Intermediate Junior III Naghmeh began studying yoga in 1999 with James Murphy and Kevin Gardiner. She continues to study and apprentice with James, her mentor and teacher. She has been blessed to study with Geetaji Iyengar on several occasions at conventions worldwide, and returns to RIMYI regularly to study with the Iyengar family. Naghmeh has taught since 2002, having completed … Read More
Kevin Allen
Introductory II Kevin Allen has studied Iyengar Yoga since 2006. He first started practicing on his own as a New Year’s resolution, but after a few months, decided to seek formal instruction. That instruction came from fellow institute faculty member Jeff Logan and Association Executive Director Emeritus Ann McDermott-Kave. Like many new students, Kevin began practicing yoga not really believing … Read More
Lara Warren
Senior Intermediate I Lara Brunn has studied yoga since 1986 and taught Iyengar Yoga since 1994. She studied in India once with the Iyengars. Her primary teacher was Mary Dunn. Lara first encountered Light on Yoga at the age of 12. She was enthralled, and began practicing yoga within the year. At university she practiced with a Shingon Buddhist group, … Read More
Marcela Clavijo
Intermediate Junior I All human beings ultimately belong to the same family, with the capacity for fulfillment, self-realization, and liberation. Negative states and emotions are not intrinsic to the mind, which is why they can be overcome when the right conditions, such as yogic practices, are met. Yoga can be aimed at the physical, intellectual, or intuitive aspects of human … Read More
Nikki Costello
Intermediate Junior I Nikki Costello was introduced to yoga asana during her studies at New York University as part of the conservatory curriculum for actors, which included yoga, the Alexander Technique, Jacques Lecoq Mask training and extensive vocal studies – all primary modalities for developing self- awareness. After graduation, while working as a teacher’s assistant at the Stella Adler Conservatory … Read More
Jeanne-Marie Derrick
Intermediate Junior I Jeanne-Marie was introduced to Iyengar Yoga in 1983 through Light on Yoga, studied with Mary Dunn for many years, and with the Iyengar family a number of times in India. She wrote a book, Yoga for Menstruation, in which she illustrated and elaborated Geeta Iyengar’s teachings on women’s yoga. She also is a certified Yoga for Scoliosis … Read More
Matt Dreyfus
Intermediate Junior III Matt began the practice of Iyengar Yoga in 1994 while a student at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, studying primarily with Mary Dunn. He practiced seriously while working as a double bassist around the United States, Europe and Asia. Matt began teaching Yoga in 1999, originally to fellow members of the touring company … Read More
Anna Golfinopoulos
Introductory II Anna Golfinopoulos has practiced yoga since 1975 and has taught since 1979. She has studied in India twice with the Iyengar family. Her primary teacher was Mary Dunn. Clear communication is the fundamental component which Anna attempts to transmit in her teaching, which she describes as “simple and exacting: to sharpen the student’s perception, to emphasize awareness as … Read More
Debby Green
Introductory II Debby Green has been practicing Iyengar Yoga since 1996. She came to yoga after 30 years of ballet and 20 years as a competitive ballroom dancer, seeking a different way to be in the body. “When I first encountered Iyengar Yoga, I recognized how profound it is, but I did not yet realize how completely it would transform … Read More
Eve Holbrook
Intermediate Junior I Eve was introduced to Iyengar yoga in 1992 while studying at the British American Drama Academy in London, when an Iyengar Yoga teacher stepped in to sub a class. Grateful for the relief from chronic back pain, Eve grew to appreciate the insight yoga offers into links between physical, mental and emotional patterns and its deep value … Read More