Tom Casal
I have been practicing and studying yoga since 97. In 2001 a friend talked me into going to a John Friend workshop. At the time I was done with yoga due to a torn hamstring and medial meniscus tear. So on the last day of the workshop John Friend had me demo triangle on my right side and of course I said "John I can't do triangle on my right side" he shot me a grin and said "I'll walk you through it" 5 principles later I had my hand on the ground full pose, hook line sinker. My style of asana exploration is playful, light hearted, with a decent amount of flow. Together I hope we will take our yoga to the next level.
Denise Kay
Denise Kay has a BFA in Dance and movement studies from Centenary College. She was a professional dancer from 1983-1990 teaching dance for many years after. In 1987 she became a certified massage therapist continuing her interest in body mechanics. She began taking yoga classes off and on along with other movement modalities. In 1997 she decided to study yoga exclusively. In 1999 she received her 200 hour certification in yoga synthesis with Raji Thron. In 2000 she began studying with Delia Quigley and received her 500 hour certification and later with Delia studying the Dynamic method. She also became a certified in thai yoga massage to enhance the principles of body adjustments in yoga and help open individuals in her massage practice. Denise has been working in the northern N.J. area as a yoga instructor and body worker for many years and loves teaching people their individual potential. She recently began studying nutrition through food as a means of gaining an understanding of our bodies. She enjoys teaching people the connection between the mind and the body helping people find peace within.
John Levis
John Levis is a Certified Anusara® Yoga Instructor. He has studied extensively with Anusara founder, John Friend as well as many senior Anusara instructors. John began teaching in 2003 and completed his initial 400 hour teacher training with Todd Norian and has since assisted Todd’s Immersion and teacher training. John also had the privilege of traveling to John began playing ice-hockey at the age of six and played throughout high school. In college, he got heavily into weight-training. In 1999 he was introduced to yoga and left the gym for good the following year. explore different cultures He found that yoga offered a much better work out without all the strain on the body and actually grew over an inch at the age of 30! Since finding Anusara®
Yoga in 2002, he has remained dedicated to The Universal Principles of Alignment™ and no longer needs to see the chiropractor. Combining an amazing, therapeutic workout with a life enhancing, heart opening practice inspired by a tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness, John has found his path. John feels that this practice is a way to awaken to the full spectrum of life and to inspire and help others to align with their greatest potential thus raising the vibration for all. The inspiration of this practice has taken John to Becky Lucas
Becky Lucas has been certified by the American Council on Exercise since 1986. After many years of teaching sculpting, step classes and kickboxing classes, she began seeking a new direction for her body and mind. After attending a few yoga classes in 2000, Becky knew she had found her spiritual path. Becky received a 200 hour yoga certification in 2003 and has been teaching yoga since. Although Becky stays active in the fitness industry, she receives gratification and takes great pleasure in teaching her Vinyasa style yoga classes.
Becky continues to expand her knowledge by attending workshops, extensive reading and commitment to her own practice. Yoga has brought peace and harmony to Becky's life and helps her remain calm and grounded on a daily basis in her challenging job as an infectious disease nurse.
Nancy Moran Mermelstein
Nancy Moran Mermelstein has been teaching since 2003 after earning her certification from Raji Thron's Yoga Synthesis but considers herself the perpetual student. She continues to grow and further her education studying with many influential yoga teachers including Shiva Rea, Dharma Mittra, Sharon Gannon and David Life. Additionally she furthers her studies of alignment, consistently working with Naime Jezzeny and privately with Certified Anusara teacher Sharon Kenney.Currently, Nancy is pursuing an advanced certification with Shiva Rea.
Although firmly rooted in the vinyasa tradition, her classes weave elements from various yogic lineages. Elements of Nancy's lengthy study of martial arts are also introduced. Classes are challenging, yet light-hearted, designed to nurture body and soul. Nancy pays deep respect and gratitude to her teachers and students for their continual inspiration.