(New Website coming soon! with updated photos and bio's!)

Teachers

Cassandra (aka Nischala (say 'Nis', say 'chala'))
Registered and Certified Yoga Teacher,
Ordained Nithya Yoga Acharya, Ordained Ananda Spiritual Healer,
Director and Founder of Gilbert Yoga

I began my studies of yoga in southern California in the Ashtanga tradition in 1998 at a time in my life when I needed to learn to de-stress and relax. Through my first contact with yoga I realized that this was the path for me...it felt right, like coming 'home'. In addition to learning how to relax and pay attention to my body, I was pleasantly surprised to find my physical strength growing, my flexibility improving, and my mind expanding and shifting. To this day I find myself opening in new ways - in attitude, mind and heart. Since my first yoga experience in 1998 I have continued to train in and learn various styles of yoga, acquiring my first certification to teach in the year 2000.  In regards to my asana development and growth, my Anusara teacher inspired me greatly. In my spiritual practice and daily living practice of yoga my inspiration has often been my best friend, Ingrid.  In August of 2006 I met my Guru who guided me towards my Higher Self. To Him I offer my deepest Gratitude...for giving me the tools to touch Samadhi and for ultimately helping me open to see that I AM my own best Guru. In January 2007 I traveled to India to become an Ordained Nithya Yoga Acharya (teacher) and Ananda Spiritual Healer. While in India I experienced a profound spiritual awakening that has deeply affected my life and yoga teaching. In my classes I share with my students what I know as Truth and what I have experienced -  we are Divine Spiritual Beings living in this Human Existence, and this Path, this Life, this Journey is not be missed. Each Moment we have an opportunity to really BE PRESENT in what we are doing...to see and feel the nature of our True Self...to remember our inner Light...to see that we are One and the same with ALL who are around us and with the Divine.  Finally, taking all of my various teachers advice, I now practice it and repeat it for you...'BE STILL and Meditate!'  That is the key to unlock the Truth of Who You Are.

 

Ingrid Ortega, Certified Yoga Teacher

We are all born with an enlightened heart, with a calm mind, a peaceful sweet smile and a full belly, breathing. In our yoga practice we are simply coming back to us...to our Divine essence. Many ways to walk our path, the Art and Science of Yoga is a very special and effective one...at least for me. It started when I was a kid; we were 7 crazy children (3 girls/4 boys), me in the middle. Yoga for me at first was trying to impress my family with some pretzel yoga poses I had seen in a book in my home in Venezuela...now a way of life, a method of healing. My childhood was often interrupted by broken bones, a symptom of premature osteoporosis at the age of six -2 broken vertebra, broken tailbone, ankles, foot, toes, fingers, etc...not all at once of course. At one point in my late 20's I asked myself, 'Do I want to live this way?' In constant pain, so limited and restricted? Of course not! Two days later I met my first yoga teacher, Nancy. Within a few weeks I began to see results. I started to heal and transform in so many ways, and the more I wake up the more I see, and the more I realize I know nothing...and that inspires me to move on. It keeps getting better and better. Some time later I came to the States, by circumstances that were very painful...a dear extended family member got into a fatal accident. So I came, left everything behind and here I am. This is when you know that even though life is full of constant challenges it is our perception that will make a difference...to remain at peace, to trust. After a year or so here in the Valley my practice brought me to a yoga class where I met my dear friend Nischala. As we grew our practice together she planted a seed in my heart to get my teacher training certification and teach with her. Meanwhile I met Carlos, my husband, teacher, guru, daily inspiration. A yogi since he was 14 years old. In 2001 I went to Sedona, Seven Centers Yoga Arts and spent the most amazing 30 days of yoga...of waking up...of Being. I received my certificate through Mimi, Ruth and Gary and fell in love with them and their teacher training program based on ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriyas developed by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, a disciple of Sivananda. In 2002 our son David came into our lives and gave us the honor of being his parents and became our teacher, our inspiration, our reminder to just Be...be happy, be joyful, be grateful...to shine! So, here I am. Here we are in our Yoga-home...learning, teaching, giving and receiving the many Blessings and benefits of this science, art, discipline. We can call it whatever, but it's bringing us together. It welcomes us and holds us as we are, feeding any particular need of our body, mind and spirit, guiding us back home to our Divine essence...so we may ultimately break free from the illusion of separation, boundaries and suffering. I am you, you are I, and we are One...One with the Divine...

Heather Janesky, Certified Yoga Teacher

Heather is a living, breathing example of Yoga. Her personality and charm, intelligence and grace say it all. Don't miss a class with Heather!

Lisette Mercado-Pena, Certified Yoga Teacher, Certified Prenatal Yoga Teacher, and Licensed Hypno-Birthing Coach

Lisette is the most amazing woman and prenatal yoga teacher you will ever meet! She is a true inspiration in how she lives her yoga! She's too humble to write her own bio, so this will have to do!
Pregnant women - PreNatal Yoga with Lisette is one class you don't want to miss!
 

Robin Afinowich, Certified Yoga Teacher

 Even before I knew about yoga, I was drawn to exploring inner peace and silence. My desire to establish a sense of physical health, mental well-being and an understanding of my inner nature has brought me through a journey of self awareness and transformation; a journey that has led me to a a path of sharing the gift of self discovery and recovery. Having practiced yoga for over 10 years, I earned my 200hr Yoga Teaching certificate as a student of a senior teacher, Mary Bruce, who delicately weaves her advanced trainings of Anusara and Para Yoga into a dynamic and inspirational art. As an ever evolving student of yoga, philosophy and psychology, my quest for further knowledge and practice continues.  I have experienced the remarkable ability for the body to energetically expand and heal itself through the practice of asana, as the mind becomes tranquil and calm with steady breath, and the soul finds peace through intention, surrender and grace. I encourage students to explore the many layers of self and to truly understand how the components of our human experience can merge seamlessly into their own unique expression of divinity.  It is my intention to create a deeper, personal and intuitive experience by bringing awareness to the beautifully spontaneous flow of energy, with proper and safe alignment, including focus on quality of breath and clarity of mind. My classes are a soothing combination of strength and ease, and the space created is one that is nurturing, approachable, trusting and exploratory. I invite you to rediscover the power and greatness within and to embrace the infinite capacity of your most liberated and authentic Self!

Diane Pollack, Certified Yoga Teacher

I have been an elementary school teacher for many years and am currently a special education teacher working with young children with various disabilities. I came to yoga in my mid-forties when I was seeking a method of managing the physical effects of arthritis on my body. Beginning with a weekly practice of joint freeing movements and stretching I noticed myself not only reducing pain and stiffness but building both strength and flexibility. Practicing yoga and being part of the yoga community felt right to me. I found myself trying different classes and enjoying the challenge of the some of the poses I never thought I could do. Regular yoga practice is now a part of my life, and I couldn’t see it any other way. In fact, when I travel I now enjoy attending classes at local studios in cities all over the country. I have found that the people I meet at yoga studios are warm and welcoming.  I believe there is a suitable yoga practice for everybody and I encourage all to find it within themselves.  

Gretchen Bickert, Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher

Gretchen is fun, playful and energetic--just right for teaching Kundalini Yoga and sharing her playing of the Gong! She will keep you inspired to keep up, encourage you to go beyond what you thought your limitations were, and inspire energy, laughter and creativity to arise within you!
Watch the website for workshops and events with Gretchen.

Daniela Yuenyongsgool, Certified Yoga Teacher

For me, yoga is a way of Being and Living in the world. Yoga provides tools to guide me on the path of self-discovery and growth, and through yoga I can Realize who I truly am, and get/stay in touch with the Divine within me. Through a regular yoga practice I have come to relate with my own self, others, and my environment in healthier ways. 
As a teenager I was diagnosed with scoliosis. To cope with the pain I did physical therapy and swimming, but continued to suffer with the discomfort of the curved spine. In 2002 I was introduced to yoga -- I loved it from the very beginning! By 2007 I was truly committed to a regular practice that involved taking yoga off of the mat and into my everyday life. Since then I have practiced a variety of yoga styles, with my favorites being Vinyasa Flow, Yin-Yang Flow, and Yin and Restorative yoga. I have always enjoyed the grace and flow of moving my body with my breath, letting go of the chattering in my mind, and completely giving myself to the practice while experiencing unity of mind, body, and spirit. Yoga helped me get to know my body and deal with the effects of my scoliosis.
Yoga teacher training was a purely joyful endeavor that allowed me begin to share this wonderful practice with others. I am inspired to share with others all the joys and benefits of yoga. Since I began practicing yoga I have become more connected to my body and my soul. I have gained mental strength, physical strength and flexibility. I have better health overall. 
I consider yoga a great gift that is available to everyone, regardless of age, health, and religious conviction. Anyone who is willing can experience the benefits of yoga for themselves.
Through my teaching of physical postures and alignment awareness, I also create an atmosphere in which my students feel comfortable letting go of Ego, and connecting to Higher Self, the Divine spark within each of us.
While there are many yogic styles of self-realization that I pursue, I am mostly a Bhakti Yogi, following the path of Love and Devotion. I practice yoga as an offering to the Universe, to all living Beings, and the Divine within me. In this way, Yoga is not anymore just about me, but about the well-being of the those I can reach out to.

 
Rachel Johnston, Certified Yoga Teacher

Rachel Johnston is a certified Yoga teacher and has been with Gilbert Yoga since January 2009. Rachel was blessed to encounter yoga at an early age from her parents. While in college, she rediscovered yoga and was immediately drawn to the quiet, meditative poses. Finally, after having her second child she followed her dreams and became a
yoga teacher. Rachel is currently filling in for other teachers as requested.

Brigitte Yancy, Certified Yoga Teacher

Welcome Brigitte! We are so pleased to have you teaching with us at Gilbert Yoga!
Blessings to you for filling for us so often and for teaching Level 1/Beginner Yoga.

 Bio coming soon!