The Next Teacher Training Program is set to begin in October of this year, 2011,
in Blacksburg.
All dates, times, and fees are posted at the bottom of THIS page.
Please contact Anna directly for an application.
"I simply wanted to send you a quick note to tell you from the heart how much I am enjoying learning with you. You are such an inspiration to me during my asana practice, as well as my pursuit to live a more connected and balanced life. I think of you often, and sometimes if I am stuck in a difficult place I ask myself "What would Anna do?" Thank you for all that you are and share!"
Hatha Yoga Teacher Training & Self-Awareness Program
Level I - 200 Hour
A unique, Yoga Alliance approved, 15 session
intensive created for exploring Yoga on and off the mat.
This program is designed to serve students who want to learn the art of teaching and
communicating yoga. It is also set up to serve those interested in the self-study
aspect of the program to deepen their personal practice.
Anna's mission through this program is to meet her students
where they are in their experience, skill, and understanding of the
various aspects of the Yogic system. She assists each student in learning how to take
Yoga into their lives and communities with skill and grace.
Originated by Anna in 2000, this program has evolved into a well respected course that
draws serious students to her teaching. The study of the ethics provides a doorway into the
subtle, yet profound, transformation of old modes of thought, speech and action into more
desirable expressions that align more succinctly with the ideals held in mind and heart of the
participant as a Yoga practitioner. Change is inevitable. And change with ease and grace most desirable.
This program offers the kind of group and teacher support that invites this change along with the vast
amount of information provided to transform your personal practice on and off the mat.
The emphasis of this programis on the know-how for the body's proper alignment
and modification of the postures for beginner students.
This involves the study of anatomy and postures so to gain awareness
and the ability to "see" misalignment and the need for propping and modification.
There is an equal emphasis on the ethics and personal transformation through the practice of
Yoga "off the mat." This is accomplished through lecture, written text, inquiry through techniques,
and group sharing. It is Anna's intention to provide a well rounded preview of all 8 limbs of the Yogic system,
with particular focus on the first 4: Yama, Niyama, Asana and Pranayama.
However, further topics include the following:
* Asana Alignment and Modification: Assits and Adjustments
* The Ethics and your Spiritual Lifestyle
* Understanding The 8 Limbs
* Subtle and Experiential Anatomy: Chakras and Expanding Consciousness
* Communication skills
* Developing Breath Awareness in Preparation for Asana and Pranayama
* Emotional Awareness & Integration
* Basic philosophical concepts and their Life application
* Fundamentals to Preparing a Beginners Class
Each session includes a specific topic of study for further inquiry with
handouts on philosophy and asana.
Two manuals are given to each student at the first session with continued session handouts sent by email.
Hard copy is available for those students who do not have printers accessible.
Graduation Requirements: As Director and Facilitator of this program, Anna is comfortable
awarding certificates to those who fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete monthly homework
- Finish written essay
- Participate in teaching requirements both in and out of class time
- Make-up of any missed class time
- Fulfill financial requirements
Homework consists of readings from 5 required books as listed on the application. There are 2 in class Anatomy Tests and monthly homework used to asses student progress. Student progress is evaluated through homework and in class teaching inquiries in order to monitor skill and conceptual understanding of the principles presented in class, books, and manual handouts. If there is any question as to whether a student needs more assistance in skill and knowledge, Anna will create the time
to solution the issue with the student. This probationary time as well as all homework that needs to be made up shall exceed no longer than 6 months after the official ending date of the program the student has enrolled in. The criteria for clearing probationary status includes turning in required teaching hours, written paper work, and tests, as well as demonstrating progress in teaching confidence and skill.
Facilitator Accessibility: Throughout the length of the program Anna is available for assistance and answering any questions as it relates to the program by email or by phone. Morning hours before 9:30 and evening hours before 10:00 p.m. are requested! In addition, Anna offers Soul Coaching Sessions to students at a reduced rate of $60.00 while they are enrolled and participating in the program.
In addition, Anna has a collection of books she is able to check out to students who are
interested in further at home reading!
Anna is sole Director and Facilitator of the 200 hour program. She occasionally brings in guest
teachers, especially on the topics of experiential anatomy and non-violent communication.
Admissions Requirements states that each applicant express a genuine desire to commit to the full length and content of the program. Once the applicant has filled out the application and mailed it to Anna, a phone conversation will be arranged for further inquiry. This will help to clarify the goals and needs of the student as it is Anna's desire to attract students who "fit" the goal and content of the program as well. There can be no credit granted for experience, study and/or
programs in which the applicant may have previously participated.
Student Progress is monitored by grades received from tests, degree of participation, and demonstration of the students understanding of presented guidelines and concepts of interest. If a student appears to be lacking in understanding, it is Anna's task as Facilitator to ensure that the student grasps the appropriate concepts before graduating from the program. If necessary, a 6 month probationary grace period will be used to help the student take more time for learning and understanding through taking classes with Anna, study, and one-on-one tutoring.
Should any student complaint arise it is first appropriate, as requested in the Ethic Agreement, that
all grievances be reported to Anna. It is her hope that through heart-felt communication any issue that
might arise will be negotiated fairly for all parties concerned. However, if the student complaint
cannot be resolved after exhausting the program's procedure, the student may file an official
complaint after which no unfair action and or treatment will result toward the student.
This program is also regulated by The Yoga Alliance.
Within the program, there will be lecture addressing ways in which to promote the business of Yoga
including membership with Yoga Alliance and related information as career advice. This program
offers no services that provide placement for employment!
Students rights, privileges, and responsibilities: Each student is responsible for maintaining a healthy interest in the requirements and content of the program. Inspiration can be provided in many ways, including setting up a buddy system for weekly talks, direct contact with Anna and personal practice. The student reserves the right to express that which he or she feels, thinks, and needs, in a mature manner, for the purpose of creating a personally rewarding experience within the program. This program is for you the student, and your extended right is to express those desires.
Student Records: Student records include a copy of his or her application, ethic and financial agreement. They also include all written homework, essays, and tests as well as records of absences. Once a student graduates and has received their certificate, all records are disposed of appropriately. It is the students right to request a copy of their homework and any turned in written work upon completion.
Student Conduct: Throughout the duration of this program, students are asked to display a reasonable level of interest and participation as can be demonstrated in any classroom setting. This is shown through asking and answering questions, homework, and displaying a positive attitude toward the content of the program. The program is not meant for anyone who
cannot show up for class without letting Anna know of their absence or tardiness,. Lastly, Anna requires that a degree of emotional maturity be present, or at least acquired, through the given tools of the program
so that a meaningful, tolerant experience may be had by all.
If these requests cannot be met, Anna and student will confer in order to
determine if continued participation is appropriate and best. A student has never
been dismissed from the program, but should these requests be violated, it is
certainly possible that that person will be asked to leave the program.
Should the student request an appeal, another meeting will ensue so the student
may further demonstrate their purpose for continuing.
Attendance/Absence Information: This program is set up at minimal required contact hours as determined by Yoga Alliance. This means that all missed hours must be made up during a makeup session designed for the program or within another program offered by Anna. All missed time must be made up within 6 months after the end of the program. When a student misses an entire session, they are still responsible for full payment of that session. Upon payment, they will receive all material handed out for that session. The student, in turn, can mail any homework due to Anna via mail or email. When the student makes up that time, they are responsible for paying the instructor $8.00 per hour. Should the student need a leave of absence, the student may participate in the following program to make up all hours necessary for graduation. If the student cannot commit
to the next offered program, then continuing participation is dropped. There are no set number of sessions or hours
that can be missed, just as long as all of them are made up.
Tuition, Fees and Refunds: There is a non-refundable $50.00 application fee to be mailed with the application.
Tuition is set up as follows:
1. By far the most desirable way to pay is by the session. A $150.00/$170.00 fee payable at the time of the
session. The $50.00 application fee is not deductible from this or any payment.
Anna accepts cash, checks and cashier checks - No credit cards!
This program is offered at The Breathing Space on Anna's home property.
She has mats, blocks, belts and blankets available for students use,
however it's preferable to bring your own mat for class use!.
Anna is certified as a 500-hour advanced teacher of Hatha Yoga.
She incorporates her studies in Breathwork, Meditation, Yoga Therapy, bodywork and Life Transformation Consulting her group sessions. She presently offers this 22 hour program in Blacksburg, Virginia Beach, and Huntington WV.
May you take refuge in your practice, finding inspiration and joy to share with all those whose lives you touch.
"I never actually envisioned teaching when I enrolled in your
course, but now it is inextricably tied to my practice and provides
a very real spiritual dimension. I am so grateful for your
presence and timeliness in my life, Anna. It is beautiful to see
someone rise to follow such a path of light, and it is clear you
were born to illuminate the path for others. Thank you, and
blessings..."
" There’s an experience of gratitude that I have over and over
again. It occurs on Tuesday evenings, near the conclusion of the
weekly yoga class I lead at the church where I am the pastor.
Here’s what happens: The movement portion of the class is over.
Participants are lying in savasana. I have finished guiding them
into deep relaxation. In the quiet that follows, my thoughts turn
inward. I reflect on how so much of what I know of leading a yoga
class, I learned from Anna, and I am filled with gratitude for the
training I received from her.
For me, the certification program with Anna was a real treat
and a delightful experience. She is graceful in body and spirit .
Blacksburg weekend program dates are as follows:
Remaining dates as follows:
January 7, 8 2012, February 11, 12, March 17, 18, April 21, 22
Times: Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sundays 9:00a.m.. - 2:00p.m.
Blacksburg, VA Program dates for 2011 - 2012
Remaining Dates: January 28, 29 2012; February 25, 26; March 31 & April 1;
May 5, 6; June 9, 10; June 30, July 1; July 28, 29; August 25, 26; September 22, 23,
October 20,21, November 17, 18, December 22, 23 2012
Each session will meet Saturdays from 9:00 - 5:30 & Sundays 9:00 - 1:00
Please contact Anna directly for an application to this program!
"I said it yesterday, and I'll say it again: The quality and openness of your
students and the sincerity and maturity of their approach is a reflection of
who you are as a teacher. Thanks for who you are."
Love, Tilak Pyle
Norfolk, VA Program dates for 2012 & 2013
Dates: May 12, 13 2012, June 16, 17, July 14, 15, August 18, 19, September 29, 30,
November 3, 4, December 1, 2, January 5, 6, 2013, February 9, 10, March 16, 17,
April 20, 21, May 25, 26, June 29, 30, August 3, 4 , August 31, and September 1,
Makeup Session: October 5, 6 2013
Each session will meet on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 & 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Sundays from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
All sessions will meet at The Healing Arts Studio in Ghent of Norfolk
Please contact Anna directly with questions or for an application!
Program fee is $175.00 per session
Huntington, WV Program dates for 2012/2013
Dates: August 11, 12 2012, Sept. 15, 16, October 27, 28, December 8, 9,
January 12, 13 2013, February 16, 17, March 23, 24, April 27, 28, June 1, 2, July 6, 7,
August 10,11, September 7, 8, October 12, 13, November 16, 17, December 14,15
Each session will meet on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 & 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Sundays from 9:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Program fee is $160.00 per weekend
Ethical Guidelines for Yoga Teachers
by Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D.
As an integrated way of life, Yoga includes moral standards (traditionally called “virtues”) that any reasonable human being would find in principle acceptable. Some of these standards, known in Sanskrit as yamas or “disciplines,” are encoded in the first limb of Patanjali’s eightfold path. According to Patanjali’s Yoga-Sûtra, this practice category is composed of the following five virtues: nonharming (ahimsâ ), truthfulness (satya), nonstealing (asteya), chastity (brahmacarya), and greedlessness (aparigraha).
In other key scriptures of Yoga, further moral principles are mentioned, including kindness, compassion, generosity, patience, helpfulness, forgiveness, purity, and so on. All these are virtues that we connect with a “good” character and that are demonstrated to a superlative degree in the lives of the great masters of Yoga.
Thus, it seems appropriate for contemporary Yoga teachers to endeavor to conduct their lives in consonance with Yoga’s moral principles, particularly because teachers have a great responsibility toward their students and should be expected to reflect the high moral standards espoused in Yoga. At the same time, we must acknowledge the complexities of our contemporary society, which make it necessary to appropriately adapt the moral standards originally designed for the conditions of pre-modern India. Also, we need to take into proper account the looming environmental crisis by adopting a sustainable lifestyle.
The following guidelines are put forward as a reasonable adaptation for our modern situation, which also takes proper cognizance of the wisdom contained in the heritage of Yoga.
1.Yoga teachers understand and appreciate that teaching Yoga is a noble and ennobling endeavor that aligns them with a long line of honorable teachers.
2.Yoga teachers are committed to practicing Yoga as a way of life, which includes adopting the fundamental moral principles of Yoga and making their lifestyle environmentally sustainable ("Green Yoga").
3.Yoga teachers are committed to maintaining impeccable standards of professional competence and integrity.
4.Yoga teachers dedicate themselves to a thorough and continuing study and practice of Yoga, in particular the theoretical and practical aspects of the branch of Yoga that they teach.
5.Yoga teachers are committed to avoiding substance abuse, and if for some reason they succumb to chemical dependency agree to stop teaching until they are free again from drug and/or alcohol abuse. They will then do everything in their power to remain free, including being fully accountable to a support group.
6.Yoga teachers especially embrace the ideal of truthfulness in dealing with students and others, including accurately representing their training and experience relevant to their teaching of Yoga.
7.Yoga teachers are committed to promoting the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of their students.
8.Yoga teachers, especially those teaching Hatha-Yoga, will abstain from giving medical advice or advice that could be construed as such, unless they have the necessary medical qualifications.
9.Yoga teachers are open to instructing all students regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation,
and social or financial status.
- 10. Yoga teachers are willing to accept students with physical disabilities, providing they have the
skill to teach those students properly.
- 11. Yoga teachers agree to treat their students with respect.
- 12.Yoga teachers will never force their own opinions on students but rather will
appreciate the fact that every individual is entitled to his or her worldview, ideas, and beliefs.
At the same time, Yoga teachers must communicate to their students that Yoga seeks to achieve a deep-level
transformation of the human personality, including attitudes and ideas. If a student is not open to change,
or if a student’s opinions seriously impede the process of communicating yogic teachings to him or her, then Yoga teachers are free to decline to work with that individual and, if possible, find an amicable way of dissolving the teaching relationship.
- 13.Yoga teachers agree to avoid any form of sexual harassment of students.
14. Yoga teachers wishing to enter a consensual sexual relationship with a present
or former student should seek the immediate counsel of their peers before taking any action.
This is to ensure that the teacher in question is sufficiently clear about his or her motives.
15.Yoga teachers will make every effort to avoid exploiting the trust of students and their potential dependency, and instead encourage students to find greater inner freedom.
16. Yoga teachers acknowledge the importance of the proper context for teaching and agree to avoid teaching in a casual manner, which includes observing proper decorum inside and outside of the classroom.
- 17. Yoga teachers strive to practice tolerance toward other Yoga teachers, schools, and traditions. When criticism has to be brought, this should be done with fairness and with focus on facts.
The above ethical guidelines are not exhaustive, and the fact that a given conduct is not specifically covered does not imply anything about the ethical or unethical nature of that conduct. Yoga teachers always endeavor to respect and to the best of their abilities adhere to the traditional yogic code of conduct as well as to the laws current in their country or state.
skill to teach those students properly.
14. Yoga teachers wishing to enter a consensual sexual relationship with a present