Desert Song Healing Arts Center
Intro to Tai Chi 3-Week Series
Friday, November 1, 8, 15, 2019 12:30 pm-1:30 pm
Kathy Lucia, Tai Chi Instructor, B.Sc., M.Ed.
Tools for Effective Movement and Balance This 3-week class is designed for any student new to Yang Style Tai Chi or anyone wanting to learn the 24 Step Tai Chi Form taught in the Wednesday and Friday Tai Chi classes. Focus is on stretching, balance techniques, flow of breath with the body, and all the hand and foot movements of Tai Chi. The first 3 steps will be taught, one step per week, of the 24 Step Form. One can be better prepared for the current day classes we offer on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:15am and 12:30pm after taking this intro class. Wear toe socks (sticky bottom socks) or a very light-soled shoe. The class is performed standing, but the option is available to sit in a chair to rest when needed.
Yang Style Tai Chi Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:15 am – 11:40 am, $18
This class is mixed with beginner and intermediate students. All students warm-up together and learn the martial arts applications to strengthen muscles and bones with Tai Chi repeated moves. The steps of the form are then taught at a beginner’s level, one step each week. The last 25 minutes of class will focus on the intermediate students to practice the form. Newer students are encouraged to stay and watch or participate.
$12 Yang Style Tai Chi at 12:30am-1:30pm
This is a 1 hour class and is designed for beginning Tai Chi students. It provides an excellent transition between the Intro to Tai Chi and the intermediate classes. Focus is on stretching, balance techniques, flow of breath with the body, and all the hand and foot movements of Tai Chi.
1 on 1 Sessions
| Tai Chi/Meditation | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour private sessions | $80 | |
| 1 hour private sessions (Senior Teacher) | $90 | |
| Series of 4 private sessions | $300 ($75 per session) | |
Meditation FAQ
What is meditation?Have you ever focussed on something long enough until you obtained it? Has anyone done something nice for you that made your whole day brighter because that one act stayed in your mind? What if you could focus on things that make you become more peaceful, confident, focused, and enriched? Meditation is focusing your mind on one concept until you obtain a deeper understanding or skill. You can focus on something physical (like a posture until you feel more balanced), spiritual (like a prayer until you feel more connected), or virtuous (like kindness until you feel more generous).
How is meditation different from relaxation, thinking, concentration or self-hypnosis?
Relaxation:
Relaxation is just a passive activity if your awareness is not with you in the process. A relaxing activity like taking a hot bath or having a glass of wine is not meditation unless you are being aware of letting go of tension. Notice the sensations that accompany that process of relaxation. Then you are fully absorbed in how to let go. Then relaxation can become something you can do even when you are not engaged in the above activities. When that happens you can say you have meditated on relaxation and understand the essence of how to relax.
Thinking:
Thinking of random thoughts is not meditation. Being an observer of your thought process without judgement is a meditation. Thinking about becoming more patient until you start to feel more patient is a meditation practice. Focussed thought is meditation.
Concentration:
Thinking about one thing requires concentration. Therefore, meditation requires concentration. However, meditation takes the practitioner beyond that and into a state of deliberately knowing the object of concentration. For example, concentrating on thoughts of clarity until the feeling of clarity is experienced in the body and mind.
Self-hypnosis:
The line is very thin between self-hypnosis and meditation. Self-Hypnosis accesses an open state of mind and then offers suggestions to alter a persons mood or change a behavior. Meditation cultivates an open state of mind and also can use suggestions in the form of mantras or affirmations or visualizations to change a behavior. I personally believe self-hypnosis and meditation are one and the same.
What are the different meditation techniques?
Focusing on the breath is very popular. Focusing on one's posture is another. Prayer is a form of meditation. Chanting is another. Silently observing the present moment is a method used by buddhists and is mostly known in Zen Buddhism. Meditation techniques are endless as long as the meditator is focusing the mind on one thing for a period of time to reach a deeper knowing.
Which meditation is right for me?
There is no "right" meditation technique for everybody. The important thing is to find what works for you through experimentation or the guidance of a meditation teacher.
Are there any religious implications or affiliations with meditation?
Meditation is something that has been used by many religions but is not religious. It is a useful tool for gaining insight into more of who we are and for reaching our fullest potential.
Does meditation have any ethical implications?
Meditation is neutral and can be used for ethical or unethical purposes. It can promote ethical behavior if that is the focus of the meditation.
What is the best time of day to meditate?
Meditation can be practiced at any time, but the best time is usually in the morning before too much activity begins. A morning meditation practice can bring some of the peace from your practice into the day ahead. This does not mean that if you don't have time in the morning it is pointless to meditate. Meditation can be useful at any time and for any length of time.
Why do some people use music while meditating?
Soothing music can help calm the nerves and bring the mind into a more receptive state to begin the process of meditation. It is not a requirement and can become a hindrance if one relies on it in order to practice meditation.
Should I meditate with my eyes open or closed?
Meditation with open eyes keeps a practitioner awake and connected to the present moment. Eyes closed is good for drawing inward. I recommend closed eyes for meditations on the physical body so you can bring your senses to the body. Eventually, one can do any meditation with the eyes open. The senses are fine tuned to go were ever you wish them to go.
What are the physiological effects of meditation?
It depends on the meditation but studies have shown reduced blood pressure, lower pulse rate, and decreased metabolic rate.
When I meditate I experience physical pain in my body. What should I do?
Let your body teach you. You may be getting a message that your posture is incorrect, so be willing to adjust and find better alignment. Alignment can be your meditation practice. When you have let go of tension and improved how your body holds itself, you will have passed a stage in your meditation practice. Then you can go deeper by meditating on something else, like the flow of your breath.
How long should I meditate?
It depends on the meditation and what your experience level is. If you are new to meditation, 5 to 10 minutes is enough. As you improve, you may want to integrate other meditation topics. For example, you spend 5 minutes on alignment, and then 5 more on the breath, and then five more on acceptance. Each topic will increase your practice time by 5 to 10 minutes per topic.
Do I need a teacher?
A teacher is useful in the learning process. You do not need a teacher but one offers guidance which will help you overcome stumbling blocks such as doubt and misunderstanding. Make a comment or ask a question.
Mary Beth Markus
Owner/Director - LMT, E-RYT 500, CYI
A true innovator envisions a need before the necessity is even apparent. Iyengar Yoga was that movement for Mary Beth when it changed her life as an interior design student at Arizona State University. The philosophy of physical space and the environment in which one lived was, to Mary Beth, an instrument to the health, happiness and balance of one’s inner space. It’s what drew her to the field of Interior Design to begin with and to becoming a Interior Designer. To her surprise, these two major presences in her life had a common theme: Beauty, both in and out, opens the heart. Yoga’s ultimate extension of the pose is to open the heart to the full expression of life and love. She was hooked and knew then and there that yoga was her calling in life. “If the practice does this much for me, it could do it for everyone.” Mary Beth’s received her first 500-hours certification at Ananda's Yoga Center in Nevada City, CA. Ananda is a residential spiritual community that teaches practices in Kriya Yoga which incorporate yoga techniques to prepare the mind and body for deep meditation. Here yoga became a spiritual upliftment, as well as a physical and psychological way of living. From there, she concentrated her studies in the healing art of massage. These two areas created a strong foundation to further her studies in the following fields: Iyengar: a form of hatha yoga with emphasis on alignment and therapeutics Anusara: focuses on the philosophy of movement and breath work supported by a set of Universal Principles of Alignment Kriya: cleansing practices involving breath work intended to rapidly accelerate spiritual development and tranquility. Desert Song Healing Arts Center is the harmonious blend of these practices and philosophies to create a unique experience for all who pass through it’s doors; a communal focal point where integral beauty, physical work and spiritual awareness come to rest.
Meg Byerlein BSN, E-RYT 500, Certified Anusara® Instructor, CYI
Meg is a certified Anusara yoga instructor and an E-RYT 500 with more than 20 years of teaching experience. She studies extensively and is committed to her personal and professional studentship. Meg's background in both nursing and holistic health, provide a foundation and framework for the group and private work she offers. Her teaching style is strongly influenced by concurrent areas of study including: yoga philosophy, depth psychology, Ayurveda and alignment-based elements of teaching. www.megbyerlein.com
"Inside this river there is a moon which is not a reflection. From the river bottom the moon speaks. I travel in continuous conversation with the river as it goes. Whatever is above and seemingly outside the river is actually in it. Merge with it, in here or out there, as you please. This is the river of rivers and the beautiful silence of endless talking." - Rumi www.megbyerlein.com
Victoria Crawford
RYT 200, Reiki Master, CPCC, PCC
Victoria has practiced yoga for over 40 years and has taught at Desert Song Healing Arts Center for 18 years. She took her yoga teacher training from Mary Beth Markus and has studied with Erich Schiffmann and Doug Keller. She continues to be inspired by a variety of teachers and enriched by a daily spiritual practice. She teaches gentle, all levels and intermediate classes.
Victoria is the author of The Art and Practice of Trust and co-author of The Way of Discovery Workbook. She is a professional certified coach that helps people navigate uncertainty, discover what has heart and meaning for them and create positive change. Along with individual coaching, she offers a variety of personal growth and Spiritual development workshops and classes at Desert Song and in the Phoenix community. www.victoriacrawford.com
She is grateful to Mary Beth for her vision and dedication to Desert Song, her colleagues for their dear friendship and generosity and her students for their openness, commitment and playfulness.
Favorite quote:
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters, compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
And….
“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this……..you haven’t! ” Thomas Edison
Sarah Davis
RYT 200
I am a yoga instructor and a social worker that strives to make yoga accessible and welcoming to all. I have my RYT 200 and I have training in kids yoga and prenatal yoga. I encourage a safe space in all my teachings and invite you to come and practice with me as we learn to be kind to ourselves and all people. I have a special focus on women's health and wellness. I am committed to cultivating a supportive environment/community for women at all stages of their lives.
I am a yoga teacher, social worker, wife, mom, daughter and friend. I grew up in Birmingham Alabama and moved to Phoenix with my family in 2017. I am married with two great kids and a wonderful partner. We love to travel and explore the desert as a family. My yoga journey started in 2012 after I had my first child, and I began to learn about self-care and gratitude for all life. My philosophy is to meet each student at their own level so yoga can be accessible to all.
Anita Farrah
E-RYT 200, CYI
Anita began her personal yoga practice in 1980 to help her recover from a life changing car accident and to work through the daily stresses of corporate life. Now she is able to share these gifts with others.
Trained as a Life Coach, Anita weaves life's lessons and yogic philosophy throughout her classes. She is known for creating a nurturing class environment flexible enough to accommodate diverse needs while maintaining proper alignment based yoga.
Favorite Quote:
"And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. Anais Nin
Mary Glover
M.A. ELEM ED, E-RYT 500, RCYT, CYI
Mary began practicing yoga in 2003 and completed Desert Song’s teacher training program in 2005. She developed the Desert Song children’s program and offers a weekly class and private sessions for typical and special needs children. Additionally, she established a children’s yoga teacher training program at Desert Song. The program is certified by Yoga Alliance and is a comprehensive 95-hour certification program for individuals who want to be certified to teach yoga to children. Mary is a lifelong learner and continues to study with her two main Desert Song teachers, Meg Byerlein and Mary Beth Markus, in addition to other national teachers. She is a volunteer yoga teacher at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and also teaches a weekly gentle class for adults. Mary completed 50 hours of training at the Samarya Center in Seattle to further her work with special needs children. She is certified as an experienced yoga teacher at the 500 hour level through Yoga Alliance and is also a certified children’s yoga teacher. Mary is passionate about her spiritual practice and loves helping others with their personal journeys through humor, compassion, and loving kindness. Her family, friends, garden, poetry and art give her joy in life.
I first heard this quote from Barbara Holt, my first teacher at Desert Song. I return to it often when I need inspiration: "Work. Keep digging your well. Don’t think about getting off from work. Water is there somewhere. Submit to a daily practice. Your loyalty to that is a ring on the door. Keep knocking, and the joy inside will eventually open a window and look out to see who’s there." — Rumi
Alisa Gray
CYI
A life-long explorer of yoga, belly dance, Eastern philosophy and Buddhism, Alisa's teaching style blends her eclectic background with her love of teaching and connecting with students. While managing a busy law practice, Alisa was drawn into a devoted yoga practice and completed Yoga Teacher Training at Desert Song in 2010. Alisa loves having fun and exploring yoga with her students. As the mother of two teenagers, she brings a different perspective to new mothers and a reassuring tone to prenatal students. Alisa loves writing, cooking, gardening and playing with her Tarot cards.
Nicole Haas
RYT 200, CYI
Nicole’s yoga practice deepened in 2009 after the birth of her first son. As a new mom, Nicole found that she could turn to yoga to help find balance amidst the busy demands of parenthood and work. She’s been exploring this balancing act and learning to live with more ease and joy ever since. Nicole completed her 200-hour teacher training at Desert Song Healing Arts Center in 2012 with Mary Beth Markus. Described by her teachers as “radiant” and “steadfast,” Nicole welcomes students to experience yoga as a calming and energizing practice for the body that also encourages us to nurture our inner lives. Nicole invites her students to work with synchronized breath and slow movement to feel confident, focused and aligned.
Anna Hall
RYT 200, AYA
For Anna, yoga is a transformation of the body and mind inside and out. She began practicing in 1998 at Desert Song Healing Arts Center. Under the guidance of Mary Beth Markus, she received her teacher training certificate from Desert Song in 2001 and is currently teaching at various locations across the valley. She enjoys sharing the journey with others. Now Anna is on a new journey, that of cancer, which was diagnosed in Nov 2015. Her intention is to not only heal herself, but to inspire others that are also on this journey.
Jan Elaine Hanshaw
Jan handles the accounting, computer systems and graphic design.
Evon Kolios Hart
RYT 200, RPYT, CYI
Evon started her yoga practice in 1999, which was the same year she became a licensed massage therapist. She relocated to Arizona from New York in 2001 and her work in massage at Desert Song led her to realize her ambitions to teach yoga. She was blessed to receive her 200-hour yoga teaching certification through Desert Song's program in 2003 under Mary Beth Markus. Becoming a mother to Sam in 2005 brought her the opportunity to deepen the lessons of her yoga practice. Motherhood provides constant opportunities for self-study! Yoga has brought shifts into her life on many deep levels. Her hope is to create a space for her students where they can let down their guard and realize their fullest potential. Her primary yoga influences are Erich Schiffmann and Meg Byerlein, and she is committed to continuing education through workshops with various instructors. She finds deep inspiration from music, community, the ocean, traveling and laughter.
Debbie Kayatt
M.S., CYI, E-RYT 500, IYT, CAP
Debbie began practicing yoga in 1999, completed the 200 hour teacher training at Desert Song in 2003 and has been teaching for 12 years. She continued her education to earn both her 500 and 1000 hour certifications through Integrative Yoga Therapy in 2007. Debbie completed all Anusara Immersions in 2010 and in 2012, 100 hours of Anusara teacher training with her teacher Meg Byerlein. With a depth of knowledge in Integrative Yoga Therapy and the principles of alignment, Debbie’s classes are safe, grounding and healing. Most recently in 2015, Debbie became a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner through New World Ayurveda. Debbie also has a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and worked in the human services field for over 17 years. All aspects of Debbie’s education and training compliment each other and support a holistic approach to health and healing in her classes and work with students privately. http://www.heartful-ayuryoga.com/
“Choose love over fear, trust in the flow of life, and let love be your guide.” Unknown
Kelly Knapp
LMT, Reiki Master, RYT200, CYI
Kelly enjoys assisting others to help and enable themselves. Kelly completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training at Desert Song and received her certification in massage therapy from Rainstar University in 2003, at which time she joined the Desert Song Family. She received her certification as a Reiki Master in 2011. Besides massage for relaxation purposes, she utilizes many massage modalities and energy work to remove and alleviate chronic pain and repetitive use injuries. Her vocations enable others to find health, balance and wellbeing on every level.
Liza Lawson Risoldi
RYT-200, RPYT
Liza completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training at Desert Song in 2014 and her prenatal yoga teacher training in 2017 at Yoga Garden in San Francisco. She is drawn to yoga's ability to help improve our lives off the mat. Liza has been working in education around the valley since 2007 and can be found "volunteaching" yoga to high school teachers and students in the west valley. Liza's teaching is an exercise in learning together as a community and she aims to create a space where everyone can enjoy the benefits of yoga.
Pam Leber
CYI, RYT
Pam has been interested in alternative methods of health and wellbeing in mind, body and spirit all of her adult life. She graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Psychology in June, 1976. While raising her two children, she became a 1st and 2nd degree Reiki Practitioner. Pam began studying yoga in 1993 at A Desert Song with Mary Beth Markus. Pam has been teaching since she became a certified yoga Instructor in July, 1999. She has studied with many teachers in the alignment-based yoga traditions but has concentrated on the Anusara method. Pam’s classes reflect these methods of correct alignment, while focusing on inner awareness through a heart-centered practice. In addition to Mary Beth Markus, she has studied with Rama Vernon, Erich Schiffman, Rod Stryker, Suzi Hurley, John Friend, Doug Keller, Desiree Rumbaugh and Meg Byerlin. Pam has been a Registered Yoga Alliance teacher since December, 2001. While studying the chakra system (energy centers in the body) in the course of yoga training, she realized that semiprecious stones affect the energy body, just as yoga does, to bring about balance and a greater sense of health and wellbeing. With this realization, she began to experiment with the combination of different semiprecious stones in making jewelry. In an effort to explain the impact that the combination of various stones have on the chakras, she created “blessings” that accompany each piece of jewelry. Pam has her own line of beautiful chakra jewelry, Blessed Beads, which is on display in our Yotigue. For more information on Pam’s jewelry, go to her website at azblessedbeads.comor e-mail her at azblessedbeads@gmail.com. GENTLE: Thursday 10:15 a.m.
Heidi Lichte
E-RYT 500, CYI
Heidi Lichte, received her certification from Desert Song Yoga in 1999. She is a full-time yoga teacher with over 9,500 hours of teaching experience. From personally living the "pain for gain model" for many years, Heidi now has a passion for finding strength and transformation from a philosophy of ease. Her classes focus on creating a safe environment for inviting well-being, longevity, and space for each student to practice self-mastery. In each class, Heidi shares her love of anatomy, physiology, breath work, healthy posture, meditation, and spirituality. Her eclectic style is deeply rooted in the alignment based teachings of Doug Keller, and the philosophy of Erich Schiffmann, Nischala Joy Devi, and Rama Jyoti Vernon. http://www.omawayfromhomephx.com/
Michelle Lopez
Stott Pilates Certified Instructor, CYT-200
Michelle has made movement an essential part of her journey through wellness for over ten years. She first started in her early twenties committing regularly to weight training, kick boxing, running, spinning and Yoga. It was first through the discovery of Pilates how she found a deeper connection to mind body wellness. She says, "In my experience, Pilates is an intelligent and well integrated form of exercise that can be tailored to every fitness level. From athletic conditioning, to post rehab training, or to improve posture...everyone can benefit! And it is a great way to be present in your own body and in the moment, which then leads to reduced stress and connectedness, for a stronger mind and body." In her thirties, after going through major life changes that left her feeling lost and depressed, she found refuge and nourishment in the healing science of Yoga. Mindfulness became her everyday practice. Learning how to take care of body, mind, and soul became her focus. Michelle says: "In order to make it through life's challenges we must be present in everything that we do. Mindfulness is about awareness and tuning into our own true self. This is where we make the most lasting changes, and find the power within". She now spends her time enjoying nature, trail running and hiking, practicing Yoga, Pilates, meditation, trying out simple recipes made from organic whole foods, spending time with loved ones, always in search of connectedness and balance. Michelle is a Stott Pilates certified instructor trained in Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels. She has experience working with injuries and special populations. She holds a Mind Body Wellness Practitioner diploma from SWIHA in Tempe, Arizona, with a focus on holistic nutrition and Yoga, CYT-200.
Ellen Martinoni
MBA, E-RYT 500, CYI
After leaving the corporate world behind, a bad back brought Ellen to Desert Song in 1998 and it was love at first down dog. She completed her 200-hour training in 2001 with Desert Song and her 500-hour training through Anusara Yoga® in 2007. In addition to her classes at Desert Song, since 2005, she has practiced yoga therapy at Arthritis Health assisting patients to see their own light and to manage or overcome any "limitations." Having studied extensively with John Friend, Rod Stryker, and Doug Keller, she continues to train to always learn more. By embracing the vastness of yoga, she creates an inclusive style without adhering to only one system. With concise instruction, every class is entertaining, challenging and new.
Scott McConnell
LMT, CBP, CYI
Scott has been in practice for over 15 years since graduating from The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts with a diploma in Massage Therapy and Reflexology in 2001. In 2003, he became certified in BodyTalk, a comprehensive system of consciousness-based healthcare. In 2012, he completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at The White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara and completed his certification as a provider of TRE® (Tension/Trauma Releasing Exercises). He also studied primitive survival, indigenous philosophy and healing with Tom Brown Jr. in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. He then became a certified instructor of Yoga Nidra (Amrit Method) in 2014 (Advanced Certification in 2018). Having met his spiritual teacher in 2009, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma - The Hugging Saint), he was blessed to have spent 7 months at her ashram in India 2016-17. Scott's whole-being approach to massage focuses on stress relief, deep structural alignment, and subtle intuitive work. It incorporates various techniques such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial, Active Release, Stretching, Lymphatic, Reflexology, Body Psychology, and Energy Work. Scott is deeply honored to now be a part of the Desert Song massage and yoga staff. He takes great pleasure in sharing the gifts of healing and spirituality with his clients and community. As he sees it, we are each our own healers who just need some assistance, empowerment, and perspective along the way. Once tapped into our innate ability to heal, we are better able to recognize our imbalances, self-regulate, and thus thrive on all levels.
Peri Miller
RYT 200, CYI
Peri graduated from Desert Song Yoga Teacher Training in 2007 and the Desert Song Kid’s Yoga training in 2012. Her gift is helping students connect with their own “True Self” through breath and conscious awareness. In her Mommy & Me Yoga classes, she enjoys seeing new moms connect with their babies through song, movement and yoga. In addition to teaching to yoga she has a career as a watercolorist, and web & print designer. For fun Peri enjoys growing food, studying herbalism, biking, hiking, reading and socializing at coffee shops. www.perimilleryoga.com
Adam Montoya
Tai Chi Instructor, CYI
Adam is an experienced tai chi and meditation teacher as well as a certified yoga teacher. Adam has studied Yang style Tai Chi 108 long form, Cheng Man Ching 37 Short Form and currently Chen Style Practical Method. Adam was raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico and started learning mind and body methods through martial arts at the early age of 7. He earned his black belt in Tang Soo Do when he was 18. Since 1996, Adam has been researching and deepening his understanding of meditation, chi kung, yoga, and tai chi. He uses the principles of balance from tai chi as a foundation for other mind/body disciplines such as meditation, chi kung and yoga. In 2007, Adam was certified as a yoga teacher through Desert Song Yoga & Massage Center's 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program. He currently teaches his own tai chi method that integrates many styles of tai chi through mindful movements. Adam also teaches restorative yoga and intro to meditation classes.
“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. I believe that dreams are more powerful than facts, that hope always triumphs over experience, that laughter is the only cure for grief, and that love is stronger than death.” – Robert Fulgahm
Debbie Moody
Office Operations Manager, CYI
Deb left her picturesque hometown of Exeter, New Hampshire, to attend ASU where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition. She began practicing yoga in the mid-nineties and credits numerous instructors for inspiring her to continue her spiritual journey. She completed the Yoga Teacher Training program at Desert Song in August 2007. She enjoys hiking beautiful trails and playing at the park with her husband (Troy), son (Emerson) and dog (Ollie).
Ann Mullins Bulka
E-RYT 500, CYI
Living and teaching yoga is Ann's calling. Drawn to yoga as a young child, she often practiced with an inspiring television yoga teacher alongside her sisters in her parents' living room. Her interest in yoga continued throughout the years and the practice has helped with stress relief and low back pain. Ann is committed to personal and professional development through diligent practice and on-going study of asana, yoga therapeutics, philosophy and Ayurveda. She completed Desert Song's Yoga Teacher Training in 2003 and Anusara Yoga Teacher Trainings in 2006 and 2012. In 2012, she also completed her 500 hour advanced studies training through Desert Song Healing Arts Center. Ann is grateful to her teacher Meg Byerlein, for her wisdom, generous heart and example of yoga as a way of life. Ann's strong conviction that yoga is a living practice provides the foundation for her teaching which blends down-to-Earth practicality with playful, light-heartedness. She enjoys the challenge that comes from a wide-range of teaching experiences; several weekly studio and workplace classes, therapeutic yoga classes and private instruction. Her yoga is enriched by the fullness of her eclectic background: a degree in Geography from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, park ranger for the National Park Service (National Mall, Washington D.C. and Grand Canyon), outdoor education counselor, a ten-year career in Girl Scouting and a short stint as a river guide. Ann is currently reviewing the direction and offerings of her business, Exuberance (www.exuberanceevents.com).
Diana Munger
PT, DPT, RYT
Diana discovered yoga in 2001 while in graduate school for physical therapy. The profound joy she felt upon leaving her first class led her on a lifelong path of yoga practice and study. In 2003 she began her 200-hour yoga teacher training through Integrative Yoga Therapy. Diana enjoys integrating the subtle teachings of yoga with the science of Western medicine. She runs a private PT practice in Phoenix, AZ specializing in women’s health and pelvic rehabilitation. Out of the office and off the mat, she can be found playing with her husband, two young children, and menagerie of fur-balls. In her yoga classes, Diana weaves a balance of structural alignment with the philosophic teachings of yoga to create a safe, heart-centered space for bodies and minds to unfold. Her intention is to empower students to discover their personal yoga path, and hopefully, have a taste of that profound joy that is all of our true nature.
Penny Peterson
RYT 200, CYI
Penny Peterson has been practicing and sharing yoga and meditation for over 25 years. Her yoga teacher training was through Desert Song and she holds a 100 hour Yoga Nidra certification through Kamini Desai. Penny credits her Yoga, Meditation and Nidra practices for keeping her in balance throughout her 30 year career in Human Resources in the financial services industry. Now retired, her focus is on sharing her experiences to help others integrate these yogic practices into their daily lives.
Judy Pyanowski
LMT, NBCTMB, RYT 200, CYI
Judy is an AZ licensed massage therapist with national board certification and a certified, registered yoga teacher. She has been a part of the Desert Song team since 2007 and has 19 years of experience in therapeutic massage and bodywork.
She has been on a journey for many years exploring and experiencing the how, what, and why of the way we move and the ways we heal.
After 25 years as a professional dancer, singer, actress, she felt drawn to pursue a career in bodywork. In Germany, she became a physical therapist, manual therapist, and Feldenkrais teacher where she practiced for 7 years. Returning to the US in 2006, she received massage therapy certification from Cortiva Institute Scottsdale and NASM personal training certification in 2007. Her interest in yoga and eastern perspectives towards health and well-being led her to complete the Desert Song Yoga Teacher Training, also in 2007 and began teaching yoga in 2008.
The massage therapy Judy offers integrates a variety of massage’s very effective techniques in the treatment of soft-tissue dysfunction, pain, injury, stress, and trauma. Bringing many years of study and experience in the fields of massage therapy, physical and manual therapy, exercise science, dance, Pilates, and Yoga allows her the flexibility to customize the soft-tissue techniques/bodywork/yoga to meet your individual needs – from a soothing relaxation massage, to releasing muscles and deeper connective tissues that hold patterns of tension and pain, to relearning efficient, functional movement patterns. She approaches each session ready to listen to your body’s intelligence and wisdom and to assist you in your healing process.
The modalities and techniques she offers and integrates include Swedish Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Muscle-Energy Technique, Postural Release, PNF, Stretching, Thai Massage, Reflexology, Myokinesthetic System, Biomechanical and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Marma Therapy, and Kineseo Taping.
With gratitude to her teachers Meg Byerlein and Mary Beth Markus, Judy teaches a yoga class focused on functional alignment and a chair yoga class which is ideal for the elderly and injured.
Judy continues in her studies of Biomechanical and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Biodynamic Cardiovascular Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Yoga, and Ayurveda.
Anna Blocher-Rubin E-RYT200, RCYT
Anna Blocher-Rubin earned her 200-hour yoga certification through Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in 2007. She is also a special education teacher for a local middle school. Prior to teaching special education full time, for 7 years she had been working with children with special needs, particularly children with Autism, ADD, ADHD and other types of needs through teaching yoga at different private schools in the valley. She has been teaching children’s yoga for over 9 years, family yoga classes for 5 years, and from time to time, she steps in to teach adult yoga classes. Currently, she is enrolled in Desert Song’s 300-Hour Advanced Studies Program to bring her certifications up to the 500-Hour Master Level. Anna also teaches yoga at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. She had volunteered at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital teaching yoga for a couple of years, but had retired when she had a new baby. When Anna is not teaching yoga, she spends her time with her husband and three kids. She enjoys reading, traveling, running, playing with her dogs and furthering her studies in yoga.
Stefanie Sichler
LPC, MC, E-RYT 200, YACEP
Stefanie is a Registered Experienced Yoga Teacher, practicing yoga for over 20 years and teaching since 2007. At Desert Song Healing Arts she teaches Basics, Intro to Yoga, Meditation and All Levels classes, while also offering workshops to businesses across the Phoenix Metro area. Her teachings focus on yoga and mindfulness in their day to day applications such as stress reduction, injury prevention and management, building confidence as well as creating emotional balance. Not only an instructor, but also a counselor, Stefanie incorporates her wide range of skills to provide a holistic approach to improving her students' and clients' quality of life.
Erin Barringer-Sterner
RYT-200
What started for Erin in 2004 as “Physical Education 165: Yoga,” a PE class held in the wrestling room at her university, continues today as a lifelong passion. Since then, she has explored many styles and approaches to yoga, including a 200-hour teacher training in the Ashtanga-vinyasa tradition at Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago in 2016. Erin believes that yoga has unique potential to slow us down in a busy, distraction-driven world and open our hearts to compassion toward ourselves and others.
Erin’s classes connect breath and movement through creative, dynamic flow, and she loves exploring asanas with props. Yoga was invaluable to Erin before and after the birth of her daughter Imogen in 2017, and she is passionate about its power to provide balance and confidence to new mothers. She is always on the hunt for fresh new songs to add to her class playlists.
Off the mat, Erin is a director at a non-profit health technology network that serves federally qualified health centers across the US. She relishes every moment she spends with her daughter, husband, and morning cup of coffee.
Erin welcomes all yogis — newbies, gurus, and everything in between — to practice with her in our Desert Song community. Visit her online at www.erinonthemat.com.
Michelle Stewart
MS, E-RYT 200, CYI
Michelle is a yoga instructor, environmental educator and freelance writer. She enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her partner and their young son. She believes in the power of yoga, lovingly offered, to create positive change in both individuals and in the world. She earned a B.A. in art and art history from Rice University and a Master’s in Environmental Resource Management/Geography from Texas State University. She has been teaching yoga since 2007 and continues to study yoga philosophy, mindfulness and wellness. Michelle’s yoga classes encourage students to remember the peace and clarity that already resides within each one of us. She has an imaginative teaching style rooted in alignment-based Hatha yoga and an abiding gratitude for both the lineage of yoga and the wild earth. She is grateful to her teacher Meg Byerlein and to Wendell Berry for the wisdom and beauty that they have so generously shared. “We celebrate again and again our lives’ wedding with the world.” – Wendell Berry
Ann Thompson
LMT, CYI
Ann receives the greatest enjoyment by responding to her clients’ specific needs with her nurturing therapeutic massage and gentle energy. Ann has been a massage therapist at Desert Song since November 2005. She trained at the Arizona School of Massage Therapy in Tempe. Her training included shiatsu, acupressure, reflexology, and cranial/sacral therapy, and has received further training in lymphatic drainage massage. She receives the greatest enjoyment by responding to her clients’ specific needs with her nurturing therapeutic massage and gentle energy. She finds joy in helping her clients to enjoy greater physical well-being, as well as finding freedom from pain and/or stress. Ann has practiced yoga since 1976, and is also a certified teacher of Integrative Yoga Therapy, receiving her training at Kripalu Institute for Yoga and Health. She also often incorporates her Reiki training into her massage sessions. Ann enjoys her yoga practice daily, as well as venturing outdoors for hiking and climbing. She also loves cooking, playing the viola, and growing herbs and flowers.
Michael Tucker
RYT 200, CYI
Michael Tucker began studying yoga in 1997 in the Kundalini tradition in order to add a component of physical movement to his devotional practice. He has also practiced intensively in the Bikram and Anusara styles, completing 200-hour teacher training programs in the heart-centered practice of Anusara yoga in 2006 with Christy Burnette and in 2007 at Desert Song Yoga. He is grateful for the wisdom and generosity of his primary teachers Mary Beth Markus, Meg Byerlein, Christy Burnette, and Hari Simran Singh Khalsa. His teaching weaves explorations of meditation and developing intuition with a challenging physical practice emphasizing strength, flexibility, and alignment. When not teaching or practicing yoga, Michael can be found working in his law office, cooking, gardening, telling people what to do, listening to opera, and walking his dog Jane Doe.
Allison Walden
CYI
Allison has been teaching yoga to kids for over 10 years. She has worked with all age groups from newborns to high school students, and pregnant mamas, too. She currently teaches High School English in South Phoenix as well as works with athletes to relieve stress, condition and stretch before sporting events. She has been practicing yoga at Desert Song, for over 12 years and loves attending other local studios with her family and friends. She has two children, a daughter named Lemon and a son named Indiana. She received her first yoga teaching certification in 2010, and completed her 200 hour certification through Desert Song in 2016. She is SO excited to be working with Desert Song and can’t wait to teach your kiddos! Yoga is so important for kids to learn at such a young age! Hope to see them in class!
Jennifer White
MSW, RYT 200, RCYT, CYI
Jennifer received her yoga teacher certification in 2012 and has since completed extensive training, including the 95-hour Children’s Teacher training at Desert Song. She brings ten years experience as a Master's Level Social Worker to her offerings which provide a unique perspective for supporting students in valuing self care. She is passionate about sharing yoga as a tool to help others find their own answers to the important questions in their lives. Jennifer's approach to teaching has been influenced by the Iyengar and Anusara traditions through her primary teacher, Meg Byerlein. Growth and continued study are an important part of the Practice for Jennifer. She has seen the need for youth, teenagers in particular, to have something of their own that comes from inside to guide them in the discovery of their unique gifts. Yoga is one such tool to help young people, and people of all ages, recognize the light from inside their own hearts. It is Jennifer's intention to offer the same generosity to others that she herself has experienced through yoga. Favorite off the mat practices: being in nature, digging in the dirt, gardening, sharing laughter and spending quality time with my furry canines, Lucky and Dharma. Favorite pose as a teacher: Anjaneyasana (Crescent Lunge)…what a way to open your heart AND those rowdy quads!
“The heart is the hub of all sacred places. Go there and roam.” —Bhagwan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri
Dylan V Zoller
E-RYT 500 & Anusara-Elements
Dylan V Zoller is an Anusara-inspired, E-RYT 500 yoga instructor and has been practicing yoga for over 10 years. She teaches various styles of yoga - Hatha, Flow/Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, chair yoga - but her love is Anusara yoga. She continues to attend workshops and continuing education training in order to better serve her students. Dylan draws on her lifelong love of the desert and alignment principles to guide her students into discovering their inner strengths and opening their hearts.