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!

Beth Bluestein, E-RYT

Beth fell in love with yoga while pursuing a Communications & Marketing degree at the University of Colorado. She explored & practiced many styles, inspired by wonderful teachers of Astanga, Vinyasa, Jivamukti & Power. Committed to sharing the benefits & love of yoga with others, she earned her Yoga Alliance RYT-200 certification in 2005 at CorePower Yoga in CO and left her corporate media job to follow her passion to teach. Since teaching for CorePower, she has taught thousands of classes to brand new yogis thru advanced practitioners at studios, universities, health clubs & corporate wellness programs in CA, TX & AZ. Her classes have evolved into a fluid Power Flow, offering students opportunities for Self-awarness and personal growth. She believes that yoga is truly beneficial for everyone, both individually and socially and sees her role as that of a guide - offering modifications for every level and support & encouragement along the journey.

 

Stephanie Dempsey, E-RYT, RYT 500

Stephanie fell in love with the practice of yoga as a means to calm the mind and heal the body.  In 2007, Stephanie completed the At One Yoga Teacher Training Program in Scottsdale, Arizona.  What started as a hobby turned into a new path in Stephanie’s life. Her practice is influenced by Alex Austin, Brock & Krista Cahiill, Jenn Chiarelli, Vanessa Lee and Dave & Cheryl Oliver.  Stephanie inspires her students to move mindfully, to move with grace and to transcend their practice on the mat, off the mat. Stephanie’s classes will leave you feeling calm, grounded and blissful.

 

Ryan Besler, RYT

 

Ryan began practicing yoga at Hot House Yoga in Virginia Beach & found At One Yoga once moving to Phoenix in 2006. There, he studied under Dave Oliver & Cheryl Hall, as well as many other inspirational instructors. Throughout his yoga practice & in his life, he has found ‘mastering the breath’ to be a powerful tool for managing stress, breaking mental barriers & embracing change. Ryan’s challenging  power flow classes embody his  belief that it is only from a strong center, (mentally, physically & spiritually) that we can we move effortlessly through life. He intends to create opportunities in his classes for students to explore, play & grow. Visit: www.yogabyryan.com

 

Danielle Godfrey, CYT  

First introduced to Kundalini yoga in 1984, Danielle has been teaching a broad range of styles since 2001. Each class provides every student with the opportunity for a unique yogic experience that will change him or her on and off the mat. Insightful and uplifting, she offers new perspectives on relieving the stressors of modern life through a fusion of mindful healing practices. She provides a safe growing environment in which each practitioner feels valued. Her expertise in verbal and hands-on adjustments ensures that students find ease throughout their practice of yoga. 

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 9 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.yoganikki.comwww.hautepinkcouture.net and 

April Marker Lawless, RYT

April has been practicing yoga for 13 years & teaching for 6, with special emphasis on gentle & prenatal yoga. Her teaching style encourages students to find steadiness & ease by listening inward & following the breath. She practiced & taught yoga throughout both of her pregnancies & believes that yoga is truly one of the best ways to achieve physical, emotional & spiritual balance throughout pregnancy, childbirth & into motherhood. She attended a 200-hour Yoga Alliance accredited Yoga Certification at Inner Vision Yoga and has studied with teachers primarily in the disciplines of Iyengar & Anusara yoga. April has attended workshops with George Purvis, Erich Schiffman & others. She enjoys the outdoors, art, music & spending time with her husband, two daughters & two dogs.

Aaron Randles

A gymnast from the age of 5, Aaron kick-started his diving career as a freshman in high school where we was soon placing in regional & national championships and setting school records. Coming from the fields of Nebraska, his diving career has now taken him to many corners around the world, including Saudi Arabia, China, Germany, Japan & most recently, Thailand for the past two years. He has been entertaining audiences in live platform diving, high diving, trampoline, fire diving, bungee & other acrobatic routines. Aaron has also worked at Spectrum Athletic Clubs where he led core classes for two years, he's also led the diving team workouts at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Currently in between entertainment shows, Aaron now teaches Core Strength classes at Urban! Watch Aaron's Video: www.youtube.com/watch

Gia Perrone, CYT

Gia has taught yoga to a wide range of age groups, socio-econimic statuses and cultures. She began teaching after completing an intensive one year certification in Madrid, Spain, which culminated with 3 months of training in Mysore, India. She has taught at health clubs, yoga studios, corporations and resorts in Madrid, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Houston.

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, RYT

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

Julie Blew, RYT

Julie has been a daily practitioner of yoga since 2003. For a year in solitude, then making her way into the studio. Six months later, she was teaching. Following in the footsteps of her first teacher, Bryan Kest, sharing her journey with others, sharing this way of life, this ride... is what drives her teaching. Trained in Astanga Yoga and inspired by many, her classes are filled with powerful flows, music, and a place to truly release, to surrender, to breathe and to be... knowing that a quiet mind, an open heart and deep breath can be all you need. "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." - Jimi Hendrix  Visit: www.iloveomshantiyoga.com

Jenny Garrett, RYT 500

Jenny Garrett 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.

Lindsey Smith, RYT 

Lindsey first walked into the yoga room in 2007 out of curiosity and it took was just one class to open her eyes to a new world, a life with yoga.  Starting her practice at The Village, Lindsey has discovered other great studios, including At One Yoga and Urban Yoga, to expand her practice and learn, while gaining appreciation for different teachers and styles of yoga.  Vinyasa yoga, the linking of breath with movement, created a calming place for her mind and body that it had not experienced before; a place it now loves and wants to experience every day.  The physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yoga have guided Lindsey through the last couple of years, living life with an open heart and gratitude.  With intentions of sharing this passion, Lindsey recently went through the 200 hour Teacher Training program through At One Yoga in Scottsdale, Arizona and is now certified to teach yoga through Yoga Alliance.  Lindsey has gained knowledge in the eight limbs of yoga and now incorporates them both in her practice on the mat and in her life outside the studio.  Lindsey’s focus of teaching is the art of flow and power yoga.  She loves using the fluid movement and breath to quiet the mind and to create internal heat for the body, preparing it to release toxins and stress.

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.

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.

Meghan Canada, RYT 500

Meghan is registered with Yoga Alliance at the 500 hour level, and received her certification through the Advanced Studies and Teacher Training program at Yoga Pura, in Phoenix, AZ.  Her commitment to her own practice led her to devote her life to sharing yoga with others.  She has never met a yoga class in any style that she didn't love, as a student or as a teacher, but is especially fond of power and vinyasa, as a celebration of the body and means of joyful self expression. Her classes are a blend of practical philosophy, physical challenge and a light touch, dedicated to helping her students use the practice of yoga to awaken to their true Divine natures -  along the way uncovering strength, joy and ease that overflow the mat into the rest of their lives.

Rai Singh Wilson 

Rai Singh has been practicing Kundalini yoga for over five years and has been teaching for two of those. Bringing a wealth of life experience, he believes yoga should feed the soul, be practical, and fun. Otherwise, why do it? Rai Singh also brings the unique and powerful healing sounds of the Didjeridu to his classes. The Didjeridu is like a warm fuzzy carpet to lie on while the body is allowed the space to integrate yoga and heal itself. Join Rai Singh for Chakra Balancing Kundalini Yoga & Didjeridu Meditation every 1st Friday of the month from 7:30-9pm.
 

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 2nd Friday for Chi Yoga & BodyRolling at 7:30-9pm! 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, 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"

Brett Plains, RYT

When the worlds of yoga, fitness, and corporate America collide; what comes out on the other side will resemble something like Brett.  Discovering yoga after a sports related injury in 2007, Brett was quickly drawn to both the mental and physical benefits from this ancient practice.  Through discipline and determination, Brett was able to create a better work/life balance by incorporating the practice of yoga in his daily schedule.  He completed his 200-hour teacher training through At One Yoga in Scottsdale, AZ.  "Understanding the power of linking breath to movement is critical to receiving the full benefit of your practice.  Practice today, so you can practice tomorrow; challenge yourself mentally and physically, but don't force anything.  The game of life is played on a 6 inch field located between your ears."  Brett is an voracious reader, avid cyclist, determined mountain biker, and patient golfer.  He has been in commercial banking since '99 and is a graduate of Arizona State University. 

Jamie Sullwold, RYT

At an early age, Jamie began questioning the meaning of existence and became a student of life. In turn, she began to further pursue cross-cultural perspectives involving culture, religion and anthropological studies for both personal and academic growth. Later, she found her niche in helping others and obtained a master’s degree in clinical psychology in 2006. Simultaneously, she began working as a counselor and practicing yoga as a means for stress management. In doing so, she found a reverence for the joy and fun that yoga can instill while discovering peace and clarity from her yoga practice. Jamie believes that yoga can benefit individuals in their everyday life and is extensively studying yoga philosophy to find information to share with students. Her yoga classes encourage students to question their experiences on the mat and find personal relevance that can enrich their lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually while maintaining the freedom to enjoy the process. Jamie obtained her 200-hour yoga teacher training with Dave and Cheryl Oliver in the Astanga tradition, but has had many significant teachers along the path from various traditions including Anusara, Iyengar, Power, and Hatha. Jamie is currently teaching in the psychology department at Rio Salado College and is pursuing her 500-hour yoga teacher training. Visit: site.equanimityogis.com

Catherine Genzler, RYT

The continued desire to learn and fully experience as many things as possible has been a life long passion of Cathy’s. A member of the local business community since the late 80’s--she and her business partner co-owned a manufacturing company--Cathy sought personal development from her Yoga practice. After the sale of her company in 2004, she transitioned from Yoga practitioner to Yoga teacher and has been passionately teaching, studying and traveling ever since. Cathy’s understanding of anatomy, physiology and biology is derived from her continued studies. A National Yoga Alliance 200 Hour certified instructor, Cathy is currently pursuing her 500 Hour Master Teacher Certification with Jeff Martens at Inner Vision Yoga (Chandler, AZ). She has been influenced by a variety of teachers as well as Yoga modalities including T.K.V Desikachar, Dr. Judith Hanson Lasater, Shiva Rea, and S.N. Goenka (Vipassana Meditation). Cathy’s students range from athletes to individuals with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Her class formats range from the technical instruction important for newer Yoga students to a powerfully dynamic and sacred flowing asana practice. Regardless of the class, Cathy delights in offering modifications so her students feel empowered and content. Join Cathy soon for an uplifting and dynamic Yoga experience! Visit: www.cathygenzler.com

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.