YTT Graduates - Where are they now?
Check out our 6 month check-ins.
Maddie Abramson
Class of 2023
Currently Teaching & Lead Coordinator at Namaspa
The Namaspa YTT program has given me so much more than just a yoga training. The community I have gained is so supportive, welcoming, and empowering. My confidence and faith in myself is so different from where it was when I began training. I joined YTT to help enhance my own skills, and now I teach and coordinate full time at the studio.
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The knowledge and dedication we received from Suzie was far beyond anything I have ever seen in a leader. I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone- regardless of if you want to teach or not. To those of you standing on the brink of uncertainty- take the leap. You will never know what amazing skills/ friends/ gifts you will gain unless you try.
Heather Kellner
Class of 2023
Currently teaching at Namaspa and
for the Namaspa Foundation
I experience life in a new light. YTT has awakened my awareness in ways that I have never felt or seen before. I absolutely love teaching! I am truly honored to make a connection with those in my classes. I teach Healing Flow and Chair yoga. The thought process and inspiration behind putting a flow together with an enlightening theme will never get old. There are so many beautiful aspects of yoga to share with students! I am also now working to complete the Kid's yoga teacher training with Deven Sisler, who is an incredible asset to the community. Namaspa offers a complete overview of all that is yoga. The anatomy lessons were very eye-opening for me and completely changed my asana practice. The Namaspa community is now my second home and I am eternally grateful for the amazing influences from not only the teachers but the amazing friends that I met in the YTT program.
Brit Richmond
Class of 2023
Currently teaching at Namaspa
and offering privates
When I began the program, I thought I would learn how to sequence and lead a class through asana, the various postures - which I certainly did! And I also learned how to hold profound healing space for myself and others. I learned to trust myself and my intuition and develop meaningful themes that could touch people’s lives in deep and inspirational ways. I developed my voice, as a yoga teacher yes, and also as a partner, a friend, a co-worker, and as an artist. My musicianship is a huge part of my life, and I feel that after YTT, my ability to perform and connect to others through music has been enhanced greatly. My breathwork practice, the pranayama that was such a foundation to our training, has helped my singing. My meditation practice that we developed the entire time has unlocked leveled of creativity I previously didn’t know existed.
Immediately after graduation, I knew enough to begin teaching regularly. I now even have corporate clients. I truly can’t recommend this training enough. I’ll be forever grateful for this transformative time in my life.
Nicole Morrall
Class of 2023
Currently subbing classes
I have grown so much as a person with YTT! I have all the tools I feel necessary to create the reality that I desire. Not only have I noticed significant self improvement, but I also have a stronger understanding of yoga as a whole which has made my daily yoga practice much stronger. Suzie and everyone that helped along the way is so knowledgeable and patient as each student unravels their love for yoga and where they see it taking them in the future!
Rain Kilgore
Class of 2023
Currently Teaching and Studio Coordinator
at Namaspa
I have grown so much as a person with YTT! I have all the tools I feel necessary to create the reality that I desire. Not only have I noticed significant self improvement, but I also have a stronger understanding of yoga as a whole which has made my daily yoga practice much stronger. Suzie and everyone that helped along the way is so knowledgeable and patient as each student unravels their love for yoga and where they see it taking them in the future!
Jason Shelman
Class of 2022
So much shifting and occurring, personally and professionally since YTT. The growth, awareness, focus, and deepening/softening occurring in and out of my practice has been super transformative. My 200 hour YTT course enhanced my practice, expanded my community, and strengthened my being. Yoga allows me to live my life at the pace I live, helping me stay in the body, connected to my breath and in the heart, helping integrate other life experiences. I love it, love my YTT classmates and the Namaspa community.
Joanna Allman,
Class of 2023
Currently teaching at Namaspa
The Namaspa YTT program has left me more grounded and connected. More creative in planning where to go next in life.
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I am teaching at Namaspa and absolutely loving it. It fills my cup and has deepened my own practice.
Ian McLane
Class of 2023
Currently Teaching at Namaspa
I’ve developed a deeper practice beyond asana and developed firmer boundaries which have strengthened my relationships. The Namaspa YTT program exceeded all of my expectations.
Misoo Abele
Class of 2023
Currently teaching at Namaspa
I’m enjoying a broader and deeper awareness of Yoga and a more connected sense of community!
Megan McLane
Class of 2022
The Namaspa YTT really helped me build a foundation from which to teach and LOADED my tool belt with tips. The anatomy sections were amazing and deepened my own personal practice. I also love that we had several workshops such as Yin, Nidra, Ayurveda, etc.
I am teaching at Namaspa and absolutely loving it. It fills my cup and has deepened my own practice.
Sarah Valenzuela
Class of 2022
The Namaspa 200hr YTT program is an intense, revelatory, and sublime experience for those ready to embark on the journey. It was apparent to me right away that the program was carefully designed to give the student the tools and
methods for becoming an effective teacher of the art.
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Taking the Namaspa 200hr YTT course alongside other yogis brought us together and many of us bonded. The friendships that I have formed with these diverse and interesting people have enriched my life.
I am currently teaching yoga in Bend and Redmond, and I am a studio coordinator at the Bend studio. The classes are going well. I feel growth with each class. I’m finding my own teaching style along with my voice and spirit.
Amanda Moss
Class of 2022
I loved YTT at Namaspa. It was challenging and supportive and got me doing things in my life I really didn’t think I could do. 100% recommend. I am teaching classes in John Day. I also just started teaching kiddos after continuing my yoga education with Deven. I wouldn’t be doing it without YTT. I’m doing other super cool things in my life that I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t done the hard work I did in YTT. I’m so thankful for this program. Seriously. Changed my life! It looks nothing like it used to.
Denise Hewes
Class of 2022
The Namaspa 200hr YTT course is amazing. I learned so much more than I thought on so many topics - how to teach a yoga class, proper alignment cues for poses, yoga sutras, yin yoga, yoga nidra, chakras, anatomy for yoga teachers, and so much more. The course far exceeded my expectations.
I am not currently teaching yoga. My purpose in taking the YTT course was to deepen my personal practice and learn more about yoga. I believe the YTT course has made me more conscious and intentional in how I act & perceive the world around me in all aspects of my life.
Katie Quan-Houk
Class of 2022
I 100% recommend Namaspa’s teacher training! Could not recommend this program more. I feel that Namaspa’s teacher training really gave me the tools to go out and start teaching right after graduation. Even if I hadn’t wanted to teach the confidence I gained throughout my teacher training has been invaluable to me.
Teaching at Namaspa Redmond, Sutra Power yoga in Redmond and Black Butte Chiropractic in Sisters, teaching Power Flow as well as Vin/Yin.
Kayla Pettit
Class of 2022
I think this program is a perfect starting point to give you the tools, practice, and foundation to start your career.
Teaching at Namaspa Bend. I'm starting to play in my classes more with poses and my verbage. Moving to Michigan - will look for places to teach there!
Kerry Truell
Class of 2021
I’ve been a part of the Namaspa community for a few years but now as a Namaspa teacher I’ve come to see this community with fresh eyes. I am learning more about myself and showing up more authentically then I’ve been able to do before. Since YTT I am a yes for taking on challenges and recognizing and using power to make change.
Linda Brunson
Class of 2021
The Namaspa YTT program helped me zero in on my core values and let go of old ways of thinking, so that I can show up authentically in my life. As a result, I'm happier, and feel a deeper connection with family, friends and clients. So grateful for the Namaspa YTT program, amazing teachers and my littermates! I'm on the sub list for virtual classes at Namaspa, community classes, friends and family.
Bruce Morris
Class of 2021
Having the honor of teaching yoga at Namaspa is the most important development for me form YTT. The most powerful shift or opening, professionally and personally, has been increased confidence and ability to speak more clearly and directly. I have struggled with those issues my entire life despite advanced education, professional accomplishments, and many attempts to work through them. Shifting into more clarity and confidence has allowed me to turn knowledge of yoga into teaching yoga (in my view) and improved my skill and effectiveness as a nonprofit director. It has also made me a better husband, father and grandpa. I know this sounds cliche, but it's true: the YTT program was life-changing for me.
Linsey Johnson
Class of 2020
I have discovered a new passion for teaching yoga, sharing the practice with our community empowers me. Since YTT, I have created a daily practice that gives me access to connection. I am able to get present by grounding down into my core values to enjoy the moment I am living in, rather than worrying about the past or trying to control the future. The healing and opening that has occurred in the past year has generated a whole lot of joy and self-love in my life. I'm now teaching at the Redmond Studio where I'm also the Studio Coordinator.
Dr. Jane Guyn
Class of 2020
As a result of Namaspa YTT, I'm more empowered, more open, more expressed, more fluid, more present, more alive. I'm now teaching at Namaspa and have taught over 250 classes on Facebook Live since I graduated in March.
Rebecca Vallie
Class of 2020
In 2019 I enrolled into the Yoga Teacher Training at Namaspa. OMG! It practically changed my life overnight! I feel happy, worthy, fit, loved and so much more. I am gratefully honored to have taken this path. The Namaspa YTT program has taught me the value of living with intention on and off the mat. It has forever transformed me into the very thing I am innately; my best self. I feel so humbled to have taken this path in life, it's more than just yoga, it's a way of life. I'm currently teaching at Namaspa's Redmond Studio.
Linsey Johnson
Class of 2020
I have discovered a new passion for teaching yoga, sharing the practice with our community empowers me. Since YTT, I have created a daily practice that gives me access to connection. I am able to get present by grounding down into my core values to enjoy the moment I am living in, rather than worrying about the past or trying to control the future. The healing and opening that has occurred in the past year has generated a whole lot of joy and self-love in my life. I'm now teaching at the Redmond Studio where I'm also the Studio Coordinator.
Dr. Jane Guyn
Class of 2020
As a result of Namaspa YTT, I'm more empowered, more open, more expressed, more fluid, more present, more alive. I'm now teaching at Namaspa and have taught over 250 classes on Facebook Live since I graduated in March.
Rebecca Vallie
Class of 2020
In 2019 I enrolled into the Yoga Teacher Training at Namaspa. OMG! It practically changed my life overnight! I feel happy, worthy, fit, loved and so much more. I am gratefully honored to have taken this path. The Namaspa YTT program has taught me the value of living with intention on and off the mat. It has forever transformed me into the very thing I am innately; my best self. I feel so humbled to have taken this path in life, it's more than just yoga, it's a way of life. I'm currently teaching at Namaspa's Redmond Studio.
Justina Gooden-Helton
Class of 2021
I recommend this YTT! You will complete this with a good overview of yoga history and yoga anatomy. You will have experience teaching healing flow, yin and meditation. You will definitely have the tools to teach an impactful power yoga class upon graduation! And you’ll meet some pretty fabulous people along the way!! I'm currently teaching Power and Yin yoga in Idaho.
Crystal Wright
Class of 2021
The YTT program came at an interesting time in my life, I had been very settled for a long time and life was about to require a lot of changes to happen all at once. I believe the YTT program helped me remain open and adaptable to all the big changes. I am on the sub list at Namaspa and leading the Tuesday community classes from my new home in Florida.
Kim Swanson
Class of 2021
I highly recommend this program - the didactic learning and practicum were comprehensive. Instructors and fellow YTT provided excellent feedback! Currently teaching classes at Namaspa.
Linsey Johnson
Class of 2020
I have discovered a new passion for teaching yoga, sharing the practice with our community empowers me. Since YTT, I have created a daily practice that gives me access to connection. I am able to get present by grounding down into my core values to enjoy the moment I am living in, rather than worrying about the past or trying to control the future. The healing and opening that has occurred in the past year has generated a whole lot of joy and self-love in my life. I'm now teaching at the Redmond Studio where I'm also the Studio Coordinator.
Dr. Jane Guyn
Class of 2020
As a result of Namaspa YTT, I'm more empowered, more open, more expressed, more fluid, more present, more alive. I'm now teaching at Namaspa and have taught over 250 classes on Facebook Live since I graduated in March.
Rebecca Vallie
Class of 2020
In 2019 I enrolled into the Yoga Teacher Training at Namaspa. OMG! It practically changed my life overnight! I feel happy, worthy, fit, loved and so much more. I am gratefully honored to have taken this path. The Namaspa YTT program has taught me the value of living with intention on and off the mat. It has forever transformed me into the very thing I am innately; my best self. I feel so humbled to have taken this path in life, it's more than just yoga, it's a way of life. I'm currently teaching at Namaspa's Redmond Studio.
Lisa Ryan
Class of 2020
I realized that I am 'perfectly imperfect' that it is ok to fail and 'gotta suck before you can soar'. All of my life I had been so hard on myself about things that I have no control over. YTT taught me not only self care, but how to work through my anxieties and help others work thru theirs. I love yin and I intend to teach it on a regular basis very soon.
Jared Eisenhaeur
Class of 2020
As a result of YTT, I decided to focus on my music career instead of software. I'm currently teaching on YouTube.
Marcy Ruffo
Class of 2020
I am exploring other types of yoga and am beginning to explore getting an advanced degree in Psychology. I would like to figure out a way to incorporate yoga teachings with those that have mental illness and/or are struggling with trauma related experiences. I am also taking the Namaspa 100 HR Dare U teacher training. So, I’m basically in exploration!
Linsey Johnson
Class of 2020
I have discovered a new passion for teaching yoga, sharing the practice with our community empowers me. Since YTT, I have created a daily practice that gives me access to connection. I am able to get present by grounding down into my core values to enjoy the moment I am living in, rather than worrying about the past or trying to control the future. The healing and opening that has occurred in the past year has generated a whole lot of joy and self-love in my life. I'm now teaching at the Redmond Studio where I'm also the Studio Coordinator.
Dr. Jane Guyn
Class of 2020
As a result of Namaspa YTT, I'm more empowered, more open, more expressed, more fluid, more present, more alive. I'm now teaching at Namaspa and have taught over 250 classes on Facebook Live since I graduated in March.
Rebecca Vallie
Class of 2020
In 2019 I enrolled into the Yoga Teacher Training at Namaspa. OMG! It practically changed my life overnight! I feel happy, worthy, fit, loved and so much more. I am gratefully honored to have taken this path. The Namaspa YTT program has taught me the value of living with intention on and off the mat. It has forever transformed me into the very thing I am innately; my best self. I feel so humbled to have taken this path in life, it's more than just yoga, it's a way of life. I'm currently teaching at Namaspa's Redmond Studio.
Miro Frankzerda
Class of 2021
It's amazing how much I've learned to face myself through the vulnerability of teaching yoga. I've grown patience, resilience, but also comfort being in my own body and confidence in my voice. On the sub list at Namaspa.
Kelly Calise
Class of 2021
I've created more space for what I most need. First, it was a lot of rest. After grinding for months (years), I gave myself permission to take some down time and heal some unattended physical and emotional things. I'm now moving into very intentional prioritizing and re-prioritizing of my life. Including asking for exactly what I want at work, learning new skills as we remodel our house, and leveling up my closest relationships with stronger communication and presence. Setting stronger boundaries all around. Not teaching yet, but as soon as I finish my final practice teaching classes I'm partnering with a local strength and conditioning gym to offer a few classes!
Chris Harrison
Class of 2021
I found that yoga was far more than what I found in the studio. My life, demeanor and attitudes all shifted as a result of this program. I also realized I loved practicing yoga far more that I did teaching it. I'll be forever grateful for this training as it has truly impacted my life positively
Linsey Johnson
Class of 2020
I have discovered a new passion for teaching yoga, sharing the practice with our community empowers me. Since YTT, I have created a daily practice that gives me access to connection. I am able to get present by grounding down into my core values to enjoy the moment I am living in, rather than worrying about the past or trying to control the future. The healing and opening that has occurred in the past year has generated a whole lot of joy and self-love in my life. I'm now teaching at the Redmond Studio where I'm also the Studio Coordinator.
Dr. Jane Guyn
Class of 2020
As a result of Namaspa YTT, I'm more empowered, more open, more expressed, more fluid, more present, more alive. I'm now teaching at Namaspa and have taught over 250 classes on Facebook Live since I graduated in March.
Rebecca Vallie
Class of 2020
In 2019 I enrolled into the Yoga Teacher Training at Namaspa. OMG! It practically changed my life overnight! I feel happy, worthy, fit, loved and so much more. I am gratefully honored to have taken this path. The Namaspa YTT program has taught me the value of living with intention on and off the mat. It has forever transformed me into the very thing I am innately; my best self. I feel so humbled to have taken this path in life, it's more than just yoga, it's a way of life. I'm currently teaching at Namaspa's Redmond Studio.
Linsey Johnson
Class of 2020
I have discovered a new passion for teaching yoga, sharing the practice with our community empowers me. Since YTT, I have created a daily practice that gives me access to connection. I am able to get present by grounding down into my core values to enjoy the moment I am living in, rather than worrying about the past or trying to control the future. The healing and opening that has occurred in the past year has generated a whole lot of joy and self-love in my life. I'm now teaching at the Redmond Studio where I'm also the Studio Coordinator.
Dr. Jane Guyn
Class of 2020
As a result of Namaspa YTT, I'm more empowered, more open, more expressed, more fluid, more present, more alive. I'm now teaching at Namaspa and have taught over 250 classes on Facebook Live since I graduated in March.
Rebecca Vallie
Class of 2020
In 2019 I enrolled into the Yoga Teacher Training at Namaspa. OMG! It practically changed my life overnight! I feel happy, worthy, fit, loved and so much more. I am gratefully honored to have taken this path. The Namaspa YTT program has taught me the value of living with intention on and off the mat. It has forever transformed me into the very thing I am innately; my best self. I feel so humbled to have taken this path in life, it's more than just yoga, it's a way of life. I'm currently teaching at Namaspa's Redmond Studio.
Linsey Johnson
Class of 2020
I have discovered a new passion for teaching yoga, sharing the practice with our community empowers me. Since YTT, I have created a daily practice that gives me access to connection. I am able to get present by grounding down into my core values to enjoy the moment I am living in, rather than worrying about the past or trying to control the future. The healing and opening that has occurred in the past year has generated a whole lot of joy and self-love in my life. I'm now teaching at the Redmond Studio where I'm also the Studio Coordinator.
Dr. Jane Guyn
Class of 2020
As a result of Namaspa YTT, I'm more empowered, more open, more expressed, more fluid, more present, more alive. I'm now teaching at Namaspa and have taught over 250 classes on Facebook Live since I graduated in March.
Rebecca Vallie
Class of 2020
In 2019 I enrolled into the Yoga Teacher Training at Namaspa. OMG! It practically changed my life overnight! I feel happy, worthy, fit, loved and so much more. I am gratefully honored to have taken this path. The Namaspa YTT program has taught me the value of living with intention on and off the mat. It has forever transformed me into the very thing I am innately; my best self. I feel so humbled to have taken this path in life, it's more than just yoga, it's a way of life. I'm currently teaching at Namaspa's Redmond Studio.
Elena Blackman
Class of 2019
The Namaspa yoga teacher training is one of the best investments I have made in myself. Namaspa’s holistic approach to yoga teacher training deepened my asana practice, broadened my knowledge of yoga philosophy, and fostered a period of self-study, which encouraged a personal breakthrough that allows me to be more open and to have deeper connections. I subbed classes at Namaspa and I'm currently teaching my fellow co-workers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Denver.
Tracy Cook
Class of 2019
There has been so many changes in my life since graduation. I am making an entire career change. I am going to be an aquatic aerobics instructor, and I am a yoga teacher. I know I am capable of achieving things that used to feel like they were only dreams. Now they are my reality. I teach chair yoga at Juniper Springs Senior Center. I also sub yoga classes at Fitness 1440 in Redmond and offer private classes.
Scooter Detweiller
Class of 2020
My yoga journey was, is, and will forever be one of the most profound experiences in my life story. The strength and power that blossomed from within me were awe-inspiring, and both friends and family have noticed how much more at peace I am with the peaks and valleys of life. Additionally, I have recently been able to adapt my practice to accommodate having a back injury. My YTT training taught me to be patient and present throughout the process of my life and the healing power of my journey!
Maritza Encinas
Class of 2019
My realization in YTT was that I desire more connection with others beyond my professional life. YTT helped me to connect to others, and allow them to move into my space which I found anxious at first, but very welcome once I learned to take more healthy risks like trusting new people with some of my vulnerabilities. I am currently teaching a yoga with horses in Sunriver, the Yoga Horse Tribe. You are welcome to join us!
Ann Marie Ulum
Class of 2019
The thing that brought me to yoga is part of my road, part of my story, I will listen to it and let the message do its job. Give time...time. I'm teaching a lot at Namaspa Redmond - Power Flows, Vin/Yin and Evoke Yin! It is my happy time and I'm saying yes to every opportunity to teach as a regular and sub classes to support our team!
Andrea Wordhouse
Class of 2019
I am able to accept, live and enjoy life...on life's terms. I've learned to accept what is happening in the 'now'. I've learned the importance of connection with community. And...I've learned that I absolutely love teaching yoga. Having a job that requires me to be present, grounded, connected and authentic is absolutely my higher power's doing. After YTT I have classes on the regular schedule, am a part of the Recovery Yoga program as well as the Namaspa Foundation.
Susan Fox
300Hr Advanced Training
I've been teaching yoga for about 25 years and this program helped me refine my cueing and the way I approach teaching. It helped me get out of auto pilot and think differently about what I'm saying and how it's landing. While I was a very successful teacher before I did the training, I believe I am an even better teacher as a result. It's always good to try to improve and go expand my comfort zone and I'm so glad I did this. I am currently teaching at Namaspa, Juniper, The Yoga Lab, and on retreats that I do around the world 4 times a year.
Anneliese Sharpe
Class of 2019
I've found myself saying yes to situations that in the past I would have automatically assumed I couldn't do. My confidence has increased and, the unthinkable has happened, I can now comfortably touch my toes. I'm currently teaching at Namaspa and for the Namaspa Foundation.
Lesley Barr
Class of 2018
I feel like I've come full circle teaching yoga at the very place my yoga journey began in 2011. I have had the amazing opportunity of leading the Sunday Community Class in Bend and the Tuesday Community Class in Redmond over the summer as well as subbing and practicing at both studios. YTT taught me not only how to teach but that yoga is a way of being, a way of life. So much possibility has opened for me and I'm so excited to see where this journey leads me.
Marisa Funk
Class of 2018
Since YTT has ended, I've been teaching yoga in the park, community classes at Namaspa, and am about to begin subbing classes there as part of the Internship program and in other fitness facilities. I feel confident in the teaching skills I've gained, and am so excited to continue growing as a teacher, a yogi, and as a human! Besides the knowledge of teaching and yoga I obtained in YTT, I also gained a huge sense of clarity that I wouldn't give up for the world. I feel that, for the first time in my life, I know what I want and I've given myself the permission to shamelessly go after it. I've experienced the ripple effect of yoga throughout my life - in work, in relationships, in everyday interactions. I am free to stick to my guns, set my boundaries, and love fiercely. YTT was the first step out the door, and now that it's ended, I'm so stoked to see where the rest of this journey will take me.
Ashley Stevick
Class of 2018
Everything is different now. The way I respond to people and events has shifted. A few days ago my morning adventure into the mountains went slightly awry due to a radiator issue. While there was somewhere else I intended to be, it struck me that sitting in the shade of a juniper waiting for a tow truck really wasn’t so bad. I considered how I would have responded prior to YTT. Likely I would have panicked. I would have indulged in a good amount of future tripping regarding paying for repairs, and my brain would have anxiously churned over how to get to Montana for my best friend’s wedding the following Saturday. I observed the thoughts and went a different way with ease. It was a neutral situation. I could have assigned meaning and made it difficult. I could have created unnecessary struggle and drama but I chose a different route. I teach in John Day, Oregon at a few different locations.
PJ Fritchman
Class of 2017
Since graduation, I've been teaching @ Namaspa, Bend during the Thursday Community Class and substituting classes as they occur. I also teach a weekly yin class @ Wren & Wild, downtown Bend. I can tell with each passing week, the JIP sequence is sinking in more to my core, I'm gaining confidence and teaching is much more fun than I initially anticipated. It doesn't feel like a 'job.' I love that I've started down this path, looking forward to continued growth and able to continue this skill for years and decades ahead.
Amanda Bird
Class of 2017
What has opened up for me? My heart! Which then increased the volume of my voice. I believe this happened when I roared like a lion in the middle of a weekend training, but that Lion has been inside of me my whole life. Prior to YTT I struggled to be myself and speak my mind, even with family, friends, and coworkers...I was embarrassed about being quirky, socially awkward, and slightly dyslexic. Now, I'm a yoga teacher! Currently, I am subbing in Bend and Redmond 1-3 times a week. I can TEACH a room full of (mostly) strangers. I get to BE with them, and share how this practice has positively changed my life.
Ben Schade
Class of 2016
YTT has completely transformed the person I am. Since graduation I have gone on to teach on the sub list 7-9 classes a week. Every aspect of my life has been impacted and teaching allows me to stay reminded of how beneficial continuing a daily practice is. The YTT program at Namaspa has allowed me to find my voice and be a more authentic person. I have a much better view of the workings inside my mind. I can now witness my emotional responses to situations and sometimes even effect my response and change my perspective to better serve myself and those around me. The tools I learned and implementing those tools have made my life so much better on all levels.
Kristen Lewellen300Hr Advanced Training
I have been teaching yoga since 2011, and currently teach at Namaspa, the Athletic Club of Bend, and Broken Top Club. I decided to enhance my training and am currently working on my 500 hour YTT certification with Suzie. Since completing the advanced YTT weekend intensive module, I feel more authentic with my teaching. Teaching yoga is so much more fun when you can teach in the moment, be with your students, and create a space for growth on and off the mat. My experience with the training also translated to more clarity with my relationships outside the studio. I'm excited to finish my certification this fall, and look forward to the self study, growth, and opportunities that this training provides.'
Linda Santilli Taylor
Class of 2014
I had no idea what was in store for me when I signed up for YTT but I was open to change, I was open to finding a more fulfilling route in my life. I knew I wanted to give back to the yoga community, I just had no idea more gifts would be revealed. The YTT program in a sense helped me find my voice, I had always had “issues” with speaking in public and somehow class after class, digging deeper into my authentic self, actually trusting me and allowing my spirit to shine, I heard my voice! It had been there all the time, I just couldn’t find it. I love teaching yoga; there is a part of me that just comes to life. I love the meditative flow, the healing, both physically and emotionally, friendships, and community. I am continuing to grow as a teacher, to learn more, to experience more life, more happiness, more love and guess what? I get to give that away and in return receive even more. I am currently teaching at Namaspa and Max Fitness and loving this new chapter in my life.
Brandy Berlin
Class of 2014
Since completing YTT training in February 2014, I have been subbing classes at Namaspa and continuing to instruct yoga at the high school where I teach. I will also be hosting community classes through the “NamaSummer Outdoor Yoga Series” Sundays in July and August from 11:30am -12:30 at my home in SE Bend. YTT taught me to sit with my challenges just as they are, to remove the story behind it, and deal with situations responsively rather than reactively. It sharpened my powers of observation and awareness both externally and internally. One unexpected benefit of my YTT program was how much my energy and enthusiasm inspired others to try yoga and even go for the YTT themselves.
Cathy Lawgates
Class of 2014
Since YTT I am on the sub list at Namaspa, and have been teaching there and continuing to volunteer teach at Mt. Star Family Relief and Bethlehem Inn. I will be teaching a fundraiser yoga class in the park for Relay for Life. I have also subbed some classes at the Redmond Athletic center. The YTT training really empowered me to realize that I am a teacher and inspiration just by my practice and example. I had no idea I’d really teach after the program, but I’ve found that I enjoy the practice so much and I love to share it with others. I especially like that I am doing volunteer classes and giving back to our community on a regular basis. In continuing my education and experience, I just keep learning, again and again, that it is only my mind that limits me in what I can do. My practice continues to evolve as I move past my fear and try new things. I want to keep teaching and learning and evolving!