Deb Wertz: E-RYT200, became fascinated with yoga as a child watching Lilias Folan on PBS! As an adult, she began her asana practice behind closed doors with VCR tapes of Baron Baptiste and Rodney Yee before braving yoga classes at the gym. With the nagging feeling that something was missing, she made the switch to Inner Light and discovered the benefits beyond the workout. After finishing her math degrees, Deb began to study with Dharma Mittra and graduated from his 200 hour teacher training. Her hatha-raja teaching style incorporates the meditative aspects of yoga into the physical practice.
Linda Bohman: After 30 years of competitive running, she found yoga to be her saving grace and a path to physical and mental healing. Under the care and guidance of Angela Caruso, Linda continued to develop and teach at Inner Light. In 2009, Linda earned her 200 hour Yoga teacher certification at Yoga Yama in Patchogue. Linda also teaches undergraduates in Fitness and Yoga at Hofstra University. She is pleased and excited to be teaching at Om Shanti Om and looks forward to continuing her yoga journey with students of all ages and abilities.
Bridget Fitzgerald: Bridget’s yoga practice began in 1995 when she discovered a form of exercise that met her goals for fitness and complimented her innately energetic demeanor. Her yoga journey began at the gym. While pursuing a doctorate in Washington DC, Bridget studied Vinyasa/Ashtanga and then Hatha classes. Upon moving back to NY, she learned the Anusara philosophy. In 2004, she acquired the tools to create inspiring vinyasa yoga classes founded on flow, yet grounded in the safety of exercise science. In 2009, Bridget earned her 200-hour Yoga Alliance teacher certification at Yoga-Yama. Its emphasis on Asthanga style, Pantanjuli’s Sutras, and yoga anatomy paved the foundations for Bridget’s teaching technique. She continually strives to expand in both mind and body.
Linda Hacker: E-RYT500, has been practicing yoga for over a decade. She received her 200 hour teacher title in 2006 and her 500 hour level in 2009. She is registered with the Yoga Alliance and is a member of the Long Island Yoga Association. Linda is also a “Relax and Renew Trainer” certified by Judith Hanson Lasater. In 2010 Linda completed the “Om Yoga Breast Cancer Survivors Teacher Training”, and continues to study, furthering her understanding of this ancient science. She currently organizes the yoga program at “The Friends for Life Foundation”, a non-profit breast cancer support group which provides many services to cancer patients and their families.
Diane Aronsen: E-RYT500, after being introduced to yoga at a gym, Diane continued her practice and realized she needed to expand her knowledge and deepen her understanding of yoga; its tradition, philosophy, etc. She graduated from Yoga Teachers Training Institute in 2003 (200HR), continued on to graduate in 2005 (500HR) and further continued to become an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT) registered through Yoga Alliance. She is always a student and has studied with many well known and established yoga instructors. Diane continues to cultivate her practice with deeper studies in the Sutras as well as her current ongoing commitment to Vedic Chanting which began in 2009. Diane teaches an eclectic style of Hatha Yoga and welcomes students of all levels of ability.
Gina Morin first came to yoga after a friend's invitation to a class at a local Yoga Studio. Not knowing what to expect, she was amazed in discovering it was something so much more than exercise. Soon becoming challenged by a simple pose such as Mountain Pose, Gina began to understand the complexity of Yoga. Realizing how much it matters to "Be Comfortable" in each pose was among the first of many realizations. She fell in love with the idea that you don't have to beat up your body to see real results. Everyone deals with stress and anxiety in their own way, and for Gina it's been Yoga. When stress comes on strong, using breathing techniques has helped her calm down and become centered. After seeing so many positive changes in her life, Gina decided to take the 200 hour teacher training course and has since completed a 500 hour training course, specializing in Yoga Therapy, which includes aspects of Thai Massage, Ayurvedic Yoga, the philosophy of Yoga and, an In-depth study of Anatomy. Being Honored to teach Yoga, Gina hopes to share the experience in the beauty, joy and peace of mind that Yoga is.
Meg Bayley was led to her yoga practice
by her beloved Aunt Diane and felt at home by the first Om. After 7 years of
practice, on and off the mat, she traveled to San Francisco to study at Laughing Lotus Yoga
Center under the divine direction of Jasmine Tarkeshi,
Keith Borden, and Emily Stone. Meg teaches from her own practice and the beauty
that inspires and ignites her spirit. Her classes are infused with poetry,
nature, music, mindfulness, mystical musings, and lots of Love. She is committed
to creating a space for playing and praying. For wonder. For expression. For
soulfulness. For JOYfulness. For gratitude for each and every breath and
moment. In addition to teaching, Meg is a Certified Holistic Health Coach,
Spiritual Mentor, Reiki Practitioner, and musician (www.easternphoebes.com). She is
honored to be a part of the OSO community and thankful to Deb Wertz for her
wisdom and constant support.
Jess Vitale: Jess is a 200 hr certified yoga instructor from the L.I. Kula Yoga and Wellness Center in Bellport. Jess has been practicing for many years, but it was only recently under the instruction of Desiree J. Palanisamy, that she really discovered what yoga meant to her. She came to realize that yoga is not just about the physical practice, but the mind and spirit as well. Jess is excited to be a part of the OSO community and hopes to share with her students the same knowledge and understanding that her teachers have shared with her.
Amy Gribbin: Amy is a Certified Bradley® Natural Childbirth Educator, Certified Breastfeeding Counselor, Birth/Postpartum Doula, Certified Infant Massage Educator, and Holistic Parenting Consultant. She is passionate about helping women to trust their inner wisdom and surrender to the natural, empowering process of birth and mothering.