Meet The Northwest Yoga Teachers for 2019 Cultivate Abundace
We are blessed once again to have assembled a wonderful collective of teachers and artists from the Unites States and Canada. They are beautiful and inspiring in their diversity, but what really matters is what they have in common, big hearts, enthusiasm, caring for others and the land, creativity and a love for teaching and learning.
Leela Francis
Spokane, WA Troncones, MX At the age of 16 I lost my father very suddenly. That experience pierced the veil between worlds for me, and I have ever since sought to blend those worlds by raising my level of consciousness. My body has always been a temple for my deepening awareness and I've devoted myself to embodying that which I have been blessed to learn. I have sought wisdom through teachers, nature and life experience, all as avenues toward knowing myself more as one with source. Dance, Yoga and meditation became my vehicles for knowing my true nature. I've learned from teachers worldwide and had a consistent daily practice for the past 30 years. I began teaching in 1996 and have had the privilege of teaching 1000's of people internationally since then in both small and larger size audiences. In 2013 I added Holistic Nutrition Raw Food Chef & Teacher and Cleansing Coach to my expertise to help raise my own and my clients’ vibration through conscious nutrition. For the past 5 years this has been the focus for my group and private retreats that weave together all the disciplines that have been such rich contributions in my own ongoing awakening. 
Ara Lyman
Spokane, WA Ara's initial experience with yoga was very physical. In 2002 after experiencing painful tendonitis in her hamstrings, she sought yoga as relief. Within her first month of regular practice, she knew yoga would always be a part of her life. She began her practice in 2002 as a student of Alison Rubin at Harmony Yoga in Spokane. Alison’s teachings in the Iyengar style continue to influence her instruction. Adherence to precision, finding a healthy sustainable way of accessing the postures and respect for the roots and philosophy of yoga. Her yoga practice and teachings now encompass much more than just the physical body, but she understands that creating a deep connection to the physical self can be a gateway to connecting to the Sat Nam, True You. Ara loves to practice and teach many styles of yoga and is currently combining Vinyasa Krama, Kundalini Yoga Kriya and sound healing in “Kundalini Flow” as inspired by her teacher Kia Miller. She has taught the Bikram/Ghosh, Core 26 style since 2010 and holds great respect for the grounding, healing, therapeutic nature of that series while bringing in her own knowledge of physical alignment, the energy body and breath, to allow for the greatest benefits to her students. In Ara's classes, expect intuitively themed weekly sequences, safe physical challenge, to sing mantra, to sweat, to smile, to find your natural rhythm, to connect deeply with your breath in varied pranayama exercises, and to relax into a sound bath savasana with himalayan bowls or the gong. Ara is now the proud owner of The Spokane Yoga Shala. She is a 200E-RYT through Yoga Alliance. She has received a 200hr certification through The Yoga School of Spokane, a 300hr certification through Yarrow Hot Yoga and Wellness Studio, a private Baptiste training with Rhea Slichter and a 200hr Radiant Body Kundalini certification from Kia Miller. Ara has also completed a level 1 sound healing certification in Himalayan singing bowls with Geoffrey Torkington. She is also an accomplished artist with an AFA from Spokane Falls community College. She is a mother of three beautiful boys. 
Drea Phoenix
Nelson, BC Drea Pheonix has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. She completed her Teacher Training at the Byron Bay Yoga Center in Australia in 2006 and has been teaching ever since. Drea's classes can be described as dynamic and challenging yet joyful and nurturing. She teaches Vinyasa Flow, Prenatal and Yin Yoga. She is passionate about yoga and sharing her knowledge to empower others' mind, body and soul. Drea is a certified 500 HR Yoga Teacher and is Registered with Yoga Alliance. 
Yogaslackers NWPortland, OR
Erika Dixon and Liz Karkula have been teaching together since 2011 when they met at the first Yogaslackers Teacher Training. Both have followed the path of yoga and adventure into a path of service working as a School Counselor and a Licensed Therapist respectively. They strive to integrate elements of yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and self awareness into practices that take you to your personal edge. 
Cassandra Wilder
Utah/Southern Idaho Cassandra is a Naturopathic Doctor, Yoga Instructor and the Creator of GoddessCeremony, a global brand that weaves together traditional women's wisdom with natural healing to support women in living vibrant, healthy lives. Passionate about women's health, Cassandra leads workshops, seminars and events around the world as teaches women how to understand their cyclical nature and heal in an empowering way. She is also the host of the GoddessCeremony Podcast. Visit her website |
Cami Coté
Missoula, MT Cami Coté is Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master and Sacred Music Artist who is much appreciated for her soulful voice, radiant spirit and capacity to facilitate healing. Cami teaches alignment based Chakra Yoga Slow/Flow and luxurious Restorative Yoga. l yoga practice in 2005, began teaching yoga in 2007 and received ERYT-500 with Yoga Alliance by studying in the Anusara Yoga Tradition in 2017. Cami is known for her gentle rhythm, artful sequencing and attention to subtitles that guide her students into a mindful and empowering practice. By slowing the practice down there is time to go deeper and explore the postures. With a skilled foundation, enabling her students to work through the body, building strength, flexibility, stamina and connection with the breath. "I believe that Yoga can lead to healing, awareness and the ability to let go. I teach and embody compassionate self acceptance as an essential element of the practice helping students accept their body and all of its capabilities." Cami travels regularly throughout the Pacific Northwest introducing people to a deeper awareness of Source through her classes and concerts to her specializations. 
Erin Wert
Spokane, WA My exploration into yoga began in 2001 at Harmony Yoga Spokane. The serenity and joy I experienced after practice instantly drew me in and the Iyengar-based focus on alignment melded with yogic philosophy set a strong foundation for my blossoming practice. In 2012, I completed my first 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and began teaching immediately. I have since completed a Baptiste-inspired Power Yoga training and in 2016 completed Mark Stephens 300-hour Teacher Training in Santa Cruz, CA. What I most enjoy about yoga are the continued insights I receive about myself, my relationship to others and my growing connection to spirit. Before diving into yoga I had very little understanding of spiritual matters. The practice has given me faith in myself and my place in the Universe as a spiritual being. That, along with the amazing physical benefits keep me motivated on this path. Teaching is just a continuation of the practice for me. Getting outside of myself, sharing my love of the practice and seeing others become lit up by the practice are just a few of the reasons I love teaching. I have a deeper sense of purpose and self-confidence in teaching yoga than any other “job” I have held. 
Brietta Leader
Sandpoint, ID Brietta is a teacher of dance in its many forms of healing, prayer, play and conditioning. She grew up as a dancer and discovered her path as a healing artist 16 years ago, while traveling in Asia. The combination of Brietta’s devotion to the dance, her gypsy spirit, family roots & passion to support herself and others into an embodied conscious awakening has birthed her own trademarked movement form called WildCore™. Her years of study as a conscious dance leader and mentor for Soul Motion® began to blend with 15 years as a Nia® Teacher, Massage Therapist, Shamanic student, devoted yogi, pranic healer, reiki practitioner, apprentice to mother-nature, energy enthusiast & performer. All of which contributed to WildCore’s development. Brietta loves to inspire self-healing through movement and offers classes, workshops & co-creative retreats and performances to her hometown of Sandpoint, Idaho, surrounding areas and internationally. 
Jody Pignolet
Standpoint, Idaho Jody Pignolet is a "present moment" geek. Whether it's through her love of teaching yoga, her passion for singing and dancing or her joy of facilitating Authentic Relating games, she is inspired by the magic found in the present. She has been tracking that moment for decades through her spiritual path, through movement and through finding ways to expand her self expression. She, along with Michael Welp, will be leading games and experiences in Authentic Relating throughout the weekend. Authentic Relating is the practice of being as present as one is able with others who are doing the same and then getting to experiencing the power, truth, vulnerability, and all of the other gems that arise in one's self and in others. 
Sarah
Otto- Combs Sarah is a NAMA certified Āyurvedic Practitioner, e-RYT 200 Āyuryoga instructor, and environmental scientist. She completed her studies in Āyurveda at the Āyurvedic Institute under the guidance of Dr. Vasant Lad, known throughout the West for his deeply spiritual insights into this profound science. She specializes in guiding clients and students to correct understanding of their constitutions through the lens of Āyurveda, thus empowering people to facilitate their own healing. Understanding how your daily actions either sustain or deteriorate health is a foundation of her teachings, and gives you the tools for modern application of this ancient wisdom to support your body, mind, and spirit. Sarah was inspired to help others on their journey to great health after her own tremendous transformation through Āyurveda. Years of suffering from health conditions that left her barely able to walk for weeks at a timeled to relentless investigation into all things medicine and eventually to study Āyurveda, the oldest medical science in the world. Questions allopathic medicine had been unable to answer became illuminated in a matter of weeks of her first weeks at school, and led to Sarah experiencing a profound physical, mental, and spiritual transformation. Inspired by her own metamorphosis, Sarah knows that everyone has the power of a phoenix risen from flames if given the right catalyst and is passionate about helping others achieve their highest potential. |
KIRTAN, SOUND BOWL HEALING, LIVE MUSIC & DANCING
Cause what would Northwest Yoga Feast be without all of that? Meet the beautiful men and women who will be sharing their sounds with you at the Feast this summer.
Rob & Melissa Lundsgaard
Seattle, WA
Rob and Melissa are kirtan singers and yoga teachers devoted to sharing their love of kirtan and Bhakti yoga wherever they go. The husband and wife duo is based in Seattle, but music and yoga keep them on the move, leading kirtans, workshops and retreats all over the world. They have shared their music at numerous yoga festivals in the US, including Bhakti Fest, Prana Fest, Samsara Fest and the Northwest Yoga Feast.
Their music has been described as “heart-opening bliss,” “joyful medicine,” and “love and devotion materialized!” Whether you’re new to kirtan or a life long devotee, Rob and Melissa create a fun, accessible and sacred space...the perfect setting for a joy-filled celebration of the divine!.
Seattle, WA
Rob and Melissa are kirtan singers and yoga teachers devoted to sharing their love of kirtan and Bhakti yoga wherever they go. The husband and wife duo is based in Seattle, but music and yoga keep them on the move, leading kirtans, workshops and retreats all over the world. They have shared their music at numerous yoga festivals in the US, including Bhakti Fest, Prana Fest, Samsara Fest and the Northwest Yoga Feast.
Their music has been described as “heart-opening bliss,” “joyful medicine,” and “love and devotion materialized!” Whether you’re new to kirtan or a life long devotee, Rob and Melissa create a fun, accessible and sacred space...the perfect setting for a joy-filled celebration of the divine!.
Dreamtime Sound Healing
Alesha & Seth Cd'A, ID
Dreamtime Sound Healing is sacredly held space, in which participants are submerged into various sound vibrations from a multitude of instruments tuned with medicinal frequency. The sound healing techniques activate, massage, and restore each chakra as well as subtle body energies, pathways, and the auric field to resonate with the higher frequencies of consciousness. It is a unique marriage of science and spirit, via shamanic and yogic practices taking your brain to the alpha, beta, and eventually the even deeper theta and delta wave states.
This is a must feel experience and has been known to produce incredible results in relieving stress, anxiety, ptsd, & pain. It also induces deep relaxation, more restful sleep, internal releases, cellular regeneration, profound insight, past life healing, and is overall life changing.
Alesha & Seth Cd'A, ID
Dreamtime Sound Healing is sacredly held space, in which participants are submerged into various sound vibrations from a multitude of instruments tuned with medicinal frequency. The sound healing techniques activate, massage, and restore each chakra as well as subtle body energies, pathways, and the auric field to resonate with the higher frequencies of consciousness. It is a unique marriage of science and spirit, via shamanic and yogic practices taking your brain to the alpha, beta, and eventually the even deeper theta and delta wave states.
This is a must feel experience and has been known to produce incredible results in relieving stress, anxiety, ptsd, & pain. It also induces deep relaxation, more restful sleep, internal releases, cellular regeneration, profound insight, past life healing, and is overall life changing.
Holly Walker
Sandpoint, ID
Holly Walker is a painter and art teacher living in her hometown of Sandpoint, Idaho. Holly works within the community on collaborative art projects, bridging the gap between students, artists, organizations, and community members. She also teaches intuitive painting classes and workshops to adults, empowering them to express their unique creative visions. Holly’s personal work is currently focused on ethereal abstract painting, rooted in nature. She sells paintings, greeting cards, and prints through her backyard business, the Red Shed Studio.
Holly grew up on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and the meadows of the Selkirk Mountains where she now raises her two children.
Sandpoint, ID
Holly Walker is a painter and art teacher living in her hometown of Sandpoint, Idaho. Holly works within the community on collaborative art projects, bridging the gap between students, artists, organizations, and community members. She also teaches intuitive painting classes and workshops to adults, empowering them to express their unique creative visions. Holly’s personal work is currently focused on ethereal abstract painting, rooted in nature. She sells paintings, greeting cards, and prints through her backyard business, the Red Shed Studio.
Holly grew up on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and the meadows of the Selkirk Mountains where she now raises her two children.
Glen Garcia
Spokane, WA
I am an ecstatic dance DJ, Yogi, Life and Business Coach, and Caregiver Support Specialist.
I completed 500 hours of Yoga Teacher Training through the Nosara Yoga Institute in 2002-3, received a BA in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University in 2008, and became a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach through the Coaches Training Institute in 2010.
I enjoy weaving all of these together and exploring the ways that music and movement can be used to deepen and enliven one's connection to Self, other beings, the community, and Life as a whole.
Spokane, WA
I am an ecstatic dance DJ, Yogi, Life and Business Coach, and Caregiver Support Specialist.
I completed 500 hours of Yoga Teacher Training through the Nosara Yoga Institute in 2002-3, received a BA in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University in 2008, and became a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach through the Coaches Training Institute in 2010.
I enjoy weaving all of these together and exploring the ways that music and movement can be used to deepen and enliven one's connection to Self, other beings, the community, and Life as a whole.
Kristine Rae
Sandpoint, ID
Kristine Rae leads a Community Singing Circle weekly in Sandpoint, ID. She is a song leader, a song carrier, and an ongoing student of voice and all things singing.
She is a graduate of Lisa G Littlebird's (Monterey's Whole Hearted Chorus Director's) Flight School for Songleaders across the world. She sings in the Pend O'reille Chorale and Orchestra. She is also an acro-yogi, a dancer, a seamstress, a physical therapist, an auntie, and a doggie mama.
Singing is a spiritual practice to me and I sing almost daily. I'm always working on learning and teaching new songs. I am a graduate and ongoing student of Lisa G Littlebird's Flight School for Songleaders across the world. I am also a voice student of the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint.
Sandpoint, ID
Kristine Rae leads a Community Singing Circle weekly in Sandpoint, ID. She is a song leader, a song carrier, and an ongoing student of voice and all things singing.
She is a graduate of Lisa G Littlebird's (Monterey's Whole Hearted Chorus Director's) Flight School for Songleaders across the world. She sings in the Pend O'reille Chorale and Orchestra. She is also an acro-yogi, a dancer, a seamstress, a physical therapist, an auntie, and a doggie mama.
Singing is a spiritual practice to me and I sing almost daily. I'm always working on learning and teaching new songs. I am a graduate and ongoing student of Lisa G Littlebird's Flight School for Songleaders across the world. I am also a voice student of the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint.
Gypsy Divas
Sandpoint, ID
Gypsy Diva's Dance Troupe offers a blend of unique styles, costumes, music and expression that touches their audience at the level of soul. Their most recent themes have been connected to inspirations from the elements, embodying water, earth, fire and ‘Air’.
Gypsy Diva's is made up of local women dancers from Sandpoint and have held a core of 6 with a rotating 3-5 women, and usually includes a mother-to-be. Having been a troupe for over 9 years, the Diva's have built loving relationships and a devotion to this ancient art of dance. The Director Brietta Leader co-choreographs with Hallie Owen and Titina VanHoorn and views being a member of a dance troupe as another gateway for expansion, calling it a 'spiritual practice'. The Gypsy Diva's are delighted to be back at NW Yoga Feast sharing their most recent work.
Sandpoint, ID
Gypsy Diva's Dance Troupe offers a blend of unique styles, costumes, music and expression that touches their audience at the level of soul. Their most recent themes have been connected to inspirations from the elements, embodying water, earth, fire and ‘Air’.
Gypsy Diva's is made up of local women dancers from Sandpoint and have held a core of 6 with a rotating 3-5 women, and usually includes a mother-to-be. Having been a troupe for over 9 years, the Diva's have built loving relationships and a devotion to this ancient art of dance. The Director Brietta Leader co-choreographs with Hallie Owen and Titina VanHoorn and views being a member of a dance troupe as another gateway for expansion, calling it a 'spiritual practice'. The Gypsy Diva's are delighted to be back at NW Yoga Feast sharing their most recent work.
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