| Jean
Hoiland: Director
I have been teaching yoga in Enumclaw since Fall 2003. When
I began my practice in January 2000 I never would have imagined
becoming a yoga instructor, but I suppose it was meant to
be. After only a few weeks of practice I found myself enthusiastically
leading a friend through a 90 minute session while on vacation
in Hawaii. Since then I've encouraged friends and relatives
to incorporate yoga into their lives. My enthusiasm for yoga
was immediate and passionate, it was the only thing to free
me from years of pain and discomfort. In 1994 I experienced
a severe neck injury from an auto accident and suffered daily
for five years. When yoga found me in January of 2000 I began
practicing 4 days a week at a studio in Orange County, CA.
Within just a few sessions my neck felt restored. For six
months I only practiced yoga, foregoing my usual routine of
weights, walking, volleyball and stretching. The time away
from these other activities allowed my body to heal and return
to proper balance. I've dedicated myself to the practice of
yoga ever since.
Since
those first sessions on the mat I've learned from Geo (Moskios)
Takoma, Steve Rogers, Siva Rea, Ana Forrest, Gurmukh Kaur
Khalsa, Sara Powers, Paul Grilley, Tias Little, Richard Satchel,
Aadil Palhkivala, Seane Corn and Baron Baptiste, at workshops
and conferences around the United States. I love all styles
of yoga, especially strenuous power vinyasa, but I've learned
to incorporate more restful and restorative practices. Meditation
has become a big part of my practice helping me to maintain
focus, creativity and balance.
Yoga
helps me stay present and in the moment... allowing me to
surrender the need to control, face my fears and maintain
a certain calm under lifes stressful moments. I hope to help
others find balance, strength and flexibility in body, mind,
heart and spirit.
"May
you have peace, joy and happiness" from Jean
Ramona
Bray
Ramona turned to yoga in 2000 after years of teaching aerobics,
kick boxing, and weight training classes began to exhaust
her body. Ramona was drawn to yoga for its potential to cultivate
growth and healing of the body, mind and spirit.
Ramona
is certified through YogaFit in Levels 1-4, Kids and Seniors.
Her style of teaching is based on Hatha Yoga principals while
incorporating the beauty of vinyasa flow and the influence
of several teachers including Ana Forrest, Aadil Palkhivala
, Shiva Rea and Beryl Bender Birch.
Ramona
teaches a medium to fast-paced Vinyasa class with some held
poses to encourage students to practice deeply and to explore
the body as a window to the mind. Her classes emphasize the
cultivation of flexibility, core strength, breath awareness
and balance through asana and pranayama. Classes include a
variety of postures within creative sequencing and attention
to technique. All will enjoy an informative, challenging and
fun session with a period of deep relaxation & meditation
at the end of the class that will revitalize the mind and
body.
Brian
Dotson
Brian has been studying Yoga and Internal arts since 1998,
after suffering adversity and injury he has discovered that
a serious dedicated practice and Yoga lifestyle created healing
in his body, heart, and mind. Brian aspires to aid in transforming
the "hardness" of everyday life into a peaceful
journey of self realization.
He
comes to Intent with a background in the spirituality of Raja
Yoga. He has studied Chinese Qigong, and holds a Brown sash
in the art of Tsunjo Wing Chun Kung Fu. He is pursuing his
Yoga Alliance 200 hr training at Ananda Institute of Living
Yoga. He is Fit Tour Certified as a yoga instructor and Apex
Certified as a personal trainer. As a professional firefighter
he also is an EMT and is very adept at recognizing physical
limitations and assists people with compassion and enthusiasm.
April
Hicks, RYT
April
has been practicing Yoga for 15 years. She has studied extensively
the art of teaching both children and adults. April is a Registered
Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and a Certified YogaKids Facilitator.
In her quest for knowledge, April has had the privilege to
study with Tias Little, Shiva Rea, John Schumacher and Ana
Forrest. April has a passion for yoga and continues to grow
with and study the art of yoga and anatomy.
Each
of April's classes are marked by creative sequencing and attention
to technique. She dynamically incorporates several styles
of yoga with an emphasis on the beauty and preciseness of
B.K.S. Iyenger. She teaches both the Yin style of long held
postures and the Yang style of flowing with the breath. April
encourages her students to surrender into each asana without
expectations or comparison. She aspires to challenge her students
to go beyond their natural boarders unleashing their inner
personal strength. April’s compassionate and playful nature,
compliment her challenging classes with joyfulness and personal
acceptance. April believes in the transformational power of
yoga as a path to wellness on all levels and she is committed
to empowering adults and children with health, peace, creativity
and love.
Aprils
children’s and family classes invite all to play and learn.
The style and pace of a YogaKids class addresses the natural
interests, needs and rhythms of the students. The students
will stretch, breathe, relax and enjoy the many benefits of
yoga in fun and playful ways! Students engage in active, inspiring
class activities and are guided slowly to a place of quiet
and relaxation. The end result: They feel great!
Shannon
Maris
My first yoga class was by accident. I arrived for
a step class at 5:45 a.m. when a yoga instructor showed up.
We practiced without mats. Afterwards I came home and slept
like a baby. I began taking yoga classes day and night, sometimes
even twice a day, dropping the step classes. I was going through
some hard times in my life and yoga offered a way to nurture
and take care of myself. I was taking classes from Jean at
the Wellness Center and she recommended that I sign up for
teacher training through The Samarya Center based out of Seattle
. My first impression of teacher training was that I would
learn how to teach yoga. So much more happened, from the moment
of arriving to the training my life changed. The training
was strengthening my mind, body and spirit. After the training
I was able to face the many hard decisions in front of me.
Through yoga I’ve been able to look at life in a new
light. A challenge of mine is to stay in the present, which
I will continue to practice each and every day. Another very
important one is to practice non judgment. Everyone is on
their own path and we need to accept that. Yoga has been a
life changing experience for me. I hope it will do the same
for you.
"Peace
and light" from Shannon
Ron
Jorgensen
Ron began his Yoga studies during 1964 in New York
at the Indian Cultural Center, he was initiated in early 1970
by The Mother of Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, South
India. The eight years' residence at the Ashram laid the foundation
of all else. Although his teaching experience started the
year he began studies, 1964, it deepened substantially during
and after the time in India.
Ron
is especially adept at
clearing the mists, and aiding students in finding their own
answers to some of life's biggest questions. He has extensive
training in group dynamics (also called group process), providing
and enabling an atmosphere where everyone’s contribution
is welcomed and heard. Finally, for the process-skill of supporting
a healthy flow in different opinions that don’t become
grid locked in conflict.
"Ron is a wealth of knowledge in all things yoga. All
of us at Intent Yoga Center will benefit greatly from his
passion, wisdom, and gift in teaching what true yoga is. If
you are interested in expanding your mind and opening your
heart to life's abundance then I encourage you to participate
in Ron's classes and workshops." Jean Hoiland
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