Teachers

Matsimela Ajani, RYT 200

Matsimela’s personal practice began 11 years ago  practicing yoga with a DVD at home and a friend who was knowledgeable in yoga.  Since then he completed yoga teacher training in 2004 and has taught at studios (Maruka, Yoga District, DC Yoga, Blue Heron, & Shakti) throughout DC.

Marsha Banks-Harold, RYT 200

Marsha was first introduced to yoga over 15 years ago.  Her passion and enthusiasm for teaching yoga has lead her to open her own studio in Alexandria (www.piesfitnessyoga.com) as well as teach at various locations throughout the DC Metropolitan Area.

Sophia Brock, RYT 200

Sophia took her first yoga class in 2004 to see what this “yoga” thing was all about and was instantly in love with the sense of peace that yoga brought to her and has continuously taken classes since. Sophia completed her 200 hour Interdisciplinary Holistic Yoga Alliance certified Teacher Training at Pure Prana of Old Town, Alexandria in December of 2008, and will forever consider herself a “student” because there is so much to learn regarding this ancient practice that teaches you peace, calmness, stability, harmony and healthy thinking and living.

Colby Cooper, RYT 200

Colby’s yoga practice began almost 7 years ago and included a variety of styles of yoga (Ashtanga, Kundalini, Jivamukti, Yin, & Bikram).  She completed her teacher training at Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica & currently teaches in Alexandria, VA.

Dhyana Delatour, RYT 200

Dhyana is enthusiastic about working with children and has been trained in adult yoga, children’s yoga, and yoga for children with special needs.  She teaches throughout the Greater DC Metro Area.

Daniel Hickman, E-RYT 500

Daniel believes there is no singular way of yoga, but there are countless methods and he promotes the creative path and accumulation of one’s own life study and experience.  He teaches with compassion, enthusiasm, and understanding.  He is on staff at the Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica (www.nosarayoga.com) and teaches throughout the Greater DC Area.  Learn more about Daniel at www.silkroadyoga.com

Michelle Keel, RYT 200

Michelle began her yoga practice in 1996 by taking classes, reading books, and watching DVD’s.   She completed her first yoga training in 2004 and has since continued her yoga education through a variety of trainings & workshops.  She believes yoga is for children and adults and is the managing director of Spiral Flight Yoga Studio in DC (www.spiralflightyoga.com).

Jodi Knauer Darlage, RYT 200

Currently studying with Shiva Rea, Jodi teaches a variety of yoga classes at studios in DC & VA (Tranquil Space & Radiance Yoga).  Learn more about Jodi at www.bulayoga.com

Kate McDonnell, RYT 200

Kate started taking yoga classes in 1997.  In 2004 she started to develop a daily practice and began to take more challenging classes.  She completed her teacher training at Yoga District where she currently teaches (www.yogadistrict.com / www.yogaactivist.org).

Brigid Rauch, RYT 200

Brigid has been practicing yoga for about 10 years.  In 2007 she completed her yoga teacher training at Tranquil Space Yoga Studio (www.tranquilspace.com).  Brigid specializes in prenatal, children’s, and adult yoga, teaching throughout the Greater DC Area including at the Shanti Yoga Ashram in Bethesda, MD.

Emma Saal, RYT 200

Emma has been practicing yoga for several years.   Her eclectic training includes a combination of yoga, ballet, & Budokon.  Look for Emma on facebook under Red Sun Yoga DC.

Cara Valentino, RYT 200

Cara has practiced yoga since 2001, receiving yoga certifications in Kundalini Yoga from Darshan Yoga Studio in Herndon and in Holistic Yoga from Pure Prana Yoga Studio in 2004.  She is registered with the Yoga Alliance and is also a certified YoKid instructor.  Cara continues to evolve her yoga through a daily personal practice, weekly classes, and regular workshop attendance.

Kendra Wesley, RYT 200

Kendra completed her teacher training with Divine Light Yoga.  She has worked at Howard County Public Schools, Voices for Children, and as a youth coach and instructor.  Her love for yoga has lead her to teach this practice to children in DC.