Ashland Yoga Center 

My journey began over 20 years ago when I worked in the Spanish radio industry. I suddenly found myself suffering from chronic lower back pain. In search of relief, I developed a dedicated yoga practice which helped to deeply heal my body. My restoration was life-changing and inspired me on my path to teaching yoga.  As a Yoga Therapist, the most important thing for me is to make yoga accessible to all. For over two decades, I’ve taught in various settings, from private and studio classes to shelters, schools, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and churches. I love creating positive environments that are self-paced and inclusive. My approach to teaching stems from the unique needs of each individual.  Through my own healing journey and after helping hundreds of clients, I know what it is like to suffer or feel like the only option you have is a lifetime of painkillers. I want to show you how you can live pain-free, get better sleep, manage your stress, improve your strength, and create a brand new relationship with your body. I am a Yoga Therapist with a specialization in rehabilitative therapy, catering to a diverse range of clients, including first responders, veterans, and individuals who have experienced work-related injuries. These injuries can encompass conditions such as amputations, spinal surgeries, chronic pain, PTSD, and the complexities of brain injuries or opiate addiction. In private sessions, I collaborate with individuals who have a desire to reclaim or sustain their quality of life. Individuals who are injured or experience pain in activities they enjoy like pickleball, kayaking, rowing, or playing on the floor with their grandchildren, hiking with friends, traveling and maintaining balance in their daily movements. My primary expertise revolves around individuals aged 50 and above who actively seek ways to preserve their capacity to live life with vitality and fulfillment.

Vanessa, E-RYT500, is co-founder of the Ashland Yoga Center and teaches Hatha Flow classes, workshops, immersions and teacher trainings with foundations in both Classical 8 Limb yoga and Tantric yoga philosophy, and deep inspiration from the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world. Vanessa’s classes combine vinyasa flow and sustained poses with focus on core strength and integration of breath, alignment and presence to unfold the ultimately spiritual nature of Yoga. She is known for her depth of understanding of alignment and ability to communicate these principles for greater stability, freedom and delight in students of all levels. Vanessa’s earliest training was the the 500 hr. Advanced Studies program at the Iyengar Institute of San Francisco; in 2003 she was certified as an Anusara Yoga Instructor. She has studied with many wonderful teachers over the course of the last 25 years and integrates wisdom and inspiration from them all into her teaching.

Carlos is a Certified Yoga Teacher, college-graduate Fitness Trainer, and Certified Advanced Qigong Instructor and Internal Martial Arts teacher. He began his formal Mind-Body instruction more than two decades ago in the martial arts field; he then trained in yoga, cardio kickboxing, HIIT, and other fitness modalities. Carlos teaches cardio kickboxing, tai chi, qigong and core & cardio individual and group classes, as well as yoga classes and qigong series at Ashland Yoga Center, Ashland Hot Yoga and Court House Family Fitness. In his yoga practice, he incorporates some aspects of fitness science and physiology, as well as internal energy circulation for building physical strength from the inside out, cleansing and invigorating internal organs for optimal bodily functions, and strengthening the immune system to prevent disease. His classes are based on mind-breath-body harmony & coordination, with emphasis on proper alignment, uninterrupted awareness, chi circulation & core strength

Manpreet is a Kundalini Yoga Teacher, singer, and mantra recording artist. Her Kundalini Yoga and Meditation journey began in 2006, never having taken a yoga class of any kind, she stumbled into her first kundalini yoga class and knew she’d found her “answer”. As a teacher of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation she is devoted to sharing this user friendly yoga as a method for self healing and self empowerment. Manpreet believes in a modern approach to the practice and encourages practitioners with a “come as you are” attitude, to gently move out of their physical and meditative comfort zones and into the authentic Self. Manpreet embraces compassion and neutrality as the essential coping mechanisms for these highly pressurized times, and knows how the practicality of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation can elevate anyone who decides to participate. Join Manpreet for transformative and elevating classes, with an epic mantra music soundtrack, and may you be inspired towards your own magic, and magnetism.

Tabbitha Bruce was born and raised in beautiful Southern Oregon where she now raises her three children with a fourth on the way. She spends most her time outdoors as fly fishing guide, and adventuring with her kids. Her passion for teaching and nature inspired her to become a yoga teacher in 2016. While she has taught many styles of yoga, the miracle of the body during pregnancy has shifted her focus towards prenatal yoga.

Emmy Graham is a Harvard-trained epidemiologist who has found Kundalini Yoga to be a powerful technology for supporting our physical, mental and spiritual health and wellness. She has been teaching Kundalini Yoga for over 20 years.

Ginny Gillanders, an Occupational Therapist based at a local Medford hospital, specializes in working with individuals across different age groups, with a particular focus on older adults facing a range of physical challenges. With nearly half her life dedicated to practicing various forms of yoga, Ginny is a seasoned yogi. She identifies as an active mature adult and, in addition to her yoga practice, finds joy in activities such as weight training, cardiovascular exercises, camping, and boating. She's also passionate about gluten-free and Mediterranean cuisine, often whipping up delicious meals, and cherishes quality family time.

David Romero is a highly experienced yoga instructor and wellness practitioner with a diverse background in both eastern and western modalities of healing. With over 10 years of teaching experience, he has completed over 750 hours of Yoga Teacher Training, co-led three yoga teacher trainings and has specialized in helping individuals manage chronic pain through movement and mindfulness practices. For 5 1/2 years, David served as a Lecturer of Yoga Philosophy and Stress Management at the University of Southern California (USC), where he shared his expertise in holistic wellness with students. Additionally, he has worked for 4 years as a Mental Health and Detox advocate, supporting and leading thousands of individuals on their journey to recovery and mental well-being. David’s approach blends his extensive training in yoga, his deep understanding of chronic pain, and his commitment to mental health, offering a comprehensive path to healing for those he works with. Lastly, David is a Veteran (Capt U.S. Air Force) and works closely with Veterans struggling with chronic pain and mental health conditions. David believes that turning struggles into service is the hallmark to healing.

Darby is an authentic, compassionate student & teacher dedicated to helping others cultivate peace, heal and awaken their own full potential. With a warm and welcoming spirit, she creates an inviting space for her students to explore the depths of relaxation and self-purification of mind through the transformative practice of Yoga Nidra. Darby finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. She cherishes her family, loves cooking, painting, hiking and reading. Nature is one of her greatest loves. Off the mat you can find her in the forest woodlands often frolicking or soaking up the sun, while swimming in local rivers. She finds solace and beauty here, often incorporating these elements into her teachings. Darby is not just a teacher, but also a storyteller, weaving tales that inspire and resonate with her audience. Her descriptive, soft voice leads you to other worlds. She is committed to furthering her education, continuously seeking new knowledge and experiences to enhance her practice and elevate the community. Through her work, she aims to uplift and empower others on their journeys toward well-being and self-awareness. Creating a diverse perception of reality and fostering a higher state of collective consciousness.

The joy of teaching Yoga for me is paying careful attention to my students and guiding them towards increased openness and freedom in both mind and body. From the foundation of breath awareness, my classes are designed to move through a deep exploration of the whole body and finally to the stillness of Savasana.