Sacred Rivers Holistic Yoga Therapy Training

Copyright © 2004 Paula Scopino

**These workshops may also be used as CEUs for RYTs**

We are very pleased to announce that we are also an IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists) Recognized School and Supporting Member (iayt.org), in addition to our current Yoga Alliance 200 and 500 hour week day and weekend teacher training programs. We support IAYT's educational standards for yoga therapy and intend to apply for IAYT accreditation following implementation of the new process. We also offer the Sacred Rivers Holistic Yoga Therapy Training Level 1. This program is ideal for yoga teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and massage therapists. If you are a licensed health care professional, this program will complement your current practice from all perspectives: physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

The Holistic Yoga Therapy Program is a SRY certificate program only, although it may be combined with the teacher training for your Registered Yoga Teacher mark with Yoga Alliance. Continuing education credits will be issued to Registered Yoga Teachers with Yoga Alliance. We hope to be able to do the same for other professions as well. (If you feel that you may be of assistance in this area, please let us know!)

Therapeutic yoga emphasizes bodily awareness, postural alignment, coordination of breath with movement, and relaxation. It teaches students to tune in to the sensations of muscles and joints, as well as listening to the inner experience of the bodymind.

The 2013 and 2014 YOGA THERAPY TRAINING DATES AND CURRICULUM:

May 18th 1:00pm - 5:00pm Gauri: Mantras

June 22nd 9:00am - 12:00pm Susan Taff: Kinisiology 2

June 22nd 1:00pm - 5:00pm Paula Scopino: Prana, Dharana, Asana and Pranayama

June 23rd 3:30pm - 5:00pm Priscella Estrelle: Singing Bowls

July 20^th and 21st 9:00am - 5:00pm Mangala Warner: Structural Yoga Therapy

August 24th 1:00pm - 5:00pm Paula Scopino: Cardiac Program

September 29th 1:30pm - 5:00pm Phoenix Rising OR:

September 29th 9:00am - 5:00pm Beth Gibbs: Integrative Yoga Therapy

October 27th 9:00am - 5:00pm Paula Scopino: Cardiac Program

December 7th 9:00am - 12:00pm Susan Taff: Scoliosis

January 25th and 26th 9:00am – 5:00pm Details Regarding Curriculum Will Be Posted Soon

February 22nd and 23rd 9:00am – 5:00pm Details Regarding Curriculum Will Be Posted Soon

March 22nd and 23rd 9:00am – 5:00pm Details Regarding Curriculum Will Be Posted Soon

April 26th and 27th 9:00am – 5:00pm Details Regarding Curriculum Will Be Posted Soon

May 31st and June 1st 9:00am – 5:00pm Details Regarding Curriculum Will Be Posted Soon

June 28th and 29th 9:00am – 5:00pm Details Regarding Curriculum Will Be Posted Soon

This is a specialized, in depth, yoga therapy training. Options for payment: cash, check, or credit card. Single modules can be taken space permitting. Price per modual varies.  Preference will be given to those who enroll for the entire program. SRY teachers are entitled to a one time professional discount. Call for details.

If interested in registering for the program, or, if you would like more information, please contact Paula at Sacred Rivers Yoga at 860.657.9545, or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Rick Haesche (The Art & Science of Traditional Thai Massage) Rick completed his initial massage training at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in 1994, where he was first introduced to Thai Massage during his last term of study. His interest in this beautiful and ancient body work led him to study Thai Massage in Boston, MA, and eventually in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 1997. He has been teaching Thai Massage workshops to massage therapists throughout New England since 1999. Rick is a nationally certified, Connecticut state licensed massage therapist, and has a practice at Sacred Rivers Yoga.

Margo Hennebach, GCFP, LGSM(MT) is a founding member of the international trio, Mad Agnes, and a lifelong movement lover, especially yoga, dance, and Salsa. With a BM in Piano and a graduate degree in Music Therapy, she has been a Feldenkrais Practitioner since 2003. She teaches classes and workshops throughout CT and maintains a private practice in Bloomfield, CT. For more info, visit http://margohennebach.com/margo/fw/ or call 860–206–2746.

Kate Keefe
Spiritually known as Dhanya Devi – discovered her personal path with yoga in 2000 as a form of stress management while employed in an acute geriatric–psychiatric setting. In 2002 she received her first and second teacher trainings in YogaFit and began teaching yoga as a form of wellness to her co–workers in the health–care field.

She attended additional trainings in YogaFit Level III to deepen her practice and further her teaching skills. Through self study and a desire deepen spiritual practice she came to Sacred Rivers in 2006 and completed her 200 hour RYT in Hatha Yoga in 2007. Through further study of the condition of osteoporosis, she completed training at Kripalu in Bone Camp – Advanced Movement Concepts for Skeletal Health (Safe Yoga for Osteoporosis) with Sara Meeks, RPT RYT. Additionally, she is pursuing a Level I certification in Osteoporosis Rehabilitation in the Meeks Method.

Dhanya Devi is trained to teach Tai Chi for arthritis, Certified to teach Tai Chi for Osteoporosis and Falls Prevention, Certified as a Move Beyond Pain Clinician (chronic pain exercise and education), Shamballa Reiki level I and II certified and Basic Therapeutic Touch Practitioner.

In her current practice she works as an Occupational Therapist and Serves as the Director of Resident Services at Southington Care Center. She facilitates wellness and pain management both in the community and in the long term care setting. She continues to explore her personal path with self–study and exploration of Hinduism and Vedanta with her spiritual mentor Divya Jyoti. In March 2010, she will complete her Yoga therapy certification in "Yoga of the Heart" with Nischala Joy Devi.

Jack Lynch received his formal training from renowned teachers Beryl Bender Birch and David Swenson. These accomplished mentors have instilled in Jack a deep understanding of the ancient Ashtanga system (both first and second series), and imparted an abundance of skillful adjustment techniques.

Jack has also studied with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Ana Forrest, Nancy Gilgoff and Doug Swenson. Through Continuous study and practice he is able to offer not only primary and second series Ashtanga classes, but also unique classes inspired by these other distinguished teachers.

You will enjoy the way Jack's sense of humor and compassion puts you at ease while fostering a safe environment in which to work the body.

Michael Pierce, MD
Michael Pierce, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing in Glastonbury. He is a Clinical Associate at the Western New England Institute for Psychoanalysis in New Haven, CT, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University Of Connecticut School Of Medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a member of the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychoanalytic Association, International Neuro–Psychoanalytic Association, Association for Humanistic Psychology, International Society for the Study of Subtle Energy and Energy Medicine, and the Association for Transpersonal Psychology.
Michael values a holistic approach, which he brings to his practice. Extending his traditional training and interest in the mind and the brain, he has explored many alternative and complementary therapies. He has received the Munay Ki rites, a second level Reiki attunement, and has studied the Art of Living Foundation's sudarshan kriya, and Anodea Judith's chakra teachings, among others. He has been a yoga practitioner for a number of years after personally experiencing a number of positive changes. Michael maintains a private practice at 25 Concord Street, Glastonbury, CT.

Dori Sargent- Dori Sargent is the mother of two amazing children, 500 RYT, School Counselor for children with special needs, and Creator/Owner of YogaWise programs. Dori has been practicing yoga since 1996, and is passionate about bringing the healing benefits of yoga and Peaceful Touch to empower children, families, schools and communities alike. Dori completed both her 200 hour (May 2006) and  500 hour (June 2008) Registered Yoga Teacher Training certification at Sacred Rivers Yoga Studio, Yoga for Every Body, with Paula Scopino in Glastonbury, Connecticut, which encompassed eclectic training in all branches and styles of yoga for all body types and all ages. Dori has completed specialized training in Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Tykes (toddlers), Every Kids Yoga for Children with Special Needs, Integrative Movement Therapy for Children with Special Needs, Yoga for Children with Special Needs at CCMC, and Yoga Ed tools for teachers in November 2008, Kundalini Yoga and Art, The Art and Spirit of Drumming with Ubaka Hill, Bootcamp for Goddesses with Sierra Bender, and Reiki Level I and II. Dori’s classes are clearly taught from her heart and intuition, with a balance of athleticism/physical strength, moderate flow, and gentle openings. Dori’s caring spirit and eclectic style will leave you feeling challenged, yet relaxed and rejuvenated! Calming minds, Strengthening Bodies, Empowering Spirits, and Opening hearts! Please see her website for more information on all private yoga therapy options and programs/classes she offers to schools, groups, and individuals (children and adults): www.yogawise.org

Paula Scopino (Yoga For Every Body, Yoga Therapies, etc.) Paula Scopino is the Owner/Director of Sacred Rivers. Paula was inspired at a young age by her parent's spiritual explorations and discovered yoga at age 19. She has been a student of yoga since 1976 and has been teaching since 1978 after receiving her first certification with Ruth Bender (pre-Kripalu).
Paula has taught in many different settings, including corporations, hospitals, and fitness and rehabilitation centers. She has studied many different yoga styles all over the country and has been inspired and influenced by numerous wonderful teachers. Her love and interest of yoga, movement, and energy led her to study massage therapy, Reiki, Feldenkrais, and Pilates.

Paula is a Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher - 500 hour, and is a certified Cardiac Yoga Teacher, having studied Yoga of the Heart with Nischala Joy Devi (the stress management portion of the Dr. Dean Ornish program). Paula does yoga therapy for heart disease and cancer, and yoga therapy for chronic conditions, back problems, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. She teaches prenatal yoga, yoga for children, and yoga for 60,70, and beyond.

Paula graduated from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in 1989 and is a Connecticut licensed massage therapist and member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She also assists her brother Rick Haesche in teaching the Art of Traditional Thailand Massage in massage therapy schools as a part of their regular and continuing education curriculum. In addition, she is certified in Karuna and Usui Reiki. She has maintained a private practice since 1989.

Born in Brooklyn, Dhanurdhara Swami's spiritual search led him across the globe many years ago to the shelter of mystic India. He is a respected teacher in the tradition of bhakti–yoga who has lived in Vrindavana, India – the sacred land of Krishna – for over 30 years. Dhanurdhara Swami currently spends half of each year in India studying, writing, meditating and guiding pilgrims on their journeys through the holy places. The other half of the year he spends in America traveling and sharing what he has learned. He is the author of three books: Waves of Devotion , a commentary on the bhakti text Nectar of Devotion; Greetings From Vrindavana , a spiritual "travel diary" chronicling his experiences and realizations from 2000 through 2004; and Japa Meditations: Contemplations on Entering the Holy Name. http://wavesofdevotion.com      The Bhagavad–gita, Indian philosophy, describes in detail the nature of the mind and how to favorably transform it. The Bhagavad–gita in particular summarizes three classical practices to facilitate that transformation: karma–yoga (the path of action), jnana–yoga (the path of knowledge) and bhakti–yoga (the path of devotion). Dhanurdhara Swami will summarize the science of transformation according to these three paths and discuss how to apply the teachings of the Bhagavad–gita in the course of daily life.

Jean Skeels "I believe in the power of yoga to create deep healing and transformation on many levels and to reconnect us with our true and complete selves. Yoga practice built on the foundations of compassion and non-grasping allows us to be playful and joyful in this great inquiry, the pathway to liberation."

Jean’s certifications include 500 hour Kripalu yoga teacher, 200 hour Kripalu yoga teacher, Kripalu Yoga Dance teacher, and prenatal yoga with Janice Clarfield.   Jean is also registered as an ERYT 200 and RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance. She is Co-creator of Whole Running, a unique program of running and yoga.

Susan Taff holds a Masters degree in Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University and a Masters degree in Public Health from Yale University. Susan has been practicing massage therapy for 12 years, teaching kinesiology and massage therapy courses. She has also studied and has been teaching yoga in the style of B. K. S. Iyengar since 1989. She brings to her yoga teaching her years of study and interest in anatomy and movement. Susan especially enjoys adapting yoga asanas for students with physical limitations.

Megan Todt, MS, PT, RYT is a physical therapist with a strong background in pediatrics. She has been practicing yoga for ten years and completed her 200 hour teacher training through Sacred Rivers Yoga in August of 2008. She is currently co–owner of Family Physical Therapy in Colchester, CT where she teaches yoga. She is also co–owner of Performance Edge Sports where she utilizes her yoga as part of a comprehensive program to increase core strength and decrease risk of injury in high school athletes.

David Tinklepaugh, MD
"Happiness lies first of all, in health". –George William Curtis

"I have loved this quote from the moment I first read it. So much so that it has become the guiding principle behind my work in health and wellness. There is deep wisdom in this quote, as the link between health and happiness is as fundamental as that between sunlight and warmth. I have a particular vantage point from which to observe this relationship, that of a neurologist caring every day for those with devastating illness and disability. I have concluded that it is far more useful to try and maintain good health, or promote even better health, than to wait for illness to befall. One of the main obstacles to promoting wellness is that most healthy people don't think about their future health. Because optimal health requires a long term plan and dedication, it is difficult for busy people to commit to new life patterns of behavior. So it is that I have decided to try and combine education about illness and prevention with motivation and guidance in health."

Dr. Tinklepaugh was an undergraduate at the University of Washington, receiving a bachelor of science in zoology. He received his MD from the University of Virginia, and completed a neurology residency at Yale New Haven. Following residency, he took a fellowship in neuromuscular function and disease, also at Yale New Haven. He is currently board certified in Neurology and Psychiatry and is in private practice in Norwich, CT. Dr. Tinklepaugh cares for patients with all types of neurologic illnesses but integrates traditional medicine with alternative approaches to health.

Lectures Taught by Dr. Tinklepaugh:
1. Brain health, preventing dementia and expanding your mind.
2. Neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and others
3. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, etc.
4. Peripheral nerve diseases such as neuropathy (numb and tingling feet and hands), carpal tunnel, etc.
5. Headaches and spine pain syndromes, including anatomy and physiology
6. General nervous system physiology or how it works and how nutrition and exercise impact function and disease
7. Nervous system and supplements
8. Epilepsy

Emily Walker began practicing yoga in 1995, while a student in law school. She quickly became interested in anatomy & precise body alignment. Emily began teaching yoga in 2005 and now specializes in yoga therapeutics ~ healing the body with asana. She is trained in precise biomechanical instruction for in–depth asana instruction with a focus on anatomy & physiology as well as therapeutics, advanced pranayama, and contemplation/meditation techniques.

Having suffered and healed from her own chronic neck issues as well as a severe shoulder injury, she now heals others with chronic pain and injuries. With yoga becoming more popular every year, yoga injuries are correspondingly on the rise. Neck pain & shoulder injuries are some of the most common injuries that yoga practitioners experience.

Understanding proper upper body alignment will help heal injuries as well as correct habitual misalignments that lead to head, neck, shoulder & back complaints. Once an understanding of shoulder alignment is reached, it is important to build strength while incorporating the alignment principles. This can be accomplished with specific Yoga Therapy exercises designed to target the muscles of the rotator cuff, as well as by practicing yoga with the basic alignment tools necessary to heal & prevent injuries.

Emily's first Yoga Alliance Teacher Training was with Mitchel Bleier (Senior Certified Anusara™). In 2005 she was certified in flow/vinyasa style yoga. She went on to study Therapeutics with Mitchel Bleier and worked with several chiropractors and physical therapists to complement her Therapeutics Training. She is currently completing her Level 2 Teacher Training in Anusara Yoga with Sara Rose, Douglas Brooks & Darren Rhodes at Yoga Sanctuary – Northampton, MA.

Sacred Rivers Yoga is also a 200 and 500 hour Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher Training school, offering week day and weekend courses. Please contact the studio for information.