Abbey IliffWhat was your first yoga class? I took a hatha class during college in Fredericksburg, va and was immediately hooked. I knew, working with children, that yoga was a lifelong practice and the sooner and deeper, the better!
Who is your hero? Don Mattingly and Ani DiFranco What is your favorite book to read? The Lorax, Knuffle Bunny, skippy Jon Jones, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues and Langston Hughes's poetry What would you sing at Karaoke night? WAY to shy for that! Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion? I'll wear anything I like. Don't much mind if in or out of fashion. What was your first job? North jersey Italian restaurant phone girl/server. Allie Lehnhardt
What was your first yoga class? A beautiful vinyasa flow that had me hooked right from the start!
Who is your hero? My father. What is your favorite book to read? A Life Worth Breathing ~Max Strom What would you sing at Karaoke night? Karaoke? That would never happen! What's your favorite movie? Too many to name! Adventure, survival, romance. I love them all! Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion? Nope. Out with the old, in with the new! What was your first job? Receptionist. If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join? I'd hang out with Trevor Hall, all day long! If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? Wolf What brought you to yoga? I was looking for something to reduce the emotional stress I was caught up in but what I found was so much more. I found my breath and my strength, but more importantly, I found... myself. Di Goodman
What was your first yoga class? In the step aerobics room with one of the first teachers in Annapolis. I couldn’t even sit cross cross applesauce. It was a mess. I fell in love.
Who is your hero? My Dad. What is your favorite book to read? Siddartha and 9 Stories by JD Salinger What would you sing at Karaoke night? Respect by Aretha Franklin or Me and Bobbie McGee What's your favorite movie? Real Answer: Enchanted Adult group response: Shawshank Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion? Overalls. I haven’t waited; but I am ready. What was your first job? Giving guided walking tours of the Historic District of Annapolis If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join? I would make a group with me, Bob Dylan and Tina Turner. Then when we got old(we did anyway) we would chant together instead of apart. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? Dog. Enthusiastic, loyal, eager to please, put my tail between my legs as apology when I have been out of line, make mistakes out of excitement never meanness and always always on the wrong side of the door. What brought you to yoga? I found yoga this way; someone open her heart and held space and those of us paying attention were drawn in. Now my life is devoted to holding that space for others. Heather Osborne
What was your first yoga class? My freshman year of college, I thought it was completely boring.
What is your favorite book to read? Iyengars Light on Life What would you sing at Karaoke night? No karaoke for me! What's your favorite movie? Dances with Wolves Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion? No, I just hope yoga pants don’t go out of style! What was your first job? Biochemistry research assistant If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join? I’d like to be a back up dancer for Madonna! If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? Tiger What brought you to yoga? I’m not really sure, it just happened.... I think I just needed the right teacher to get me hooked and Laura Falsone did just that. That’s where practice starts, you have to connect with a teacher and be open to whatever the practice has to offer without any expectations. Kristen Kissik
What was your first yoga class? My first yoga class was a Chakra yoga class in Cambridge, Ma. 1991 ish.
What is your favorite book to read? I have too many favorite books to list. My current favorite is Unfaithful Music and Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello. What would you sing at Karaoke night? I would sing What’s so Funny bout Peace, Love and Understanding by Elvis Costello at kareoke. What's your favorite movie? I have two favorite movies- Harold and Maude and Wings of Desire. Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion? I wish platform shoes and boots would come back into style. What was your first job? My first job was picking apples in the orchards of my backyard for my grandfather. If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join? I would love to perform with Kate Bush. She is an amazing singer, beautiful mover and a theatrical performer. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? I identify with and adore owls. I always have, even before they were cool. What brought you to yoga? I decided to try yoga because I was interested in learning more about the body’s energetic systems. I also thought yoga would enhance my dancing and choreography. Lena Sturm
Lois Takara
What was your first yoga class? Slow flow at Annapolis Yoga many years ago
Who is your hero? My dad, he taught me that it's okay to question things What is your favorite book to read? Peony by Pearl S. Buck What would you sing at Karaoke night? One Moment in Time, if I could sing, which I can’t What's your favorite movie? The original Star Wars movie Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion? Not really If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join? The Eagles If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? A husky What brought you to yoga? I wanted to stretch and to relax, and I got so much more, and am still getting more Paul Gruner
Cathy Shaw
What was your first yoga class?
My first yoga class was at a YMCA in Frederick MD in 1992. That was my first exposure to “breath of fire”—my boyfriend then (now husband) was with me and we had no clue what they were doing. We still laugh about that experience! Who is your hero? My heroes are everyday people who make the conscious choice to be positive and grateful each day. Those whose high vibrational energy attracts goodness all around them. I strive to surround myself with those people. What is your favorite book to read? The Fifth Agreement (which recaps the Four Agreements) by Don Miguel Ruiz is a beautiful and sensible basic code of living. Michael Pollen’s “Food Rules” is another staple for clean eating/living. What would you sing at Karaoke night? Ha! Any Grateful Dead song What is your favorite movie? Probably have to be Wizard of Oz. I just adored the scarecrow and my first dog was surely Toto in a past life. Is there anything you wish would come back in fashion? Those little purses with the wooden handles and button on covers—Bermuda bags I think they were called. Very 80’s. Loved them! What was your first job? TCBY yogurt server. Loved that gig. My friends would come in and hang out for hours. It was like we all worked there :) If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join? Grateful Dead with Jerry alive. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? Butterfly What brought you to yoga? I was living in Northern CA in the late 90’s and yoga was part of the culture in my town and among my group of friends. I found it instantly addictive, and practiced at a dreamy studio overlooking Mt. Tamalpais. When i started having kids I tabled my practice for many years however and turned to running to conquer stress and stay fit. After numerous injuries (probably from no yoga!) I found my practice once again—or rather it found me. What I discovered this time around was a way of living, being and serving others that beautifully aligned with my philosophies, values, and parenting views. What a gift! Hannah Strauch
Kara Szabo
What was your first yoga class? A Bikram class in Center City Philadelphia. I loved it, until I found Ashtanga 😉
Who is your hero? My son, Victor. What is your favorite book to read? This is a really tough one...there are so many! The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant and City of Thieves by David Benioff are two of my all-time faves... What would you sing at Karaoke night? Not a fan of karaoke...BUT, George Michael's cover of "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" What's your favorite movie? Also too many...but Apollo 13 and Pulp Fiction top the list! Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion? Anything and everything by Valentino. What was your first job? An Administrative temp at Aetna. If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join? Um, U2. I love you Bono, Edge, Larry and Adam. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? A Bengal tiger. What brought you to yoga? A friend just asked me to go one night, I went and was hooked. |
Amy StarkeyWhat was your first yoga class? At Crunch in NYC (sad, I know).
Who is your hero? My mom. What is your favorite book to read? Currently the Harry Potter series with my son What would you sing at Karaoke night? The Emperor's New Clothes by Sinead O'Conner What's your favorite movie? The Royal Tannenbaums Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion? Legwarmers? What was your first job? Checked out movies at Video House in high school. If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join? Bananarama If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? A roadrunner What brought you to yoga? I was doing a lot of running and needed to be kinder and gentler to my body. Caroline Robins
What was your first yoga class? My first yoga class was with my dad, at home, watching a Baron Baptiste VHS.
Who is your hero? I don't have a "hero" per say, but there are a great handful of people that I look up to. My mom is number one. She's been a guiding light in my life since day one. What is your favorite book to read? I love way too many to pick just one. "Wherever You Go, There You Are" by Jon Kabat-Zinn "The Art of Intention" by Elena Brower "Miracles Now" by Gabrielle Bernstein "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg "Living Your Yoga" by Judith Hanson Lasater What would you sing at Karaoke night? Anything Celine Dion. She's my spirit animal. What's your favorite movie? I don't watch too many movies, but I've always loved Billy Elliot and the original Anne of Green Gables. Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion? I still wear my jackets tied around my waist, so probably that. I'll keep doing it either way though. What was your first job? I started as a Dance Instructor when I was 18 years old. If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join? Probably Coldplay or Hozier. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? My fiance always tells me I'd be a bird. I think I agree with him. Also, my last name is Robins so it works. What brought you to yoga? Originally, dance brought me to yoga. When I was pursuing dance in California, yoga always gave me a sense of ease, peace, and awareness that I never knew existed. Denise Traynor
What was your first yoga class? First Yoga class was high school through the desire of my fav art teacher, who wanted to take Yoga. It was in the attic of an 80 year old Yogi who lived in India for 15 years. We did yoga, 5 of us, in this little attic and I was hooked.
Who is your hero? Daughter Lea, I look up and see such strength- she is an old soul. What is your favorite book to read? Anything, Barbara Kingsolver What's your favorite movie? Apollo 13, I know strange. What was your first job? Lots of babysitting and then, selling shoes at Kinney's Shoe Store If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? A mixed breed, I was alot like my English Springer Toby OR he was alot like me. Also, maybe a bird of some sort b/c I tend to be up in the air quite a bit! What brought you to yoga? My Art Teacher from high school, Rocky Weidele, introduced me to yoga! What a gift. Fred Dolbow
What was your first yoga class? A Bikram Yoga class in what could only be described as a furnace hotter than the surface of the sun.
Who is your hero? My Mom and Dad What is your favorite book to read? I have 2 favorites: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss What would you sing at Karaoke night?Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-A-Lot What's your favorite movie? The Wizard of Oz Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion? The Mullet What was your first job? Restaurant Dishwasher If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? Turtle, slow and steady What brought you to yoga? I was interested in a woman who mentioned I should give yoga a try. So I tried a class she went to. The woman and I did not end up dating. I tell people I came for a woman, but fell in love with the yoga. Jean Dunn
Laurine Connors
What was your first yoga class? First yoga class was when I stumbled into at the gym because it was the only time they had daycare. I remember it being hard.
Who is your hero? My hero is my Mom. What is your favorite book to read? Untethered Soul by Michael Singer What would you sing at Karaoke night? You won’t find me singing karaoke, but I love to sing in my kitchen while I’m cooking. What was your first job? First job was scooping ice cream. Robin Countryman
What was your first yoga class? I tried a Hatha yoga class and them moved on to Bikram
Who is your hero? My Dad- he was an absolutely Brilliant man. What is your favorite book to read? The Blue dog, The Red Tent, or Journey to the Heart What would you sing at Karaoke night? Push it- ha, kidding! Maybe Total Eclipse of the Heart :) What's your favorite movie? Something fun like Love Actually or Pulp Fiction Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion? Everything always come back around ;-) What was your first job? Mowing lawns on a golf course If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join? Mowing lawns on a golf course If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? A dolphin What brought you to yoga? I tried yoga to give myself a bit of calm and peace. But I have continued practicing and teaching because yoga has taught me to stay present and to let go of expectations. Yoga has also taught me to be compassionate with myself. Yoga has brought my closer to myself and strengthened me physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to teach yoga to little ones. Hannah Diedrich
Sarah Macdonald
What was your first yoga class?
My first yoga class was during a ballet summer intensive when I was about 12. I was miserable holding downward facing dog for so long and could not wait for it to be over. What is your favorite book to read? Harry Potter! What would you sing at Karaoke night? I would never sing at Karaoke night. What's your favorite movie? Harry Potter, anything with Ben Stiller What was your first job? My first job was (and still is) dancing and teaching with the Ballet Theatre of Maryland. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? Definitely a cat! What brought you to yoga? Dance brought me to yoga originally. Yoga has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I am so grateful to be able to share my love for movement with the community. Lauren White
What was your first yoga class?
My first yoga class was at a gym in college. It wasn't until I began taking classes at yoga studio that I started to see the shift from "just stretching" to an entirely transformational practice. Who is your hero? I really look up to both of my parents. What is your favorite book to read? Too many to choose from! I recently really enjoyed reading The Feather Thief. What's your favorite movie? In terms of just sheer number of times watched, probably the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. Is there anything you wish would come back into fashion? I wouldn't mind a little more 1920s glamour. What was your first job? I worked as a stable hand and a horseback riding instructor in high school. If you could join any past or current music group, which would you want to join? If they were forced to have me, possibly the Beach Boys or Simon & Garfunkel. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? Definitely a domestic house cat-- lots of napping in sunny spots, please. What brought you to yoga? A diagnosis of Lyme disease many years later is what ultimately transformed my practice from a purely physical pursuit into a way of reframing my relationship with my mind, body, and spirit. Chevon Wright
Chevon has enjoyed practicing yoga and meditation since early 2009 and has been teaching since 2019. She appreciates sharing her soulful vinyasa flow with students of all ages. She is the owner of The Mystic Yogini LLC, where she provides many services to include spiritual guidance and sound therapy. It is Chevon’s soul purpose to bring awareness of BIPOC inclusivity, diversity, culture and body positivity in the Annapolis yoga community and beyond. She believes in community engagement and loves to see people from all walks of life enter a studio. In her down time, Chevon enjoys being with her family, nurturing her business, reading, and enjoying the outdoors.
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