Jenn Fairbank, MSW, RYT
Mind Body Yoga Owner and Cornerstone Co-Owner
I’m the owner of Mind Body Yoga, a Center for Mindfulness, and co-founder of Cornerstone: Mindfulness for Life. I'm a mindfulness teacher with a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW). I help clients become truly self-empowered in individual sessions and events. Our book Companion for Life: the Foundations of Living will be available in 2013!
After many years in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, I became a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) to enhance my knowledge of the mind/body connection. I earned my MSW at the University of Pittsburgh. Feeling the need to approach my practice by treating the mind and physical body as one, I discovered Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. I completed the 650-hour intensive training and the Group Facilitator Training. I also graduated from Dharma Yoga’s 200-hour Teacher Training program here in Austin.
Erika Marcoux, MA, RYT
Cornerstone Co-Owner and Mindfulness Teacher
I'm the co-founder of Cornerstone: Mindfulness for Life and a mindfulness teacher with a private practice in South Austin. I'm the co-author of the book Companion For Life - The Foundations of Living along with Jenn. I received my Master’s degree in Somatic Counseling Psychology (MA) at John F. Kennedy University (JFKU) in the San Francisco East Bay area. Somatic Psychology is body oriented counseling, and I incorporate this, along with mindfulness, into my individual sessions and yoga classes.
I was a counselor at Touchstone Counseling, the JFKU Center for Holistic Counseling, and New Pathways Counseling. I had a private practice as a Polarity Therapist in Washington, DC at the Watergate. I co-wrote the One-Heart Vision Self-Healing Addiction workbook, and my articles have appeared in several issues of the Humanist magazine and in the book At Issue: Peace Movement. In addition, I worked in marketing at IBM and the American Red Cross Headquarters.
Genevieve Yellin, e-RYT, PYT
Sundara Yoga IYT 200 hour Teacher Training Faculty
I have been an official student of yoga since 1994 (studying with a teacher), but spent the prior decade "doing" yoga from a book. My early years of teaching was more in the aerobics realm, teaching my uneducated version of "yoga". I enrolled in a 200 hr teacher training program many years later to go the official Yoga Alliance route. I completed my 500hour Professional Yoga Therapist Certificate (PYT-RYT500)) with Joseph LePage/Integrative Yoga Therapy, and am presently enrolled in my 1000hr PYT internship, studying with Joseph LePage & Beth Gibbs. Additional training in Functional Yoga Therapy with Maria KaliMa, Restorative Yoga with Judith Lasater, Anatomy Trains Myofacial studies with Tom Myers (KMI), Svastha Yoga with the Krishnamacharya Mandarim in Chennai India, Vipassana Meditation, Prenatal Certification, Special Kids Yoga Certification, Level 2 Reiki, and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy has added much depth to my own practice as well as informing my teaching. My professional background is in biochemistry; I spent many years in environmental research in the University system. After several profound personal experiences and a passion for learning/teaching self-healing through a mind/body/spirit connection, I decided to dedicate all of my energy to teaching Holistic and Alternative self-healing modalities. I am forever grateful to all of my teachers, especially my "life teachers" that are closest to my heart:my loving husband Bob (Bear), 5 wonderful kids, and furry family members-they teach me about life, love and happiness everday. I am the Director of the Sundara Yoga Therapy's IYT 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training Program, a Registered Yoga School and honored to be a faculty member of Integrative Yoga Therapy's 200 hr TT program.
Brooke Binstock, RYT
I first found out about yoga listening to my mother talk about it when I was very young.I thought it would be something interesting to try but didn’t attempt it until High School when my tenth grade English Teacher started offering weekly after-school classes. I remember feeling an extreme sense of peace from the practice but was still unaware of the deep connection I would develop with it later. In college, I dealt with a lot of anxiety and came to realize part of the answer would be to dedicate myself to a consistent yoga practice. I began to understand yoga as a necessity and my awareness of the mind-body relationship began to materialize. My passion for the practice continued to grow and Ihad a strong desire to teach. I enrolled in the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in the Berkshires where I completed my first 200-hour training. Inspired by the teachings of Swami Kripalu, I began to see the practice of yoga as a journey truly representative of how we live our lives. Immediately following the training at Kripalu, I moved to Austin to pursue my Masters Degree in Social Work. I knew that school was bound to be anxiety provoking, so my first priority became establishing a steady yoga practice and finding a place to share my teaching with others. I began teaching friends, family and public classes, using the Kripalu method to encourage students to listen to their bodies as the ultimate authority. I continue to offer Kripalu inspired classes where self-acceptance and compassion are the underlying themes. In addition to my training at Kripalu, I completed the Dharma Yoga Teacher Training in 2010 and accrued an additional 200 hours. I have also completed level one of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Training. Currently, as an emerging social worker, I am exploring ways to blend yoga with more traditional therapeutic modalities and have had the opportunity to offer classes for a variety of populations including juvenile offenders. I stand by the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to try yoga because it is a gift. I feel honored to have the chance to teach.
Raquel Currah, PT, CEEAA, RYT
Physical Therapist, Cert. Pilates Instructor
I have been a Physical Therapist since 1992 and worked in various settings with adult and geriatric populations. I received specialized training in treatment of stroke, dementia, balance problems, vestibular dysfunction, and Parkinson's disease. In 1997, I was introduced to a form of exercise called Pilates. Eleven years later, I began my journey as an instructor with Balanced Body University. I have completed training in Pilates Mat and Pilates Reformer. I am the CEO and founder of Austin Re-Fit, an in-home Physical Therapy, fitness and Pilates service for adults with medical complexities. I live in Austin with my husband, twin boys, daughter, and dog. Raquel is also a faculty member of Sundara's yoga therapy's IYT 200 hr yoga teacher training program; she teaches the physical anatomy portion of our training.
Julie Wylie, Nia
In 2003, I took my first Nia class as a way to relieve grief and stresses that were crumbling me on the inside. Much to my surprise, weekly Nia classes provided support for the many changes occurring in my life. Stronger, grounded, more flexible and agile, I quickly increased mobility as well, thanks to Nia's tools which continue today to prepare me for life's changes. Curious and energized, I now enjoy a more spirited lifestyle, pursuing a life long dream of sharing the "Joy of Movement" with others. I'm inspired to show you the way to Pleasure and Health through movement. I find as much excitement in watching Nia students grow and change as I do in introducing Nia to students for the first time! I bring to my classes deep enthusiasm and intimacy, creating a comfortable, safe space for individuals to find physical, mental and emotional health and healing through movement. I bring over 30 years of movement and theatre experience.
Heather Ryan, RYT
Heather was first introduced to yoga and meditation nearly twenty years ago while studying Theatre at the University of Kansas. She received 200 hour certification through the Living Yoga Program in Austin, Texas and additional certification in Yoga Therapy through Nischala Joy Devi's Yoga of the Heart Program. Heather is inspired by yoga's ability to cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress and enhance over all well-being. She has an accessible teaching style with an expansive focus on alignment, relaxation and breathing. A passionate vegetarian cook, Heather enjoys sharing a yogic life with her husband and their hounds.
Liz Belile, MFA, LMT, RYT
I am a writer, performer, yogini and mother. I have been practicing hatha yoga for over twenty years, and have been teaching since 1999. My practice is steeped in years of study of Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Anusara yoga, including many therapeutics trainings and teacher training in both Iyengar and Anusara. I am certified in prenatal and postnatal yoga, have been a massage therapist and bodyworker for nine years, and I lead writing and performance workshops. I am a faculty member of several teacher training programs around town, for which I am particularly inspired to teach yogic literature and philosophy. I have studied with my spiritual teacher, Mary Keator, since 2002, exploring yogic texts and even deeper levels of asana, therapeutics, and meditation. I am a yoga nerd, offering workshops in therapeutics and yoga for fertility and the creative process. My poem "Love Poem for Shakti" appeared in the celebrated anthology, "The Poetry of Yoga" in 2011.
Shawn Kent, LPC, LMT, RYT
Shawn Kent has a Masters in counseling, is a licensed massage therapist, and a certified Yoga instructor. Shawn specializes in mind body therapy and teaches yoga as a wellness discipline. He encourages students to practice both mentally and physically, teaching practical wellness skills that can be used on and off of the mat.
Michelle Norris, RYT
Yoga captured my heart in 2001 and then infused it with something bigger than myself...I love standing on my head, hands, forearms or pretty much anything that allows me to turn my world upside down. Mostly, I love that yoga has opened me to the opportunity to live fully, manifesting gratitude, awareness, appreciation for all that is! I LOVE teaching yoga! I love when a student gets something they didn't think they could and the light that comes with that. My guided asana is not always easy. I can't promise you won't have to work although I can promise you will love dancing with your own inner divinity and strength igniting radical transformation. I have so much love and gratitude to all of my teachers and various yoga lineages. I am a student of School of Yoga with Christina Sell, Noah Maze & Darren Rhodes who continue to amaze me with their wisdom, genius and dedication to the practice that is yoga! Credentials and Gratitude to these certification / training programs and teachers: Currently registered RYT500, School of Yoga, Anusara, Dharma, Hatha, Yoga Therapy, Iyengar, Living Yoga Program, and my most current vision of applying for Yoga Alliance E-RYT500.
Isha Garofalo, LMT, CYT
I have always had a passion for the wonderful world of healing arts. After obtaining my massage therapy practitioner license I decided to continue exploring other healing modalities. This exploration led to further training in mind-body connection, energy work, nutrition, intuitive healing and most recently, yoga therapy. The beautiful practice of Yoga was something that spoke to my being on such a deeply profound level that I had no choice but to dive into it 100% as a practitioner and later, as a teacher. I believe it has all the components necessary to bring about true healing and fulfillment within one's life. I started my massage therapy practice at Mind Body Yoga almost 3 years ago and I am in love with the studio, the teachers, and the students. I am extremely excited and honored to begin teaching yoga here as well!!!
Jaclyn Howell, RYT
Jaclyn has a background in jazz and tap dance, so yoga was a natural transition for her. After practicing yoga for over 10 years, she finally decided she was ready to teach and share this beautiful practice of mindful living, and moving. She recently studied with Gioconda Yoga, and became a 200 HR RYT trained in Vinyasa Yoga. She offers an integrative yoga practice that focuses on moving to the natural rhythm of your breath, and body. With respect to the many different lineages, she feels it beneficial to combine different styles of yoga, custom tailored to fit the individuals needs. Encouraging students to move from within at their own pace, and to their own breath, cultivating healing energy. She is also certified in Reiki 1 and 2, and likes to incorporate energy healing into her classes. Her background includes many different types of yoga including: Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Iyengar, and Hatha. Her biggest influences have been Sharon Moon, David Swenson, David Williams, Christina Sell, and Gioconda. In her free time she enjoys drinking tea, listening to music, and hanging out with her husband, dog, and 2 cats. She often tells people "yoga saved her life".
Kelly Stokes, RYT
I signed up for my first yoga series in college and hated it! I quit after the first class, finding the poses too intimidating, the language confusing, and the instructor unapproachable. Thank goodness that wasn't the end of my yoga journey! Years later I tried another class and fell in love. Yoga helped me overcome chronic back pain while helping me build strength and inner peace. After graduating from Yoga Yoga's 200 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training program, I was able to begin bringing this same freedom to others. I believe that everyone can experience yoga - no matter what their fitness level - and enjoy teaching gentle classes that allow people to enjoy yoga without intimidation.
Jill White, RYT
Jill stepped onto her first yoga mat at the 'tender' age of 47. As her personal practice developed, she felt compelled to share the benefits of yoga with others. She graduated from Sundara's Integrative Yoga Therapy 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training. "I chose Sundara's program because of its emphasis on adapting yoga to the individual needs of the student." Jill offers modifications in her classes. She also emphasizes using yoga to calm and focus the mind. She often plays the symphonic gong in class to add another dimension to her students' experience. She incorporates humor and common sense in her lessons. Her teaching style is inclusive and welcoming.
Our Instructors
Mind Body Yoga
Center for Mindfulness
