Charlotte Yoga Club Instructor Resumes
Audrey Ipapo, RYT 200. Audrey's yoga practice began with dance! Audrey graduated Magna cum Laude from the UNCC with a BA in Dance in '03. There, she performed in numerous departmental productions, as well as with CPCC’s Dance Central. Her choreography was showcased at the American College Dance Festival in 2002. Audrey was a member of KINETYX Dance Ensemble and Kinetic Works Summerdance Professional Company in 2004 and 2005. She received a scholarship to attend Kim Robards Dance Summer Intensive in Denver, CO in 2004, and was a member of the KRD Charlotte professional company in 2006. She performed on the North Carolina Dance Festival tour in 2006-2007 and several times in the Charlotte NCDF concert. Audrey was a member of Queen City Jazz Company and a founding member Charlotte’s first dance collaborative, project incite. She has been on the faculty of Gaston Dance Theater and Sullivan Dance Centre, teaching and choreographing jazz and tap dance for all ages. At present, Audrey is an adjunct professor at the Department of Dance at UNC Charlotte and dances with E.E. Motion. Audrey’s love of movement inspired her to obtain her 200-hour Yoga Certification in Power Vinyasa and she has been teaching with CYC since its inception in 2008.
Christine Navarro, RYT 200. Christine's first experience with yoga was at a gym in West Palm Beach, Florida in 1997. She was working as a paramedic at the time, and gunshot wounds and cardiac arrests were an everyday occurrence in her world. She found yoga to be a healing place where she could begin to clear away the stresses and anxieties of work and life in general. It made such a profound positive impact on her physically and mentally as she began making better choices. One choice was to become a yoga instructor, which she's been doing full-time since 2002. Christine's had the delight of studying with too many great teachers to mention, but the main influences of her teaching style are Rolf Gates and Sharon Gannon. With lightheartedness, focused intention, an empowering sense of physical challenge, and remembrance of the breath, a yoga class gives us plenty of opportunity to explore our potential. What we then DO with all that potential, is only limited by our imagination!
Chrys Kub, PT, e-RYT 200, RYT 500, is a physical therapist, yoga therapist and yoga instructor who's been teaching group fitness in Charlotte since 1988! She currently focuses on teaching vinyasa yoga and indoor cycling classes. Chrys's classes are based on YogaFit vinyasa yoga. YogaFit is designed to improve the health, performance, and mental acuity of athletes or individuals interested in improving their level of fitness. Based on the ancient fitness science of hatha yoga, it blends balance, strength, flexibility and power in a fitness format. YogaFit overcomes the mystery of yoga by delivering a practical, user-friendly style, which is accessible, understandable, and doable by individuals at any level of fitness. This style is know for reducing the risk of injury, and augments recovery for ailments including stress, lower back pain and tension. Chrys currently teaches with Charlotte Yoga Club, Laughing Buddha Yoga Studio, and the Harris YMCA. Additionally, she works as a yoga therapist through her company Balanced Body Therapy and provides services out of YogaOne and YogaFlex studios.
Carly Howard, RYT 200, Carly discovered yoga while practicing law in Miami, Florida. Yoga helped Carly balance her busy work life with her personal goals, both physical and mental. Carly's dedication to her yoga practice and desire to teach strengthened after moving to Charlotte three years ago, when she was introduced to Charlotte's robust yoga community. Carly is certified with Charlotte Yoga's 200 hour Power Alignment teacher training program. She believes in the holistic benefits of yoga, not only on the mat but in every aspect of life. Carly's classes focus on structural alignment of the physical body through proper anatomical adjustment based on inner observation. By teaching proper alignment, Carly strives to increase her students' strength and flexibility, improve joint motion and durability, and promote athletic sustainability. With the use of Pranayama breathing and light meditation, Carly's Hatha classes help to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
Jenifer Shahan, RYT 200, has always been a bouncy, active individual, participating in sports and the myriad of chores belonging to a life on a working farm and ranch. She began gymnastics and cecchetti (ballet) early in life and continued dancing, through competition, teaching and examinations, until she was almost 30. Yoga first appeared on her radar as part of her practice in dance. She first experienced the miracle of yoga and yogic breath as a part of her knee rehab after a marathon in 1999 and when she began her legal practice in 2001 in New York City, yoga brought relief from the sky-rocketing pressures of NYC life. She soon found herself - "not 'new,' just 'me,' calmer, more myself - more authentic." Jen has practiced a number of different forms of hatha yoga over the last eight years, but in the last four, she's begun to deepen her practice and answer the ever present call to share yoga. She's completed her certification with Yoga One in Charlotte, NC and has studied with Barron Baptist through a week long "practice" in Mexico in 2009. In Shahan's words, "On a more 'lofty' plane, my belief is that God - His Grace, Love and Truth - play the key role in life that we often ignore and thus, totally miss. Yoga helps us find it. With yoga we create space in the body, we create peace in the spaces in, around and in-between the workings of our physical being. When there is peace in our temple, then we make room for grace to come in and soon our heart, our bones, muscles and tendons have a chance to rest, to have peace and to move harmoniously. From this graceful place also comes room for the mind to rest, to fine peace. From this springs faith and love, hope eternal; we learn to believe in ourselves, in the good in others, …and to trust (to have FAITH!!) that something greater is at work and sometimes the best path is to just let go. If we can align the body, we can then align the spirit, that other part of ourselves we neglect all too often. Individual creativity, built upon the basis of correct structural alignment, ....with a little bit of humor, fun and rhythm, ..is so important to my practice, as is JOY. We need JOY!!! I find that in Yoga. I hope to give that to anyone willing to listen and work with me on this amazing journey. Yoga opens us up. We become thankful - mindful – of this beautiful blessing of Life and the Grace that can come from it."
Joan Wolfe. Joan's goal is to present a yoga practice to women from preconception through postpartum that is nurturing as well as empowering. Her classes include breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation as well as yoga postures (asanas) to strengthen, stretch and restore overall harmony in the body. In addition to a deeper connection with baby, classes result in an awakening to self and community. Certified pre/postnatal yoga instructor Joan Wolfe says "As a mother, I bring compassion to the mat. As a lifelong yoga student, I humbly convey a sense of discovery on the mother's yoga journey."
Jennifer Jordan, RYT 200, came to yoga in 2006 after years of living on the edge. After her first yoga class, she looked around at the other people in the room and thought to herself, "these people have something I want." From that day forth, a journey began to shed old, destructive behaviors and replace them with new, healthy ones. In the spring of 2008 she completed her 200 hour training with Johnna Smith at Yoga One, an experience that she counts as one of the most important of her life. Meanwhile she took her first workshop with Paige Elenson, one of the first certified teachers of AcroYoga. Thus, a love affair began. Jen spent the entire summer of 2008 playing and experimenting with friends weekly in the park, and continues to do so in various other forums. She honors all of her teachers, past and present, and feels especially thankful for the love and connection she has discovered with Anusara yoga. She believes wholeheartedly that learning about one's own body runs in tandem with learning how to live. Jen is also presently studying for her undergraduate degree in psychology.
Kaitlin Moran, RYT 200, took her first yoga class at age 11 with her mother. It included some pranayama and meditation as well as asana practice. She loved yoga immediately, and was very drawn to the spiritual aspects of it. For Kaitlin yoga is a way to release what is not needed, and make space for what is. She completed her teacher training at Yoga One, and is a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200 hour level. Kaitlin is also a Reiki Master.
Kathyrn Fish, RYT 200, has been involved with numerous types of team and extreme sports her entire life and brings a similar vigor to her yoga practice, and her classes. She is passionate about spending time outdoors swimming, rock climbing, back packing and is an avid cyclist. To her surprise, adding yoga to her routine approximately ten years ago revealed inactive and inflexible core muscles. Consequently, she has discovered that the physical aspect of yoga provides infinite potential for conditioning and longevity. Kathryn provides a comfortable and safe environment for her students to dive into the edge of their efforts while surrendering the mind into the present moment. Whether her class is gentle or dynamic, moving slow or flowing fast, students are encouraged to discover their inner joy as they open up to a deeper understanding of their practice. Kathryn is certified through the Yoga Alliance at the 230 hour level. Kathryn is eternally grateful to have yoga in her life as it continues to dissolve the borders between mind, body and spirit.
Leslie Dutton, RYT 200, began practicing Yoga as a way to get an incredible workout that activated every muscle in her body. A long time runner, she found that Yoga was essential to keeping her hips and knees happy. Eventually, her practice evolved into a much deeper understanding of body and Self. Leslie completed her Teacher Training at Atlanta Hot Yoga, focusing on Vinyasa and Power Yoga. Leslie also trained in Pilates at Studio Lotus in Atlanta, where is earned her Beginner and Intermediate Mat certifications through Power Pilates. She graduated with a degree in Health Promotion and Human Performance from the University of Georgia in 2002 and is certified through the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health/Fitness Specialist. Currently, Leslie works as an Exercise Physiologist with Presbyterian Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab Program.
Lisa Brownstead, RYT is a former TV news anchor and mom to 3 youngsters, ages 5, 4 & 2. She believes in the transformational power of yoga and hopes to help young and old alike find more balance, self esteem and joy in their lives through yoga.
Madeleine Holt, RYT 200. I've been practicing yoga all my life without realizing it. The first time I stubbed my toe and went running to my Dad he said ‘slow down, take some deep breaths’… and that's all we do on the mat, we slow down, take time out from the busy world around us and breathe. As individuals we're drawn to yoga for so many different reasons; to meet new people, recover from injury, for flexibility, strength, stress relief…but at some point these reasons become redundant. Yet we continue to show up, and that's one of the reasons I love yoga. We are all there ultimately for the same reason. Yoga makes us better people. Regardless of background, previous life experiences, abilities, age, or sex, yoga's available to everyone. The power yoga I practice constantly has me looking for new space and areas of growth. Every time I step onto my mat I push my edge, while at the same time developing an acceptance of my body and its capabilities and limitations. I've always pushed myself to my edge, on my mountain bike, my snowboard, in the gym, in the ocean, but never before have I found such depth and reward physically as well as mentally. I take what I learn on my mat and use it in everything I do. I look to let go of what's not serving me and focus on the direction I want to go, not on the obstacles. I appreciate more that the decisions we make today are the ones that shape us for tomorrow. I understand that our greatest strength isn't in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. I teach yoga in the hope that others will experience the same feeling of acceptance, strength and growth. When you find something as amazing as yoga, the right thing to do is share it!
Michelle Monroe Spurlock, Michelle Spurlock, PharmD, has been teaching yoga in Charlotte for 6 years. She obtained her teaching certifications (Levels 1 through 4) through YogaFit, an organization that seeks to “demystify” yoga and make it available to people of all backgrounds and fitness levels. Along these lines, Michelle began teaching yoga through Gold’s Gym and Peak Fitness clubs, often introducing yoga to people who never would have tried it if they hadn’t just been “walking by” a class while working out at the gym. For Michelle, one of the great joys of teaching yoga is creating classes that can be enjoyed by both the first-time student and the seasoned practitioner. Michelle also uses her first-hand experience with prenatal yoga, having taught throughout the 9 months of two pregnancies, to assist her pregnant students in their practice. Michelle holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is a professor with Wingate University School of Pharmacy. Her in-depth knowledge of Western medicine combined with her interest in a more holistic approach to health makes her a valuable resource to all of her students, especially those with health concerns.
Pam Hansen, RYT, Pam Hansen has over 15 years in the health and wellness arena. After obtaining her degree in nursing she began work as a Wellness Director at a variety of retirement communities in Southern California and then made a switch into the corporate world where she worked as a sales representative for pharmaceutical/ medical supply companies. After moving to Davidson 12 years ago, Pam stopped working in favor of raising a family. It was during this time that Pam became passionate about yoga and martial arts. Pam became one of the first 75 people in the world to be certified as a Budokon sensei (instructor) teaching a fusion of yoga, martial arts conditioning and meditation. Most recently Pam has started her own business as a Wellness Counselor. She is certified as a holistic living coach and helps clients achieve optimal health and vitality through nutrition and lifestyle modifications.
Phyllis Rollins, RYT, TBD
Rob Bruce, TBD
Ronne Golden, CPI. I was always an average person. Never really worked out but wasn't in bad shape. Depression struck in my early 20's. I gained about the weight of a 1st grader in 6 months! Before I knew it, nothing fit. I knew I had to make some changes. I joined a gym by my house. I was so excited that I made the first step! The gym was full of beautiful, fit people. I was the biggest girl there. I felt so uncomfortable! Not wanting to quit, I decided to take a Pilates class. The room was dark. I was down on my mat and no one was looking! This format gave me the confidence to continue attending. After only a few classes I felt better, faster, and stronger. Pilates became a great love of mine. I lost my excess weight and gained both muscle and confidence. Pilates changed me physically, emotionally and spiritually. This experience led me to become a Certified Pilates Instructor (CPI). I want people to fall in love with Pilates and with themselves! I want all people to live a better quality of life. After all, we have this one body and one life...make it count!
Rowena Herbert, RYT 200, TBD
Sibylle Klaus, RYT, has been in the fitness industry since 2002 and is an accomplished athlete with a background in a wide variety of sports in her native Germany. Sybille’s certifications include AFAA Aerobic and Pilates, Zumba, Kickboxing and is trained in Powerstrike, Budokon, Pilates Reformer, Cadillac and Stability Chair as well as CPR trained.
Sonya Pfeiffer, RYT 500. What began as an attempt to loosen muscles and alleviate joints from years of marathon training became a passion and personal journey of self-awareness. Sonya's exploration of yoga continued for the next three years with a sampling from various traditions, and in 2001, Sonya received her first teaching certification. Sonya has studied at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, the Triad Yoga Institute and is certified through Equipoise Yoga Studio. She has also completed several YogaFit trainings with a focus on athletes. Sonya is also a Pilates instructor certified by the Bodhi Tree Yoga & Pilates School. She has taught at several studios and fitness facilities in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, including Blue Lotus Movement and Arts, Nirvana Yoga, Club O2, the YMCA, and the UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont. Most recently, Sonya taught at Breathing Room in Charlotte, and continues to offer workshops for athletes as well as vigorous vinyasa-detox workshops. With respect and appreciation for the many yogic paths, Sonya’s classes are flow-based with attention to proper alignment.
Yvonne Brown, e-RYT 500, specializes in teaching Iyengar yoga. Iyengar yoga is often referred to as the "learning-persons yoga" because students truly "learn" how to perform each pose and what muscles and joints they should be working when in each pose rather than simply following a prescribed set of poses. The trademark of Iyengar Yoga is an intense focus on the subtleties of each posture, which allows for deeper penetration of every position! In an Iyengar class, poses are typically held much longer than in other schools of yoga, so that participants can pay close attention to the precise muscular and skeletal alignment each posture demands. Yvonne has taken a 230 hour and 500 hour yoga teacher training program in '04 and '07, respectively. She has also taken teacher training courses specializing in yoga for people with cancer and multiple sclerosis.
CYC Wellness Professional Resumes
Jenn West, MS, CHES, ACSM, NSCA, CSCS, has been an integral part of creating the boot camp program for Yoga Club. Jenn is a Health and Wellness Educator and Coach, specializing in fitness and nutrition programs. She has over 10 years of experience working with both groups and individuals in a variety of settings including corporations, universities, hospitals, and most recently the area of public health. Jenn’s interest in fitness and nutrition spurred as she played collegiate softball for Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT. During that time, Jenn earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health Education as well as the National Strength and Conditioning Associations Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS) credential. Over the course of the next five years, Jenn worked as a Wellness Program Manager for ProFitness Health Solutions, earned a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science from Southern Connecticut State University, and earned two nationally accredited certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. She also coached four years of varsity softball, implementing successful strength and conditioning programs to improve the player’s performance. Currently, Jenn is managing a community based grant focusing on reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke through small incremental lifestyle changes. She is also finishing a Masters Degree in Nutrition from Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, CT and collaborating with Intrinsic Health Source, a Connecticut based Health and Wellness Company, to bring quality fitness and nutrition education to the web. Jenn’s main passion is empowering individuals to take charge of their health by providing them with the tools they need to be successful as well as encouraging them to follow their unique path towards optimal wellness. Master of Science (MS); Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES); American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM); National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
Angel Stoy, ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), Exercise Science. Angel's passion, over the past ten years, has been teaching group exercise classes to adults of all ages with an emphasis on muscular strength and endurance. Graduating from UNC Charlotte with her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, she has been well- equipped with the information and knowledge to provide safe and effective wellness programs to participants of all ages. What she enjoys most is the opportunity to bring movement, education, and loads of excitement to people who want to make positive changes towards health and wellness. Angel's goal is to help others build strong bodies that will open doors to better health.