Angela Caplan
Certified Anusara Yoga® Instructor;
Certified Relax and Renew Trainer, RYT, IAYT
Angela's intention is to offer classes that are creative, nurturing, dynamic and graceful. She invites her students to step into challenge with strength and yet, not be too serious. She encourages everyone to welcome their own authentic self, honor their limitations and "play the edge". Angela attributes her love of teaching to the influences of dancer, Nona Schurman and, most especially, John Friend. In addition to Shakti Yoga, Angela teaches yoga at the University of Rochester and currently directs Radiance Spa and Healing Arts Center.
Jacki McCausland
Certified Anusara Yoga® Instructor;
Certified Relax and Renew Trainer, RYT
Jacki’s initial journey in yoga and meditation began in the early 1970’s when she was asking important questions on the meaning of life. This deep interest in spirituality, along with her studies and university degree in dance, led her quite naturally to the study of hatha yoga. Jacki has been teaching yoga since the late 1980’s, has practiced Anusara Yoga since 1997, and continues to study, train and participate in workshops with Anusara Yoga founder, John Friend.
Jacki is owner/ director of the Valley School of Dance which opened in 1982. She and Angela Caplan co-direct / co-own Shakti Yoga, which has offered classes since 1990. She also teaches dance as an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Geneseo, and teaches both yoga and dance at the University of Rochester.
“Yoga is a practice of engaging and embracing life, both with its challenges and its great joys. Every pose, every breath presents me with another opportunity to step into my being and access its steadiness, strength and the goodness within my own heart. I love sharing my personal discoveries and insights with my students, as we grow together as empowered, sensitive human beings.”
Ruth Ann Polito
Anusara Yoga® Inspired, RYT
Ruth Ann has been an avid yoga practitioner for 25+ years, and she has been teaching classes at Shakti Yoga since 2002 as well as other area locations. Her classes are empowering, accessible to all levels of students and reflects her many years of personal application and practice of hatha yoga, meditation and yoga philosophy.
In 2006, Ruth Ann formally associated with John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga, as an Anusara Inspired yoga teacher, and intends to move towards full certification. She has also been a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through the National Yoga Alliance since 2003.
Ruth Ann enjoys travelling throughout the US to continue her participation in trainings and workshops with John Friend, Deb Neubauer, Jack Kornfield and other teachers who are in fields dedicated to the exploration and discovery of the fullest potential of the human spirit.
"Through the practice of yoga, I have uncovered insights and inner strengths within me that have helped me to be present to and resolve the ups and downs of everyday life. I aspire to share my experiences, in the hope that others may discover and access the fortitude, insightful wisdom, skills for living and full range of human potential that naturally exists within them."
Amy Ivers
Anusara Yoga
Amy Ivers has enjoyed being a practitioner of yoga for nine years and is excited about working towards her certification to teach in the Anusara style. She began yoga as a means to get into better shape, and quickly fell in love when she realized that the practice of yoga is so much more than exercise. Her teachers for classes and immersions include Angela Caplan, Jacki McCausland, Ruth Ann Polito, and Deb Neubauer. Amy teaches an introductory level class specifically designed to teach students principles of body alignment and develop a broad kinesthetic awareness that will improve individual body knowledge and foster a greater sense of well-being. She is also a high school history teacher, a triathlon enthusiast, a lover of travel and a mom.
Margaret Brennan
Pilates
Margaret Brennan is a certified Pilates trainer through AAA/ISMA with and advanced certification through the nationally renowned Physical Mind Institute and Reformer education through Innerworks Studio. She has been teaching Pilates for eight years. She specializes in all levels of mat technique and focuses on improving balance.
Gary Galvin
Tai Chi
Gary Galvin began his martial arts training in 1968 while attending the State University of New York at Fredonia. He studied from Master Liu Seong, 7th degree Red Sash, for four years, earning his 2nd degree Orange Sash. Mr. Galvin was Chief Instructor at the Central New York Kung Fu School in Syracuse, New York, from 1973 until 1978. During this time he had the opportunity to study Pa-Kua Chang, one of three Chinese internal systems (the other two being Taijiquan and Hsing-I), from Master Frank Van Lenten, 10th degree Black Belt. From 1981 until the present Mr. Galvin has been studying Northern Wu style taiji with David Dolbear, who teaches in the Central New York area. Mr. Galvin also studied taiji and kung fu from Masters Jiabo Yuan and Dr. C.J. Wong in Rochester from 1987 through 1992. In addition, he has participated in numerous workshops and seminars with well-known and highly skilled practitioners over the years. Mr. Galvin currently teaches kung fu and taiji in Livonia, New York.
Cami Schill
Yoga for Kids; Yoga for Tweens
See bio at www.danceandyoga.com Click on Teachers page.
