LINEAGE Sri K Pattabhi Jois Sharath
Krishnamacharya Saraswati
Lori Brungard, E-RYT 500, and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider, has been practicing yoga for over 30 years. Since 1997, Lori has spent over a year in India studying with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, and holds an Authorized Level II teaching certificate through KPJAYI. Her essay, "Mysore Magic", appears in the book, Strength and Grace, published by Ekaminhale. She originally learned the many facets of yoga through a year long certification in Jivamukti Yoga with Sharon Gannon and David Life in 1999, and directed the Mysore Ashtanga program there from 2016-2018. She is now the lead Ashtanga teacher at Equinox W. 76th St, formerly Pure Yoga West.
Lori has been an Adjunct Lecturer at Hunter College since 2008, where she created a curriculum for an ongoing course in Ashtanga Yoga. In addition, she developed courses as resources for serious students and teachers for the 200 hour Ashtanga Sadhana Training, and as co-director of Ashtanga Yoga Shala from 2002-2007.
As a recipient of seven Professional Development Fund grants from Hunter College, Lori has furthered her studies with Sharath Jois, Richard Freeman, Tim Miller, Saraswati Jois, participated in the Supersoul Bhakti Yoga Immersion at Govardhan EcoVillage in India, and most recently studied pranayama with master pranacharya Dr. Paul Dallaghan at Samahita retreat. To broaden her knowledge, she has studied Sanskrit with Vyaas Houston, Dr. MA Jayashree, and Lakshmish Bhat. Within the lineage of Krishnamacharya, she has also studied therapeutic applications of yoga with Dr. Ganesh Mohan.
Lori holds a BFA in Dance from SUNY Purchase, and an MFA in Digital and Interdisciplinary Art Practice from City College. A professional modern dancer for more than ten years, she learned a deep awareness of human anatomy. Her Thai Yoga work has added an energetic component to this understanding. Her skills as a teacher lie both in her sensitive hands-on adjustments and her ability to see underlying causes of challenges, and thus how to create change.
"I have been practicing ashtanga yoga for over 20 years . . . and I feel very lucky to have the privilege of having such an experienced, knowledgeable, and kind teacher - a rare and special combination. . .Lori is a gem!" - Joanne
"Lori is without a doubt, one of the best teachers of yoga that I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Her body intelligence and ability to convey it verbally is nearly unmatched. Throw in the fact that her sense of humor, compassion and patience make her approachable, and what you have are some very lucky students." - Lauren C.
Dr. Sarah Plumer-Holzman (Anatomy for 200 hr TT) holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Washington and is a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist through the APTA. After graduating from the University of Washington in Seattle, she completed a 1-year orthopedic residency with New York University at the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries in 2016. She is an alumna of the North Carolina School of the Arts with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts in contemporary dance. Dr. Plumer-Holzman has been a dedicated yoga practitioner and teacher for more than 20 years. She was awarded Authorization level-II from Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in 2002 to teach traditional Astanga yoga. She has taught anatomy and kinesiology for yoga teachers since 2006.
Maria Rubinate (Ayurveda for 200 hr TT) practiced under the guidance of Shri K. Pattabhi Jois starting in 1995. She holds a Level 2 Authorization from KPJAYI and currently teaches at the Shala in Brooklyn, New York. Previously, she taught at Jivamukti Yoga School, Ashtanga Yoga New York, and Jois Yoga in Connecticut. She also conducted yoga classes for performers at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to yoga, Maria is an Ayurvedic Health Counselor, receiving her training at Vasant Lad’s Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico, and the Kripalu School of Ayurveda in Massachussetts. She also conducts weekly classes in Yoga Sutra study and teaches workshops designed to familiarize students and teachers with this text.
Kaustubha Das (Philosophy for 200 hr TT) has a special way of making the teachings and practices of yoga very approachable and relevant. He serves as Senior Educator & Creative Director of The Bhakti Center in New York City. Between the ages of 21 and 34 he lived as a Vaishnava monk, traveling and studying in ashrams in India and America. At age 25 he was a initiated as a brahmana priest in the Gaudiya Vaishnava lineage of bhakti-yoga and received training in yoga rituals and sacred texts. He teaches bhakti-yoga philosophy and meditation. Kaustubha Das has also served as a member of the Board of Directors for The Broome Street Temple.
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