Teachers
& Classes



Meet our Teachers



We are honored to have some of the best teachers not only in the DFW Metroplex but in the country leading our classes. All our teachers are local, some are internationally known. We are grateful to have such an incredible loving group of teachers at the Cosmic Yogi Festival sharing positive vibes.



Diane Barriere



BlindFold Yoga Class
10-10:50am Acacia Room



Enjoy this unique class with a blindfold! You will find your other senses heightened when you start your yoga poses without looking around the room. You will also feel the freedom of expressing yourself on your mat without having other people watching.


Bio: Diane is a popular 200 hour international yoga instructor who leads retreats, Aerial Yoga, Corporate Yoga, Chair Yoga, Partner Yoga, workshops & fundraisers. She is also a Reiki healer & has released her own DVD, audio meditations, jewelry line & yoga clothing.

www.dbyoga.com

Facebook Page



Jenny Alterman



Tantric Yoga for Energy
11-11:50am Acacia Room



This class is about finding the secret to releasing Kundalini Energy. There is a powerful energy within you, waiting to be unleashed. Tantric yoga is low-key an awesome way to get your thoughts and feelings moving within the body when you're stuck in a sluggish streak.


Bio: Jenny & her husband Rickey are the owners of Rescue Yoga in Carrollton. Jenny is a seasoned yoga instructor offering experience & expertise to her students. Their personal mission is to share the benefits of yoga and help others transform their lives intentionally.

www.rescueyoga.com

Facebook Page



Ava Schneider



Prince Tribute Flow Yoga
12-12:50pm Acacia Room



Let's go CRAZY with a truly PURPLE yoga funk flow! We honor Prince 3 years after his passing (4/21/16) with an extraordinary musical tribute from his biggest hits to his B-side synth. Experience LOVE on your mat through his revolutionary soul.


Bio: Travel, oils, yoga, and LOVE! As a national trainer born on Valentine's Day I teach how to LOVE your edge and challenge your limiting beliefs. I found my yoga practice 20 years ago when my knees were aching and quickly dropped 100 lbs and transformed my life. Ava finished her 500HR with DeAnna Shires & published her first guidebook, Oils & Yoga, last year. Music has an important emotional & spiritual connection with her classes. Experience her weekly Aroma Yoga Flow classes at Telos, Urban Vybe, and Be Fit.

www.oilsandyoga.com

Facebook Page



Puneeta Dighe



Groovy Yoga Disco Glow
1-1:50pm Acacia Room



Welcome to Disco Yoga! It's a disco party and a high-energy yoga class all in one…You'll enjoy a boogie down yoga fitness class set to the music of the disco era! Complete with a live DJ, disco lights, confetti and more!


Bio: Puneeta is well know in the yoga community for not only the fun classes she offers such as Goat Yoga, Pups n' Pilates & Groovy Yoga but also her traditional classes. You can find her as a Group Exercise Instructor at Cowboys Fit & the Copell YMCA. She is also a fitness instructor at The JCC. Puneeta is originally from New Dehli, India and carries with her the love and kindness her country is known for.

Facebook Page



Amanda Dunnavant



Yin Yoga
2-2:50pm Acacia Room



This practice is designed to help you sit longer & more comfortably, in meditation by stretching connective tissue around the joints. A passive practice, Yin Yoga involves variations of seated & supine poses typically held for 3 to 5 minutes, accessing deeper layers of fascia. So relaxing & awesome!


Bio: Amanda is an experienced teacher who is the Director of Partnerships at the Refuge Meditation in Dallas. They actively & purposefully connect the city via their mission to inspire and support DFW’s community, intuition, and healing as a whole.

www.refugedallas.com

Facebook Page



Ken Goldberg



Buddhist Meditation
3-3:50pm Acacia Room



This is a Traditional Buddhist Meditation class. Mindful meditation is the modern name for Vipassana meditation. Vipassana is from an ancient Indian language and means insight. This class will be an hour of meditation as has been passed down by the Thai monks for 2600 years. Sitting, walking and the practice of reflecting on loving kindness.


Bio: Ken has been the meditation teacher at the Buddhist Center of Dallas for 7 years. He was an ordained monk in a Thai temple in Arizona where he received his meditation training. He is a practicing lawyer in Dallas Texas and the host of the videocast, Law and Disorder. He is 66 years old. Here is what he says about himself...."I got this old by being very street smart." Seek the companionship of great spirits, believe in the sanctity of all living beings.

law-disorder.com

Facebook Page



Stacy Shepherd



Journey Into the Power
4-4:50pm Acacia Room



The Journey Into Power is a series of physical poses that give one access to strength, power and vitality. In this practice we will utilize asana as an access to physicality, meditation to be here now and inquiry in order to create the possibility for something new. A new possibility.


Bio: Stacy Shepherd is a Tier 4 Certified Baptiste Leader. As a Graduate of the Baptiste Institute's FIT to Lead program, she has completed over 2000 hours of leadership training with Baron Baptiste, has assisted, led and hosted Baptiste programs. With a background in Iyengar yoga since 1981, she has been teaching Power Vinyasa for over 10 years, been an entrepreneur for over 20 years, is a mom, a partner and a leader in the yoga community her in DFW. Stacy opened The Yoga Factory Dallas in 2013 and the Yoga Factory and Wellness Center in 2016.

www.theyogafactorytx.com



Dee Dee Burington



Yoga Sculpt
5-5:50pm Acacia Room



Yoga Sculpt is a strengthening Power Flow using body weight drills and Cardio Bursts to strengthen, tone and burn calories!


Bio: Dee Dee has a accomplished background of gymnastics, dance, aerobics & musical theater. She started teaching Yoga and Group Fitness in 2006. She loves helping others balance their lives and believes that through yoga everyone can become more flexible to withstand the winds of impermanence. Whichever class of hers you take she will surely amaze you with her charm and skill level. She delights in the following forms of Yoga: Hot Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, restorative and Yoga Sculpt. You can find Dee Dee at Bikram East Dallas, Rockwall Golf & Athletica and also the Breathing Room.

Facebook Page



Coleen Gama



IM=XMat Pilates
10-10:50am Juniper Room



This class is the INTRODUCTORY version to the IM=X® Pilates system of exercise. You will be guided through the five fundamentals and eight IM=X Floor sequences for a total body workout.


Bio: Coleen is an IM=X Basic Mat and Xercizer certified instructor. She was a talented and avid gymnast for 17 years specializing in Floor routines. She studied Food & Science at Clemson University and works at IM=X Pilates Frisco.

www.imxpilatesfrisco.com

Facebook Page





Jennifer Brandon Elliot



Gong Meditation
11-11:50am Juniper Room



During this gong meditation expect to be transported into an otherworldly realm where deep healing, relaxation, and expansion of consciousness occur. The sounds of the gong heal you on a cellular level, work with your Kundalini energy, and induce a deep meditative state. Each person has a unique experience, however, the majestic shift in energy and clearing of blockages is universal.


Bio: Jennifer is a Kundalini Yoga, Meditation Teacher and Gong Sound Healer. Through intuition and deep reverence, She connects psyically to my gongs to co-create the healing vibrations. She apprenticed under Gong Master Barbara Cole Salmeron to learn the majesty of the gong. She is certified for 200 hour Kundalini Yoga and Meditation.

www.kundaliniyogadallas.com

Facebook Page




Tara Hughes



Astanga Yoga
12-12:50pm Juniper Room



Ashtanga is a traditional form of yoga founded by K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. Ashtanga yoga, with its many vinyasas, is great for building core strength and toning the body. Prepare to sweat as you briskly move through a set sequence. This will be a led class going through the primary series, all levels encouraged to practice and modifications will be given!


Bio: Tara is a highly experienced yogi with her ERYT 200 through Life Power Yoga, CYEP & ERYT 500 through Rishikesh Yogpeeth. With so many hours under her belt she is an expert at leading & modifying her classes. She currently works at Lifetime Fitness & Summit Climbing Yoga Fitness.

Facebook Page

Instagram @taralovestea



Karon Satore Franz



Kundalini Yoga
1-1:50pm Juniper Room



Kundalini is a unique uplifting blend of spiritual and physical practices, Kundalini Yoga incorporates movement, dynamic breathing techniques, meditation, and the chanting of mantras, such as Sat Nam, meaning "truth is my identity." The goal is to build physical vitality and increase consciousness. Awaken your soul!


Bio: "K" recently graduated from Breathe Into Awareness with her 200 hour certification. She is strengthening her knowledge of yoga by continuing her journey through the 300 hour certification training program at Blue Anjou! I enjoy the connection of mindfulness, heightened spiritual awareness and a sense of peaceful oneness that yoga brings to my life. This is why I decided to become a yoga teacher. I adore most styles of yoga, however, I love Rope Wall and Kundalini. Find K teaching at Blue Anjou & Sun Yoga.

www.blueanjou.com

www.sunyogacenter.com

Facebook Page



Lara Lawson



Nia Technique
2-2:50pm Juniper Room



Mindful Movement for EveryBODY! Nia is the ONE movement practice that delivers the creative expression of dance, the power of the martial arts, the flexible, meditative, healing effects of yoga & MORE! Nia will ignite your spirit, balance your emotions, stimulate your mind, pump your heart, release your tension, and condition your WHOLE body! Nia is adaptable, user friendly, flexible, playful & is medicine for body & soul. Whether you are new to fitness or to Nia, you'll have fun!​


Bio: Lara Lawson is a certified Nia Brown Belt Teacher & has been teaching in the Dallas area since 2015. Her passions for physical fitness, dance & music have fused into her Nia practice. The choreography is purposely paired with the music, creating an experience that is magical. Over the years, Lara participated in many sports and loved dancing. You can find Lara at Move Studio in Dallas, UT Southwestern in Dallas & Flower Mound Senior Center.

www.movestudio.com

Facebook Page

Instagram: Lara Lawson



Jules Aquirre



Nia Technique
2-2:50pm Juniper Room



Mindful Movement for EveryBODY! Nia is the ONE movement practice that delivers the creative expression of dance, the power of the martial arts, the flexible, meditative, healing effects of yoga & MORE! Nia will ignite your spirit, balance your emotions, stimulate your mind, pump your heart, release your tension, and condition your WHOLE body! Nia is adaptable, user friendly, flexible, playful & is medicine for body & soul. Whether you are new to fitness or to Nia, you'll have fun!​


Bio: Jule Aguirre, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, is a Mind-Body Psychotherapist & International Nia Faculty Trainer, named by ORIGIN Magazine as one of the nation’s TOP ‘Leaders Who Inspire’. With 30+ years experience, Jule moves integrative wellness seekers, delivering a powerfully dynamic, holistic, healing experience to seasoned movers & beginners alike!

www.juleaguirre.com

Facebook Page

Instagram & Twitter: julemindbody



Kirsten Joy Burch



Yoga Nidra
3-3:50pm Juniper Room



Yoga Nidra—known as yogic sleep—is a meditation and conscious relaxation practice that is intended to induce total physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. It is believed that an hour of Yoga Nidra can be as restorative as four hours of regular sleep. Relax and float away!


Bio: Kirsten Joy teaches therapeutic yoga, combining movement with breath, meditation, and more to bring ease to body, mind and energy. She studies yoga science and philosophy at the Himalayan Institute, and continues her Ayurveda studies in Dallas with Om Yoga Journey. As owner of Living Yoga Dallas and founder of PraniLife, she helps others develop the tools and techniques for greater physical health, fulfillment, and mental wellness accessible at all phases of life. She teaches private yoga, and guides public classes at The Refuge Meditation in Expo Park. Find her hosting workshops for the deeper teachings of yoga science, philosophy and kundalini tantra for transformation.

www.livingyogadallas.com

Facebook Page




Rachel Fox



Chakra + Meditation
4-4:50pm Juniper Room



Have you been interested to learn more about the subtle energy inside of you? Experience a little education and meditation designed to bring you a little closer to your own energy body!


Bio: Rachel Fox is a Dallas native, SMU graduate and former Silicon Beach start up maven turned meditation instructor, crystal healer, astrological coach, hypnotherapist, experienced designer and retreat facilitator. Rachel is a highly experienced yoga & meditation instructor. She is the Owner & Studio Director at The Refuge Meditation in Fair Park & has been on her yoga & meditation journey for many years. Rachel is known for her crystal, chakra & astrology classes and trainings. She is looking forward to expanding into the intuitive with you soon!

www.therefugedallas.com

Facebook Page

Instagram & Twitter:

@rachelfox

@therefugemeditation



Aleisha Nabors



Restorative & Harmonium
5-5:50pm Juniper Room



Relax your mind with long held postures that encourage flexibility and release tension built up in the body. Enjoy the fragrant smell of essential oils and the soothing tone of the harmonium. It's an Ommazing experience!


Bio: Aleisha Nabors is 200RYT certified instructor & is trained in power yoga. She now prefers a slower, more foundational practice. Aleisha can be found at Reef Point Yoga, Ballet Burn & Core Power Yoga. You can also find her on her own YouTube channel. One of her favorite quotes is "The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion." -Albert Camus

Facebook Page

Instagram @jumpingoffthepier



Elizabeth Ferguson



Reggae Peace & Love Flow
10-10:50am Lawn



This class is perfect for the beginner, intermediate, or advanced practitioner. Join us for morning sun salutations and chest and heart openers, all while listening to laid back Reggae music. Bring an open mind and an open heart. There will be "Rasta" hats for everyone who attends so they can feel the Reggae vibe immediately!


Bio: Elizabeth is works at the new Grit Fitness in Addison where she teaches fitness classes & yoga.


More to come.



Lisa Ware



Earth Goddess Flow Vinyasa & Ceremony
11-11:50am Lawn



In this class, Lisa will be passing out silk flowers to wear in your hair. During the strong energetic Vinyasa Flow you will call into the 7 Directions and check in with special attention to the elementals: Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Ether. Ground & tap into Pancha Mama's Divine Feminine flow of energy. The class will finish with a guided meditation to Shamanic drumming in Savasana. Bring an eye cover and wear sunscreen!


Bio: Lisa Ware is an author, a life, business + health coach, a Shamanic Practitioner & Reiki Master Teacher & Executive Director of Yoga 4 Love Advanced Training Programs Online 200/300 Hour Certification. She has taught over 8K hours of Hatha & Vinyasa Yoga. In 2008, she founded Yoga4Love.com in honor of her mom’s positivity & inspiration. She is a seasoned yoga conference presenter, lecturer and offers yoga retreats in Texas and Hawaii. She is the President of the 501c3 DFW Free Day of Yoga, and has been on the Board of Directors since 2008.

www.yoga4love.com

Facebook Page

Instagram & Twitter: @yoga4lovelisa



Cristina Campo



Tribal Belly Dancing Class:
Intro for Beginners
12-12:50pm Lawn



Join Cristina for an exciting introduction into Tribal Belly Dance where you will learn the fundamentals of movement for arms, chest, belly and hips artfully woven together into fluid choreography where you can embrace your inner goddess!


Bio: Cristina, aka “CC”, is an AFAA certified Aerobics Instructor and Personal Trainer for over 30 years. She received additional training in Tribal Fusion Belly Dance through Sahara Dance – Rachel Brice 2010-2015. She received her RYT 500hr certification with Yoga Alliance in July 2018 through Gaia Flow Yoga in Plano. Cristina offers private & group lessons.

Facebook Page



Ernesto Plazola



Zumba with Brazilian Samba Roots
1-1:50pm Lawn



This Latin-inspired dance workout is one of the most popular group exercise classes in the world. A total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility. The first half of class will focus on the importance of fun & movement and the second will focus on the movement energy, and momentum as a form of active meditation.


Bio: Ernesto Plazola is from Caracas Venezuela. He is an athlete, dancer, dance teacher. He is a performer and competitor, in several styles of dances from street dances to the ballroom. Ernesto is a talented choreographer with a variety of Dance Companies in the DFW Metroplex. He specializes in Brazilian dances, partner dance and dance fitness. You can find Ernesto at the JCC and Larry North's teaching among other locations.

www.uniteddanceacademy.com

Facebook Page

Instagram @edance21



Ryan Taylor



Colossal Drum Circle
2-2:50pm Lawn



A community drum circle noisy and fun event, where people come together in order to share their spirit by entraining rhythmically as a percussion ensemble. They empower each other in the act of celebrating community and life through rhythm and music. Everyone who comes and participates has something to offer the circle, and any one is welcome with or without and instrument. Dancing is encouraged!


Bio: Ryan has been drumming since the age of 10. He has traveled the world studying indigenous drumming used for community and connection with the Spirit. After traveling to Haiti, the "truth" behind the drum opened. Rhythm and vibration as a means of communicating with the invisible forces of energy and nature became a reality. He now uses the drums and rhythms to energize and heal. These techniques are a mixture of ancient teachings and "Soul Inspired" rhythms and knowledge.

www.ryantaylordrum.com

Facebook Page




Kenneth Spring "Solo"



Colossal Drum Circle
2-2:20pm Lawn



A community drum circle noisy and fun event, where people come together in order to share their spirit by entraining rhythmically as a percussion ensemble. They empower each other in the act of celebrating community and life through rhythm and music. Everyone who comes and participates has something to offer the circle, and any one is welcome with or without and instrument. Dancing is encouraged!


Bio: Solo is a drum facilitator for a variety of classes including Afro Caribbean Drumming, Therapeutic Drum Healing and Basic African Drumming. He is well known in the DFW community for his expertise with drum rhythms and his healing abilities. Solo can be found everywhere from drum workshops to Kylde Warren Park beating his drums to crowds of people bouncing and dancing to the rhythm.

Facebook Page





Ceara Caisido



Buti Yoga
3-3:50pm Lawn



Buti Yoga is a soulful blend of cardio-intensive tribal dance, mixed with plyometrics and yoga! Done to an upbeat and fun playlist, this class mixes HIIT with restorative all in 50 minutes!


Bio: Ceara has been teaching yoga for 3.5 years and is a certified Buti Yoga teacher. She is also certified in HIIT Sculpt and HIIT Abs! She loves fitness and loves making fitness fun for everyone whiles supporting and encouraging others. She is an instructor at Le Spa Fit and Coppell YMCA. We can't forget to mention Ceara is an extremely talented cellist who inspires students to practice and learn. She currently is an Executive Assistant at the International Musicians Academy.

Facebook Page

Instagram @butiyogawithce




Lynn Rozak



Aerial Yoga Presentation
3:00pm Lawn



Aerial Sling Yoga is an elevated Yoga Practice that can take your practice to new heights. Come and see the Tribe from Sunshine Yoga Shack as they demonstrate aerial skills performed to music!


Bio: Lynn began her love and passion for yoga 18 years ago. Lynn loves finding new and exciting ways to practice yoga and share her passion. Along the way she took her practice off the floor with aerial sling yoga and soon opened her own studio in Mansfield. Sunshine Yoga Shack is a studio open to anyone wanting to learn and practice yoga and aerial yoga with an open heart and an open mind. Lynn is a RYT-500, E RYT-200, and YACEP, Yoga Teacher and Teacher Trainer. Lynn is certified in Prenatal Yoga, Seniors Yoga, Thai Body Work, Reiki, and is an Aerial Yoga Specialist.

www.sunshineyogashack.com

Facebook Page

Instagram @levitatinglynn @sunshineyogashack




Jay La Vie



Sacred Geometry Vinyasa
4-4:50pm Lawn



Sacred Geometry in architecture uses the proportions of the human body to guide the design of a structure. Sacred Geometry Vinyasa Yoga uses the proportions of the body as a diagnostic tool, a map to the postures, and a compass for meditation. Expect a dynamic and challenging yet accessible practice that gives you time in the postures, presents a level of detail that requires strong focus, and therapeutically addresses often-ignored nooks and crannies of the body.


Bio: Jay La Vie, based out of Horizon Hot Yoga in Frisco, has spent time training/teaching in multiple parts of the world lately. In the past year, he's traveled to Huntington Beach, NYC, Denver, the South of France, Mexico, Miami, and Hawaii. His main practices are Sacred Geometry, Ashtanga, and Rocket Yoga.

www.horizonhotyoga.com

Facebook Page

Instagram @mrjaylavie



Robin Schakleford



Hatha Shine Bright
5-5:50pm Lawn



"Shine Bright!" in this Hatha class. Hatha involves a set of physical postures and breathing techniques, practiced more slowly and with more static posture than many other types of yoga. Open yourself and let the positive energy enter and allow yourself to shine bright!


Bio: Robin is a RYT 500 hour International Yoga and Meditation Teacher from the DFW Metroplex and studied Art History at Southern Methodist University. She currently travels the world teaching yoga and has been in Costa Rica for the last year. Robin has been enjoying the jungles, rainforest and the more remote areas of the country. Teaching is her priority and purpose wherever she finds herself. Practicing open-heartedness is key. The feeling of teaching beginners from around the world is inspiring and simply beautiful to Robin. Being an International Yoga Teacher also provides time for self-study, solitude and challenges everyday.

www.mindandbodyalliance.com

Facebook Page




New Best Friend



Pups N Pilates
10:00am-12:30pm Lawn



Pups N Pilates is presented by It's for Charity. Puppies are from Cody's & Friends and all are up for adoption and need new homes. Puneeta Dighe is leading the fun filled class complete with licks, sniffs and snuggles! Take your new best friend home with you.


It's for Charity Information:

www.itsforchrty.com


Cody's & Friends Available Pups & Dogs:

www.codysfriendsaddison.rescueme.org


cOSMIC yOGI mOVEMENT


A movement for all yogis to unite.