MYPATH to Empowerment, Spring 2019 ~ Instructors
(more to be added soon!)
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.
Becky Flynn
Becky has been practicing acupuncture for 8 years, 5 of those here in Louisville. Her practice, Five Elephants Acupuncture, is located in the Highlands. You can also find her volunteering with the Louisville Acupuncture Project which offers free treatment to veterans and first responders. Becky and Shanna Portman combined creative forces in the fall of 2017 when they began to offer Seasonal Yin Yoga & Acupuncture Seasonal workshops as well as more immersive weekend retreats.
Becky has been practicing acupuncture for 8 years, 5 of those here in Louisville. Her practice, Five Elephants Acupuncture, is located in the Highlands. You can also find her volunteering with the Louisville Acupuncture Project which offers free treatment to veterans and first responders. Becky and Shanna Portman combined creative forces in the fall of 2017 when they began to offer Seasonal Yin Yoga & Acupuncture Seasonal workshops as well as more immersive weekend retreats.
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.
Jennifer Owens
Jennifer, LCSW is the co-founder and Wellness Director of Bridge Counseling and Wellness, an integrative mental health center in Louisville, KY. She is a certified ecotherapist and specializes in an outdoor-mindfulness based, somatic approach to individual and group therapy, nature connection and holistic treatment of mild to severe anxiety issues. After a lifetime of outdoor adventures and teaching women backpacking skills, Jennifer developed a passion for forest bathing and has been guiding and practicing all over the state of Kentucky (and beyond). She is the president of the Shinrin-Yoku Society of Kentuckiana and has partnered with environmental groups, parks and non-profits to increase the knowledge and practice of forest bathing. Jennifer completed the Kentucky Master Naturalist program (through University of Kentucky) this year with a concentration on nature connection, passive recreation and environmental conservation. She is currently a student at the Wildcraft Forest School and has studied with the Earthbody Institue, Mindful Ecotherapy Center and Animus Valley Institute. Jennifer hopes to reconnect humans with their inner and outer wild nature for the increased well-being of our psyches and the planet. Jennifer’s approach to guiding is open, safe, nurturing and exploratory.
Jennifer, LCSW is the co-founder and Wellness Director of Bridge Counseling and Wellness, an integrative mental health center in Louisville, KY. She is a certified ecotherapist and specializes in an outdoor-mindfulness based, somatic approach to individual and group therapy, nature connection and holistic treatment of mild to severe anxiety issues. After a lifetime of outdoor adventures and teaching women backpacking skills, Jennifer developed a passion for forest bathing and has been guiding and practicing all over the state of Kentucky (and beyond). She is the president of the Shinrin-Yoku Society of Kentuckiana and has partnered with environmental groups, parks and non-profits to increase the knowledge and practice of forest bathing. Jennifer completed the Kentucky Master Naturalist program (through University of Kentucky) this year with a concentration on nature connection, passive recreation and environmental conservation. She is currently a student at the Wildcraft Forest School and has studied with the Earthbody Institue, Mindful Ecotherapy Center and Animus Valley Institute. Jennifer hopes to reconnect humans with their inner and outer wild nature for the increased well-being of our psyches and the planet. Jennifer’s approach to guiding is open, safe, nurturing and exploratory.
Magen Stevens
Magen teaches mindfulness. Her classes focus on breathing and mindfulness through concentrated movement. It’s Magen’s intention to offer this mindful practice as a lifestyle method to help others to become more stable in the face of change. Magen has taught in Oklahoma and Colorado. She has been teaching for 6 years. Magen is a previous 16 time National Cycling Champion and cycling coach. She loves trail running, coffee, and hikes with her husband and senior pup. She is certified in CPR and First Aid.
Magen teaches mindfulness. Her classes focus on breathing and mindfulness through concentrated movement. It’s Magen’s intention to offer this mindful practice as a lifestyle method to help others to become more stable in the face of change. Magen has taught in Oklahoma and Colorado. She has been teaching for 6 years. Magen is a previous 16 time National Cycling Champion and cycling coach. She loves trail running, coffee, and hikes with her husband and senior pup. She is certified in CPR and First Aid.
Meghan Bektasevic
Meghan practices a non-harming lifestyle, living in such a way that intends no harm in thought, speech, or action to any living being. She is passionate about doing everything she can to positively impact the environment and the life of every person she meets. With the strong belief that everyone deserves to be happy and free, she lives by a non-judgmental and compassion-centered philosophy. Through dedicated practice, Meghan has created a life built on the connection of mind, body and soul. She is deeply concerned with the connection of Earth's people. She intends to hold space for ALL, building upon the foundation of grace and empathy to encourage a community of connection, trust, love and respect. Meghan genuinely believes that we are all good natured. Given rapid evolution and troubling worldly issues, it can be challenging to protect ourselves from outside circumstances that threaten our inner peace. Through mindful movement and silent reflection of the soul, we are able to obtain that consistent peace and happiness we all seek.
Meghan practices a non-harming lifestyle, living in such a way that intends no harm in thought, speech, or action to any living being. She is passionate about doing everything she can to positively impact the environment and the life of every person she meets. With the strong belief that everyone deserves to be happy and free, she lives by a non-judgmental and compassion-centered philosophy. Through dedicated practice, Meghan has created a life built on the connection of mind, body and soul. She is deeply concerned with the connection of Earth's people. She intends to hold space for ALL, building upon the foundation of grace and empathy to encourage a community of connection, trust, love and respect. Meghan genuinely believes that we are all good natured. Given rapid evolution and troubling worldly issues, it can be challenging to protect ourselves from outside circumstances that threaten our inner peace. Through mindful movement and silent reflection of the soul, we are able to obtain that consistent peace and happiness we all seek.
Michelle Kucera-Jewell and Michael Jewell
Michelle, though known for her deep belly laughter, brings together nearly 25 years of experience working within for-profit and non-profit organizations, from guiding wilderness trips to facilitating corporate team building. She has recently transitioned out of her role working in leadership development for Apple to commit fully to holding sacred space for her community. Now that she has stepped off the corporate ladder and into #vanlife her desire as an RYT 500 and Cacao Practitioner is to help people know that they are worthy of love, not because of their doing; simply because of their being. Michelle utilities skills developed through her Masters Degree in Cultural Studies along with her certifications and training as an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist through the Himalayan Institute, Laughter Yoga Leader, Yoga Behind Bars, and Reiki Practitioner. She is humbled by the opportunity to learn from and co-create healing, transformational space in every sacred session.
Michael Jewell utilizes his humble, attentive presence to hold sacred space for people through body and energy work as well ceremony and ritual. He merges his work in Shamanic Medicine with over 12 years serving as a licensed Massage Therapist, training in Yoga Calm, Klemmer Facilitator, Yoga Behind Bars as well as certifications in Cupping, Laughter Yoga, and Reiki Practitioner. Michael carries this healing work into his art as a glass blower where he is passionate about acknowledging life by creating memorial pieces with the ashes of people and animals who have transitioned from the physical realm. As an RYT 500 and Cacao Practitioner, Michael hopes to support people in deeply knowing their inherent worthiness and infinite capacity to love and be loved.
Michelle and Michael bring this healing work to underserved, marginalized and oppressed populations with a passion for serving adjudicated youth and people living with trauma. They will be joining us at MYPATH after a nationwide cacao tour and time with their teachers in Central and South America. To learn more about what Michelle and Michael are up to visit iyehealing.com
Michelle, though known for her deep belly laughter, brings together nearly 25 years of experience working within for-profit and non-profit organizations, from guiding wilderness trips to facilitating corporate team building. She has recently transitioned out of her role working in leadership development for Apple to commit fully to holding sacred space for her community. Now that she has stepped off the corporate ladder and into #vanlife her desire as an RYT 500 and Cacao Practitioner is to help people know that they are worthy of love, not because of their doing; simply because of their being. Michelle utilities skills developed through her Masters Degree in Cultural Studies along with her certifications and training as an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist through the Himalayan Institute, Laughter Yoga Leader, Yoga Behind Bars, and Reiki Practitioner. She is humbled by the opportunity to learn from and co-create healing, transformational space in every sacred session.
Michael Jewell utilizes his humble, attentive presence to hold sacred space for people through body and energy work as well ceremony and ritual. He merges his work in Shamanic Medicine with over 12 years serving as a licensed Massage Therapist, training in Yoga Calm, Klemmer Facilitator, Yoga Behind Bars as well as certifications in Cupping, Laughter Yoga, and Reiki Practitioner. Michael carries this healing work into his art as a glass blower where he is passionate about acknowledging life by creating memorial pieces with the ashes of people and animals who have transitioned from the physical realm. As an RYT 500 and Cacao Practitioner, Michael hopes to support people in deeply knowing their inherent worthiness and infinite capacity to love and be loved.
Michelle and Michael bring this healing work to underserved, marginalized and oppressed populations with a passion for serving adjudicated youth and people living with trauma. They will be joining us at MYPATH after a nationwide cacao tour and time with their teachers in Central and South America. To learn more about what Michelle and Michael are up to visit iyehealing.com
Nicole Hays
First and foremost I am a mother of 3 powerful children, and a wife to an amazing man. When you don’t find me on my mat you can find me in my kitchen, behind a book or at my sewing machine. Homemaking and sharing yoga are my driving forces. My mentor once described me as the embodiment of grit and grace. When meeting me on your mat, you will find my teaching style embodies both as well. Every student and teacher has an authenticity yearning to shine through. Teaching has given me the opportunity to help students explore their inner, and outer workings so they can let their authentic-self take the wheel. For my 200 hr, I trained with the stellar Sharon Tessendori, in the treehouse, aka Barefoot Works. Monica Gharios led me through my 250 hr aerial yoga training. Eagerly I jumped in a 300 hr, here locally, but quickly realized I want to wait and travel for my 300 hr.
First and foremost I am a mother of 3 powerful children, and a wife to an amazing man. When you don’t find me on my mat you can find me in my kitchen, behind a book or at my sewing machine. Homemaking and sharing yoga are my driving forces. My mentor once described me as the embodiment of grit and grace. When meeting me on your mat, you will find my teaching style embodies both as well. Every student and teacher has an authenticity yearning to shine through. Teaching has given me the opportunity to help students explore their inner, and outer workings so they can let their authentic-self take the wheel. For my 200 hr, I trained with the stellar Sharon Tessendori, in the treehouse, aka Barefoot Works. Monica Gharios led me through my 250 hr aerial yoga training. Eagerly I jumped in a 300 hr, here locally, but quickly realized I want to wait and travel for my 300 hr.
Nicole Sartini-Cprek
Nicole Sartini-Cprek is a psychotherapist, Cofounder and Clinical Director of Louisville’s Bridge Counseling and Wellness and Cofounder of The Academy of Integrative Mental Health. Nicole has been involved in the mental health field in various capacities since 1999 and has practiced as a professional therapist since 2010. Nicole’s journey to becoming a therapist started with her own deep emotional work, and her fascination with the mental side of yoga continues to inspire her to dig deeper. She is honored to bear witness to the emotional world of those she works with as they forge their own path to healing.
Nicole Sartini-Cprek is a psychotherapist, Cofounder and Clinical Director of Louisville’s Bridge Counseling and Wellness and Cofounder of The Academy of Integrative Mental Health. Nicole has been involved in the mental health field in various capacities since 1999 and has practiced as a professional therapist since 2010. Nicole’s journey to becoming a therapist started with her own deep emotional work, and her fascination with the mental side of yoga continues to inspire her to dig deeper. She is honored to bear witness to the emotional world of those she works with as they forge their own path to healing.
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 Baldwin
Sarah Baldwin is an herbalist, writer, and seeker from the woods of southern Indiana. She is the author of The Herbal Healing Deck, an earthy and mystical oracle deck featuring guidance and wisdom from the green world. She has worked with plant medicines for over a decade, with a special interest in shamanism and plant spirit medicine. You can connect with Sarah at: www.moonflowersarah.blogspot.com or www.instagram.com/theherbalhealingdeck
Sarah Baldwin is an herbalist, writer, and seeker from the woods of southern Indiana. She is the author of The Herbal Healing Deck, an earthy and mystical oracle deck featuring guidance and wisdom from the green world. She has worked with plant medicines for over a decade, with a special interest in shamanism and plant spirit medicine. You can connect with Sarah at: www.moonflowersarah.blogspot.com or www.instagram.com/theherbalhealingdeck
Shanna Portman
Shanna is a 200RYT, who has been practicing since she was a small child and has been teaching at Eternal Health Yoga for the past two years. She also offers a weekly community class at St. Paul's United Methodist Church.
Shanna is a 200RYT, who has been practicing since she was a small child and has been teaching at Eternal Health Yoga for the past two years. She also offers a weekly community class at St. Paul's United Methodist Church.
Tiffany Langdon
My passion lies in studying Hindu Mythology and Yoga Philosophy. I tend to teach yoga classes that weave asana and mythology together including fluid movement and carefully chosen postures to strengthen the body and to prepare the body for meditation. I urge students to practice yoga to develop a deeper understanding of their 'true self'. My classes are challenging but fun, safe, light-hearted and accessible to all levels and I invite every student to be satisfied with their yoga practice as it is today and to enjoy their own journey. You will find my love of music pours into my teachings and I love to infuse my studies of the chakra system and Tantra yoga philosophy into my classes.
I've traveled to far places and have sat with gurus, practiced with amazing teachers, dipped my body in Ganga Ma, danced in holy temples, meditated in the most beautiful sunsets, participated in puja ceremonies and sang mantras during many satsangs. And, this fulfilling journey has led me to here and now.
Join me for a session in Louisville Kentucky or travel with me to a yoga + meditation retreat in one of the most beautiful cities, towns or villages around the world! You will experience a sense of connection with yourself and others in a safe and fun environment that encourages transformation.
My passion lies in studying Hindu Mythology and Yoga Philosophy. I tend to teach yoga classes that weave asana and mythology together including fluid movement and carefully chosen postures to strengthen the body and to prepare the body for meditation. I urge students to practice yoga to develop a deeper understanding of their 'true self'. My classes are challenging but fun, safe, light-hearted and accessible to all levels and I invite every student to be satisfied with their yoga practice as it is today and to enjoy their own journey. You will find my love of music pours into my teachings and I love to infuse my studies of the chakra system and Tantra yoga philosophy into my classes.
I've traveled to far places and have sat with gurus, practiced with amazing teachers, dipped my body in Ganga Ma, danced in holy temples, meditated in the most beautiful sunsets, participated in puja ceremonies and sang mantras during many satsangs. And, this fulfilling journey has led me to here and now.
Join me for a session in Louisville Kentucky or travel with me to a yoga + meditation retreat in one of the most beautiful cities, towns or villages around the world! You will experience a sense of connection with yourself and others in a safe and fun environment that encourages transformation.
Tisa Powell
Tisa spends her life serving people through, touch, sound, and energy healing. Tisa loves yoga, laughing, meditation, drumming, spinning fire, hooping, dancing, playing her gongs, gardening, composting and sharing all of this with her son and others. Tisa is totally in Love with getting back to the healing that nature has to offer us. She creates Natural and Organic products as well as Soap as Art. Tisa is certified in a variety of Holistic modalities such as, SomaVeda Thai Yoga Practitioner, Laughing Yoga, Hot Stone Therapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Gong Sound Bath Enthusiast and more. Tisa feels that if you have a gift to share it is your duty to share that gift with others.
https://www.facebook.com/LoveLightLaughterHealing
http://lovelightlaughterhealing.com/
Tisa spends her life serving people through, touch, sound, and energy healing. Tisa loves yoga, laughing, meditation, drumming, spinning fire, hooping, dancing, playing her gongs, gardening, composting and sharing all of this with her son and others. Tisa is totally in Love with getting back to the healing that nature has to offer us. She creates Natural and Organic products as well as Soap as Art. Tisa is certified in a variety of Holistic modalities such as, SomaVeda Thai Yoga Practitioner, Laughing Yoga, Hot Stone Therapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Gong Sound Bath Enthusiast and more. Tisa feels that if you have a gift to share it is your duty to share that gift with others.
https://www.facebook.com/LoveLightLaughterHealing
http://lovelightlaughterhealing.com/
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.