Pat took her first yoga class at The Yoga Sanctuary in 2011. She was in her late 40’s and went for the physical benefits. Yet it wasn’t long before she realized that the benefits of yoga practice went far beyond the physical. Leaving class, not only did she feel great physically, but she also felt calm and relaxed. She began to understand that yoga was not a “class,” but a lifestyle. Eager to learn more, she took the 200-hour teacher training offered by The Yoga Sanctuary in 2015 and has been teaching classes here ever since. As a teacher, what she loves most is introducing new students to yoga. She loves showing them that it is never too late to start practicing. Pat believes that yoga is not about performing a perfect pose, but about how and what you feel while in the pose. It’s a holistic practice that unites and heals the body, mind, and soul. It’s about accepting our capabilities and our limitations, without criticism or judgement. It’s a journey of self-discovery, self-worth, and affirmation. Sometimes the journey is challenging and requires a sense of humor! Most often, though, it’s a joyful one that encourages self-acceptance and mindfulness in daily life.

In 2019, Jackie decided it was time to move away from the stress of healthcare to find a more balanced lifestyle. After attending a yoga retreat with The Yoga Sanctuary (TYS) in 2020 and years of practicing as a dedicated student, it became clear that it was time to pursue her desire to become a yoga teacher. Jackie earned her first 200-hour certification virtually with Yoga Farm Ithaca in June 2020, followed by an in-person 200-hour training with Jennifer French at The Yoga Sanctuary in April 2021. She further expanded her expertise by completing a 300-hour training with the Himalayan Institute in Pennsylvania. 

Since joining The Yoga Sanctuary team in May 2022, Jackie has taken on a range of roles, including teaching Yin Yoga and offering personal sound healing sessions using crystal bowls and other instruments. Through her formal training in both Yin Yoga and Sound Healing, Jackie now shares her passion for these practices by bringing their calming and restorative qualities to her students.

Gillian is originally from the UK and has lived in the US since 2004. Trained as a clinical psychologist, she began practicing yoga in 2013 in recognition of her need to find a more centered, mindful approach to her own life and to assist her in her clinical practice. She quickly recognized that Asana was only one aspect of yoga and decided that further study would be helpful both to her own practice and in her approach to others. Gill completed her teacher training, at The Yoga Sanctuary, in April 2017, and discovered a love of teaching that superseded her love of practicing as a psychologist. She is registered with the Yoga Alliance and intends to pursue further studied to broaden her skills.