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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 thru daily practice of Hatha-Raja Yoga to ten's of thousands
of students. A complete biography for Dharma can be found here.
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Ismrittee Devi
- Eva
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 may add.
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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Ajana-Susan
Grant
I was first introduced to yoga in the mid '70's while pursuing a
career in the visual arts. I'm a Sagittarius with Leo rising and
moon in Pisces and have been happily married for many years along
with our 4 cats who teach me the true meaning of unconditional love.
After leaving the world of advertising and package design, I began
studying with Dharma in 1992. I took the noon class "religiously"
five days a week for many years. I have been teaching at the Dharma
Yoga Center since 1999 after completing Dharma's teacher training.
I also teach other classes and privates throughout New York. I hope
that through my own practice and teaching I can bring more clarity
and awareness in my life and the lives of my students, as well as
sharing the peace, joy and bliss that the practice of yoga can bring
into every moment of your life - on and off the mat. Thanks to Dharma
for teaching me all those fancy postures, but mainly for teaching
me the true meaning of yoga. |
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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 thru the Gentle
Yoga techniques and giving the opportunity for everyone to be able
to practice together no matter what condition you are 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. |
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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. I
enjoy teaching my regular class of Dharma Mittra Yoga Open or mixed
level every Saturday from 12-1:30. It is also my privilege and honor
and service to be a senior teacher filling in for Sri Dharma when
away teaching Shiva Namaskara Vinyasa Level IV Master Classes as
well Psychic Development Practices. Being part of the LOAY TT programs
is very important to me, as senior mentor to our wonderful new crops
of Dharma sadhakas. You will find me religiously in the 12pm Master
Class every day.
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Mittra Om -
Michael Kersten
A disciple of Shri Dharma's since 1997, I teach the Friday evening DMY Open and Psychic Development classes. For me, yoga is a divine vehicle for freedom, and I teach Dharma Mittra Yoga in the spirit of my guru. I was born a Libra here in NYC in 1974, the year the Dharma Yoga Center and my alma mater, Naropa University, were both founded. I also serve as a hospice chaplain. |
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Penny Kalloo
I came to the Dharma Mittra 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 Mittra 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 perform tours
with modern and Caribbean Dance companies. I am a mentor in the
LOAY TT programs with my fellow disciples and students of Sri Dharma.
I am currently teaching Level I-II on Saturdays at 1:30pm. I hope
that students will come and enjoy this class. I will do my best
to bring them the best of my abilities. |
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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 on Sundays a
Level I class. 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 Kalishananda
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." |
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Andrei Ram
After many years of intense self-yoga practice, I moved from Colombia,
South America, to New York City in 2003. I was following an insight
call that was revealed as soon as my eyes crossed Dharma's light.
Ever since, I wanted to serve Sri Dharma Mittra as a full time karma
yogi (as he did for his Guru). My devotion and dedication to my
guru, has led me to become a senior teacher at the Dharma Yoga Center.
I teach Friday's Master Class at the Dharma Yoga Center. I also
have the divine and distinctive honor to substitute for Sri Dharma
if he is out of town, as well as a staff Yogi and teacher in Sri
Dharma's Life of a Yoga 200- and 500-hour Certification Programs.
I am currently traveling internationally teaching Dharma Mittra
Yoga, (thru Dharma's grace), as I consider my own dharma to become
an exact copy of my beloved guru in order to spread God's light
through Dharma's wisdom everywhere. "Although we all miss Sri
Dharma when he's traveling, Andrei Ram taught a beautiful class
at noon today. I have always appreciated his teaching and the way
in which he is so true to the essence of Sri Dharma's style and
manner. Today in particular, I felt he went beyond where he's gone
so far when I've been there to learn from him and it was wonderful"
Adam Frei |
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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 Sri Dharma Mittra. My entire
practice changed during that first Master class, and attending Sri
Dharma's classes on a regular basis is a highlight of each week.
I am grateful to have taken part in the transformative 200-hour
"Life of a Yogi" Teacher Training, one of the great experiences
of my life to date. I have been assisting and teaching at the New
York Center ever since. 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 over forty years, Sri Dharma Mittra
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. |
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Will Nagel
I was born on March 30, 1971, an Aries with Cancer rising and Gemini
moon. As a child growing up with hippy/artist parents in the '70's,
I would find myself in the strangest of places, including "Human
Be-ins", Anti-War rallies and...well, of all things...Yoga Nidra
classes... I wouldn't have guessed what a boon I was given early
in life, as I crept out of my yoga classes thinking "I hope no one
from school sees me". I have since then continued my yoga studies
and I followed my heart to Dharma Yoga Center for the Life of a
Yogi Teacher Training. Here at the center under Sri Dharma Mittra's
guidance, my heart continues to unfold and inform my practice, and
hopefully to guide my teaching here at the center. I hope to be
an instrument of the master's grace. In addition to teaching Level
I & II Basics at the center, I play and teach Cello, and I teach
ESL at Parsons/ The New School for Design. My interests include
Creative-Arts and Yoga Therapy, and sharing the practice of Dharma
Mittra Hatha-Raja Yoga. The nectar of devotion permeates this community
and this yoga and it carries students as a boon on the path. Hari
Om |
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Radhika Om
- Antonia Noonan
I live in the New York area and am a mom. As the saying goes, "when
the student is ready, the teacher will appear." I have been
practicing yoga at various studios with various teachers. I read
everything I could find on yoga, whether in books or on the internet,
and took workshops and trainings, eventually leading to a 200 hour
teacher training certification. Thanks to a friend who invited me
to attend Dharma Mittra's noon 2 hr Master Class, I met my Guru.
In 2006 I completed the 500 hour DMY LOAY Teacher Training. I love
teaching the Level I series on Monday mornings, and am on staff
as a mentor to Dharma’s newest Yogis during the Teacher Trainings.
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Betsy Haddad
I was born under the sign of Scorpio and grew up in Pittsburgh,
PA. After completing college and falling in love, I moved to Dubai,
UAE and eventually came to New York, where I have lived for the
past twenty years with my husband and children. I started yoga after
the birth of mylast child and have had the privilege of studying
with Dharma for over three years. I took the Life of a Yogi 200
hour teacher training in 2005. Sri Dharma's teachings, along with
his steadfast example of kindness, purity, humility, discipline
and joy have been a gift for which I will always be thankful. Dharma
is a cultivator of inner strength and inner joy. He nourishes receptivity
both of the individual and the group. He is a teacher for all of
the stages of yoga. I feel very, very blessed to be a part of the
Dharma Mittra Yoga Community. |
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Cathy Ennesser
In yoga, we often speak of finding balance, balance in life and
balance in our practice. In this city it is easy to find a yoga
class that is physically challenging. It is also easy to find classes
that focus on the spiritual practice. It's more challenging to find
a class with the proper balance. I've found my balance in Dharma's
classes. I have studied yoga in the United States and in India.
I am an initiate in the Himalayan tradition. Most recently, I completed
the 500 hour Teachers' Training at Dharma Yoga Center in November
2006. I have been practicing yoga since 1987, and in 1996, I completed
a level one teachers training and in 2000 studied Basic Teachers
Training and Teaching Yoga to Young People. In May of 2003 I completed
Therapeutic Yoga Training. I started teaching in May 2000. I have
taught beginners sequences, intermediate and advanced classes. I
have developed and taught workshops on the Sun Salutation, on pranayama
(Yogic Breathing) and therapeutic yoga. I have taught yoga to special
populations- Yoga for Kids (4-8 years), Yoga for Teens, Yoga for
Seniors, Yoga for Cancer Patients, Pre-Natal Yoga, Post Natal Yoga,
Gentle Yoga. I also teaches Therapeutic Yoga to women survivors
of cancer. I currently teach Dharma Mittra Yoga Basics Level II
and am currently developing a class for teens with Joann Stekler
at the Center. |
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Rebecca Kovacs
I was born a Scorpio in North Hollywood, California on November
13th, 1977. 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 DMY LOAY TT 200 hour program, and serve as
a mentor at ongoing programs. I am honored to teach Dharma Mittra
Yoga I-II and Open Levels at the New York Center, as well as, assist
Dharma at out of town workshops. I also teach privately around New
York City, and on weekends in Washington, Connecticut. During the
week, you can find me at Dharma's Master and meditation classes
where I continue to learn how to "copy the teacher." |
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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, 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 Mittra
Yoga Level 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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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 DMY Life of
a Yogi Teacher Training of 2004 and 500 DMY Life of a Yogi Teacher
Training 2006. During the 2006 Inititation 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 DMY Level I and Gentle classes at the Center. Cathy and
I are in the process re-establishing the kids/teens yoga class to
the center in the fall. 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. |
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Nick Potenzieri
The first time I came to the Dharma Mittra Yoga Center was in the
fall of 2001 to get information. I felt inspired thinking to myself,
"This is the real deal," and walked out not to return for 5 years.
I am grateful that I was eventually led back to Sri Dhrama Mittra
to experience the profound change in my practice and my life that
can only happen under his kind guidance. I graduated from the DMY
Life of a Yogi Certification program in the Fall of 2007 and am
honored to be able to teach DMY Level I and II. I am very proud
and excited to be learning and teaching along side the dedicated
community of amazing Yogis that surround Dharma. When not here this
native New Yorker can be found practicing the craft of Directing
Plays. I am also a Leo (Roar). |
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Lily Cushman
Born a Libra, I first experienced Sri Dharma at a very special retreat with Krisha Das in 2007. Since that fateful day, my life has changed immensely! In such a short time I have been blessed to take part in the 200 and 500 HR LOAY Teacher Training here in New York. I spend most of my time at the center; studying, serving, teaching and working hard to embody the divine teachings Dharma constantly offers us all. There is little more to say! All roads have magically led me to the feet of my beloved teacher and for that I am eternally grateful. Everything is an offering to the Lord. Om Namah Shivaya Om!
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Jeffrey Meyers,
M.D.
Born under the sign of Cancer, I practiced diligently with Sri Dharma
in the early 1980’s, attending classes everyday. My life eventually
unfolded into the study of western medicine, becoming a board-certified
physician which made my Jewish-a-mama fairly happy. I am a graduate
of the LOAY TT and am blessed to be the co-director of DMY "Life
of a Yogi" 500-hour Advanced Teacher Training Programs. I truly
enjoy teaching a variety or subjects in our teacher trainings including
anatomy & physiology, and meditation. I am also a licensed acupuncturist
and practice medicine in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, as
well as teaching Dharma Mittra Yoga near my home. |
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Dr. Edwin Bryant
Dr. Bryant has been an integral part of our LOAY TT programs, specifically
in teaching the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras. As a personal practitioner
of yoga for 28 years, a number of them spent in India studying with
traditional teachers, where he returns yearly, Edwin strives to
combine academic scholarship and rigor with sensitivity towards
traditional knowledge systems. He received his Ph.D in Indic languages
and Cultures from Columbia University. He taught Hinduism at Harvard
University for three years, and is presently the professor of Hinduism
at Rutgers University where he teaches courses on Hindu philosophy
and religion. |
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Krishna Das
Krsihna Das is a devotee and servant of Neem Karoli Baba. He is
a true friend of Sri Dharma's and our home. His chant from "All
One" is featured in Dharma's Maha Sadhana DVD. For years he
has been chanting on a regular basis in yoga centers all over the
world. He has taught with Ram Dass and sung for many saints and
yogis here and in India. Sharing his heart through music and chanting
is the basis of his own spiritual work; his way of serving the Divine
within himself and others. |
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Atman Om-Sarah
Lewis
I have been studying with Dharma Mittra for the past 12 years, and
teaching at Dharma Mittra Yoga since the fall 1999 after graduating
the teacher training program. I teach Dharma Mittra Yoga Level I
and II classes, and privates at the center. I have a BFA in Dance
from the College Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. I perform
with various dance groups and choreographers in New York City. |
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Aundre Chin
Aundre is an integral part of the daily operation at Dharma Mittra
Yoga. His full bio is coming soon. |
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Jeffrey Seymour
I was born in Elkhart, Kansas (as a Sagittarius) on December 10,
1954 and grew up in the southwest United States. While I was busy
having my fourth birthday party, Dharma was studying yoga. I began
my quest for the Supreme Self many years ago. Over the years my
path crossed many different methods of Self Realization but none
seemed to resonate deeply enough. My years of searching came to
an end when I entered the Dharma Mittra Yoga Center and attended
my first Maha Sadhana on January 13, 2007. That same night I left
my application for the June LOAY TT 2007. I now teach Dharma Mittra
Yoga at several locations near the New Jersey shore. I am honored
and very happy to be a member of Dharma Mittra’s family. |
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