Urban Yoga Teachers 

Urban Yoga is fortunate and grateful to have attracted an amazing array of teachers from a variety of yogic traditions. You can expect professional, knowledgeable teachers in all of our classes. Please take some time to see what our teachers have to offer, or better yet, get to their classes to meet them in person!

Katie Makaroff, CYT

Katie began practicing Hatha Yoga 6 years ago while living in Michigan. She remembers how her grandmother always encouraged her to breathe calmly whenever she was feeling anxious or upset and found the advice inspirational as she began her yoga journey.  Katie trained at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts under the guidance of Mary Bruce, a certified Anusara Para Yoga instructor. Her classes offer a dynamic practice that embodies asanas from different schools of yoga in a unique and tailored way. As a student of yoga, Katie continues learning new ways to teach. She encourages students to connect with their breath, to explore and love their own beautiful practice. Katie has also worked for over 10 years as a licensed aesthetician... her services are available by appointment at Urban Yoga. Visit  www.urbanyogaphx.com/html/phoenix-massage.asp

Kimberly Smith, CYT

Kim received her 200 hour yoga instructor certification with Anusara certified and senior Para Yoga teacher Mary Bruce. She is currently studying with Senior Anusara teachers Martin and Jordan Kirk. The eclectic teachings received from these teachers has deep roots in Anusara yoga and tantric philosophy. Kim hopes to open students up to the wondrous possibilities of their own bodies and hearts. Encouraging students to align with their intrinsic goodness, she aims to teach students to use their bodies and breath as learning tools, both on and off the mat.

Emily C. Horning, RYT, LMT

With a BA in Dance from Arizona Sate University, 500 hour Massage Therapy certification and yoga teacher training from John Salisbury & Alex Austin at At One Yoga, Emily Horning offers the gift of meditation in motion to you. Emily's classes emphasize proper alignment and what feels good to your body in the moment. Classes include modifications of poses for all levels of students, plenty of hands-on adjustments and inspiring music. Take time out of your busy day to float away and leave class feeling lighter and happier. Emily is also a Licensed Massage Therapist... her services are available by appointment at Urban Yoga. Visit www.urbanyogaphx.com/html/phoenix-massage.asp

Nikki Aiello, RYT 500

Nikki Aiello has been practicing yoga for over 11 years and has received her training through Arizona's first 500 hour Yoga Advanced Studies & Teacher Training program, providing her with extensive knowledge of Raja & Iyengar yoga. The sense of peace and vigor yoga has brought into her life has inspired her to help others find the same in their own. She is committed to maintaining the integrity of this practice by offering her students the opportunities to explore the various limbs of yoga - both on and off the mat. Nikki also works outside of the studio with at-risk youth and adults in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction - offering yoga as a means to find peace, balance, strength and stability. Visit www.hautepinkcouture.com and www.yoganikki.com

 Jenn Chiarelli, E-RYT

Jenn Chiarelli's journey began through the art of dance. During a successful 11 year career with the Cleveland San Jose Ballet, Jenn found yoga. She fell in love with the flow and grace of Vinyasa and Ashtanga. As she became more aware of her spiritual path, Jenn traveled to Costa Rica, to the Nosara Yoga Institute. There she completed her Yoga Teacher Training with Don and Amba Stapelton. Jenn has met many yogi's along the way who have influenced her practice and teaching style, including Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, Shannon Gannon and David Life, and Dominic Corigliano. Jenn’s class is a powerful yet graceful flow; she urges her students to find their own internal rhythm for self transformation, through the postures, nurturing breath, world music and an open heart.

Nancy Ferraro, CYT

Nancy has been practicing yoga since 2006, when she took yoga as cross-training for running. Smitten from the first class, her passion for yoga grew until it was a natural progression for her to teach. Her eldest student being 80 years old and her youngest 9, Nancy truly believes that yoga can benefit everyone by opening the body to heal itself. Her passion is to lead her students to discover their authentic self and reach their fullest potential on their life journey. It is truly her honor and the energizing force in her life to bring yoga to her community.

Mary Bruce, E-RYT 500

Mary is Yoga Alliance Registered & Anusara Certified by John Friend. She is one of Rod Stryker's senior students & leading teacher of Para Yoga*. Mary masterfully combines over 14 years of practice & teaching to create a style of yoga that weaves the best & richest of the ancient & modern traditions. Mary Bruce's teaching style is both vibrant & accessible. She envisions yoga as a vehicle to guide her students to their own radiant center. A Relax & Renew trainer, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge & gentle strength to her teachings. Visit www.marybruce.com *registered trademark

Jenny Brown, RYT 500

Jenny Brown is certified to teach yoga at the 500 hour professional level through YogaWorks in New York, NY. A yoga practitioner since 2001, Jenny began her teaching career in 2007 in Manhattan during her spare time while working a corporate job. Driven by her growing love of health and wellness, she left her "day job" in 2008 and returned to the wide-open spaces of her home state, Arizona. She is currently a full time student at ASU, pursuing a second degree in nutritional science with the goal of becoming a registered dietitian. Jenny has a first-hand understanding of the demands of today's busy world and the struggle to find balance. In her classes she emphasizes connecting with the present moment through integration of breath, body and mind. She believes that by taking time out of the day to practice yoga, we are revitalizing our whole being so that we may be our best at home and work. Jenny considers yoga to be a practice for absolutely everyone and focuses on keeping her classes fun and engaging for all levels.

Kate Murphy, RYT

The chaotic life of Kate Murphy is just one of the reasons that, after seven years of practicing yoga, she decided to pursue her 200 hour Yoga Teacher certification at At One Yoga. Kate is a former athlete, dancer, Fortune 500 company salesperson, and she is currently the stay-at-home mother of four children ranging in age from 2-11. She practices yoga to turn off her "monkey mind" and to enjoy a moving meditation. A self-proclaimed music junkie, Kate's eclectic playlists keep her classes energized and moving, while her attitude of gratitude leaves her students leaving class with a message of peace and hope. Most importantly, Kate loves to laugh, and will look for humor on and off the mat.

Gina Marciano, RYT

Megan Livengood, RYT
 
Growing up as a child in Salem, Oregon, Megan Livengood spent much of her free time in the ballet studio, dancing with the Eugene Ballet Company and Oregon Ballet Theater as a young adult.  Megan attended the University of Arizona where she majored in Communications and minored in Dance, studying under such amazing teachers as Jory Hancock, Melissa Lowe, Sam Watson and Amy Ernst.  In 2009, Megan's love of dance naturally translated into pursuit of a career as a yoga instructor and received her certification from At One Yoga Studio.  Megan uses breath and music to compliment the different components of her class and to help clear the mind and open the heart. To Megan, the practice of yoga is an incredible, beautiful and challenging journey from the head to the heart.

Kat Myers, RYT 500

Kat has been teaching Yoga since 1989 and training Yoga teachers since 1996.  She has degrees Occupational Therapy and Psychology. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine specializing in Acupuncture and Movement Therapy. Kat uniquely blends Anatomy, Alignment, Rhythm, Meridian Theory and Acupressure into a Radically Dynamic approach to Conscious Living, Self Health Care and Inner Fitness. Kat believes that Fitness and High Level Wellness is accessible to all. Fitness is the Practice of Personal Accountability and the Gateway to a Rich and Wildly Sweet Life. Fitness never implies the lack of physical challenges. A Fit individual Sparkles with Purpose, Gratitude, Humility and Confidence. To be Fit is simply to do the Best you can with what you have got, it is a process of awakening on a cellular and spiritual level. A Fitness practice is both Anatomically and Spiritually Sound. Kat is Grateful to all of her teachers. Her classes are an ever-evolving tribute to all of the gifted, creative and authentic teachers/students who have graced her path. Join Kat every Friday for Chi Yoga & BodyRolling at 10:30am! Visit: www.yogabodyrolling.com

Tara Martell, RYT

Tara Martell found brightness through yoga. Yoga has transformed her body, and mind allowing for inner grace and spiritual growth. She wanted to share the gift of yoga and became a RYT at the 200-hour level at Southwest Institute of the Healing Arts, under the study of Anusara certified and Senior Para Yoga teacher Mary Bruce. Tara is passionate about yoga and its deeper aspects continuing her education with Rod Stryker in the Para Yoga tradition. In addition, she is working towards her 500 hour certification under the study of Dave Oliver. Her class infuses celebration of the heart, alignment principles and linking breath to movement. Her class welcomes her students to flow from one pose to the next loosing themselves in the rhythm of yoga and finding the pulse within. Visit: site.equanimityogis.com “Only from our hearts can we touch the sky.” Rumi

Steve Schuessler, E-RYT

Steve began practicing yoga in 1985 with classes led by Amrit Desai with Kripalu Yoga Fellowship and expanded his knowledge studying with Richard Freeman and Tim Miller. He began teaching in 2004 and lived at the Himalayan Institute for four months studying the Eight Limbs of Yoga with many senior teachers including Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. In addition to teaching at Urban Yoga, Steve is retired, a member of a local Buddhist Center and a Hospice Volunteer. He feels very fortunate to have the time and energy to share what was so freely given to him.
"The path of yoga lets us recognize our own true nature, the practice of posture, breath and meditation helps the heart to open to the fire and light with in us all. I am blessed to have wonderful teachers that guide my practice of the eight limbs of yoga both on and off the mat. I try to carry these same principles in class, but the true teacher is the yoga, one breath at a time.   OM TAT SAT"

Sierra Campbell, RYT

Sierra has been a daily practitioner of Yoga since 1999. Sierra began her journey with yoga after a debilitating car accident, leaving her with immobility and chronic pain. During two years of spinal rehabilitation Sierra studied meditation with the Himalayan Institute, became certified to teach Reiki & finished her Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning & Development at Indiana University, Bloomington. Sierra founded the Blooming Lotus Yoga & Wellness Studio in Bloomington, IN in 2003. In 2010, she received 200hours of training with Ganga White & Tracy Rich at the White Lotus in Santa Barbara. Sierra shares a peaceful, healing presence and enjoys teaching all levels focusing on alignment and integrity in each pose and the breath as the vehicle to deepen the practice.

Anusha Moore, RYT

Anusha studied Ballet for over 20 years, and initially came to yoga just to stretch her muscles in a new way. However, after taking her first class, she realized that Yoga presented so much more than simply a way to cross-train her body; she felt the spiritual awakening that comes with the devotion of setting an intention for the practice in every class. She infuses her classes with her knowledge of how the body moves in conjunction with the breath and the mind, and instructs her students to embrace and develop the mind, body, spirit connection. Anusha received her teacher training from At One Yoga in Scottsdale and has been teaching since 2004. She is so grateful for all of her teachers, especially Jenn Chiarelli and John Salisbury. Her teaching is greatly influenced by the work of David Life and Sharon Gannon of Jivamukti, as well as by Erika Halweil and Jeff Martens. She is also indebted to the many people who have shared their practice with her, and honors that each student -past, present and future- is her guru.

Dan Neumann, RYT

Dan feels that yoga has been patiently waiting for him his whole life. When friend and
neighbor, Ryan Besler, introduced him to yoga there was an immediate connection. Dan began and continues his practice with teacher John Salisbury and has been studying under the loving guidance of Cheryl and Dave Oliver. This ashtanga and sanskrit focus has been invaluable in laying a strong foundation for many yoga disciplines. Dan has been taught that "teaching is a progression of learning." This has moved him to help others with their yoga journeys in whatever small ways he can.

Gila Shire, LMT, RYT, Doula

With a 14-year background in nursing, Gila always loved to work with people. After she moved from Germany to Phoenix in 1997, she became a certified massage therapist and worked with private clients, most of them regulars. When Gila was introduced to yoga, her life gained a dynamic new dimension. In 2002, she began her Anusara oriented training with Martin and Jordan Kirk, and registered with the Yoga Alliance. Since then, Gila has been teaching in the Valley at several yoga studios and with private students. In spring of 2007, she completed Inner Vision’s advanced 500-hour yoga teacher training program with Jeff Martens, Kat Myers, Aaron Goldberg and Michele Dante. Their dogma-free teaching is a rare approach for which Gila feels grateful. Gila is also certified through Judith Lasater as a ‘Relax and Renew’ teacher, specializing in restorative yoga.

As a seasoned teacher, Gila's eclectic style was influenced by the teachings of John Friend, Mukunda Stiles, Paul Grilley and Rod Stryker.  Alignment and the healing/therapeutic approach are key elements of her classes (especially since her own experience with back injury) accompanied by thoughtfully chosen themes, music and readings.  "I love to guide people to combine the beauty they bring to their mats with the wisdom, knowledge and inspiration of yoga."  Gila's classes are designed for all levels to meet the individual needs of the student, providing space for growth, soulful exploration, holistic networking and community.  Gila's latest endeavor as a doula brings everything she has learned over more than 2 decades into full circle:  her years of hospital and nursing work, the nautral birth experience of her daughter Talisa in 1991 (which got her onto the holistic path) and her passion for health and life.  Those are all valuable tools she offers to women to support them at their most unforgettable, sacred & natural event they deserve: giving birth which is a true celebration and can be embraced as a rite of passage. 

peace.  it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.