INSTRUCTORS
PHILIP CLIFT
Philip Clift is a long-time practitioner and teacher of vinyasa yoga. A licensed massage therapist specializing in deep tissue work, Philip integrates 17 years of massage practice into his yoga instruction, intuitively guiding students through adept pose sequencing and body adjustments. He crafts high-energy power yoga classes for all levels, emphasizing core strength and alignment. He also teaches hot and yin yoga classes and a variety of specialty series and workshops.
Philip received his bachelor’s degree in nutrition from the University of Tennessee and is a graduate of The Atlanta School of Massage. Now offering Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. This barefoot massage style uses bodyweight and leverage to deliver “the deepest, most luxurious massage on the planet.” Philip is one of the first Knoxvillians to offer this rapidly growing style of bodywork.
JENNIFER BEYT COFFIN, RYT
Jennifer has a 11-year hatha yoga practice and draws her inspiration from a blend of the essential aspects of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Forrest, Iyengar, and Yin Yoga practices. Since teaching her first class 9 years ago, Jennifer has strived to make her classes welcoming, challenging and safe.
It is Jennifer’s goal as a teacher to help you start your own journey of discovery and to get the greatest possible benefit from your yoga practice. Her teachers include Sadie Nardini, Sean Johnson, Philip Clift, Doug Swenson, David Swenson, Stephanie Keach, Heather Tiddens and her son, Max.
She is certified as a Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga teacher by Sadie Nardini.
To learn more about Jennifer, please visit her website.
Become her fan on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
Video of Jennifer’s Yinyasa class is available here online at yogavibes.com.
KELLY GOLDEN, E-RYT
Kelly has been a student of yoga for over 16 years and teaching for 8. She is a certified E-RYT with over a thousand hours of teaching experience, and will complete her 500 hour certification with Yogarupa Rod Stryker in the Para Yoga style in 2010. She is the director of the two teacher training programs at Glowing Body and co-facilitates a teacher training program in Boone, NC. She is also the assistant editor of yogabasics.com and leads yoga retreats all over the world. She teaches a non-traditional Tantric based Vinyasa Yoga style that incorporates a strong focus on energetic principles, prana, mantra and meditation in addition to dynamic asana. Her sense of humor and love of the mystery is expressed in every class she teaches.
KIM LOMONACO, MS, SLP-CF, RYT
Kim took her first yoga class in 2004, began teaching in 2006 and completed her first 200 hour teacher training in 2008 at Neighborhood Yoga in Boone, NC. Presently, Kim studies Anusara Yoga intensively and completed a 200hr teacher training in the Anusara style in September 2011. Kim also draws inspiration from Para Yoga. She offers heartfelt gratitude to her most influential teachers, Sarah Faircloth and Kelly Golden. In addition to teaching group classes and private sessions, she works as a Speech/Language Pathologist in nearby hospitals, enjoys getting outside and spending time with her two dogs.
Kim’s students most appreciate her artful ability to create life affirming and uplifting classes based on the Tantric philosophy that she studies. Equipped with Anusara’s principles of alignment, Kim believes every body can do yoga – and enjoy it! and that yoga is vehicle for positive emotional growth, intellectual expansion and physical freedom.
Like her on Facebook or follow her blog.
Andrea Cartwright
Andrea has been teaching yoga in Knoxville longer than any one else.
Through the years, she has studied and received certification in various methods of Hatha yoga, beginning with a one month immersive yoga teacher training program as a student of Swami Vishnudevananda at the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas in 1972. She then became certified in the Kripalu method in 1977 at the Kripalu Center for Holistic Health. This led to her own weekly Knoxville television show on WSJK-TV.
During the 1980’s and 90’s she focused on the Iyengar method of yoga. This method emphasizes proper joint alignment which helps build awareness of one’s potential for both strength and flexibility.
Andrea studied directly under some of the most renowned Iyengar-style yoga teachers in the U.S., including Judith Lasatar, Donald Moyer, Erich Schiffman, Roger Cole, and Ramanand Patel. Andrea has been a guest teacher at Mr. Schiffman’s workshops in the past, as well as Berkley’s Yoga Room (Donald Moyer) and other numerous workshops and centers.
In addition to her extensive knowledge of all aspects of yoga (not merely asana (postures)), Andrea was a practicing, nationally board certified massage therapist and a Cranial/Sacral therapist for over two decades. In the 1980’s and 90’s, she was the first yoga teacher in the area to work directly under the supervision of physical therapists and physicians. In that role, she utilized her unique approach to yoga and cranial sacral work for orthopedic post-operative patients with both chronic and post-operative pain. She often incorporated yoga postures as a part of the patient’s rehabilitative therapy.
Andrea also holds a Masters of Science in Adult Education from the University of Tennessee, and was an intern at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Adult Education (a part of the University of Toronto). She has been teaching yoga to beginner and intermediate level students through the University of Tennessee’s Non-Credit Programs.
Andrea’s deep understanding of the body’s fascia system and her work under some of the most progressive physical therapists and physicians informs her yoga teaching. Andrea’s instruction aims at providing you an experience of stillness in motion and a motion in stillness. This way of practicing can help you interrupt the habitual patterns of both the body and mind and invites a heightened awareness for lasting change.
Even in a class setting, Andrea never strays far from individualized instruction. She also offers private yoga lessons for those wanting uniquely individualized instruction on all aspects of yoga as well as the more therapeutic postures suggested for your unique situation.
JUDSON NICHOLS, RYT
Judson began his yoga practice in 1998 under a group of Integral yogis in Georgia at the Athens Yoga Center during a search for a spiritual community. After waiting far too long, he did his teacher training under Stephanie Keach at the Asheville Yoga Center in 2007 and has loved every minute of teaching since then.
Judson’s classes include Mindful Hatha Yoga, a gently-paced class focusing on unifying your mind and body while strengthening both, as well as a repeating six-week series for absolute beginners. He enjoys teaching karma (pay-what-you-can) classes because it opens participation up to all sorts of people who might not otherwise experience yoga. All his classes are beginner-friendly by design, and he enjoys answering questions during class.
AJEET KHALSA
Ajeet Khalsa is a highly gifted practitioner, doing her life’s work of yoga and healing. She provides clients (individuals and groups) with Kundalini yoga training and meditative techniques that promote sustained concentration, greater self-awareness, increased energy, deep relaxation, core strength, self- confidence, mindfulness, and focused attention through movement, meditation and breathing techniques. Clients love her warmth, wisdom and happy spirit. Her private yoga sessions, using classical Indian science of the Sacred, allows you to experience a deep peace and union within yourself. She has been certified in Kundalini Yoga since 1996 and incorporates her decade of Broadway dance and artistic expression into all her classes. Her Yoga and the Art of Healing, Classical Kundalini and Dancing Spider Yoga for kids and families will give you just what you need for increased vitality, and greater sense of the divine flow in life.
Sarah Crook, LMT, RYT
Sarah began her journey as a yoga student in 2004. She completed her 200-hr teacher training program at Neighborhood Yoga in Boone, NC in May 2010 with teachers, Kelly Golden and Valerie Midgett. Since her graduation, Sarah has been teaching at Glowing Body Yoga Studio and around Knoxville, offering group classes and private yoga sessions. She graduated from Asheville School of Massage and Yoga in May 2011, and has recently become a Licensed Massage Therapist. She is currently offering Massage Therapy at Glowing Body along with her group classes and private sessions. Through yoga and massage, Sarah has found more balance in her life and delights in offering these gifts to other people, so they too can find balance in their lives. Her intention as a teacher and therapist is to meet you wherever you are on your path, and help clarify the direction in which you want to go. With support, encouragement, challenges, and compassion, Sarah can help you feel empowered on this path towards better health.
In September 2012, Sarah will graduate from the Integrative Nutrition program through State University of New York (SUNY) as a Health Coach. Throughout the program and upon completion, Sarah will be adding the element of nutrition into her yoga and massage sessions, and will be offering individual consultations and workshops to help you learn more about how you can take better care of yourself through being more aware of how you nourish your body, mind, and spirit.
More information on Sarah’s Integrative Massage.
Become a fan on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
Lauren Hughes, RYT
In the summer of 1997, Lauren received a Power Yoga video. She ended up practicing every night before bed as a way to unwind. Fast forward many years (and an upgrade to dvd)… Her eyes were opened to the need for a gentle, accessible fitness program that could be used in a church setting. She decided to pursue certification in Hatha Yoga through a Christian perspective, and started a beginner’s class at her church. After a year, she was lucky enough to bring her classes home to The Glowing Body.
Lauren’s classes are fun, open, and full of laughter. Practice is a blend of Power Flow with Iyengar based alignment principals. Some of her influential teachers are Dayna Gelinas and Bryan Kest (by video and dvd). Lauren received her certification in Hatha Yoga through New Day Yoga in Kennesaw, GA, brushed up with The Glowing Body Yoga Teacher Training, and was certified in Prenatal/ Postnatal Yoga through Asheville Yoga Center in Asheville, NC.
Visit her website!
BETTY KALISTER, RYT
Betty Kalister started her yoga training in the early 80’s and has attended numerous trainings since, including 130 hours of training under Rodney Yee, as well as 160 hours of additional training courses. She completed her 230 hour RYT certification through Stephanie Keach’s training program in Chattanooga, TN.
Betty’s teaching style focuses on ensuring correct anatomical alignment in yoga poses. Her alignment-centered philosophy is fortified by the use of variations and modifications with props, which affords her students the opportunity to find ease in poses, and thus allows the mind to focus inwardly. Betty is currently in her sixth year of teaching and feels privileged to share her beliefs in the physical and emotional healing of yoga; she continues her asana and pranayama study and is amazed daily by how yoga works for everyone.
AINSLEY AYRES, RYT
Ainsley’s journey with yoga began five and a half years ago at the suggestion of her lacrosse coach for cross training and has since then been a devout Hatha and Bikram practitioner. The peace and clarity found through yoga mentally, physically and spiritually fuels Ainsley’s desire to deepen her understanding for the ancient practice and share it with the world. Ainsley won the Tennessee Bikram Asana Championship in 2009 and allowed to compete in the National Bikram Asana Championship in Los Angeles. She has had the opportunity to study under renowned teachers including Lori Givens, Gregg Williams, Philip Clift, Jennifer Beyt Coffin, Kelly Golden and Kim Lomonaco. Ainsley draws from Ashtanga, Bikram, Anusara and Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga practices. Ainsley completed her 200 hour teacher training in 2010 at The Glowing Body and has since taught for private corporate groups, one-on-one athlete training and at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in June 2011. Presently, Ainsley teaches at the Glowing Body and is grateful for the opportunity to further connect with and grow the Knoxville yoga community.
Jen Schappel, RYT
After traveling the world as an English teacher and marveling at other cultures, Jen realized her head and heart were out of sync and began exploring the practice of yoga. Through the help of her teachers at the Glowing Body, she discovered how yoga could follow her off the mat. As a result, her personal practice set a new foundation for her life and has created space for her to rediscover and pursue her desires. Years of dancing and playing soccer inform her time spent on the mat as she continues to develop grace and strength.
Jen began teaching yoga in December 2010 and completed her 200-hr teacher training at the Glowing Body in April 2011. She enjoys offering her students a chance to explore intention through asana and pranayama and challenges them to continue this exploration by cultivating their own personal practice.
Jen also loves cooking vegetarian food and sharing insights gained from her practice with her friends and family. Check out her blog, Om Om Good, to learn more.
Jill Allard, RYT
Jill Allard, M. M., RYT, has been a teacher for more than half her life. As a classically-trained flutist who performs with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, her first outlet for her passion for teaching was music, and she is thrilled to now be able to add yoga to her teaching repertoire. She has been a student of yoga since 2002 and completed her 200-hour certification at Glowing Body in August 2011 under the skillful guidance of Kelly Golden and Philip Clift.
Professional musical performance employs breath, body awareness, energy, flow and harmony — all qualities of successful yoga practice. Jill weaves together these similarities between music and yoga into the courses she teaches, helping her students to feel harmony with their bodies and spirit, and those around them.
Visit her web site or become her fan on Facebook.
Laurie Fisher, RYT
Laurie completed her 200 Teacher training at The Glowing Body with Kelly Golden in April 2011. Her teachers and mentors also include Jennifer Beyt Coffin, Kim Lomonaco, Ryoko Suzuki, and Molly McClellan. She has a particular interest in Yoga Therapy and recently attended a workshop entitled “Yoga as Medicine” with Dr. Timothy McCall. She likes to share with her students the deep power of yoga to heal and bring about positive transformation in our lives. Yoga is a therapeutic modality that affects the whole person, body, mind, and spirit and thereby makes profound and lasting change possible.
Laurie believes that everyone has the ability to participate in and develop a yoga practice. She takes to heart the mission and ideals of Viniyoga™ as iterated on the AVI website, “The American Viniyoga™ Institute uses the term Viniyoga™ to refer to an approach to Yoga that adapts the various means and methods of practice to the unique condition, needs and interests of each individual – giving each practitioner the tools to individualize and actualize the the process of self-discovery and personal transformation.”
When not doing yoga, she can be found with her three terriers, two cats, husband, and occasionally with her grown daughter. The rest of her time is taken up with books, cooking, hiking, and teaching Hebrew.
Rebekah Knause, RYT
Rebekah Knause is a full time massage therapist of 10 years and has been consistently studying and practicing yoga for the past 2 years. She is a proud graduate of the Glowing Body Teacher Training and has shared yoga with her massage clients for the past 4 years. She sees the value in yoga as a great tool for healing both emotionally and physically. Her biggest passion is to teach those that would shy away from yoga and show them that there are gentle ways to approach yoga.
Sara Matayoshi, RYT
Sara has been practicing yoga for eleven years and completed her 200 hr. RYT certification in March 2011 with Ana Forrest. A performing violinist for most of her life (currently playing in the violin section of the Knoxville Symphony), she entered the yoga world seeking alleviation from tension and stage fright. In addition to learning how to ground mentally and physically through her practice, today her yoga has grown to influence every aspect of her life. While Forrest yoga is her primary practice and style of teaching, she also has extensive experience in the Kripalu, Elemental, and Anusara traditions. She has immense gratitude for the influence of many teachers including Ana Forrest, Talya Ring, and Steve Emmerman. Her classes are carefully sequenced and encourage students to mindfully meet their edge by connecting deep sensation with breath, thus enabling students to walk their path with ease and grace.
Anne Webb
Anne’s journey with birth began with the births of her four children. After the experiences she had, she knew she had to help other women have the birth experience they wanted, so Anne became a doula in 2009 through DONA. While working as a doula, Anne discovered how much she enjoyed teaching women about birth so they would be prepared. Prenatal yoga is an integral part of that preparation.
While working on her Childbirth Educator certification through ICEA, Anne was introduced to the book Active Birth by Janet Balaskas. It has provided the inspiration for her teaching. Many of the yoga poses practiced in prenatal yoga are the same poses women instinctively use during labor and help prepare your body for labor. Anne believes you would never run a marathon without preparing your body, and childbirth is the same. ” I would love to meet you and do what I can to help you have the birth experience you want.”