Amanda took her first yoga class when she was 12 years old but didn't think much of it at the time, however the seed had been planted. Amanda returned to yoga in 2005 for its physical benefits at a hatha/vinyasa class offered in her local gym. Eventually, a friend brought her to an Anusara class where she immediately fell in love with the heart-centered theme woven throughout the practice. With much encouragement and support from her teacher, Emma Magenta, Amanda enrolled in her first Anusara Immersion in March 2008, then Teacher Training in June 2009, both led by Emma and Christy Burnette.

Through her never-ending learning experiences, Amanda has had the privilege of studying under many truly amazing teachers, including Anusara Founder John Friend. Amanda strives to create a playful and supportive environment for her students on many levels. She believes that yoga practice extends from the mat into everyday life and hopes to help others cultivate that experience for themselves.

Like many, Joe was first attracted to yoga because of its physical benefits. After finding Yoga Montclair, he grew to appreciate the mental, spiritual and philosophical benefits of yoga. He received his Teacher Training Certification with Vishali Varga and is certified with Yoga Alliance. Joe works as a Regional Sales Director in the fashion apparel industry and travels extensively throughout the U.S. Anusara Yoga has helped keep Joe grounded as he spends a great deal of time in flight on an airplane, Joe believes yoga shapes and reflects one's life experiences and loves to watch students gain flexibility, strength and focus.

Joe's passion is to provide the student a fun, safe environment where they can explore themselves and connect with their bodies in an accepting manner emphasizing breath, alignment and attitude. Joe is a Montclair resident with an amazing family and wonderful group of friends. He loves animals especially his own- Jack and Lulu, his dogs and Lexington, his cat.

Julie Margolis has been teaching yoga since 2004, when she graduated from the Starseed Teacher Training program. When she took her first Anusara class later that year, she immediately felt she was on to something big. Anusara provided her with a method to heal her body, open her heart, and stimulate her mind. Julie's love of yoga is contagious, and she strives to create a warm, compassionate environment in which to practice. Her classes are characterized by careful attention to flowing sequence, precise alignment instruction, always accompanied by music, and laughter.

One of Julie's students recently wrote of her: "Her knowledge, kindness and inspiration are felt throughout the entire class and shared individually with each and every student. She shares openly and honestly with her personal practice in each and every class. She absolutely makes one fall in love with yoga and eager to get back to the next class."

Julie's study of yoga has made her aware that she is always practicing, whether in the capacity of a student, teacher, or mother to her three young girls. She is grateful to all of her life teachers both on and off the mat. Julie lives in Montclair, NJ with her husband, daughters and a cat named Hanuman Lotus Yustein.

Mindy believes that yoga should be exciting, challenging, and full of discovery. She strives to create a meaningful connection to body, emotion and spirit and respects each person's individuality. An athlete and fitness enthusiast, Mindy sought yoga over 13 years ago. After a damaging knee injury, she was looking for an alternate form of exercise. She immediately realized yoga was not just another workout. The effects of yoga, from the very first class, seeped into her life. In 1999 she was introduced to Anusara Yoga. She found teachers who encouraged physical and spiritual awareness. The alignment system fit with her bodyÕs needs. Mindy looks to her yoga practice to help balance her personal life and her demanding career as a Corporate Meeting Planner.

Mindy's studies of Yoga include; multiple Teacher Trainings and Therapeutic Trainings with John Friend, 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certified Training at Yoga Mandali, studies with Tantric scholars Douglas Brooks and Carlos Pomeda, as well as extensive meditation and pranyama studies. In addition Mindy has over 1000 hours of study with John Friend and his Senior Certified Teachers in the Anusara Community. Mindy also continually studies with many other nationally recognized teachers like Dharma Mitra, Sharon Gannon, David Life, and Rodney Yee and the extremely talented teachers around NYC. She is grateful for the lessons and inspiration she continually receives.

Nicole was immersed in yoga from her very first class. In 2000, she was literally dragged to the Ananda Ashram by friends to help deal with stress. Being a very spiritual person she was both scared and intrigued by what yoga had to offer her. She has studied religion and philosphy, and at one time attended Union Seminary in NYC. In 2003, after practicing with a tape at home and attending random classes in NYC, Nicole began taking Anusara Yoga classes where she began to transform physically, emotionally and spiritually. That personal transformation was so profound that it led her to complete a teacher training in 2006 with Vishali Varga. Since completing her training, she teaches classes in hopes of making people feel more comfortable with who they already are -- letting yoga enhance their inherent beauty (inside and out). She continues her studies with such teachers as John Friend, Emma Magenta, Ross Rayburn, Sianna Sherman, Naime Jezzeney and Noah Maze. Nicole is an Anusara-Inspired teacher who lives in Montclair, NJ with her husband, Jared.

Phil carries the love and joy of the yoga tradition with him in his life as well as in his teaching. He feels that all students can experience the spiritual and energetic awakenings that are brought forth through the yoga practice. He wants all students to feel welcome, whatever their background or ability, and seeks to guide students to an experience of universal acceptance.

Phil's teaching is informed by knowledge gathered from both his infinitely wise teachers and his dedicated personal practice. His fun, loving classes, with a kick of spiritually awakening humor, are known for bringing students to places they didn't think were possible. Phil has a specialty in working with therapeutic issues.

Phil has studied yoga intensely since 2000, receiving his first Hatha yoga teaching certification in 2002 and his 500 hr certification in 2003. He has since become a dedicated student of Anusara Yoga, and achieved Anusara-Inspired status in 2009. He has received Teacher Training from Anusara Founder John Friend and Certified Anusara Teacher Zhenja Larosa. Phil is also Director of Yoga Harmony Studio in Randolph, NJ.

Sarah started practicing yoga in 2003 and she feels that it has transformed her life. She went on to complete her 200 hour teacher training in 2006 and has been teaching as a Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher ever since. This year, Sarah completed the 100 hour Anusara Immersion and Level 1 Teacher Training at Yogaphoria in New Hope, Pennsylvania and, in November of 2009 became an Anusara Inspired Teacher.

Through her teaching, Sarah encourages students to recognize that yoga is not just about the physical postures, but that the practice incorporates spiritual lessons that can be applied in everyday life. It is with the desire to empower students to awaken to their own potential that Sarah teaches a class that is supportive yet challenging.

Sarah is so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time studying with so many amazing teachers. She holds a special place in her heart for those teachers who have guided her and inspired her the most, Naime Jezzney, Sue Elkind, John Friend and Douglas Brooks.

Sarah feels truly blessed to be able to fulfill what she believes is her purpose of sharing the gift of yoga with others.

Initially Sheila came to yoga for the exercise aspect of the practice. It quickly evolved into a journey for inner connection and wholeness changing her world. An inner calm was found that has helped Sheila in all aspects of her life. She proceeded to enroll in every workshop she could find to further her practice on a physical and spiritual level. She completed her 200 hour Anusara Teacher Training with Christy Burnette and Emma Magenta.

Sheila creates a playful and challenging environment for each student to develop and enjoy their own experience. She has been fortunate to study with Christy Burnette, Emma Magenta, Amy Ippoliti and Ross Rayburn among many other amazing teachers. She is grateful for the inspiration and knowledge instilled upon her by so many wonderful teachers. Each one brings a different light to her practice and teaching style.