of our daily lives and bring gifts of personal transformation,... more
Anne Barbaret
I got interested in yoga when I saw someone practicing yoga on the beach with the San Francisco Bay as the background - she was an Iyengar teacher, who like... more
Nathan Blum
I value yoga because it allows us to explore and expand the boundaries of our bodies and mind. The short term benefits are immediate, and the long term... more
Nora Burnett
I bring to my teaching a warm heart, knowledge of anatomy and well-being informed by 30 years of practicing and teaching Iyengar Yoga, plus an intention to... more
Maria Calabria
I fell in love with yoga in 1985 and began studying Iyengar yoga in 1996. From my native Argentina, I also hold degrees in physical education and Expression... more
Ana-Mari Hamada
Since 1996 the practice of yoga has been a daily exploration and remembrance of the value of understanding who I am. I am inspired by the Iyengar method, the... more
Brian Hogencamp
I aim to bring a spark of yoga to each student through the teachings that I’ve received in the Iyengar tradition. These teachings have been filtered through... more
Magi Khoo
Yoga has brought joy, ease, and freedom to Magi’s life: balancing a hectic corporate life and grad school over a decade ago and the eventual departure from... more
Sandy Lamerson
Iyengar yoga has helped me to establish personal discipline, self-awareness, greater health and balance in body and mind. I trained to teach at the Iyengar... more
Janet MacLeod
I fell in love with Iyengar Yoga while living in London, England. I moved to California in the late 70’s and enrolled in the teacher training program at the... more
Theresa Marks
Nothing makes me happier than finding new ways to transform myself. Always a seeker, I lived in a commune for years, became a Registered Nurse and then a... more
Jaki Nett
I took my first yoga class in 1975 and received my first certification in 1977 with Indra Devi, the only non-Indian female who studied under Tirumalai... more
Mimi Pajo
I was amazed when I found that my yoga practice helped manage both my depression and my chronic tendonitis and bursitis. Iyengar Yoga is for everyone and I... more
Renee Razzano
I am inspired by a quote from Bessel van der Kolk, MD: “Once you start approaching your body with curiosity rather than with fear, everything shifts.” I... more
Anne Saliou
By sharing my experience and knowledge of Yoga, anatomy and philosophy in a precise, creative and supportive fashion, I strive to help my students achieve... more
David Sirgany
The conjunction of the seer with the seen is for the seer to discover his own true nature –Yoga Sutra II.23. I am inspired by the inner light that practice... more
Julia Sterling
I discovered yoga after a long relationship with dance and movement and was immediately drawn to its rejuvenating properties. I’ve always been inspired by... more
Valerie Velardi
As a child, I enjoyed all forms of movement. I received a Masters Degree in Dance Arts from Mills College and I danced and taught until 1983 when I found... more
Take a Workshop! Join a Community Event!
Practicing Inversions with Ana-Mari Hamada
February 27, 2021
Join Ana-Mari for an afternoon exploration of how to grow and nurture the practice of inverted poses like head stand, full and forearm balance, shoulder stand and plow poses. Inversions are an essential aspect of a well rounded practice and help
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Neck & Shoulders! with Mimi Pajo
March 9, 2021
Who hasn’t experienced neck and/or shoulder pain? With all of us on our computers more, the burdens of our days literally sit on our shoulders. Join Mimi in this 3 part series to learn how yoga can help alleviate your pain by increasing flexibil
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PLAYFULLY STRENGHTEN YOUR CORE with Anne Saliou
March 21, 2021
Our core is a complex set of muscles that contains our organs, supports our spine and stabilizes our pelvis as we move around. A strong and stable core is essential to keep our spine healthy and to move with ease and fluidity while maintaining g
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PRANAYAMA: Finding Inner Nourishment with Nora Burnett
March 27, 2021
Taking the time to settle in, explore and look more closely into the breath, allows the practice of Pranayama to unfold and begin to evolve. Staying with the breath and the inner body, being receptive in stillness, is surprisingly nourishing. It
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