MAYA KOWALCYK, yoga
(Director and Founder) Maya (E-RYT) has been studying yoga since 1997. Her first yoga classes were in Philadelphia, PA, where she was introduced to yoga at the University of the Arts through their dance program. From that point forward Maya explored many different kinds of yoga (Ashtanga, Sivananda, Iyengar). She has been especially inspired by studying with Dean and Rebecca Lerner, Holly Walck, Joan White, Patricia Walden, Manuso Manos, Carrie Owerko, and Kofi Busia, all certified Iyengar teachers, and also enjoys the occasional Ashtanga yoga practice. |
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Maya is a certified yoga instructor, a certified ChildPlay yoga teacher, and a certified Ayurveda Yoga Specialist (Himalayan Institute), with over 2,000 hours of teaching adults and children. She is also a mother, a lover of hiking and running, and owner of Purple Green Juice Bar & Cafe in Jim Thorpe. Maya's teaching is grounded and intense with clear instructions, and she helps her students understand and find joy in their yoga practice and deepen their body awareness, .
RON MINNICH, yoga
Ron Minnich, B.S. in Ed., is in his 15th year of yoga studies and has been teaching yoga for 12 years. He considers Jim Thorpe Yoga his home studio where he has been teaching since 2012. Lift Easton and Steigerwalt Chiropractic are also studios where he teaches weekly classes.
He practices and teaches a traditional style of Hatha yoga with roots that reach back to India. He has studied with many skilled Iyengar instructors that travel to India regularly, and has attended many workshops, teacher trainings and conventions to further his field of knowledge. His teaching style stresses alignment, strength, and flexibility, and his use of props such as blocks, belts, blankets, bolsters and chairs makes yoga accessible to all ages and body types. Yoga has revealed, for Ron, the path by which one can manage one's everyday physical and emotional pressures and by doing so, enrich one's existence and thus manifest a healthy physical and spiritual life.
Ron Minnich, B.S. in Ed., is in his 15th year of yoga studies and has been teaching yoga for 12 years. He considers Jim Thorpe Yoga his home studio where he has been teaching since 2012. Lift Easton and Steigerwalt Chiropractic are also studios where he teaches weekly classes.
He practices and teaches a traditional style of Hatha yoga with roots that reach back to India. He has studied with many skilled Iyengar instructors that travel to India regularly, and has attended many workshops, teacher trainings and conventions to further his field of knowledge. His teaching style stresses alignment, strength, and flexibility, and his use of props such as blocks, belts, blankets, bolsters and chairs makes yoga accessible to all ages and body types. Yoga has revealed, for Ron, the path by which one can manage one's everyday physical and emotional pressures and by doing so, enrich one's existence and thus manifest a healthy physical and spiritual life.
RYAN CULVERSON, yoga
Ryan's teaching encourages the importance of lines of energy and proper alignment to ensure the safest practice, and to illustrate a sense of ease in movement. Ryan's focus on the energy of the spine to keep it fluid and functional helps students understand the spine's sole purpose of keeping us erect in postures and in keeping an open and healthy line of communication between our brains and the rest of our bodies. Ryan looks forward to sharing his journey, life, interests and knowledge through safe and proper alignment in his teaching. Join Ryan each week on Wednesdays at 10am for an All Levels class.
Ryan, originally from the state of Georgia, began his journey in yoga in early 2006 after migrating from Tallahassee, Florida, and embarking on an eye-opening journey in Northeastern PA. After purchasing his first yoga book, The Complete Yoga Book by James Hewitt, and a beginner DVD by Rodney Yee, he began navigating on his mat to his present day practice. About 6 years ago Ryan found himself in the throws of a lifestyle that was not serving him physically or emotionally. He decided to truly turn his daily routine of poor habits into a life of exploration on his yoga mat, taking it one day, one session at a time. A dedicated home-based practice lead Ryan to his YTT in 2015. Ryan is also a Licensed Practical Nurse, with a focus on long term care. He loves promoting wellness across the span of all ages and has a a warm heart for the elderly population. He seeks to bring more awareness within the community of Jim Thorpe by focusing on the importance of meditation and remaining grounded with each posture explored on our mats.
Ryan's teaching encourages the importance of lines of energy and proper alignment to ensure the safest practice, and to illustrate a sense of ease in movement. Ryan's focus on the energy of the spine to keep it fluid and functional helps students understand the spine's sole purpose of keeping us erect in postures and in keeping an open and healthy line of communication between our brains and the rest of our bodies. Ryan looks forward to sharing his journey, life, interests and knowledge through safe and proper alignment in his teaching. Join Ryan each week on Wednesdays at 10am for an All Levels class.
Ryan, originally from the state of Georgia, began his journey in yoga in early 2006 after migrating from Tallahassee, Florida, and embarking on an eye-opening journey in Northeastern PA. After purchasing his first yoga book, The Complete Yoga Book by James Hewitt, and a beginner DVD by Rodney Yee, he began navigating on his mat to his present day practice. About 6 years ago Ryan found himself in the throws of a lifestyle that was not serving him physically or emotionally. He decided to truly turn his daily routine of poor habits into a life of exploration on his yoga mat, taking it one day, one session at a time. A dedicated home-based practice lead Ryan to his YTT in 2015. Ryan is also a Licensed Practical Nurse, with a focus on long term care. He loves promoting wellness across the span of all ages and has a a warm heart for the elderly population. He seeks to bring more awareness within the community of Jim Thorpe by focusing on the importance of meditation and remaining grounded with each posture explored on our mats.
KARA EDMONDS, yoga
Kara first tried yoga in Virginia, while living in Richmond as a student in the School of the Arts at VCU. She found confidence in asana with the guidance of a teacher focusing on alignment. With a history of sports and running, Kara found that vigorous asana helped to soothe her mind and spirit.
When Kara and her family moved west from Richmond, she continued a sporadic home practice when she was unable to find a yoga studio to call home. However, she found that raising infant twins often got in the way of her practice, and sometimes, her peace of mind. After moving again, to Southwestern Virginia in 2013, she re-established her yoga practice and found an open and embracing yoga studio and community. Through asana, she was able to access more peace and gratitude for the blessings of her life. And, as a student in yoga teacher training, she began to discover the joys and challenges of living a daily life of yoga.
In 2015, Kara obtained her 200 hour certification from Katie Silcox, a senior teacher within the Sri Vidya Para-Yoga lineage of internationally acclaimed Yogarupa Rod Stryker. Kara’s classes use her Tantric-based Para-yoga training to offer an energetic effect through carefully sequenced asana. She is committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for all students, whether experienced practitioners or those trying yoga for the first time. Kara hopes to continue developing her own practice, teaching skills, and artistic endeavors by a dedication to her yoga studies. She also hopes to become a part of, and to enrich this beautiful mountain community of Pennsylvania by sharing her love of yoga with all students.
Kara first tried yoga in Virginia, while living in Richmond as a student in the School of the Arts at VCU. She found confidence in asana with the guidance of a teacher focusing on alignment. With a history of sports and running, Kara found that vigorous asana helped to soothe her mind and spirit.
When Kara and her family moved west from Richmond, she continued a sporadic home practice when she was unable to find a yoga studio to call home. However, she found that raising infant twins often got in the way of her practice, and sometimes, her peace of mind. After moving again, to Southwestern Virginia in 2013, she re-established her yoga practice and found an open and embracing yoga studio and community. Through asana, she was able to access more peace and gratitude for the blessings of her life. And, as a student in yoga teacher training, she began to discover the joys and challenges of living a daily life of yoga.
In 2015, Kara obtained her 200 hour certification from Katie Silcox, a senior teacher within the Sri Vidya Para-Yoga lineage of internationally acclaimed Yogarupa Rod Stryker. Kara’s classes use her Tantric-based Para-yoga training to offer an energetic effect through carefully sequenced asana. She is committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for all students, whether experienced practitioners or those trying yoga for the first time. Kara hopes to continue developing her own practice, teaching skills, and artistic endeavors by a dedication to her yoga studies. She also hopes to become a part of, and to enrich this beautiful mountain community of Pennsylvania by sharing her love of yoga with all students.
URSULA DEMETRIOU, yoga
Ursula (200 RYT) has taught water aerobics for the aging population since the early 80s. After delving deeper into her own yoga practice, and as an older woman herself, she felt a desire to share her firsthand experiences of yoga with those her own age, younger and older. Yoga has helped Ursula increase muscle tone, alleviate the symptoms of osteoporosis, increase her self-esteem and control her weight. It has also helped her with anxiety and to lessen the effects of mood swings and depression. Ursula teaches a classic Hatha style yoga and is an advocate of helping to repair and self-align the spine. "You are only as old as your spine is flexible." She also teaches proper abdominal breathing as well as eye and neck exercises. The aging body needs to be respected so that it can enrich our lives as we enter into the final phase. Ursula recently spent a month in the Catskills at a Yoga Training Ranch (Sivananda) learning a discipline that she can offer and teach to anyone who is interested in prolonging and enriching their lives. Join her for a life-changing experience, one day at time.
Ursula (200 RYT) has taught water aerobics for the aging population since the early 80s. After delving deeper into her own yoga practice, and as an older woman herself, she felt a desire to share her firsthand experiences of yoga with those her own age, younger and older. Yoga has helped Ursula increase muscle tone, alleviate the symptoms of osteoporosis, increase her self-esteem and control her weight. It has also helped her with anxiety and to lessen the effects of mood swings and depression. Ursula teaches a classic Hatha style yoga and is an advocate of helping to repair and self-align the spine. "You are only as old as your spine is flexible." She also teaches proper abdominal breathing as well as eye and neck exercises. The aging body needs to be respected so that it can enrich our lives as we enter into the final phase. Ursula recently spent a month in the Catskills at a Yoga Training Ranch (Sivananda) learning a discipline that she can offer and teach to anyone who is interested in prolonging and enriching their lives. Join her for a life-changing experience, one day at time.
ABBY MEKOLICHICK, yoga
Abby Mekolichick, CYT 500, has been in love with yoga philosophy and application for over five years. She believes yoga should be accessible to EVERY body. She specializes in classes for those who need a gentle approach, or extra attention working through injuries with a special emphasis on alignment.
Abby's passions include the Chakra system, thoughtful, positive meditations, and applying all eight limbs of yoga to her classes. She is a graduate of The Kaivalya Yoga Method Teacher Training with Alanna Kaivalya. Abby has a genuine love of both yoga and people with an approachable style and compassionate, non-judgment in her pursuit to make yoga available to everyone.
Abby Mekolichick, CYT 500, has been in love with yoga philosophy and application for over five years. She believes yoga should be accessible to EVERY body. She specializes in classes for those who need a gentle approach, or extra attention working through injuries with a special emphasis on alignment.
Abby's passions include the Chakra system, thoughtful, positive meditations, and applying all eight limbs of yoga to her classes. She is a graduate of The Kaivalya Yoga Method Teacher Training with Alanna Kaivalya. Abby has a genuine love of both yoga and people with an approachable style and compassionate, non-judgment in her pursuit to make yoga available to everyone.
JENN GIZERIAN, yoga
Jenn (RYT 200) started delving into the physical practice of yoga in 2007, when a friend gave her an old Yoga for Women’s Health video. Throughout the years she took a few classes here and there, but it wasn’t until she moved to Jim Thorpe, PA that yoga became a regular part of her life. Yoga has helped her to move through both physical and emotional pain, grow as a person, and find calm that she didn’t think was possible.
Trained in a therapeutic style of yoga at Kula Kamala Ashram in Reading, PA, Jenn strives to create a safe and welcoming yet challenging environment for all of her students. Her classes are a mix of strength & mobility building movement, and restoration through deep relaxation & breathwork.
When Jenn isn’t teaching yoga, she enjoys long walks on the Switchback with her boyfriend, and playing video games with their two sons. You’ll often find her in the kitchen, mixing up potions and doting over her homebrewed kombucha. See what kitchen witchery she’s got available or read her blog at Floravidya.com.
Jenn (RYT 200) started delving into the physical practice of yoga in 2007, when a friend gave her an old Yoga for Women’s Health video. Throughout the years she took a few classes here and there, but it wasn’t until she moved to Jim Thorpe, PA that yoga became a regular part of her life. Yoga has helped her to move through both physical and emotional pain, grow as a person, and find calm that she didn’t think was possible.
Trained in a therapeutic style of yoga at Kula Kamala Ashram in Reading, PA, Jenn strives to create a safe and welcoming yet challenging environment for all of her students. Her classes are a mix of strength & mobility building movement, and restoration through deep relaxation & breathwork.
When Jenn isn’t teaching yoga, she enjoys long walks on the Switchback with her boyfriend, and playing video games with their two sons. You’ll often find her in the kitchen, mixing up potions and doting over her homebrewed kombucha. See what kitchen witchery she’s got available or read her blog at Floravidya.com.
DINA STEWART, yoga
Dina (RYT 500) has participated in many forms of physical fitness throughout her life – from karate in her youth, to weights and treadmill cardio in high school and college, to elliptical and power cycling or “spinning” in her adult life, the discovery of Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga in 2009 was what would be the turning point in Dina Stewart’s life. She found her strength, her voice, her passion. She found strength not only in her physical body but also in her mind and in her spirit. Her practice has evolved to include several styles of yoga. Dina has also made a personal commitment to the daily practice of yoga. Through her example, she inspires others to get on their mat daily in order to experience their own personal transformation and unfolding journey. In the interest of being able to share her passion with her daughter, she became a Certified Childlight Yoga Instructor in November of 2011. In May 2012, she completed training through the Always at Aum Yoga School of New York to obtain her 200 hour RYT certification. In November 2013, Dina graduated from Boundless Yoga Training at Sundari Yoga in Stroudsburg, PA with her 500 hour RYT certification. Dina has also attended continuing yoga education training with Seane Corn at the Yoga Loft in Bethlehem, PA , Angelique Sandas at Balance Yoga and Wellness, Forty Fort, PA Leslie Kaminoff at Dana Hot Yoga in Bala Cynwyd, PA and Amba and Don Stapleton of Nosara Yoga Institute at Kripalu.
Dina (RYT 500) has participated in many forms of physical fitness throughout her life – from karate in her youth, to weights and treadmill cardio in high school and college, to elliptical and power cycling or “spinning” in her adult life, the discovery of Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga in 2009 was what would be the turning point in Dina Stewart’s life. She found her strength, her voice, her passion. She found strength not only in her physical body but also in her mind and in her spirit. Her practice has evolved to include several styles of yoga. Dina has also made a personal commitment to the daily practice of yoga. Through her example, she inspires others to get on their mat daily in order to experience their own personal transformation and unfolding journey. In the interest of being able to share her passion with her daughter, she became a Certified Childlight Yoga Instructor in November of 2011. In May 2012, she completed training through the Always at Aum Yoga School of New York to obtain her 200 hour RYT certification. In November 2013, Dina graduated from Boundless Yoga Training at Sundari Yoga in Stroudsburg, PA with her 500 hour RYT certification. Dina has also attended continuing yoga education training with Seane Corn at the Yoga Loft in Bethlehem, PA , Angelique Sandas at Balance Yoga and Wellness, Forty Fort, PA Leslie Kaminoff at Dana Hot Yoga in Bala Cynwyd, PA and Amba and Don Stapleton of Nosara Yoga Institute at Kripalu.
BETSEY BLAIR, ballet
Betsey has 30 years experience as a ballet and dance teacher. She is currently ballet instructor atNorthampton Community College in Tannersville, PA. In addition she teaches ballet, pointé, lyrical, and performance at Dance Till Dawn Center in Brodheadsville, PA, and has taught Budzynski Studios in Doylestown, PA, and the Buckingham School of Dance in Buckingham, PA. Betsey received her early dance training with Olin Kearse School of Ballet in Ambler and later at theBudzynski Studio of Ballet in Doylestown. In her teens and twenties she performed for the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Dance Theater in Bucks County. Betsey regularly coaches and choreographs for her students in recitals and competitions. Betsey has also choreographed for Pennsylvania Dance Theater, and the Town and Country Players community theater in Buckingham Pa. Betsey, a movement therapist, is the owner of Progressive Motion in Kresgeville, PA. Betsey graduated from the Anat Baniel Method Center in San Rafael, California. As an ABM (neuro- muscular repatterning) practitioner, she instructs group and private lessons. Betsey has been a Certified Reiki Practitioner since 1991. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation, that also promotes healing. It is administered by simply laying on hands and focusing on positive energy transfer. Energy Follows Intent. This is my Reiki path and promise.
Betsey has 30 years experience as a ballet and dance teacher. She is currently ballet instructor atNorthampton Community College in Tannersville, PA. In addition she teaches ballet, pointé, lyrical, and performance at Dance Till Dawn Center in Brodheadsville, PA, and has taught Budzynski Studios in Doylestown, PA, and the Buckingham School of Dance in Buckingham, PA. Betsey received her early dance training with Olin Kearse School of Ballet in Ambler and later at theBudzynski Studio of Ballet in Doylestown. In her teens and twenties she performed for the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Dance Theater in Bucks County. Betsey regularly coaches and choreographs for her students in recitals and competitions. Betsey has also choreographed for Pennsylvania Dance Theater, and the Town and Country Players community theater in Buckingham Pa. Betsey, a movement therapist, is the owner of Progressive Motion in Kresgeville, PA. Betsey graduated from the Anat Baniel Method Center in San Rafael, California. As an ABM (neuro- muscular repatterning) practitioner, she instructs group and private lessons. Betsey has been a Certified Reiki Practitioner since 1991. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation, that also promotes healing. It is administered by simply laying on hands and focusing on positive energy transfer. Energy Follows Intent. This is my Reiki path and promise.
TRAYE LOVEJOY, yoga
Traye offers a fun, flowing style of yoga, full of challenges and different perspectives. She brings her background of dance, martial arts, massage, poetry and comedy to form a lighthearted practice with deep roots. Traye can be found teaching outdoors, locally and at special events.
Traye seeks to inspire and empower the yogi; to question routine and to peek playfully outside of the box. Alongside strength and flexibility, confidence and versatility are emphasized. Her unique instruction invites us to find our Joy.
Traye offers a fun, flowing style of yoga, full of challenges and different perspectives. She brings her background of dance, martial arts, massage, poetry and comedy to form a lighthearted practice with deep roots. Traye can be found teaching outdoors, locally and at special events.
Traye seeks to inspire and empower the yogi; to question routine and to peek playfully outside of the box. Alongside strength and flexibility, confidence and versatility are emphasized. Her unique instruction invites us to find our Joy.
AMY O'BRIEN, yoga
Amy (E-RYT 200) began her journey to become a yoga instructor began when she took her first yoga class for college credit in 2000. She has always dreamed of teaching yoga - since that first class - so that she can share her love of yoga with others. Always active in every sport that she could fit into her busy schedule throughout grade school and high school, Amy was always in excellent shape. Then, it was time for college and the freshmen 15 pounds that miraculously appeared that first year. She began worrying about getting back into shape. That yoga class was the best thing that happened that semester. She didn't know it then, but that was the beginning of a lifelong path of yoga asana and life changes. Tragedy catapulted her into her asana practice, which brought her deeper into the spiritual aspects of yoga as well. After the unexpected death of her father in 2011, she felt as though she were living in a whirlwind of thoughts, emotions and questions without answers. The only thing - other than sleeping - that she wanted to do, was yoga. In March of 2013, she was laid off from a "dream job." A few days later, she signed up for yoga teacher training through The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem. Amy is thankful for the opportunity to teach at Jim Thorpe Yoga and to be a part of the beautiful community of people at the studio! She has studied with wonderful teachers including associate Baptiste vinyasa yoga teacher Linda Zogas, where she learned what Power Yoga was truly like. Linda inspired her to be a more powerful woman through her teachings. Amy also studies with certified Iyengar teacher Holly Walck, and with Maya Kowalcyk.
Amy (E-RYT 200) began her journey to become a yoga instructor began when she took her first yoga class for college credit in 2000. She has always dreamed of teaching yoga - since that first class - so that she can share her love of yoga with others. Always active in every sport that she could fit into her busy schedule throughout grade school and high school, Amy was always in excellent shape. Then, it was time for college and the freshmen 15 pounds that miraculously appeared that first year. She began worrying about getting back into shape. That yoga class was the best thing that happened that semester. She didn't know it then, but that was the beginning of a lifelong path of yoga asana and life changes. Tragedy catapulted her into her asana practice, which brought her deeper into the spiritual aspects of yoga as well. After the unexpected death of her father in 2011, she felt as though she were living in a whirlwind of thoughts, emotions and questions without answers. The only thing - other than sleeping - that she wanted to do, was yoga. In March of 2013, she was laid off from a "dream job." A few days later, she signed up for yoga teacher training through The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem. Amy is thankful for the opportunity to teach at Jim Thorpe Yoga and to be a part of the beautiful community of people at the studio! She has studied with wonderful teachers including associate Baptiste vinyasa yoga teacher Linda Zogas, where she learned what Power Yoga was truly like. Linda inspired her to be a more powerful woman through her teachings. Amy also studies with certified Iyengar teacher Holly Walck, and with Maya Kowalcyk.
