Teachers

Helen Terry, Studio Co-Owner, Nia Teacher & Trainer As a Mind and Body Fitness Specialist, Helen Terry has presented internationally, including venues in the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand. She is a Black Belt Nia Teacher Trainer and brings 21 years' experience to her students. She offers Nia White and Blue Belt Intensive trainings in Houston, around the United States and in the U.K.  Her business, ilove2move, offers personal assistance, classes and presentations with a holistic focus. She is also a representative for Masai Barefoot Technology ® shoes. Helen's philosophy is that "fitness should be pleasurable and never feel like punishment. By treating our bodies with respect and harmony, our bodies will respond to our needs and demands in better and better ways. The only limitations within the boundary of our possibilities are the ones we create." Helen loves to connect with others and her enthusiasm for movement has an infectious effect on those who attend her classes, workshops and intensive trainings. "I love what I do and the best part is sharing it with others." Visit Helen's website at www.ilove2move.com Nia Intensive Training with Helen

Photo by Bonnie Lambourn Kristie Bryant, Studio Co-Owner, Nia Teacher Kristie Bryant, a Nia Blue Belt instructor and co-owner of NiaMoves, is a refugee from the corporate world who discovered Nia in Austin in 2000. At the time a national sales manager for a high-tech company's product line, she was seeking to restore balance to a life that had become overly work-focused and tried Nia at a friend's suggestion. In one of Kristie's first classes, a teacher encouraged the class to sense their arms floating towards the sky like blades of grass and to feel the warmth from the sun. Kristie remembers feeling awkward and laughing about the experience with colleagues at her office. Now a Nia devotee, she embraces the blades of grass and sun! And she loves experiencing new body sensations. She also treasures the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits that come from incorporating Nia into her daily life. One of those benefits has been the gift of pregnancy. Before beginning Nia, Kristie had struggled to become pregnant. Now the mother of two beautiful children, Kristie experienced the joy of movement throughout both her pregnancies. Kristie's Story: Weight Loss & Pregnancy

Anna Lebedinsky, Hoop Dance Teacher I'm a Russian Modern Dancer currently performing as a lead dancer for LUMINOSITY dance troupe in Houston. I'm in my third year at University of Houston majoring in Physical Education. I'm currently employed as a coach for the Rhythmic Gymnastic School Sugar Land, Texas. I hold a Pilates certification from Pilates Physical Mind Institute, NYC. I performed with New York Modern Dance Company and still teach dance fitness workshops in various studios around the country. My goals for the next year get certified as a Personal Trainer and inspire people to develop self improvement skills for any type of situation.

Chris Axelrad, Qi Gong Teacher Chris Axelrad, M.S.O.M., L.Ac., M.M.Q., is an Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and Master of Medical Qigong who specializes in Women's Health, Pregnancy Care, and Fertility Enhancement. He has been studying and practicing Qigong and various forms of meditation for almost 20 years. In his clinic, he uses a combination of Acupuncture, Qigong, and Chinese Herbal Medicine, along with laboratory analysis and nutritional guidance, to help his patients overcome conditions such as infertility, PMS, endometriosis, recurrent miscarriage, menopausal imbalance, and pregnancy difficulties. Additionally, Chris treats patients suffering from anxiety and depression. He is the Director of the Houston branch of the International Institute of Medical Qigong. Cindy Clayton, Nia Teacher Cindy discovered Nia in the fall of 2000. A close friend invited her to try a class, during which her body began to remember the childhood ballet lessons and high-school colorguard performances that had once served as a connection to the joy of movement. Better still, this type of movement allowed for individuality and freedom of expression, and there was no audience watching! That Nia class was love at first boogie. After dancing Nia for nearly four years, Cindy took her love of movement to the next level by completing the Nia White Belt training, and began teaching when NiaMoves opened on Houston Avenue. At the same time, she began the journey toward motherhood: Audrey Loreda Clayton was born in April of 2005. Cindy loves to share the joy of moving the body's way, and invites students to fire their Inner Critics, release their inhibitions, and let their bodies do the thinking. Dale Shearer, Pilates Teacher Dale has been an Elizabeth Jones Boswell M. Ed. certified instructor since May 8, 1992. Dale is a seasoned Pilates Instructor with over 12 years of experience. She is on staff at the Physical Conditioning Centre http://www.physicalconditioningcentre.com/, a full service studio which specializes in individual programs for the client. The well rounded program exposed Dale to working 1:6 ratio in a fully equipped Pilates environment, preparing and teaching progressive on-going group classes (mat, reformer and circuit training) and preparing individual protocols, teaching privately, duets, trios, etc... at the studio or client's residence. Dale has attended workshops and lectures over the years from the following: Ron Fletcher, Michele Larrson, Toni Beck, Allan Herdman, Karma Kientzler, Dr. Rebecca Cearman, and B.K. Huttner. Dale continues to study the Elizabeth Jones Boswell and Ron Fletcher Body of Work at Studio A in San Antonio and is still a Senior Instructor at the Physical Conditioning Centre. Visit http://www.ronfletcherwork.com/ for more information. Derrick DeCristofaro, ZUMBA Teacher I Love Zumba ! I Love to dance... Music moves my soul! It Makes me laugh and smile....and sometimes a little Dizzy...Can't imagine my life without it....

Georgia Lister, Nia Teacher As a massage therapist for the past 16 years, I have a strong desire to honor the body's way and encourage strengthening as well as relaxation through movement. I appreciate the importance of finding JOY in everything we take the time to do and it is my goal to make Nia a fun experience for all who attend! I live very happily with my husband of 12 years, my two beautiful children, one dog, one rat, and two fish. Hope to dance with you soon!!  Georgia is a Nia White Belt Instructor and co-owner of Nia Rocks the Schoolhouse (http://niarockstheschoolhouse.com/), bringing Nia our schools and teachers.    Dr. Jaideep Mukherjee, (Kato Sensei), and Karen Mukherjee, Aikido Teachers Jaideep and Karen discovered aikido in 1991 and have been practicing it ever since. Their dojo was the Central Illinois Aikikai which was part of the Midwest Aikido Federation (under the supervision of Shihan Akira Tohei, Hachidan, or 8th degree black belt). In aikido, Jaideep and Karen found a good compromise between the "hard" karate and "soft" tai-chi. While part of the Midwest Aikido Federation, Jaideep tested for all his Kyu levels by Shihan Tohei and passed the First Kyu (brown belt) exam in 1996. After earning his doctorate, the Mukherjees moved to Houston in order to pursue their career paths. In 2001, Jaideep was awarded the title of "Jyoshu" ("Assistant") by Shihan Toyoda. In October 2001, Jaideep and Karen decided to take their aikido studies in a new direction by coming under the supervision of Hiroshi Kato, 8th dan, from Tokyo, Japan. In March of 2002, Jaideep was awarded his first degree black belt by Kato Shihan. In the fall of 2004, Jaideep and his wife Karen decided to join the Shudokan School of Aikido in order to help Sensei Jorge Garcia (shudokanaikido.com) establish Aikido in northwest Houston. In October of 2004, Jaideep took his Nidan exam and was awarded his 2nd degree black belt by Kato Shihan. Karen also passed her first-degree black belt exam in May 2003 and second-degree black belt exam in January 2007. Jody Townsley, Nia Teacher Nia offered me a new life path, without being asked… Nothing I anticipated. Nia cradled me through pregnancy and labor… Nature in abundance. Nia welcomed me back with open arms, after a time apart… Never instilling alienation. Nia strengthens my marriage and love for others… Nurturing intimacy always. Nia heals my joints and my spirit… No ill-will Arthritis. Nia encourages me to breathe and relax… No inner angst. Nia dances through me today… Now I am          Kay Westcott, Yoga Teacher Kay worked for over 15 years in corporate America before renouncing her previous life to become a yoga instructor - one of only a handful who teach full time. Having put herself through law school, Kay worked both in the legal field and as a CPA. Her first yoga class was with Lex Gilllan at the Yoga Institute of Houston in 1987. She studied yoga and meditation for seven years befor taking Lex's first teacher training course in 1994. She taught part-time, then began teaching full in 1995. Kay continues her studies and trains at national conferences to stay current. The teachings of Erich Schiffmann and Angel Farmer have made a huge influence on her teaching style. Locally, Kay mentors her teaching with the legendary Billie Gollnick. Kay serves on the board of the Yoga Association of Houston. Kay's yoga modelling photos have appeared in Yoga International magazine and in advertisements in Yoga Journal and other publications. Kay's yoga classes are both fun and challenging. She has an expressive and nurturing approach that meets students where they are. Kay encourages her students to reach their highest potential, reminding them our path is not a straight line and that there are no rules. The atmophere in her classes is playful and noncompetitive, bringing a nonrigid and eclectic mix of teaching styles. Kent Hampton, Tai Chi Teacher, Self Defense Teacher Kent has 37 years of martial arts experience including 15 years of traditional Chinese Kung Fu.  He is a member of the Dao Li Jao.  He is a private student of Grand Master Her Yue Wong.  Kent teaches Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, Chinese Boxing, Tai Chi (Yang Long Style Form), Martial Arts Cane, Chi Kung Exercises, Basic Cardio & Weight Training and Self Defense Instruction. Kerry Smith, Nia Teacher, ZUMBA Teacher Natural health and healing have been a part of Kerry's psyche since birth. She grew up playing on her grandfather's chiropractic equipment and drinking his stinky potions, unaware that what he was doing was considered "alternative" medicine at the time. The healing hand beckoned and guided Kerry to Nia in 2001, where she found pure bliss and knew she had to share through teaching. She also find great joy in massaging, doing reiki, and daring clients to taste stinky foods (cultured veggies!) On her off days Kerry can be spotted healing and hula hooping at the HeeBeeGeeBee Healers at Burningman, sword fighting at Aikido, dancing wildly at Ecstatic Dance and singing to veggies at the Central City Co-Op, quite possibly all at the same time! In addition to teaching at NiaMoves, Kerry co-owns Bamboo Bodyworks, a movement and massage studio. Kerry Smith, Derrick DeCristofaro, Nikki Smith, Oscar Sajche (from left to right) The NiaMoves ZUMBA Crew!  These four fabulous teachers trade off teaching the Thursday night class at NiaMoves.  Come play, dance, sweat and have a great time moving to energizing latin music! Kirsten Tucker, T-Tapp Teacher Prior to T-Tapp, I had what I refer to as an "Accordion Body." Depending on the diet du jour or feasting season/cycle, I was big, then small, then big, then in between, then big again... and on and on. I can't even tell you how many sizes I kept in my closet. I could always seem to lose weight and inches, but I could not keep them off. After five years of working with the T-Tapp program, I am more knowledgeable about fitness than this exercise-hater ever thought she would be. My body is still changing, too! I am still developing muscle definition and core strength. And, in 2005, I gained an entire inch from rib-to-hip! I continue to build a strong body that will carry me healthfully through the remainder of my life. As a senior T-Tapp Trainer, my goal is to educate and to help others reach their full potential. I have committed myself to sharing my T-Tapp, health, and motivation knowledge with students across the country. As "the Travelin' T-Tapp Trainer from Texas," I've held workshops across the country from Portland, Oregon to Boston, Massachusetts, even reaching less urban areas such as Fargo, North Dakota and Oneida, New York. I have also had the privilege of mentoring several T-Tapp Trainers-in-Training that are now certified instructors. To register for T-Tapp, contact Kirsten directly at kirsten@t-tapp.com Laura Haley, Nia Teacher What can I say? I turned 40; found Nia, and now my life will never be the same! At the insistence of a dear friend (Nia Doula Heather Barr), I took my first Nia class in January 2007. By September, I had taken the White Belt course. By October I was teaching 6:00 am classes and still wanting more! I love Nia because when I'm in class I feel balanced, calm, healthy, happy and loving. When I leave class, I carry those feelings with me. I am constantly amazed by the experiences I have had and people I have met through Nia. I am more connected to myself and to the community around me than I have ever been before. I am a Nia instructor (and shameless promoter) because I want to share what I have found through Nia with others.         Madonna Bauch, Pilates Teacher Madonna is certified for Pilates mat and equipment instruction through the Colleen Glenn PilateSystem and also holds a Gold Standard Certification from the Pilates Method Alliance. She is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance and continues her education through PMA workshops and conferences. Madonna began practicing Pilates at the age of 18 while pursuing her BFA in Dance at the University of Texas at Austin. She believes Pilates has made her less susceptible to injury by helping her maintain her athleticism and improving her overall well-being. As part of her dance studies, Madonna spent one year at the Laban Centre in London, England where she studied modern dance, ballet, choreography, Pilates, dance performance, anatomy, and music. Upon graduation from UT, she returned to London to work with graduate dance students at the Laban Centre for six months. She has danced professionally with 3/A Modern Dance Company while in Dallas, Amy Ell, and The Sandra Organ Dance Company in Houston. Madonna is now a Peak Teacher Trainer for Peak Pilates, where she certifies instructors in the Pilates Method. Madonna has experience training athletes, pre-natal and postpartum women, and the elderly. Madonna taught in Dallas at the Goodbody's Wellness Center, Move Studio, for the City of Plano, and The Dallas Country Club. In Houston, she has taught at Core Fitness, The Goodspace, University Club, The Houstonian and the Houstonian Lite. Madonna has a passion for teaching and enjoys inspiring others to move, breathe, and put fitness and overall well-being back into their lives. "Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness" -Joseph Pilates Maria Hooper, Nia Teacher María (also known as Mary) Hooper celebrated her fifty-second birthday by realizing a long-time goal: taking the White Belt to become a Nia teacher.She says, "The White Belt was a wonderful gift to myself. Now I want to give to others, by teaching." María has two other occupations as well. She is the owner and operator of Dermatek Skin Therapy, where she formulates her own line of organic, botanical skin care. She is also an actress, with over thirty years of experience."As a skin care professional, I celebrate the inherent beauty of women. As an actress, I embrace the transformative power of self-expression.These concepts complement and enhance my Nia practice." MaryBeth Smith, MM, GCFP, Feldenkrais® Teacher MaryBeth Smith improves human performance, helping people to navigate the world of intention, action, and achievement. She holds degrees in music from the University of Illinois and the University of Texas, San Antonio. In October, 2004, she received her full accreditation as a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitionercm (GCFP) from the Institute for the Study of Somatic Education, in conjunction with the Feldenkrais Guild® of North America. She is the Director of the Feldenkrais® Center of Houston, and is a nationally recognized authority on the improvement of human potential and performance.  Her clients include business leaders, actors, dancers, teachers, athletes, members of the clergy, vocal and instrumental musicians, senior citizens, and people experiencing a variety of difficulties, including fibromyalgia, MS, stroke recovery, and eating disorders. With over 20 years of experience teaching in university, business, and community settings, she now uses the  Feldenkrais Method® to help people create breakthroughs and realize their untapped potential.  She  is a member of the teaching faculty at Houston’s Jung Center, presents classes and workshops in Houston and throughout the region, and writes extensively about performance improvement and the Feldenkrais Method®.  MaryScott Hagle, Nia Teacher MaryScott discovered Nia in 2001 after hearing about it non-stop from a friend in Austin. Still recovering from being told "you can't dance" as a child, she is thrilled to embody the true joy of movement that Nia brings. A compulsive career changer, MaryScott has worked as an architect, an HISD high school English teacher, education director at the Alley Theatre and currently as community manager on MTV Networks' parenting Web site, www.parentsconnect.com. Besides Nia, MaryScott studies yoga with Kay Westcott and Rosanne McDonald, and traditional West African drumming with Abubakr Kouyate. She serves on the boards of the UH Friends of Women's Studies and the ACLU of Texas, and she and her architect husband Daniel Kornberg along with their two daughters frequently host house concerts for various musical artists at their 1904 vintage home in the Heights. Melissa Francik, Nia Teacher A native of Walla Walla, Washington, I moved to Houston in 2004 to join a program called Teach for America and committed to teach for 2 years in a low-income school. I became certified in bilingual and ESL education as I taught 5th grade my first year. I decided to continue in education and am currently in my 4th year working as a middle school science and Spanish teacher as YES College Prep. Through all the business and sometimes stresses in my job, I find joy, health and balance in my regular Nia practice. I have engaged in movement from a very young age. From 5 years old through college, I was active in a variety of competitive sports, especially soccer. As much as I delighted in the mental and physical challenges of the game, the repetitive motions involved in training resulted in injuries. Aware of the chronic pain and discomfort in my body, I lost touch with the joy that had originally been my motivation for playing. I began looking for a movement form that would allow me to find healing, not injuries and to reawaken my joyful Self. I found these and more as I joined the loving community of Nia in 2005 . Here I discovered a safe place to explore my emotions and uncover my wild, free spirit. I quickly decided that I wanted to share this gift with others through teaching Nia. Last June, I completed the white belt training with Helen and recently became added to the teacher list. The training gave me a much deeper understanding of the science, craft and art of NIA and has enriched my practice by enabling me to tweak my experience in order to increase my joy in a non-thinking, intuitive space. I am so grateful for this opportunity to share my passion for Nia with others. Nicole Haagenson, Yoga Teacher Nicole has studied yoga since 1994. Nicole's style of teaching is primarily Hatha Yoga but is influenced by all of the respective schools of yoga. A typical yoga class with Nicole could be expressed as a "gentle, persuasive challenge to the mind and body." She supports an environment of respect and compassion in her classes, encouraging diversity and openness to perpetuate the dynamic flow between the mind, spirit and body. Nicole holds a B.A. in Public Relations from the University of Houston and was yoga teacher certified through the Living Yoga Program at the Barsana Dham Ashram in Austin, TX. Nicole owns and manages the Sage PR Firm.

Patricia Angelina, Rosen Bodywork Practioner and Rosen Movement Teacher Patricia Angelina has been practicing in the field of bodywork since 1990. She practices therapeutic integrative massage and is a Rosen Method bodywork practitioner and Rosen Method movement teacher. Patricia has been teaching Rosen Method movement since 2004 in California. During the summer of 2005, Patricia sold her bodywork practice in California and relocated with her family to Houston, Texas. Experience what it is like to enjoy one's full potential for movement. She looks forward to having a chance to meet you! Please call (713) 426-3577 for additional information. Visit her website: www.HealingHeartsBodywork.com

Patty Adamik, Continuum Movement Teacher For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in our connection to the natural world and how we express that connection through movement. My path of exploration led me to dance, tai chi, yoga, Feldenkrais and other movement systems. In 1989 I became a massage therapist and then pursued advanced training in the structural/energetic work of Zentherapy®, Vodder Method Lymphatic Massage and various other modalities. I am a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and Texas licensed Massage Therapy Instructor. In 2000, I attended my first Continuum Movement workshop at NiaMoves. The activation of fluid systems, beautiful spiraling movements and deep connectedness of the work immediately resonated with me. I am an authorized Continuum Movement Teacher and continue to study with Continuum founder, Emilie Conrad, Robert Litman and other Continuum teachers. My immersion into the fluid architecture of our anatomy has allowed me to experience greater health and vitality and I am eager to share this path of renewal with others. Pauline Schloesser, Iyengar Yoga Teacher Pauline Schloesser, Ph.D., is a practitioner and teacher of Iyengar Yoga. She has broad life experiences which she integrates with her yoga teaching. Having been a competitive swimmer, gymnast, runner, and cyclist, Pauline loves to teach athletes how to balance their training with yoga asanas. As a former college professor and author, she knows well the stresses of unbalanced intellectual activity. She helps those who do "head work" relax the brain, awaken the intelligence of the body and find the lightness of the spirit. Pauline has also practiced yoga through two pregnancies. She can show pregnant women appropriate modifications for poses during that wonderful time. As a mother of young children, she appreciates the special challenges that parents meet in finding time for a yoga practice. Pauline brings dynamic energy, passion, and a love of yoga to all her students. Pauline has studied with many senior Iyengar teachers from across the U.S. Currently she is studying with Patricia Walden, of Cambridge, MA., and Constance Braden, in Houston, TX. Rosanne McDonald, Forrest Yoga Teacher Rosanne has studied and practiced various disciplines of yoga since 2000. She has completed teacher training programs with Robert Boustany (2005) and Ana Forrest (2006) and is currently studying Restorative/Recovery Yoga with Julie Byrd. Her ongoing explorations in breath, energy work, yoga and meditation have facilitated her evolution and understanding of yoga as a path of healing. Rosanne's belief is that one can heal the spirit through the body and discover one's true nature and path. This journey reveals life's delicious spice igniting the passion for living. Sarah Jahnelle Miller, Jivamukti Yoga Teacher ANANDAD DHY EVA KHALV IMANI BHUTANI JAYANTE ANANDENA JATANI JIVANTI ANANDAM PRAYANTY ABHISAMVISHANTI Out of bliss these beings are born. In bliss they are sustained. And to bliss they go and merge again. -Taittiriya Upanishad 3.6.1 I believe sharing positivity is a must. I feel making this planet a better place is a blessing. I enjoy connecting with those creative, uplifting beings who share the desire to act and create change. I am a dancer and designer who is still figuring out how to make my wildest dreams come true. I love sharing wonderful and exciting foods with friends and family, dancing to drums and beats of the world, creating jewelry and living life to the fullest. I have gratitude for breath and call this my "religion." My spiritual roots run deep. Born into a family of meditators, I was naturally fascinated by yoga, Sanskrit, Ayurveda and Jyotish. I am a self-declared "Jyotish geek." Many moves and travels have helped shaped my mind, thinking and appreciation for the planet and its beings. My spiritual practices are the grounding force for my life and have guided and preserved me. Several years ago I took the plunge and went on a month-long teacher training course with Sharon Gannon and David Life. I have been teaching yoga as a certified Jivamukti teacher ever since. I have just returned to Houston from a year in Fairfield, Iowa, where I attended the Maharishi University and rounded on the Invincible America course for three months. Six hours of meditation a day and being in the presence of over 400 Vedic Pundits was extremely fulfilling and grounding for me. Back in Houston now where I am grateful to be a part of the NiaMoves community once again. I look forward to teaching, meeting and greeting! Om Shanti. Sahira, Belly Dance Teacher Sahira began her career as a Middle Eastern dancer in Houston under the direction of Shakira Masood-Ali. Her travels as a performer have allowed her to study several styles of dance with many talented instructors including: Hadia (Gypsy Rom & Flamenco), Leila Gamal (Egyptian), Amel Tafsout (North African), Helena Vlahos (Raqs Sharqi), Laurel Victoria Gray (Persian), Aida Nour (Ghawazee), Artemis (Turkish), Fat Chance Bellydance (American Tribal), and Domba (Tribal & West African). Sahira's focus is in Egyptian (Raks Sharki) style dance and American Tribal Style. She is founder and director of Houston's premiere Tribal Style performance troupe, Urban Gypsy, and teaches both cabaret and tribal style dance in Houston as a resident instructor, as well as Phoenix and Ann Arbor as a regularly visiting artist. She also specializes in veil, zill, fan, sword, and fire dancing. Sahira is known for her friendly and energetic style, making her a favored performer for restaurants and family events. Her passion and emotional connection with the dance and its intricacies is apparent in her deep and sensual interpretation of the music. Her extensive training in not only Egyptian, but also Tribal and West African dance gives her performances an incredibly intense and earthy energy that captivates audiences. Her "uniquely beautiful fusion style dance" has earned her performances and teaching opportunities wherever she travels. Sahira Sharon Stinson, Nia Teacher For a year Sharon walked past the Nia classes at the YMCA and thought "what are those crazy people doing?" Her version of working out was using weights (which she loved) and forcing herself to get on an exercise bike (which she hated but knew was "good for her.") Miraculously one morning she looked in the window and though "I want my body to do that." At 9:15 that Tuesday she took her first class and by 6:00 that evening, she was telling everyone who would listen that her dream was to teach Nia. This was an amazing feeling for a woman who was overweight her whole life - topping out somewhere over 282 lbs. (she stopped weighing at that point - wouldn't you?) Within a month she was taking between 10 and 15 Nia classes a week. She was dancing in grocery stores and elevators and airports. Wow! She felt alive, graceful, strong, sexy, and connected. Her new, smaller body had been here for 7 years but this was the first time she every felt truly comfortable and connected to it. Fate stepped in and nudged Sharon towards her dream with a job loss 6 weeks before a White Belt Training. She vibrated with excitement for those 6 weeks and then again during the training. Even 8 hours a day wasn't enough Nia. Fate showed up again and less than 48 hours after the White Belt, she was teaching. 48 hours more and she was teaching a class once a week. With each class she felt something more stirring inside. She could sense that the Nia Community had led her to far more than a White Belt. For years Sharon had jokingly answered the "What would be your dream job?" question with "I'd be a Personal Trainer." Exercise and eating in moderation helped her lose over 140 lbs and she wanted to give that back to others. Today, Sharon is following her dream as a Nia Teacher, Personal Trainer and Weight Loss Coach. She truly found the Freedom and Joy of Movement and can't wait to share it with you. Tomoko Ito King, Yoga Teacher Tomoko went to Tokyo women's College in Japan and received BS of Physical Education. After college, she taught youth swimming and gymnastics and then taught aerobics for 15 years. She started taking Pilates and Yoga classes as a student 6 years ago and became certified in 2005. Tomoko currently teaches Yoga and Pilates. Her hobbies are tennis and horseback riding.

Vicki Sherman, Yoga Teacher Vicki Sherman is a Certified BodyTalk Practitioner and Yoga Instructor. She has specialized in integrative body/mind modalities for twenty-seven years, assisting clients in their journey toward emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Over the years she has accumulated extensive experience by combining systematic family therapy, play therapy, and movement therapy with children, adolescents and adults during her tenure as Psychotherapist at the Depelchin Children’s Center. Her clinical expertise includes supervising and training graduate level interns in Social Work, Psychology, and Nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She teaches Yoga at the YMCA and the Menninger Clinic, Houston. She conducts professional seminars and workshops in various disciplines to enhance personal growth and team performance for other licensed practitioners and institutions. Vicki shares a unique blend of humor, compassion, and a genuine love for humanity with her clients. Each session is custom-tailored according to the needs of the individual, always involving the client as a partner in a collaborative effort, addressing overall health concerns and any issue that may be preventing a vibrant, balanced life. Yusefina, Belly Dance Teacher Yusefina began her belly dance career in 1994 in Arcata, California, where she was a primary member of the troupe, Lailaa Chandani, led by renowned belly dancer, Shoshanna. After several years under Shoshanna's tutelage, Yusefina relocated to the south of France to continue her study of Danse Orientale and realize a degree in French. Returning stateside, Yusefina spent two years in New Orleans where she worked as an assistant instructor to teacher Betty Karam and performed regularly at the Tunisian bistro Jamila's. From New Orleans, Yusefina went to New York to study under the internationally known instructor Dalia Carella. In 2002, Yusefina relocated again, to Anchorage where she began her belly dance teaching career. She performed throughout Alaska as a solo artist and as a member of the American Tribal Style troupe, Meyva. In 2004, Yusefina co-choreographed "Ishwari" a modern/belly dance fusion for Alaska Dance Theatres' Annual Mobius Performance. Yusefina's work is a passionate fusion of many belly dance styles derived from a variety of teachers and personally experienced cultures, lending itself to both the timeless tradition and the innovative artistry that is the core of belly dance. Yusefina currently teaches and performs as a solo artist in Houston, and is a member of Houston's performing Tribal Troupe, Urban Gypsy.       Yvonne Myles, Nia Teacher Certified Nia Brown Belt instructor Yvonne Myles has since 1997 practiced the Nia technique, an integrated approach for fitness and well-being. She has been a teacher of the technique since 2000. Yvonne's Nia offering is based closely on the work of Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas, founders of the technique. She blends athleticism and grace to guide participants toward a present-centered state of appreciation for mind, body, spirit and emotion. In Nia, participants learn what it means to experience fitness through pleasure, sensation and mindfulness. Yvonne's multi-dimensional movement vocabulary springs from a love of dance, yoga and martial arts. She has been an active supporter of her community's contemporary dance scene and has practiced and informally taught Hatha and Ashtanga yoga. She is a student of the martial arts in the Zen do kai system, a form of karate with elements of Aikido, Judo and Taekwando. Yvonne regularly studies the art of self-defense with open-hand and traditional weapons forms. By incorporating elements from each of these disciplines, as well as building a solid foundation from the movement-rich work of the Rosas, Yvonne has created and continues to refine her own unique Nia signature.