PG SAN FRANCISCO INSTRUCTORS
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Amy Gilliland found and fell in love with yoga many years ago while living in Maui, Hawaii. She eventually became certified to teach here in San Francisco at the Yoga Tree, where she was named the most “natural teacher” in her class. Her studies include a year long exploration of the art of yin yoga and yoga therapy, several silent yoga and meditation retreats, and workshops in the areas of yin yoga, restorative yoga, and Buddhist philosophy. She also spent almost one year living in Santa Cruz, California, where she implemented a children’s yoga program into the pre-school she was teaching at, and taught several public classes to children of all ages. Her classes blend Yin, Iyengar, Vinyasa, and Restorative yoga with uplifting music and poetry. There is always a focus on alignment, breath, and self-awareness. She is deeply inspired by many teachers including Dina Amsterdam, Janet Stone, Sarah Powers, Judith Lasater, Mark Whitwell, and Shiva Rea. “I truly believe that sharing and spreading yoga, and the yogic lifestyle, is one of the greatest gifts we can give to each other and the planet. As we cultivate inner peace and well being individually, the planet as a whole moves towards peace, harmony, and health as well.”
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Tuesdays and Thursdays 630a - Power As an avid runner, Kate found herself on a yoga mat in 2001 with the intention of supplementing her marathon training. This first class in Washington D.C. was where Kate's initial spark of passion was ignited. Yoga quickly became her means of cultivating balance in her physical, spiritual and mental self. Kate's experience as a teacher has come from the Yoga Tree Teacher Training Program and continual practice. Her inspirational mentors include Darren Main, Janet Stone, Elise Lorimer and Rodney Yee. Kate as well is able to draw from an extensive background in the Health and Wellness Field. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in '03, she was stationed at the Pentagon for 3 years where she served as Command Fitness Leader. In 2005, Kate spent her weekends traveling to NYC to obtain a license in Holistic Health Counseling through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. As a yoga teacher, Kate brings a blend of styles to the floor where she emphasizes core strength, flexibility, balance, and breath control. The first half of her class is focused on stamina where students will flow through powerful sun salutations. The second half is spent loosening shortened muscles and strengthening weakened muscles, while concentrating on proper physical and energetic alignment. Kate strives to enhance the fluidity and strength of her student's bodies.
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Monday 7:30pm - Vinyasa Starting at a young age, Sarah has always explored various means of physical expression ranging from the rigor of competitive gymnastics to the playfulness of hiking, climbing and soccer. Her first introduction to yoga came during college, in 2000, when Sarah visited home and joined her mother’s community yoga class. These classes planted the seed for a holistic approach to physical exploration, connected with mental awareness and community building. Sarah took the passion for yoga beyond her personal practice and completed the rigorous Yoga Tree Teacher Training program. Sarah now teaches as a part of the caring team with the Art of Yoga Project, integrating yoga and creative art for young women in the juvenile detention system. She finds her calling working with youth and adults to address health concerns through nutrition, physical movement and meditation practices. In her playful flow-based classes, Sarah works to build a strong community, a place where all individuals can explore their personal strengths while softening into mental stillness. Sarah remains a lifelong student of yoga and gives thanks to her teachers for continued guidance: Darren Main, Elise Lorimer, Les Leventhal, Courtney Woodrow, Mary Lynn Fitton, Kari Zabel and so many more.
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Tuesday and Thursday 6:30p - Hatha Flow Josh Camire, B.S., M.A., R.Y.T., offers a challenging, safe and supportive yoga experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner you can look forward to a class that is a moving meditation. Students will explore dedication to their breath, principles of alignment and an appreciation for the transformative effects of the practice. Josh is passionate about helping you achieve your goals (especially if that goal is to be less goal oriented!) both on and off the yoga mat. |
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Mondays and Wednesdays 12noon & 6p - Power “Teaching is only demonstrating that it is possible. Learning is making it possible for yourself.” —Paulo Coelho Mary received her certification in the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and the It’s Yoga Rocket through Larry Schultz at It’s Yoga. She also completed the Sadhana Yoga Chi training with Doug Swenson. Her firm belief that the best way to approach any challenging posture is with a strong breath, an adventurous spirit and a playful smile stems from a dedicated practice with Amme Hill. Mary encourages a practice that builds strength and flexibility in the body as well as the mind.
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Monday 7p - Foundations of Flow Charles S. Jasper is a long-time student of yoga and meditation, and began teaching Hatha yoga in the flow form 8 years ago. He draws extensively upon 21 years experience as a chiropractor. He is currently in private practice as a clinical psychologist, consulting with individuals, couples, and groups in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy. He expresses a love and respect for teaching, and the relationships that grow out of spiritual practice. His classes flow from an integration of effort and ease, rooted in mindfulness. |
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Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays noon - Power Christie Marshall is committed to a life of learning and sharing. She is filled with gratitude for the insight she has gained through her over thirteen years of practicing yoga. She originally started a regular yoga practice with the intention of creating more stability and balance in her body after her first foot surgery, and has since immersed herself in Ashtanga, Power Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga. Christie teaches a grounding, energetic and powerful Vinyasa Flow to open the physical body, deepen mental awareness, and awaken the spirit. She is a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher and has studied with such inspiring mentors as Baron Baptiste, Patty Ivey, Sarah Powers, and Rusty Wells. Christie has been a lifelong educator in diverse fields with a master’s degree in Education and Human Development. She is excited to share her passion for yoga, guiding yoga practitioners to a deeper understanding of asana, breath, mindfulness, and conscious movement. You can learn more about Christie by visiting her website: |
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Monday and Wednesday 5:45p - Abs & Core Alison is a lifelong athlete and avid climber who first discovered Pilates in 2005 when a series of back injuries left her in pain and unable to participate fully in the activities she loved. Lo and behold, the practice of Pilates helped her to strengthen and stabilize her core, which led to a happier life and as an added benefit, a much improved climbing ability. Desiring to spread this discovery to her peers, Alison completed her teacher training in 2008 at the EHS Pilates Institute where she trained with several outstanding instructors, including Ellie Herman. Alison believes strongly in the benefits of Pilates and loves to challenge students of all levels to increase their overall strength and level of fitness. Her classes draw on Pilates concepts, and emphasize core strength, balance and flexibility. |
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When Tom started to practice yoga over ten years ago, he realized that this ancient art and science is a lot more than just pretty poses and a healthy body. These things reel us in, but they are just the first steps toward a clearer mind, and a more balanced life. Tom began teaching yoga full time in 2002 and has taken teacher training programs with Bikram Choudhury, Baron Baptiste, and Rusty Wells. He teaches a mindful, intuitive, light hearted, and challenging Vinyasa yoga class. |
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Tuesday and Thursday 9:30a - Vinyasa Alyssa’s greatest joy is the language of the body and sharing movement with others. As an explorer of dance, sports and martial arts since the age of three, she realizes that the essence of all movement goes beyond any one discipline and taps into the source that connects us all. Alyssa’s approach is one of open curiosity and she encourages each person’s unique journey. Alyssa has been teaching yoga for eight years. She completed the Forrest Yoga Teacher Training with Ana Forrest and her primary teachers are Thomas Fortel, Max Thomas, and Charu Rachlis. Alyssa is also an experienced body worker, trained at Esalen Institute, and she maintains a thriving practice in San Francisco. To learn more about Alyssa, please visit www.OpeningPresence.com. |
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Thursday 6:00p - Power Heather lives to share what she passionately loves. Approaching life and yoga with progressive insight by exploring the freedom of movement, the space of the breath and the vastness of the soul. Classes are vigorous and inventive, inviting practitioners to dance at their edge and rest as needed. Every practice is a celebration of life - focusing on awakening the very essence of who we are. |
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Silvie's classes are challenging, deeply engaging and with a sense of purpose. She completed two Forest Yoga trainings - FY Foundation Course and FY Continuing Education for Teachers and also assisted Stephanie Snyder at Yoga Tree for almost two years. She creatively infuses elements of Forrest style into her vinyasa classes. Her commitment to translating yoga into an accessible, meaningful practice is rooted deeply in my passion to teach. Her classes are fueled by study of psychology and Eastern philosophy. She encourages her students to turn inward, to stay present and receptive to find the moment of clarity and understanding. Silvie has a degree in social work. Prior to teaching yoga, she worked as a social worker with special needs population in Europe and the USA. |
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A transplant from France, Anne Barbaret made the San Francisco Bay Area her home in 1995. She got her teaching credentials from the Iyengar Institute of San Francisco, the oldest Iyengar teacher-training program in the United States; she is now a certified teacher. While taking weekly classes and attending workshops with Senior teachers locally, she looks forward to her second trip to India to study with the Iyengar family! At a personal level, Anne finds Yoga to be an inspiring and transformative practice that brings physical, psychological and emotional balance. Yoga takes you on a path of self discovery that goes well beyond the mat bringing awareness and a new appreciation for all aspects of life! As a teacher, Anne encourages her students in finding the benefits of Yoga individually leading her class with passion& enthusiasm (with a hint of French accent!). She is attentive to everyone’s needs & physical limitations. Anne feels very inspired by the Iyengar yoga style which reveals in each one of us what we need to focus and work on the most while being fun and fulfilling! Anne teaches in multiple San Francisco locations leading various age groups (Her oldest student is 79, and the youngest 12 year-old!) to the best of their abilities! Please contact Anne at: anne@annebyoga.com for more information on her public or private classes! |
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Wednesday 7p - Foundations of Flow Ellie believes wholeheartedly in the power of Ashtanga yoga, which she practices daily. A rigorous and dynamic form of yoga, Ashtanga focuses on using breath-synchronized movement, bandhas (energy locks) and dristi (gazing point) to build strength, flexibility, balance, and courage. Ellie’s Vinyasa classes are challenging for students of all levels, and she teaches with an eye towards expanding the student’s perceptions of what is possible.In her Foundations classes, students will learn basic alignment principles, breathing techniques, and vinyasa sequences at a slower pace. |
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Janet Carter loves yoga and it shows in her vibrant and energetic class. Blending the precision of alignment with movement and breath awareness, she offers her students a dynamic and centering practice. Janet began by studying Ashtanga Yoga. She has since trained extensively in the Anusara tradition and most recently has completed the YogaWorks 200 Hour Teacher Training. Janet appreciates how this ancient practice continually brings harmony to the body, mind and spirit. It is a never ending journey of discovery and transformation. She encourages students to personalize their practice and to relate what they learn on the mat, in life off of the mat. Taking that feeling of bliss that we have after a yoga practice and spreading it; that is the power of yoga. |
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Magnolia has been practicing yoga for 20 years and teaching for 10. Currently she's made San Francisco her home after traveling and teaching yoga throughout Japan, China, France and the US. She practices and teaches traditional Ashtanga Yoga as it was taught to her by the late great master Sri K Pattabhi Jois in the south of India. She is honored to have received Sri K Pattabhi Jois's blessing to teach the Ashtanga method. Magnolia started practicing yoga at the young and tender age of 17, though perhaps not so tender and innocent were her motivations. She was only practicing yoga because she had a crush on her teacher. Regardless of the reasons, she was a dedicated student. 20 years later that crush In 2007 Magnolia moved to India where she lived in an ashram in the Bihar School of Yoga in northern India. There she worked and lived the life of a renunciate and yogic nun. In regards to rock climbing Magnolia started climbing Trad at 19. For a few years she was a dedicated climber, however, after moving away from her partner and confidant she had a difficult time staying motivated and inspired. She revisited the climbing world in 2008 this time bouldering in China, then Japan, then lead climbing at Buoux in the south of France. She continues to climb both indoor and outdoor. |