Teachers

Nischala (pronounced 'nis-chala')
Registered and twice Certified Yoga Teacher,
Director and Founder of Gilbert Yoga

I began my studies of yoga in southern California in the Ashtanga tradition in 1998 at a time in my life when I needed to learn to de-stress and relax. Through my first contact with yoga I realized that this was the path for me...it felt right, like coming 'home'. In addition to learning how to relax and pay attention to my body, I was pleasantly surprised to find my physical strength growing, my flexibility improving, and my mind expanding and shifting. To this day I find myself opening in new ways - in body, in attitude, mind and heart. Since my first yoga experience in 1998 I have continued to train in and learn various styles of yoga, acquiring my first certification to teach in the year 2000.  In regards to my asana development and growth, my Anusara teacher inspired me greatly. In my spiritual practice and daily living practice of yoga my inspiration has often been my best friend and teacher, Ingrid.  In August of 2006, I met my Guru, Enlightened Master Sri Paramahamsa Nithyananda. To him I offer my deepest Gratitude for giving me the tools to touch Samadhi and to live a life of Bliss. In January 2007 I traveled to India to become an Ordained Nithya Yoga Acharya (teacher) and while there experienced a profound spiritual awakening. In my classes I share with my students what I know as Truth and what I experience - that Bliss is who we are and it is possible every day to feel it, express it and radiate it.  Each day we have an opportunity to turn inward...to see the nature of our True Self...to remember our inner Light...to see that we are One and the same with the Divine.  Finally taking all of my various teachers advice, I now practice it and repeat it for you...'Meditate!'  That is the key to unlock the Bliss that IS YOU!

 

Ingrid Ortega, Certified Yoga Teacher, Co-Director of Gilbert Yoga

We are all born with an enlightened heart, with a calm mind, a peaceful sweet smile and a full belly, breathing. In our yoga practice we are simply coming back to us...to our Divine essence. Many ways to walk our path, the Art and Science of Yoga is a very special and effective one...at least for me. It started when I was a kid; we were 7 crazy children (3 girls/4 boys), me in the middle. Yoga for me at first was trying to impress my family with some pretzel yoga poses I had seen in a book in my home in Venezuela...now a way of life, a method of healing. My childhood was often interrupted by broken bones, a symptom of premature osteoporosis at the age of six -2 broken vertebra, broken tailbone, ankles, foot, toes, fingers, etc...not all at once of course. At one point in my late 20's I asked myself, 'Do I want to live this way?' In constant pain, so limited and restricted? Of course not! Two days later I met my first yoga teacher, Nancy. Within a few weeks I began to see results. I started to heal and transform in so many ways, and the more I wake up the more I see, and the more I realize I know nothing...and that inspires me to move on. It keeps getting better and better. Some time later I came to the States, by circumstances that were very painful...a dear extended family member got into a fatal accident. So I came, left everything behind and here I am. This is when you know that even though life is full of constant challenges it is our perception that will make a difference...to remain at peace, to trust. After a year or so here in the Valley my practice brought me to a yoga class where I met my dear friend Cassandra. As we grew our practice together she planted a seed in my heart to get my teacher training certification and teach with her. Meanwhile I met Carlos, my husband, teacher, guru, daily inspiration. A yogi since he was 14 years old. In 2001 I went to Sedona, Seven Centers Yoga Arts and spent the most amazing 30 days of yoga...of waking up...of Being. I received my certificate through Mimi, Ruth and Gary and fell in love with them and their teacher training program based on ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriyas developed by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, a disciple of Sivananda. In 2002 our son David came into our lives and gave us the honor of being his parents and became our teacher, our inspiration, our reminder to just Be...be happy, be joyful, be grateful...to shine! So, here I am. Here we are in our Yoga-home...learning, teaching, giving and receiving the many Blessings and benefits of this science, art, discipline. We can call it whatever, but it's bringing us together. It welcomes us and holds us as we are, feeding any particular need of our body, mind and spirit, guiding us back home to our Divine essence...so we may ultimately break free from the illusion of separation, boundaries and suffering. I am you, you are I, and we are One...One with the Divine...

 

Heather Janesky, Certified Yoga Teacher

Bio coming soon.

Lisette Mercado-Pena, Certified Yoga Teacher, Certified Prenatal Yoga Teacher, and Licensed Hypno-Birthing Coach

Bio coming soon. 

Beth Bluestein, Registered and Certified Yoga Teacher

I first fell in love with yoga in college at the University of Colorado. I found yoga to be a consistent source of strength, release, and refuge during the fast-paced and ever-changing years of my early 20's. I explored and practiced many styles of yoga, inspired by wonderful teachers of Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Jivamukti, and Power Yoga. When I decided to share my love of 'the practice' with others, I earned my Yoga Alliance 200 hour certification through CorePower Yoga in Colorado and began teaching in 2005. Since that time I have taught students ranging from beginner to advanced at yoga studios, universities, community centers, and health clubs in Texas, California and Arizona. My classes have evolved into a free-form Vinyasa Flow as unique and varied as the students in any given class. As a teacher, I believe that yoga is truly for everyone; not just those who are fit and flexible but equally, not just for those with limited mobility. Yoga's many benefits serve as many purposes as there are people. I see my role as that of a guide - offering modifications at every level and providing support and encouragement along this beautiful journey.

Adabelle Quintana, twice Certified Yoga Teacher

Unknowingly my yoga journey began at the age of 16 when my mom died of cancer.  I fell into a silent depression that was poisoning me from within.  I simply didn’t know how to grieve. After 4 years of suppressed emotions, Yoga Found Me. I think that I was guided towards Yoga to learn how to heal.  My body felt different, I could breathe easier, and I felt a sweet comfort after I left class.  I knew I had to spread the peace.  And now here I am, with genuine aspirations to help people heal from the inside out: through yoga, nutrition and traditional medicine practices.  I received my 200-hr Yoga teacher training through the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe and have been teaching in the East Valley since 2005. I have since continued my yoga studies in the 300-hr Master Teacher program at Inner Vision Yoga studio in Chandler . Academically, I have a strong science foundation in the field of Human Nutrition through ASU; and I am currently pursuing my Masters of Oriental Medicine at the Phoenix Institute for Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture (PIHMA).  The 4-year degree program will license me to practice acupuncture, herbal medicine and Oriental bodywork, all of which I am excited to use in my desire to help others find health and well-being.
My yoga journey continues to expand with every new breath.  I am eternally grateful to all of my teachers whose patience and guidance have helped me find my way home.
Namaste’

 

Susan Jarvie, Registered and Certified Yoga Teacher

I believe the practice of yoga leads us to be more positive, compassionate human beings. We learn to be centered and calm even when faced with challenges and distractions. It is from my love of yoga that I teach yoga and designed the unique Yoga Heart sand bags. I have been practicing yoga since 2001, completing my 200-hour teacher training a few years later. As a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance I follow the alignment principles of Anusara yoga, paying close attention to alignment of the body, careful sequencing of poses, and breath awareness. Yoga has helped me learn to calm my mind, feel less stressed and more focused on my goals. Through it I've  gained confidence, strength, flexibility, and an overall awareness of the mind, body, spirit connection.

 

Gretchen Bickert, Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher

Bio coming soon.

Joy Klein, Certified Yoga Teacher

Bio coming soon...

 

Kim Eastman Devery, M.Ed., Registered and Certified Yoga Teacher  (Workshops & Specialty Classes)

My background and passion revolves around teaching and helping people reach their full potential. I received my yoga teacher certification from two outstanding Anusara teachers in the Valley who were trained by John Friend. This supportive, heartfelt approach to teaching supports the students optimal alignment in postures which allows them to feel their strength from the inside out. Most recently I have been studying Iyengar Yoga and its therapeutic applications for healing the body.  My practice of 7+ years and teaching in a variety of settings enable me to assist all levels of students with modifications to fit their needs. I teach at local gyms, in corporate programs, and in senior communities as well as develop and teach specialty yoga workshops.  For more about me visit www.threeyoga.com.