MAYA KOWALCYK
(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, Anusara, Sivananda, Iyengar). She has been especially inspired by studying with Dean and Rebecca Lerner, Holly Walck, Joan White, Patricia Walden, Manuso Manos, and Kofi Busia, all certified Iyengar teachers.. Maya is a certified yoga instructor, and a certified ChildPlay yoga teacher, through Yoga Alliance with over 1600 hours of teaching adults and children, and received her 200-hr certification at The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem, PA, under Jessie Thompson. She is also a certified English teacher and mother. 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, .
(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, Anusara, Sivananda, Iyengar). She has been especially inspired by studying with Dean and Rebecca Lerner, Holly Walck, Joan White, Patricia Walden, Manuso Manos, and Kofi Busia, all certified Iyengar teachers.. Maya is a certified yoga instructor, and a certified ChildPlay yoga teacher, through Yoga Alliance with over 1600 hours of teaching adults and children, and received her 200-hr certification at The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem, PA, under Jessie Thompson. She is also a certified English teacher and mother. 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 12th year of yoga studies. He studies 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. He has attended numerous workshops, teacher trainings and conventions to further his field of knowledge.
He currently studies with certified Iyengar instructor, Diana Erney at the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Saylorsburg, where he also has taken workshops with Dean Lerner from the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Central Pennsylvania. Yoga has revealed for Ron, the path by which one can manage ones everyday physical and emotional pressures and by doing so, enrich ones existence and thus manifest a healthy physical and spiritual life.
Ron Minnich, B.S. in Ed., is in his 12th year of yoga studies. He studies 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. He has attended numerous workshops, teacher trainings and conventions to further his field of knowledge.
He currently studies with certified Iyengar instructor, Diana Erney at the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Saylorsburg, where he also has taken workshops with Dean Lerner from the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Central Pennsylvania. Yoga has revealed for Ron, the path by which one can manage ones everyday physical and emotional pressures and by doing so, enrich ones existence and thus manifest a healthy physical and spiritual life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RICHARD GRAHAM, meditation
Rich first became interested in Eastern philosophy through Tae Kwon Do. A spiritual seeker all of his life, in 2002, he read a book by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk, entitled Being Peace, which opened him to the power of Buddhist teachings. Rich has since attended multiple meditation retreats with Thich Nhat Hanh at various centers, including Blue Cliff Monastery, and he hopes to offer practices in meditation and mindfulness that have helped him in his own life. All of us have the ability to change our lives through the way we think, speak, and act, and meditation is one tool that can help us realize this. Weekly group meditation is a place to become centered, be calm, quiet your mind, quiet your heart, all among other like-minded people. As Robert Thurman, a Buddhist teacher, said, Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Rich first became interested in Eastern philosophy through Tae Kwon Do. A spiritual seeker all of his life, in 2002, he read a book by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk, entitled Being Peace, which opened him to the power of Buddhist teachings. Rich has since attended multiple meditation retreats with Thich Nhat Hanh at various centers, including Blue Cliff Monastery, and he hopes to offer practices in meditation and mindfulness that have helped him in his own life. All of us have the ability to change our lives through the way we think, speak, and act, and meditation is one tool that can help us realize this. Weekly group meditation is a place to become centered, be calm, quiet your mind, quiet your heart, all among other like-minded people. As Robert Thurman, a Buddhist teacher, said, Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
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.
STACY HEIN, yoga
Stacy discovered yoga in 2009, somewhat accidentally, while taking dance classes at a small studio. She took a few classes there and found that yoga was a natural progression from her love of dance. She began exploring the practice through DVDs and other classes in the area, but it wasn’t until 2014 that she began a regular practice. Within about one year, she began researching teacher trainings, knowing that she wanted to deepen her practice and share the benefits of yoga with others. She chose to pursue her 200 hour certification with Erica McHugh at Emmaus Yoga. Also a dance fitness instructor, freelance writer, and writing tutor—Stacy brings a background of both group instruction and one-on-one teaching experience to her classes. Her teaching style is a union of her passion for words and her love of the discipline, rhythm and meditation of yoga. Students can expect to encounter a blend of poetry and movement in her classes that is carefully designed to inspire and motivate—both on and off the mat.
Stacy discovered yoga in 2009, somewhat accidentally, while taking dance classes at a small studio. She took a few classes there and found that yoga was a natural progression from her love of dance. She began exploring the practice through DVDs and other classes in the area, but it wasn’t until 2014 that she began a regular practice. Within about one year, she began researching teacher trainings, knowing that she wanted to deepen her practice and share the benefits of yoga with others. She chose to pursue her 200 hour certification with Erica McHugh at Emmaus Yoga. Also a dance fitness instructor, freelance writer, and writing tutor—Stacy brings a background of both group instruction and one-on-one teaching experience to her classes. Her teaching style is a union of her passion for words and her love of the discipline, rhythm and meditation of yoga. Students can expect to encounter a blend of poetry and movement in her classes that is carefully designed to inspire and motivate—both on and off the mat.
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.
AMANDA KESTER, yoga
Amanda (200RYT) found yoga as a stress reliever during her studies at Penn State. She studied independently throughout the years under the teachings of Rodney Yee. Her athletic interests in gymnastics and running led her to pursue the study of Baptiste Power Yoga. As a life-long learner and educator, the next natural step was to become a teacher of Power Yoga and continue to grow. She was certified in March of 2016.
Amanda is dedicated to connecting with students and creating an environment which is encouraging and supportive in an ever-changing, fast-paced, and demanding world. Amanda is passionate about her teaching, her continued studies as a student, and serving others.
Amanda (200RYT) found yoga as a stress reliever during her studies at Penn State. She studied independently throughout the years under the teachings of Rodney Yee. Her athletic interests in gymnastics and running led her to pursue the study of Baptiste Power Yoga. As a life-long learner and educator, the next natural step was to become a teacher of Power Yoga and continue to grow. She was certified in March of 2016.
Amanda is dedicated to connecting with students and creating an environment which is encouraging and supportive in an ever-changing, fast-paced, and demanding world. Amanda is passionate about her teaching, her continued studies as a student, and serving others.
ABBY MEKOLICHICK, yoga
