MYPATH to Transformation, Spring 2018 ~ Instructors
Dr. Amanda O’Bryan
Amanda is a meditation teacher, certified wellness coach and a psychology professor. She has a passion for introducing meditation to students and believes that mindfulness provides a clear path to healing. She teaches many different types of meditation, such as mindfulness, tapping into your intuition, mantra meditation, exploring the chakras, and more. She also teaches workshops that introduce mindfulness into communication, relationships and daily life.
Amanda is a meditation teacher, certified wellness coach and a psychology professor. She has a passion for introducing meditation to students and believes that mindfulness provides a clear path to healing. She teaches many different types of meditation, such as mindfulness, tapping into your intuition, mantra meditation, exploring the chakras, and more. She also teaches workshops that introduce mindfulness into communication, relationships and daily life.
Annella Wettter
Anella Wetter (M.Ed., RYT®) began her professional life as a high school English teacher in 1986 and, in 2016, she left a successful sales career with a global learning corporation to be a writer, speaker, and to empower others to follow their dreams. At the heart of Anella’s work has always been her passion for teaching and learning, and she teaches that self-knowledge is the most important way to stand fully in your personal power and create the experience you want. Anella has stepped into the full pursuit of deeply understanding her own, beautiful spirit, through allowing her intuitive gifts to guide inspired action and trusting that every step of her path is divinely guided.
Anella Wetter (M.Ed., RYT®) began her professional life as a high school English teacher in 1986 and, in 2016, she left a successful sales career with a global learning corporation to be a writer, speaker, and to empower others to follow their dreams. At the heart of Anella’s work has always been her passion for teaching and learning, and she teaches that self-knowledge is the most important way to stand fully in your personal power and create the experience you want. Anella has stepped into the full pursuit of deeply understanding her own, beautiful spirit, through allowing her intuitive gifts to guide inspired action and trusting that every step of her path is divinely guided.
Anessa Walsburger
Anessa Arehart is an artist, nature lover, and co-owner of Little Wing Hollow, a small (but growing) art & nature sanctuary nestled in a wooded 40 acre property on the Chaplin River in Harrodsburg, where she lives, creates art, hosts events, and manages a seasonal canoe/kayak rental business with her husband Beau. Motivated by a love of the outdoors and a belief that time enjoying Nature's simple gifts is time well spent, her mission is simple: To offer folks a sacred spot where they can unplug, get grounded, experience Kentucky's natural beauty, and witness the enchanting wildlife that lives among us in the hills, hollows, river, and sky. Anessa believes Nature can heal both physically and psychologically. Engaging with the natural world through exploration or quiet reflection can reset one's internal rhythm to a healthier groove and assist in healing body, mind, and soul. She has experienced profound personal tranformation by living immersed in nature and enjoys sharing the magic she has discovered with others.
Anessa Arehart is an artist, nature lover, and co-owner of Little Wing Hollow, a small (but growing) art & nature sanctuary nestled in a wooded 40 acre property on the Chaplin River in Harrodsburg, where she lives, creates art, hosts events, and manages a seasonal canoe/kayak rental business with her husband Beau. Motivated by a love of the outdoors and a belief that time enjoying Nature's simple gifts is time well spent, her mission is simple: To offer folks a sacred spot where they can unplug, get grounded, experience Kentucky's natural beauty, and witness the enchanting wildlife that lives among us in the hills, hollows, river, and sky. Anessa believes Nature can heal both physically and psychologically. Engaging with the natural world through exploration or quiet reflection can reset one's internal rhythm to a healthier groove and assist in healing body, mind, and soul. She has experienced profound personal tranformation by living immersed in nature and enjoys sharing the magic she has discovered with others.
Ben Short
Ben is a composer, musician, creator of In Lightning, and certified Taoist Yoga Teacher. Ben enthusiastically dove into yoga in 2012, curious seeking methods to take care of his musician fatigued hands and forearms. He quickly came to believe in and dedicate himself to this practice and all it has to offer. In 2014 he completed his 200hr Teacher Training in Louisville, KY, and has been teaching yoga as his full time employment for over three years. For Ben, yoga is about your future. Our bodies are the vessels through which we get to experience life. And we only get this one; we can't trade it in. Ben encourages patience, mindfulness, focus on breath, doing your daily body maintenance. He shares his mantra to Spread Positivity! in the music he writes and performs, the care and energy in his classes, and by wishing you even to have a Happy Monday! Why not? Let’s hike mountains in our 80s! Why not?
Ben is a composer, musician, creator of In Lightning, and certified Taoist Yoga Teacher. Ben enthusiastically dove into yoga in 2012, curious seeking methods to take care of his musician fatigued hands and forearms. He quickly came to believe in and dedicate himself to this practice and all it has to offer. In 2014 he completed his 200hr Teacher Training in Louisville, KY, and has been teaching yoga as his full time employment for over three years. For Ben, yoga is about your future. Our bodies are the vessels through which we get to experience life. And we only get this one; we can't trade it in. Ben encourages patience, mindfulness, focus on breath, doing your daily body maintenance. He shares his mantra to Spread Positivity! in the music he writes and performs, the care and energy in his classes, and by wishing you even to have a Happy Monday! Why not? Let’s hike mountains in our 80s! Why not?
Blake Cothron
Blake has been practicing and living Yoga since 2002 when he came across the book "Integral Yoga Hatha" at a used book store. He dedicated to the path of Bhakti Yoga while living for a year in Hawai'i in 2008 when he encountered Krishna Consciousness. The devotional chanting, kirtan, clean and clear lifestyle and Vedic philosophy all deeply resonated in his soul. He soon thereafter joined a Krishna ashram in Florida to further his immersion and knowledge of Bhakti. Through much spiritual and religious explorations, including years of living in ashrams and monasteries, world travel and moves, inner and outer turbulence and major life changes he has maintained Bhakti as his life's purpose and focus on a daily basis. He is also an organic farmer, writer, speaker and farming educator. He greatly enjoys serving people. His primary service is in sharing Vedic knowledge and the practices, rituals, music and philosophy of Bhakti Yoga in the Gaudiya Vaishnava line (as well as helping people learn to feed themselves). He lives in Stanford, KY.
Blake has been practicing and living Yoga since 2002 when he came across the book "Integral Yoga Hatha" at a used book store. He dedicated to the path of Bhakti Yoga while living for a year in Hawai'i in 2008 when he encountered Krishna Consciousness. The devotional chanting, kirtan, clean and clear lifestyle and Vedic philosophy all deeply resonated in his soul. He soon thereafter joined a Krishna ashram in Florida to further his immersion and knowledge of Bhakti. Through much spiritual and religious explorations, including years of living in ashrams and monasteries, world travel and moves, inner and outer turbulence and major life changes he has maintained Bhakti as his life's purpose and focus on a daily basis. He is also an organic farmer, writer, speaker and farming educator. He greatly enjoys serving people. His primary service is in sharing Vedic knowledge and the practices, rituals, music and philosophy of Bhakti Yoga in the Gaudiya Vaishnava line (as well as helping people learn to feed themselves). He lives in Stanford, KY.
Brandon Hubbard
Brandon is a nature enthusiast and a perpetual student of life. He recognized the many benefits Yoga has to offer and seeks to extend that to the community. He loves discourse on topics such as, but not limited to: Nature, Yoga (all of it), dogs, books, mysticism, energy, time and space, dog parks, spiritual traditions, non-dualism, road trips, dreams, sound, vibration, camping, learning, holistic remedies, consciousness, feeling, and laughter. What he appreciates most of all is to hear about other’s experiences and what makes them come alive. He is also a RYT200.
Brandon is a nature enthusiast and a perpetual student of life. He recognized the many benefits Yoga has to offer and seeks to extend that to the community. He loves discourse on topics such as, but not limited to: Nature, Yoga (all of it), dogs, books, mysticism, energy, time and space, dog parks, spiritual traditions, non-dualism, road trips, dreams, sound, vibration, camping, learning, holistic remedies, consciousness, feeling, and laughter. What he appreciates most of all is to hear about other’s experiences and what makes them come alive. He is also a RYT200.
Chris O’Bryan RYT 265 ~ Shiva Strap Co-Creator ~ Vedic Thai Bodyworker
Namaste friend! I have been teaching yoga for 3 years and practiced for 7. I am a student of energy and I like to bring that to all of my classes. Pranayama is always emphasized as a primary component. I teach different types of asana, including hatha, vinyasa, Anusara, and Kundalini. Sometimes we will mix different types of movement, but the goal is always the same: for you to feel wonderful, fully into YOUR body.
Namaste friend! I have been teaching yoga for 3 years and practiced for 7. I am a student of energy and I like to bring that to all of my classes. Pranayama is always emphasized as a primary component. I teach different types of asana, including hatha, vinyasa, Anusara, and Kundalini. Sometimes we will mix different types of movement, but the goal is always the same: for you to feel wonderful, fully into YOUR body.
Dylana and Fern
Fern Kaitlin + Dylana are yoga instructors who work to create an inclusive, non-judgemental, playful, loving + nurturing environment.
They have trained in Louisville, Kentucky and Portland, Oregon + specialize in Acroyoga, Kaleidoscope Yoga and other partner/group movements. Safety, integrity of practice, and silliness are woven into each class.
Fern Kaitlin + Dylana are yoga instructors who work to create an inclusive, non-judgemental, playful, loving + nurturing environment.
They have trained in Louisville, Kentucky and Portland, Oregon + specialize in Acroyoga, Kaleidoscope Yoga and other partner/group movements. Safety, integrity of practice, and silliness are woven into each class.
Holly Clark
Holly, MEd,RYT200, is a shamanic healer and yoga therapist with a passion for planetary tantra and wild ceremony. She offers welcoming space for others to explore and celebrate their divine essence through the art of compassionate embodiment in individual sessions, healing circles, workshops and retreats. Engaging plant spirit medicine, nature communion, movement, meditation, and sonic alchemy, Holly loves inspiring others to expand their wild creative potential for the enhancement of all life on Earth. She earned her yoga certification in Hawaii and aims to bring the spirit of aloha to all that she does, focusing on pranayama and the power of slowing down to savor each moment to its fullest. Her classes merge kundalini and bhakti yoga with tantric exploration and the grace of lovingkindness. She loves laughing, listening to trees, and raising the vibration of our planet through soulful presence and connection.
Holly, MEd,RYT200, is a shamanic healer and yoga therapist with a passion for planetary tantra and wild ceremony. She offers welcoming space for others to explore and celebrate their divine essence through the art of compassionate embodiment in individual sessions, healing circles, workshops and retreats. Engaging plant spirit medicine, nature communion, movement, meditation, and sonic alchemy, Holly loves inspiring others to expand their wild creative potential for the enhancement of all life on Earth. She earned her yoga certification in Hawaii and aims to bring the spirit of aloha to all that she does, focusing on pranayama and the power of slowing down to savor each moment to its fullest. Her classes merge kundalini and bhakti yoga with tantric exploration and the grace of lovingkindness. She loves laughing, listening to trees, and raising the vibration of our planet through soulful presence and connection.
J Miles
Yogi, martial artist, body worker, retired breakdancer, community activist, and the son of a Baptist minister, J Miles (ERYT 500) has been has been learning and studying eastern arts and philosophy for over 15 years. From the teachings of Swami Satchidananda and Integral Yoga, along with Ashtanga, Jivamukti and other prominent systems of yoga, Yogi J has crafted a style tempered by humor, relies on the importance of breath, and aims to create for each person a fluid, sustainable and enjoyable practice. Understanding that even ancient practice continues to evolve, the mantra continues to be “practice is effort toward steadiness of mind”.
Always the student, J credits a group of extraordinary women for shaping his practice: Barbara Taylor (mom), Vimala Posey, Arlene Bjork, Jill Abelson, Satya Greenstone, Dana Flynn and Jennifer Elliott.
Currently J Miles resides in his hometown of Richmond Va, loving four children while working to improve his community through his co-founded organization, Project Yoga Richmond (PYR). He teaches classes locally at PYR, and Om On Yoga, where he serves as lead ERYT for the Om On Yoga Teacher Training Program.
For questions & more information, email mahavirayoga@gmail.com
Yogi, martial artist, body worker, retired breakdancer, community activist, and the son of a Baptist minister, J Miles (ERYT 500) has been has been learning and studying eastern arts and philosophy for over 15 years. From the teachings of Swami Satchidananda and Integral Yoga, along with Ashtanga, Jivamukti and other prominent systems of yoga, Yogi J has crafted a style tempered by humor, relies on the importance of breath, and aims to create for each person a fluid, sustainable and enjoyable practice. Understanding that even ancient practice continues to evolve, the mantra continues to be “practice is effort toward steadiness of mind”.
Always the student, J credits a group of extraordinary women for shaping his practice: Barbara Taylor (mom), Vimala Posey, Arlene Bjork, Jill Abelson, Satya Greenstone, Dana Flynn and Jennifer Elliott.
Currently J Miles resides in his hometown of Richmond Va, loving four children while working to improve his community through his co-founded organization, Project Yoga Richmond (PYR). He teaches classes locally at PYR, and Om On Yoga, where he serves as lead ERYT for the Om On Yoga Teacher Training Program.
For questions & more information, email mahavirayoga@gmail.com
Nicole Casteel & Chris Kent
Nicole and Christopher hold four degrees in music performance and music education collectively. Nicole is a certified Life and Business Coach as well as spiritual healer, intuitive mentor, and a Soul Voice Coach helping women activate and unleash the true voice of their soul. Christopher is an Energy Worker, Nutritional Alchemy Chef and specializes in teaching how to heal the body through the power of food. Together, they are working to bring their vision of a peaceful and heart-centered world into existence.
Nicole and Christopher hold four degrees in music performance and music education collectively. Nicole is a certified Life and Business Coach as well as spiritual healer, intuitive mentor, and a Soul Voice Coach helping women activate and unleash the true voice of their soul. Christopher is an Energy Worker, Nutritional Alchemy Chef and specializes in teaching how to heal the body through the power of food. Together, they are working to bring their vision of a peaceful and heart-centered world into existence.
Nicole Hundley
Nicole is connected to her higher self when she is helping others. A lover of art, movement and travel. She has a passion for creating art and a peaceful state of mind for others, and is always dreaming up ways of combining the two passions. Nicole found yoga in 2012 as more of a physical practice, until she learned the emotional and spiritual benefits of practicing yoga. Yoga became a necessity to her life in an order to cope with anxiety and to heal the disconnection from self. That is when she dove deeper into the practice and study of yoga. Nicole pursued her 200-hour certification from Asheville Yoga Center. She enjoys teaching Hatha Flow, Restorative, Meditation and Mindful movement Yoga. With a new found love and curiosity for the healing benefits of CBD oil, she infuses her teaching with the knowledge and love of the oils. She encourages students to slow down it way down, to become aware of moving with the breath and the dance of their own self.
Nicole is connected to her higher self when she is helping others. A lover of art, movement and travel. She has a passion for creating art and a peaceful state of mind for others, and is always dreaming up ways of combining the two passions. Nicole found yoga in 2012 as more of a physical practice, until she learned the emotional and spiritual benefits of practicing yoga. Yoga became a necessity to her life in an order to cope with anxiety and to heal the disconnection from self. That is when she dove deeper into the practice and study of yoga. Nicole pursued her 200-hour certification from Asheville Yoga Center. She enjoys teaching Hatha Flow, Restorative, Meditation and Mindful movement Yoga. With a new found love and curiosity for the healing benefits of CBD oil, she infuses her teaching with the knowledge and love of the oils. She encourages students to slow down it way down, to become aware of moving with the breath and the dance of their own self.
Sammy-Jo Hand
Sammy-Jo is an Australian teacher and healer who has recently relocated to Louisville. Qualified in both Hatha and Kundalini lineages, she has studied meditation, yoga and healing modalities in both Australia, India and the United States, and has taught in some of Australia’s most renowned yoga studios. Connecting on a very human level, Sammy-Jo guides people through a journey to reprogram the negative thinking mind. With a strong focus on mindfulness, source energy, body positivity, connectedness and self-love, she allows everyone to peel back the layers of self-doubt so that they may recognize and celebrate the perfection, strength and beauty within.
Sammy-Jo is an Australian teacher and healer who has recently relocated to Louisville. Qualified in both Hatha and Kundalini lineages, she has studied meditation, yoga and healing modalities in both Australia, India and the United States, and has taught in some of Australia’s most renowned yoga studios. Connecting on a very human level, Sammy-Jo guides people through a journey to reprogram the negative thinking mind. With a strong focus on mindfulness, source energy, body positivity, connectedness and self-love, she allows everyone to peel back the layers of self-doubt so that they may recognize and celebrate the perfection, strength and beauty within.
Sarah Teeple
Sarah Teeple, AWC, CHHC, RTY200, is an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, a certified holistic health consultant, and a registered yoga teacher.
She helps clients restore optimal vitality, wellbeing, and digestive strength, using nutritional therapies, herbs and supplements, and yoga and pranayama.
She specializes in digestive healing, and nutrition for autoimmune disease.
Sarah sees patients at Common Ground Wellness center, in collaboration with a Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncturist, and an ObGyn, western medical doctor, integrating eastern and western medicine in a way that Louisville, KY has never before experienced!
Check out www.sarahteeple.com for upcoming events and to schedule an Ayurvedic consult!
Sarah Teeple, AWC, CHHC, RTY200, is an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, a certified holistic health consultant, and a registered yoga teacher.
She helps clients restore optimal vitality, wellbeing, and digestive strength, using nutritional therapies, herbs and supplements, and yoga and pranayama.
She specializes in digestive healing, and nutrition for autoimmune disease.
Sarah sees patients at Common Ground Wellness center, in collaboration with a Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncturist, and an ObGyn, western medical doctor, integrating eastern and western medicine in a way that Louisville, KY has never before experienced!
Check out www.sarahteeple.com for upcoming events and to schedule an Ayurvedic consult!
Shadia Heenan
Shadia is a 500-HR, international yoga teacher and shamanic healer. She desires to provide safe and supportive space for others to find healing, transformation, and empowerment. Her shamanic journey "officially" began, when she traveled to Peru to complete her 300-HR yoga teacher training in summer 2017. However, Shadia believes this realization was fermenting for many years, as to aid in her mission to heal others. While in Peru, she studied shamanic traditions and techniques under established shamans. The Quechua Indians of the central Andes, as well as the Four Winds Society directly influenced her studies. Shadia seeks to incorporate various healing modalities, with focus on opening the heart, releasing old patterns, and balancing the right and left-brain hemispheres. In addition to yoga and shamanic practices, Shadia is a visual artist working in photo, video, and performance art. She is currently completing her Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Connecticut. You can find more information at www.shadiaheenan.com.
Shadia is a 500-HR, international yoga teacher and shamanic healer. She desires to provide safe and supportive space for others to find healing, transformation, and empowerment. Her shamanic journey "officially" began, when she traveled to Peru to complete her 300-HR yoga teacher training in summer 2017. However, Shadia believes this realization was fermenting for many years, as to aid in her mission to heal others. While in Peru, she studied shamanic traditions and techniques under established shamans. The Quechua Indians of the central Andes, as well as the Four Winds Society directly influenced her studies. Shadia seeks to incorporate various healing modalities, with focus on opening the heart, releasing old patterns, and balancing the right and left-brain hemispheres. In addition to yoga and shamanic practices, Shadia is a visual artist working in photo, video, and performance art. She is currently completing her Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Connecticut. You can find more information at www.shadiaheenan.com.
Suzette Summers
Suzette Winona Summers (Suzy Hawkfire) is an empowerment coach, shamanic practitioner, ecstatic dancer, and circle weaver. Her mission is to ignite a remembrance of our divinity by guiding the human family back to the inherent knowledge contained within their bodies. Suzette believes that through breath, movement, sound, visualization, exploration, and mindfulness, revelation of our divine nature is inevitable.
Suzette Winona Summers (Suzy Hawkfire) is an empowerment coach, shamanic practitioner, ecstatic dancer, and circle weaver. Her mission is to ignite a remembrance of our divinity by guiding the human family back to the inherent knowledge contained within their bodies. Suzette believes that through breath, movement, sound, visualization, exploration, and mindfulness, revelation of our divine nature is inevitable.
Tallulah Lynch
I started my Yoga journey in 2014 as a sophomore in High School trying to find freedom from anxiety and depression. I fell in love with Vinyasa, Anusara and Hot Yoga about a year before I discovered my inner dancer with hula hooping in Dec, 2015. After following some advice from newfound friends at the 2016 MYPATH, I joined yoga teacher training at Yogaia while finishing high school online and working full-time. During this time I discovered a resilliance I was previously unaware of. The exploration of myself through hoops, dance and Yoga have profoundly helped me rediscover my inner love and light, as well as find the ecstatic joy that flow arts have taught me.
I started my Yoga journey in 2014 as a sophomore in High School trying to find freedom from anxiety and depression. I fell in love with Vinyasa, Anusara and Hot Yoga about a year before I discovered my inner dancer with hula hooping in Dec, 2015. After following some advice from newfound friends at the 2016 MYPATH, I joined yoga teacher training at Yogaia while finishing high school online and working full-time. During this time I discovered a resilliance I was previously unaware of. The exploration of myself through hoops, dance and Yoga have profoundly helped me rediscover my inner love and light, as well as find the ecstatic joy that flow arts have taught me.
MYPATH Organizers
Brenda Cashel, PhD
Brenda grew up in Vermont and moved to Kentucky for graduate school. When she met her husband Pete she chose to stay on the KY farm and help run the business, and they became one of the first certified organic vegetable growers in the state. Over the years, Terrapin Hill Farm has evolved into primarily an agritourism business. Brenda has been organizing music festivals on the farm for about 20 years, and has also developed it into a successful wedding venue. A ballet dancer throughout her childhood and college years, she enjoys yoga because it makes her feel in tune with her body the way ballet did. After practicing yoga outdoors at the farm's music festivals, she was inspired to create an event centered around enjoying yoga and related activities in the farm's beautiful, natural setting. It has been a joy for her to work with Gabriella to turn this dream into reality.
Brenda grew up in Vermont and moved to Kentucky for graduate school. When she met her husband Pete she chose to stay on the KY farm and help run the business, and they became one of the first certified organic vegetable growers in the state. Over the years, Terrapin Hill Farm has evolved into primarily an agritourism business. Brenda has been organizing music festivals on the farm for about 20 years, and has also developed it into a successful wedding venue. A ballet dancer throughout her childhood and college years, she enjoys yoga because it makes her feel in tune with her body the way ballet did. After practicing yoga outdoors at the farm's music festivals, she was inspired to create an event centered around enjoying yoga and related activities in the farm's beautiful, natural setting. It has been a joy for her to work with Gabriella to turn this dream into reality.
Gabriella Gaona
Gabriella is an artist, yogi, & co-creator. Born and raised in Louisville, KY, She is dedicated to sharing Yoga with everyone in her community. Her Yoga journey started at age 16. In 2014 she and her mother, Sabine Gaona, co-founded "The Inner Warrior" an Eco-Conscious Yoga boutique. They also made it their mission to make Yoga more accessible for the community though their donation-based classes. Gabriella has always been inspired by connecting with others & believes that Yoga can benefit humanity in a big way. In 2016 she completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training in San Francisco, CA, which helped inspire MYPATH Fest in many ways. Gabriella's intention for this event is to celebrate this transformational practice and to share the many different paths to Yoga (union), hoping to build a more friendly & healthy future for our planet! She is so grateful to be able to co-create this event with Brenda.
Gabriella is an artist, yogi, & co-creator. Born and raised in Louisville, KY, She is dedicated to sharing Yoga with everyone in her community. Her Yoga journey started at age 16. In 2014 she and her mother, Sabine Gaona, co-founded "The Inner Warrior" an Eco-Conscious Yoga boutique. They also made it their mission to make Yoga more accessible for the community though their donation-based classes. Gabriella has always been inspired by connecting with others & believes that Yoga can benefit humanity in a big way. In 2016 she completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training in San Francisco, CA, which helped inspire MYPATH Fest in many ways. Gabriella's intention for this event is to celebrate this transformational practice and to share the many different paths to Yoga (union), hoping to build a more friendly & healthy future for our planet! She is so grateful to be able to co-create this event with Brenda.