Meet your teachers.
First Class FREE!

Practice is the effort to secure steadiness.

~The Yoga Sutras of Pantajali~

Douchka Lecot

Gina Fore

Felicitas Alonzo

Jill Pickett

Jonathan McCurry

Kyle Wadsworth

M.E. Ramcke

Mary Armstrong

Rebecca Gette

Ronda Litwin

Shana Stein

 

Gina Fore: Founder / Teacher

Certifications: American Power Yoga -APY Studio, Dallas,TX.
Mamaste Pre-Natal Yoga -Karen Prior, N2Yoga
Associates of Science Degree/Biology -Richland College
Bachelors of Arts Degree/General Studies; Business, Sociology, Dance from TWU.
Additional Training: Workshops- Ashtanga Yoga with David and Doug Swenson, and Seane Corn. Budokon. Northern Seven-Star Praying Mantis 3rd Level Blue Sash.

Background: I was first introduced to yoga through a martial arts open sparring night at Whole Life (now American Power Yoga studio). I began to attend their yoga classes and felt as though I had found my soul mate. I became a regular student and signed up for the next teacher training. Nearly six years later I am still growing in my own practice and as a teacher. It seems that some times your life finds you.

Why be a Yoga Teacher? I like that yoga is never finished. I could practice it for the rest of my life and never reach a point where I feel that it is time to move on to something new. Practicing yoga helps me live as a whole and complete person. As a teacher I love to watch the transition in students as they stop struggling, and start living in the peace that grows from calm acceptance.

Describe your class: I'd describe my classes as physically challenging and otherwise relaxing. True strength is demonstrated when a person achieves mastery in a pose and can still laugh when they don't get it right. I strive for each student in my class to feel confident and accepting of themselves as they improve their practce.

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Douchka Lecot: Teacher

Certifications: Alpha Omega Yoga Shala RYT 200 hours -Dallas, TX Additional Training: Anusara Yoga workshop with Kelly Haas
Bi-lingual: English and Spanish


Background: I started learning yoga at the Dallas Yoga Center in 1996, and attended classes off and on during several years when I was traveling and frequently moving to different countries. In 2001 I was overwhelmed and stressed by my high-demand job and I needed to put my life in order. I decided to take care of myself and give priority to my mental and physical health. I started attending more yoga classes, initiated my own practice at home, and started reading and researching yoga and its healing power. Very soon, my yoga practice was helping me make decisions and life changes. I wanted to share this wonderful tool of life with others through teaching, and so began my yoga teaching in 2005.

Why be a Yoga Teacher? Yoga has become the basis of my lifestyle: bringing me peace, joy, happiness, and enlightenment. It became obvious that I needed to share its wonders with others. Yoga is an on-going learning experience, with new discoveries and sensations in each practice or class. Sharing it with others enhances and extends my personal growth.

Describe your class: I would describe my style as a yin (feminine) yoga, that opens up your heart and body to release your emotions and tensions finding deep relaxation and peace within you, and letting your body express itself through the asanas (postures) and deep breathing.

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Ronda Litwin : Teacher

Certifications: Alpha Omega Yoga Shala RYT 200 hours -Dallas, TX
BA Liberal Arts (Government) - Claremont McKenna College , CA
Additional Training: ParaYoga with Rod Stryker
Foundations of Science of the Mind, Center for Spiritual Living

Background: I was first introduced to yoga in high school but it took a backseat to track while in college.  However, after college, I returned to yoga to relieve stress and stay in shape while working as an attorney.  After a few years of practicing yoga, I just couldn't get enough of it.  It gave my life balance and opened me up to more joy and vitality.

Why be a Yoga Teacher? I wanted to share the life-changing benefits of yoga with others so that they can reduce their stress and improve their physical health.

Describe your class: My goal is to allow students to connect to their breath while challenging themselves to continue to grow at their own pace.    Depending on the class's personality, I may also include energizing breathing techniques at the beginning of class or meditative breathing techniques in preparation for meditation.  I do not use a lot of Sanskrit in my class but may end class with a few simple chants.  Every class is different, but the goal is always the same - improving physical health, embracing relaxation, and stilling the mind. 

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Shana Stein : Teacher

Certifications: Gaia Flow Yoga 200-Hour RYT -Addison, TX
Juris Doctor, University of Miami School of Law
Bachelor of Science, Speech Communications, Texas Christian University
Additional Training: Workshops – Flying, Backbend & Twisting with Chrystal Rae Almeida, Initiate of Kriya Yoga

Background: I began practicing yoga during my first semester of law school at The University of Miami School of Law. Go Canes! From 2002-2008, I sought out yoga in every gym I joined, in each town that my career took me to. On January 1, 2009, I took my first yoga practice at Gaia Flow Yoga, in Addison, TX. It was at that time that my yoga practice really took off, and I began to devote myself seriously to studying and educating myself on the science, art and philosophy of yoga.

Why be a Yoga Teacher? Yoga has become a true passion of mine, one of the things I most want to talk about, learn about, practice and share. I believe whole-heartedly in the transformational power of this ancient practice on the body, mind and spirit, and can't wait to share it with anyone willing to learn!

Describe your class: Taking inspiration from nature, my classes are a flowing mix of challenging postures and subtle nuances. Come as you are, and leave feeling empowered to conquer the rest of your world, or perhaps just the rest of the week. All levels welcome – from first time newbies through experienced yogis!

Shana's website: www.getyogafied.com
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Rebecca Gette : Executive Director/Teacher

Certifications: 200 Hour YA- GFY Addison , TX.
Bachelors of Science: Human Development

Background: I landed here quite by accident and definitely with the guide of a higher power. My first "yoga that didn't come to me" experience was at Dirt Cheap Yoga, and it was like I had found my little home inside of Reverchon Park . I've been practicing for a few years now, and I really feel like yoga is what I was put on this Earth to do. I've learned more about myself and my world than I ever thought possible, and for that I am eternally thankful.


Why be a Yoga Teacher? Yoga is my heart song. It has brought a balance and harmony into my life that I never thought I'd know. I want to share that gift with as many people as I can.

Describe your class: I try to bring the philosophy that "yoga is for everyone" into my class, by offering a vinyasa flow that is balanced enough to be challenging for the experienced practitioner and able to be modified so that everyone can play along. I like to explain with words what the poses should look and feel like, connecting the mind to the body.

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Kyle Wadsworth: Teacher

Certifications: American Power Yoga - A PY Studio, Dallas,TX.
Additional Training: Ashtanga workshops with David Swenson, Andrew Eppler  and Doug Eagle from Pineapple Yoga

Background:  In 2001 I began as most people do, with a DVD. I started with Ashtanga Yoga and have always enjoyed that as my foundation. Being a vegan I also enjoyed the "ahimsa" or nonvilence branch of yoga. I quickly needed instruction and moved to a variety of schools where I learned the importance of the group practice to help you stay focused and move to the next level. The moving meditation was the key for me.  A combination of calm

breathing and strength, flexibility and balance conditioning, all combined in one workout - I was hooked.

Why be a Yoga Teacher?  I enjoy sharing the things I have learned with people new to the practice.

Describe your class:  At times the class is vigorous, but there are plenty of rest spots where I slow down and move into the details of more complicated postures.

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M.E. Ramcke: Teacher

Certifications: American Power Yoga -APY Studio, Dallas, TX.
Additional Training: Living Yoga Dallas Workshops with- Baron Baptiste, Seane Corn, Anna Forrest, John Friend, Tim Miller, David Romanelli, and Rod Stryker.

Background: I started taking yoga not long after my mom passed away in 2002. A friend, now my mentor, recommended yoga to help with the sadness and move towards healing. Little did I know how much it was going to change my life. As my practice grew, so did I; mind, body and spirit. Not only was I able to heal, I also began to notice a peaceful sense of living in the present moment. There are true lessons to be learned through yoga, just be patient and they will come. I began taking weekend workshops through Living Yoga Dallas to further my yoga journey. Eventually, I took the 200 hour certification to teach through APY.

Why be a Yoga Teacher? I want to give back the gift that has been given to me, the gift that heals. To help others get to a place of peace, too many of us walk around in emotional pain or have past issues. I want to help them find the root of it all and work through it until they see their true light.

Describe your class: I try to keep my class balanced for all levels. Giving modifications and intensifications to keep all students challenged. Along with the physical, the most important part of the class is the state of mind. I will try to guide you and help you stay completely present and focused, so you can begin your journey to self-awareness and acceptance.

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Mary Armstrong : Teacher

Certifications: 200 hour YA certified Alpha Omega Yoga Shala, 2008
Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts (Creative Writing): The New School University
, New York, NY 1997.

Back Ground: A lengthy and painful bout of Bell's Palsy in late 2007 and early 2008, brought her back to her mat more and more. No therapy worked as well as yoga to bring her back to health in mind, body and spirit. In spring 2008, she enrolled in the Alpha Omega Yoga school and with the help of her mentor, Sheri Cherokee, is now happily teaching Hatha Fusion classes at Zounds Sounds, Chi Yoga & Dirt Cheap Yoga.

Why be a Yoga Teacher?
My philosophy about music and yoga dovetail. I believe that you don't need to be an advanced musician to play something or hear something meaningful, just as you don't need to be an advanced practitioner of yoga to greatly benefit from its beauty. I feel my yoga path and my musical path are different sides of the same coin, and love to share my time and attention with those in need of healing.

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Jonathan McCurry : Teacher

Certifications: RYT 200 hour YA - Alpha Omega Yoga Shala, 2008. Actor's Equity Member Candiddate
Additional Training:
Vocal Performance and Theater Arts at the University of Oklahoma.  While there, I studied Jazz and Modern Dance as part of the curriculum.

Background: My first yoga class was on a first date back in 2004.  While the romantic sparks did not ultimately fly with my date, it was love at first sight for yoga.  I am a semi-professional actor and yoga started as a natural extension of my dance background and grew to be a natural extension of my life.  I started practice with 24 hour fitness under Jaye Evans.  When she left the Dallas area, my practice moved to Cosmic Café’s studio where I studied with Rogelio Chapa and Douchka Loucot.  I have since followed their practices over to Chi Studios.  Rogelio brought me under his yogic wing and bought me into the Alpha Omega yoga shala where I started my instructor training with him and finished under Sherri Cherokee December, 2008.

Why be a yoga teacher? I became a yoga teacher so that I could pass on the gift of yoga that I have been given.

Describe your class: My practice is tends to err on the rajastic side.  Building heat from the core and giving students an opportunity to challenge themselves.  However, my class is adaptive and I will change the class based on the experience and physical needs of the students.  Some classes may be a challenging power type, others will be a more grounded restorative class.

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Felicitas (Felicia) : Teacher, Yoga en Español

Certifications: RYT 200 hour YA - Alpha Omega Yoga Shala, 2008.

Felicia's story will be added soon...

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Jill Pickett : Teacher

Certifications: RYT 200 hour YA - Alpha Omega Yoga Shala - Classical Hatha & Classical Ashtanga Yoga, 2009.
Bachelor & Master's in Architecture, Texas Tech University, 2004

 

Background: I began regular yoga asana classes as a way to stay fit during the Bridezilla (I'll admit it) phase of my life, and soon discovered that there was more to yoga than fitness. I saw patience, compassion, and peace reflected in my teachers' faces…and wanted in on the action! After a few years of donning my Down Dog at DCY, I took the plunge and signed up for teacher training. You could say I sprouted out of Dirt Cheap, and continue to grow there.

Why be a Yoga Teacher? The gift of yoga is too good not to share. I took the certification program to deepen my personal practice, but quickly felt the burning desire to share yoga with the world. It is one of the most fulfilling jobs I have ever had.

Describe your class: I teach a Vinyasa class, meaning that movements are synchronized with breath. My goal is to give you the most “bang for your buck,” weaving together an invigorating flow with blissful, stress-busting relaxation. Modifications are offered to allow you to choose how gentle or energetic your practice will be. Sanskrit and plain-ole English are used to describe the poses, and each class ends with a bite-size meditation.

Anything else? Writing a yoga column is also part of my practice, and a way to “share the love” with the Dallas community. Articles range from discussion of a vegetarian diet, to highlighting yoga happenings around town. Your questions, insights, and general yoga chatting are highly treasured. You can view my publications at the Dallas Examiner.

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"That which is to give light must endure burning."
- Viktor Frankl