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Local Teachers
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Shiva
Shiva is known by many names and titles. Click here
for a more complete description of Shiva, his titles and biography. |
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Sri Dharma
Mittra
Dharma is the teacher with the most mileage. Since 1967, he has
spent more than half of his life teaching the yamas and niyamas
of Yoga through daily practice of Dharma Yoga to tens of thousands
of students. A complete biography for Dharma can be found here.
Upcoming Programs with Sri Dharma Mittra |
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Ismrittee Devi
A Native New Yorker and Cancer, on one fateful day I walked up the
tall hallway steps of 100 West 14th Street, at the crossroads of
6th Avenue, a very busy thorough fare on this planet. I had been
looking up at the windows for a number years. Upon knocking, a resting
Yogi came to the door, and quietly told me that I may come back
for classes at certain times. I returned the next evening and since
that day 1984, I never left home again. Find my complete biography
here. |
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Bernadette
Duthu
I was born in France and travel there regularly, as well as teach
French here in NYC. I have graduated from both the 200 & 500
Hour Life of a Yogi Teacher Training programs with Sri Dharma. It is also my privilege, honor
and service to be a senior teacher filling in for Sri Dharma for
Master Practices as well Psychic Development Practices when he isn't aronud. Being part
of the LOAY TT programs is very important to me, as senior mentor
to our wonderful new crops of Dharma sadhakas. |
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Adam Frei
I was born in Stamford, Connecticut, grew up in the wilds of West
Redding, and am now a New Yorker. After years of mostly solitary
Sadhana practice, I found my way to Yogi Sri Dharma Mittra. My entire
practice changed during that first Master class, and I must have
done something extremely rare and good in a previous incarnation
to have finally met the teacher in this lifetime. I am grateful
to have taken part in the transformative Dharma Yoga 200 and 500
Hour “Life of a Yogi” Teacher Training intensive immersions.
They helped me understand that teaching is just one more component
of practice as we all strive to copy the teacher in word, thought
and deed. I have been teaching at the New York Center and beyond
ever since my first teacher training and, after years of involvement
with our Teacher Training programs on the staff side, am now blessed
to be the director of these programs. There are many people leading
posture sequences in the booming Yoga culture of today, but few
know or are transmitting the complete science of Yoga. For almost
half a century, Sri Dharma has been patiently sharing its totality
with anyone who comes to learn from him. I feel so fortunate to
be his student and thank him so much for everything.
Upcoming Programs with Adam |
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Penny Kalloo
I came to the Dharma Yoga Center when it was known as the Yoga
Asana Center under another dancer's recommendation that it was
a good place to start yoga. The first class I took was with Dharma
and I've never left. I graduated Dharma Yoga's first teacher training
in 1999. I have studied dance for many years and am a dance teacher
at a NYC public high school. I am a mentor in the LOAY TT programs with my
fellow disciples and students of Sri Dharma. I am currently teaching
Dharma IV on Saturdays at 12pm. I hope that students will
come and enjoy this class. I will do my best to bring them the
best of my abilities.
Upcoming Programs with Penny |
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Kim Jeblick
I was born February 25, 1965 (under the sun sign of Pisces) and
raised in Rockaway Beach, NY. I finally discovered the Dharma Yoga
Center in May 2005, after coming from a background in fitness and
dance. I have completed both the 200 and 500 hour Life of a Yogi
teacher training programs in 2006. I am now mentoring and assisting
in Dharma's teacher training programs, and teaching Dharma I on
Fridays and Sundays. I truly feel that at the Dharma Yoga Center
you don't just "do" Yoga or "learn" Yoga, you absorb Yoga. Dharma
imparts all of the traditional teachings with great love, compassion
and patience. I have felt the presence of God here at the Kailashananda
Temple and feel truly blessed to be a part of this family. It is
a great honor to be able to teach here and I can't think of a better
way to spend the rest of my life than by teaching and guiding others
to Yoga."
Upcoming Programs with Kim |
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Amitai
Cohen
On one Friday evening in November, 2005, I walked in to the Dharma
Yoga Center while class was in session. All it took was one brief
look at the class for me to realize that this is where the next
stop on my path would take place. I've been taking class regularly
since then! The practice, Dharma's love, powerful teachings and
guidance, the great kula of students and teachers, and especially
the Life Of A Yogi teacher training have helped me to transform
my life. I am delighted to share and give back what I have recieved
every Tuesday evening 6:30pm and Fridays at 6:00pm at the center while I continue to
be a dedicated student of Sri Dharma's. When I am not at the center,
I am teaching group and private classes throughout New York City
and traveling abroad to share the Dharma Yoga message. In Israel
I'm currently working on a project to bring a steady yoga practice
to soldiers in the military.
Upcoming Programs with Amitai |
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Marvin
Rosenberg
I'm a native New York City Queens-ite, and a friend to Ismrittee
Devi and Dharma Mittra for the past 23 years. I have been teaching
regularly at the Center since 1991. I was previously trained as
a modern dancer and choreographer, and over the years studied
many meditation techniques. I truly enjoy helping others through
the Gentle Yoga techniques and giving the opportunity for everyone
to be able to practice together no matter what condition he or
she is in. I am also grateful to my loyal family of students at
Dharma's temple over the many years. Note: Marvin's amazing
nature is to be peaceful and calm at all times, which transcends
immediately to all who study with him. He is affectionately know
as Gentle Marvin.
Upcoming Programs with Marvin |
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Andrew Jones
Born an Aries in the UK, I started practicing at Dharma Mittra Yoga
Center years ago. I work in New York in advertising and live the
practice through the craziness of the corporate world. After taking
the 200 hour teacher training, I feel blessed to be able to pass
on the teachings through the Dharma I and II classes to those curious
about the beautiful powers of yoga. I am humbly devoted to Sri Dharma
Mittra and feel its a gift to help others begin their path following
these teachings. Yoga practice can be intimidating and cause many
doubts to those starting their journey, but Dharma I is about giving
pupils the tools to bring out their own beautiful practice and develop
at their own pace.
Upcoming Programs with Andrew |
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Yiannis Andritsos
I began studying yoga when I moved to the United States from Greece
in 2002. I soon met the great yoga master Sri Dharma Mittra, with
whom I've been studying and practicing full time ever since. I've
been a dedicated teacher since 2003, and in 2009, I completed the
Dharma Yoga Life of a Yogi 200 Hour Teacher Training program. You
will find me teaching Dharma I classes at the center on a weekly
basis, and practicing Karma Yoga-Selfless Service on many days as
a means to purify my heart. When not at the center I teach Dharma
Yoga classes at numerous studios and health clubs around New York
City. I'm also a Thai yoga masseuse and an avid student of Bhakti
yoga, Karma yoga, Sanskrit, mediation and pranayama. Back in Athens,
I worked as a personal trainer and was a professional dancer. All
of these experiences have made me committed to healing and helping
others reach their full potential.
Upcoming Programs with Yiannis |
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Chikako Mizokami
Born in Japan, I was living in New York City for 5 years before
I walked up the stairs of the now familiar home that is Dharma Yoga
Center. As the saying goes; when the pupil is ready, the teacher
appears. Such was the case with my fateful encounter with Dharma
in May of 2007. The rest, as they say, is history... Being a humble
sadhaka and living yoga has been a singular transcendent experience.
Practicing yoga informs and guides the way I strive to live my life
in every moment of every day. I feel so blessed and grateful to
be able to continuously learn and practice through Dharma's grace
and to share the divine science of yoga with others as it has been
imparted to me, as an offering. I currently teach the 10am Level
I class on Tuesdays. It is a wonderful class to build a strong foundation
and prepare you for more advanced level classes. "Be receptive"
to the supreme teacher within!
Upcoming Programs with Chikako |
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Yoshio Hama
I started practicing yoga in Caracas, Venezuela in 1999. Between 1999 and 2008 I had the opportunity to study Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga and Iyengar Yoga under the guidance of different yoga instructors. In 2008, I came to New York with the intention of practicing and studying all styles of yoga. The first studio that I visited was the Dharma Yoga Center, and the same day I took my first class with Sri Dharma Mittra. This day started my new life. I found my Guru, found the yoga and found a new spiritual family. I have never taken class in another yoga studio in New York to date. I am currently certified at 200 and 500 Hour Dharma Yoga Life of a Yogi Teacher Training Program.
The teachings of Sri Dharma bring me the light of the real practice of yoga. By observing Yama and Niyama as the foundation of daily practice, we learn to surrender our ego and attain the purity of the mind to come to understand that Divinity dwells in everyone. To teach Dharma Yoga means to transmit the Sri Dharma message of compassion, collective mind and love for God.
Upcoming Programs with Yoshio |
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Brendan Lentz
I began practicing hatha yoga at the work fitness center in 2004. At
the time I lived only one block away but it wasn't until 2007 that I
discovered the Dharma Yoga Center and began practicing with Sri
Dharma. I am a graduate of the 200 hour LOAY Immersion TT (Levels I
and II.) The most appealing part of teaching Dharma yoga is sharing
the teachings of Sri Dharma and helping other students. I enjoy the
energy and enthusiasm that students bring to their practice and look
forward to helping all students on their path.
Upcoming Programs with Brendan |
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Margaret Haight
In 1998 I found my way to Sri Dharma Mittra's noon Master Practice. From the start I was aware
how special it was, and how fortunate I was, to study with Sri Dharma - a true Yoga Master,
right here in NY! To be part of Sri Dharma's continuum of teaching is a joy, a blessing,
a rigorous, powerful physical discipline, and an amazing spiritual voyage which has captured my heart.
I completed the DY LOAY 200hr TT in 2007 and am honored to pass on Sri Dharma's teachings.
I was born in Manhattan and have lived here all my life. When I first encountered yoga in 1988,
I loved it immediately, and was an avid student of Iyengar yoga for 10 years.
Subsequently I explored many hatha yoga methods. Dharma Mittra Yoga is my ultimate practice.
I am deeply grateful to Sri Dharma Mittra. "His very presence is a great teaching; words are superfluous."
Upcoming Programs with Margaret |
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Josh Tosteson
I began practicing yoga seven years ago and more recently with Swami Bua. I began regular practice with Sri Dharma Mittra in 2009 and graduated from the 200 Hour LOAY TT in June 2010. When practicing with Sri Dharma, a perfect vessel of the sacred teachings, one feels deeply the connection with the ancient lineage of the teachings, stretching back to the original pioneers who summited the peaks of Self-realization, and shared their wisdom for the benefit of all beings. The great honor and reward of teaching Dharma Yoga is in serving as another link in that sacred chain. I am also a professional environmentalist, and has most recently been performing karma yoga in Haiti, teaching yoga, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agriculture in support of a youth leadership training program.
Upcoming Programs with Josh |
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Chie Yamanaka
I began my Hatha Yoga practice in Japan in 2004. I began a practice
in Hot Yoga in 2005 and became a certified Hot Yoga teacher in 2006.
But one year later I was still not satisfied, and had many questions
about deepening my practice. One day I got a Japanese Yoga magazine
and, as I was looking through it, my eyes stopped at an article
about Sri Dharma Mittra. When I read the article, I knew this was
the person who could answer my questions! I felt so inspired I moved
to New York in October 2007 to start practicing exclusively with
him. I love the Dharma Yoga sequence, and the fact that it's not
only about Asana, but also focuses on Sri Dharma's lineage of meditation
and Pranayama. I am now a graduate of both the 200- and 500-hour
Life of a Yogi Teacher Trainings and a certified Pre-Natal Yoga
instructor. I am very happy I found him and very appreciative that
I have the opportunity to teach Dharma Yoga.
Upcoming Programs with Chie |
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Inna Kozodoy
I came to New York in 2003. I was born and grew up in Ukraine, where
I performed ballet in my hometown for many years. My second yoga
class was with one of the Senior Dharma Yoga teachers in 2006. In
February 2010, I met Sri Dharma for the first time during a Maha
Sadhana. Sri Dharma’s teachings, so humble and so profound,
made me realize that I had found the yoga I was looking for. Asanas
I offered that night at the end of class were filled with grace,
strength and with an increasing and burning desire to surrender
and devote my life to practicing yoga and learning from the Master.
Just being in Dharmaji's presence is a precious gift. I have finished
my 200hr DY LOAY TT in June 2010, and I am honored to pass on Sri
Dharma's teachings. Being a Dharma Yoga teacher is not only a gift
I am blessed to share with others, but a responsibility I am carrying
on in my life: living with integrity, following the yamas and niyamas
and serving others. I am also a certified Karma Kids yoga teacher.
Upcoming Programs with Inna |
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Rachael Nickel
I am from Ohio and received a Bachelors degree of Fine Arts in 1994.
Soon after, I made my way to New York City and began practicing
yoga and vegetarianism in 1996. While in New York, I studied various
styles of yoga throughout
the area. In 2000, I graduated from the 200 hour World Yoga Center
Teacher Training Program. Since then, I have been teaching yoga
professionally throughout Ohio, Michigan, Central New York and New
York City. From 2003- 2007, I held the position of Director of Complementary
Medicine at Heritage Health Care Center in Utica, NY. I was able
there to incorporate yoga based therapies into the facility's protocol.
I finally made my way to the Dharma Yoga Center in 2009 and in 2010
I completed the Dharma Yoga 500 hour "Life of a Yogi"
Teacher Training program and am certified in Dharma Levels I, II,
III, & IV. I am registered with Yoga Alliance as an ERYT 200
and as a RYT 500 hour yoga teacher. I feel drawn to Dharma Yoga
because of its authenticity, simplicity, and beauty. For me, it
is an honor to be able to share the gift of Dharma Yoga with others.
Upcoming Programs with Rachael |
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Athena Christie
Athena Christie began her practice of yoga in 2007 and did her 200
Hour teacher training certification six months later. A year-and-a-half
later, inspired by a Dharma Yoga student, Athena went for the first
time to class at the Dharma Yoga Center at 23rd and 3rd. She was
catapulted to the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual heights
that defines Dharma Yoga. Shortly thereafter, Athena enrolled in
the Dharma Yoga "Life of a Yogi" 500 Hour Advanced Teacher
Training and became a certified Dharma Yoga Instructor. Athena is
humbled and thrilled to be passing on the knowledge that her beloved
Guru has taught her. As well as teaching and subbing all Dharma
levels at Dharma East today, Athena is our Dharma Kids Yoga instructor
and teaches a By-Donation class on Saturdays in Dharma Gentle.
Upcoming Programs with Athena |
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Nicholas Wooldridge
Nicholas' fist contact with yoga was as a child watching his parents
practice Pranayama and Asana in the living room. Nicholas took up
the practice himself in 2002 with yoga videos, and then graduated
to various styles and studios including Bikram and Ashtanga.
Nicholas moved to New York City from Las Vegas in 2004 to study
performing arts, and within a matter of days he found his teacher
and Guru, Dharma Mittra. Although not looking for a preceptor, Nicholas
realized he was a devotee of Dharma's immediately and he immersed
himself in Dharma Yoga. Nicholas was entrusted with yogic treasures
including the ethical rules, yogic diet, Pranayama, devotion, concentration-mediation,
yoga philosophy and psychic development. Nicholas has demonstrated
for and assisted Dharma in the United States, Europe and Brazil
and is a 200 Hour Dharma Yoga Registered Teacher. He is honored
to share the knowledge and gifts of yoga, witness students gain
better control over body and mind and to realize that the greatest
teacher is the True Self.
Upcoming Programs with Nicholas |
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Rebecca Kovacs
I began practicing yoga in 2002 in San Diego, California, and in
2006 I visited Dharma Yoga Center for the first time. Immediately
it became clear that I should study under the guidance of Sri Dharma.
I'm a graduate of the DY LOAY Teacher Training programs, and often
serve as a TT mentor at ongoing programs. I am honored to teach
different levels of the Dharma series at the New York Center, as
well as, get to assist Sri Dharma Mittra at out of town workshops
and lead Dharma Yoga Retreats. You can find me regularly at Sri
Dharma's Master and meditation Classes where I continue to learn
how to "copy the teacher." I am ever so thankful to be
a part of the greater Dharma Yoga Family.
Upcoming Programs with Rebecca |
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Jared Mccann
I began practicing yoga in 2004 with Bikram Yoga and quickly branched
out to other styles. I did Mysore Ashtanga, frequented Jivamukti,
and tried all the teachers at Kula. After 2 years of going to almost
every yoga studio in New York City I found Dharma Mittra. I loved
that Dharma combined a very challenging asana practice with intense
spiritual studies - the best of both worlds. In 2009 I did my 200
hour teacher training after taking countless master classes with
Dharma. The training illustrated the benefits of combining asana,
meditation, breathing exercises, purification techniques, and study
of the scriptures. As a teacher, I use calm and specific verbal
cues to keep the mind present and calm through the asana practice.
Yoga is painful. But by learning to be present and breathe through
the discomfort we learn to overcome obstacles in our lives and uncover
our own limitless existence within.
Upcoming Programs with Jared |
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Jessica Crow
My practice began with an exploration of different styles which eventually led me to complete a 200-hr teacher training in Costa Rica in 2007. My mind is built eclectically from experience with various forms of dance, therapeutic massage and energy work, studies in philosophy and psychology, and shaped by instinct and self-realizations. I hold a degree in human biology from the State University of New York where I studied the brain and human behavior with a focus on the development of the innate human capacity for universal compassion and practical intuitive guidance. Although I originally became interested in yoga as a method of self-healing, it soon became clear that my understanding of the body-mind-spirit connection could impart a vital therapeutic quality to students in many walks of life. In January of 2010, I decided to attend a master practice led by Sri Dharma Mittra, immediately after which I realized he had essential knowledge for me on my yogic path. A synchronicity with Sri Dharma’s mission of expanding and deepening compassion (as well as cultivating human creativity and intuition) inspired me to study with him daily and to eventually become a Certified Dharma Yoga Teacher at the 500 Hour level. I am honored and humbled to share the teachings of this lineage with others who are seeking a realization of that true happiness and oneness of the divine within us all.
Upcoming Programs with Jessica |
Certified Dharma Yoga Substitute Teachers
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Shanti Om -
Joann Stekler
I was born under the sign of Capricorn. I am a native New Yorker
originally from Queens, and I work full time for a production company
which I enjoy very much. I am a graduate of the 200 DY Life of a
Yogi Teacher Training of 2004 and 500 DY Life of a Yogi Teacher
Training 2006. During the 2006 Initiation Services I became a spiritual
Disciple of Sri Dharma Mittra. You can see me at the desk often,
helping students, as well as being on staff as a substitute teacher
for the Dharma I and Gentle classes at the Center. I am blessed
and honored to be able to practice Karma Yoga for many activities
at the school, as well as all that I have been given by Sri Dharma
and the Center. I feel at home and inspired by all that Dharma Mittra
& Ismrittee Devi-Om have shared and taught me to grow as a yoga
teacher.
Upcoming Programs with Joann |
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Eric Hubel
I was born under the cusp of Capricorn and Aquarius. I grew up in
Boston, Massachusetts, and moved to New York City in 1982. I came
to Yoga after 9/11/01, and a year or so later, on a fateful Friday
night, my teachers brought me to Dharma Yoga Center. After four
years of Sri Dharma's noon class, I enrolled in the June, 2007,
200-hour Life of a Yogi Teacher Training. I teach Dharma I and see
the opportunity as a blessing. It is a way I may offer service to
my teacher, and others as well. |
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Olga Shafran
A native of the Ukranie, I am a graduate of the Dharma Yoga Life
of a Yogi 200 and 500 hour programs. I try to bring Dharma's grace, care and beauty to all my teachings
of the practices.
Upcoming Programs with Olga |
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Geoffrey McDonald
A spiritual seeker from an early age, I studied religion and philosophy
for two decades at universities in the U.S. and in Europe. I was
blessed to have worked with some of the world’s great teachers
including the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whom I served
as a teaching assistant. I began studying yoga in 2002, and worked
with Kelly Morris in NYC. In 2008, the same year I completed my
Ph.D. in Religion, I met my Guru, Sri Dharma Mittra. Over the next
two years, I completed the 200 and 500 Hour "Life of a Yogi"
Teacher Training programs, and received initiation from Sri Dharma
as a disciple. I am humbled by the opportunity to transmit these
powerful teachings of yoga in every setting in which I find myself,
including my work as an attorney. I teach intermediate/advanced
classes at the Center on a weekly basis.
Upcoming Programs with Geoffrey |
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