Tisha Downing
Yoga Guide
Coming from a dance and ballet background at NYU, I’ve always enjoyed improving on my physicality. After dealing with 2 knee surgeries and 6 dislocations, I knew I needed to explore ways to improve my mobility. I discovered my passion for Yoga and its benefits. Teaching Yoga gives me the satisfaction of being able to share my story and Yoga journey to inspire others. RYT200, CWT-CYT, Restorative Yoga Cert, Yin Yoga Teacher & Immersion Training Cert, CWT-EYT
Michelle Frazier
Yoga Guide
“May we exist like the lotus, at ease in muddy water.” Zen Proverb
Michelle is a teacher at heart. She taught in the primary classroom for 19 years before becoming a teacher-librarian 5 years ago. She has a passion for books and yoga. Michelle is a wife and mother of 3 children and 2 dogs. She has dabbled in various forms of exercise and fell in love with yoga. She became a yoga teacher to show people that yoga is for everyone, every body type.
Rebecca Elsen
Space Holder, Owner, Yoga Guide, Thai Bodywork and Reiki Practioner
I incorporate a variety of Yoga, Thai Bodywork and Reiki lineages into my offerings! Having taught for 30 years, I love learning and my students are my best teachers. My practice deepened following an accident and opening a studio was the next step in my journey. Following the close of the studio during Covid, I transitioned to mainly outdoors, online and spaces around town. Many thanks and blessings to my teacher Maryam Ovissi, owner of Beloved Yoga – her encouragement is paramount in my journey. When I am not teaching, you can find me outside enjoying Mother Nature. ERYT500, YACEP, RYS200
Why Qualifications Matter
Yoga is a beautifully layered practice. Learning about Yoga – the discipline, execution, history, philosophy, The Eight Limbs – should be shared with reverence and wisdom. Safety and inclusion are paramount.
How do you know the teacher you are learning from is qualified to teach? At pranapiloga, we have credentialed instructors that have at met and often exceed the requirements to be Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT).
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)
Yoga teachers who complete a 200- or 500-hour teacher-training program may apply for registration and use of the RYT credential, provided their training and teaching experience meet Yoga Alliance’s requirements.
E-RYT 500
- Complete a 500-hour yoga teacher-training program
- Teach a minimum of 2,000 hours and for four years
- Adhere to ethical and continuing education policies
E-RYT 200
- Complete a 200-hour yoga teacher-training program
- Teach a minimum of 1,000 hours and for two years
- Adhere to ethical and continuing education policies
RYT 200
- Complete a 200-hour yoga teacher-training program
- Adhere to ethical and continuing education policies
YACEP – Continuing Education Providers
The YACEP designation is designed for experts in the yoga community to set them apart and to teach courses that qualify as Continuing Education hours for RYTs. The YACEP designation is only open to E-RYTs.
KRI
- Complete a 220-hour International Teacher Training Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan
- Adhere to ethical and continuing education policies
Certifications & Education
EDUCATION
Vayu, Master of Science, Yoga, Anticipated Graduation: 2024
ERYT500
YACEP
300RYT Vinyasa Yoga & Modern Yoga Therapy, Beloved Yoga
200RYT Vinyasa Yoga, Beloved Yoga
200RYT Hatha Yoga, Karuna Yoga
200RYT Integral Yoga, Yogaville
Phoenix Rising – Yoga Therapy Level 2
Riverview Spa – Ayurvedic Thai Yoga Massage Level 2
The Vedic Conservatory – Vedic Thai Level 1
Riverview Spa – Ayurvedic Thai Level 2
Thai Yoga Trainings – Foundational Level 1, Table Level 2
Usui Reiki Master Level
Reiki Level 1
Trauma Informed Yoga Training Certification
Functional Safety in Yoga
SUPERPOWER
Holding Space
TEACHERS
Leslee Bender (The Bender Method), Beryl Bender Birch (Ashtanga Yoga), Allison Davis (Yoga Therapy), John DeMinico (Blue Collar Yoga), Nischala Joy Devi (Yoga of the Heart), Lauren Eirk (Yoga Integrated Science), Teri Gentes (Health & Nutrition), Petra Kolber (Yoga & Fitness), Devra Kudeviz (Ashtanga Yoga), Daniel Orlansky (Meridian Yoga), Pat Pao (Anusara Yoga), Robert Sherman (F.I.T., Inc.), Beth Shaw (YogaFit), Shiva Rea (Yoga Trance Dance, Prana Vinyasa), Integral Yoga, Yogaville, Bhekaji Lynch (Anatomy, Ashtanga, Iyengar), Doug Keller (Anusara Hatha), Dr. Joe and Michelle Esposito (Anatomy), Ilena Gonzalez (Ayurveda), Kate Desiro (Embroylogy/Bowen Technique), Krishna Das (Kirtan), Dr. Markus Saraswati (Dao Yoga/Hormonal Imbalances), Gary Kraftsow (Viniyoga), Maryam Ovissi (all of the above and more)