MEET OUR OWNERS AND OUR MANY AMAZING INSTRUCTORS.....
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JIMMY BARKAN: OWNER YOGA CONNECTION
and CREATOR OF THE BARKAN METHOD OF HOT YOGA
A partner and owner of YOGA
CONNECTION, JIMMY BARKAN started practicing yoga in 1979
and was one of the first people certified to teach yoga
by Bikram Choudhury in 1981 through Ghosh's College of
Physical Education in Calcutta, India. Jimmy also practices
and studies the teachings of his guru, Paramahansa Yogananda,
and was initiated in the ancient meditation technique
called Kriya Yoga in 1983. Jimmy opened The Yoga College
of India in Fort Lauderdale in 1983 inspiring students
for over twenty years; many have opened their own studios
throughout the world. Jimmy Barkan co-founded Yoga Connection
in 2001, and has developed his own unique style of THE
BARKAN METHOD OF HOT YOGA. Jimmy's unique style of teaching
encourages students of all levels to reach their full
potential. Jimmy Barkan is known for training many professional
athletes; members of the NFL, NBA, NHL, PGA tour, and
the 1997 World Series Champions Florida Marlins.
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WENDY HELLER HERMAN: OWNER YOGA CONNECTION
As Founder and Co-Owner of Yoga Connection, Wendy prides
herself on having remained a "student of yoga"
together with all other students and members that have
joined the Yoga Connection family since its birth. A
commercial real estate attorney since 1984 in both New
York and Florida, Wendy handles the operations of the
studio. Having worn a back brace for four years as a
teenager, Wendy began having complications from scoliosis
and osteoporosis in her 30's and was informed of the
benefits of yoga. She began studying with her Yoga Connection
partner, Jimmy Barkan, and her life changed completely.
A slow process, Wendy improved the pain in her back,
gained strength and flexibility that she never imagined,
and increased her bone density. She now shares the gift
of yoga with our South Florida community and she credits
her improvement to all of the amazing teachers that
instruct at Yoga Connection. Although not yet a yoga
instructor, Wendy intends to become certified in Yoga
For Scoliosis in 2008/2009 and will begin her studies
with Elise Browning Miller so that she can share her
knowledge of Back Care.
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PHILIP CHRISTODOULOU has
been a Jnana Yogi for many years, well versed in the Yoga
Darshana. His primary influences are Jimmy Barkan for
whom he teaches asana as well as philosophy and history
of yoga for teacher training certification. Other celebrated
local influences of his syncretic style include Lisa Goodwin,
Patricia Chorne Wolk, and Yogi Nasser. He has enormous
respect for the Jivamukti approach and has been especially
influenced by the Anusara style of biomechanics. Originally
from South Africa with a background in the liberal arts,
linguistics and law, he is an environmental artist who
approaches yoga with exacting precision and reverence.
He calls his ecclectic style "Anuttara Janma"
meaning Yoga of the Highest Birth |
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ANGELA HAGE: Angela has
over 25 years experience teaching Hatha yoga, the therapeutic
form of yoga which concentrates on exercise and slow stretches.
She is certified to teach all aspects of Hatha yoga and
always tailors her yoga lessons to meet the needs of her
students. During her years of teaching she has taught
in numerous health spas from North Miami to Coral Springs,
reaching hundreds of students. Due to Angela's miraculous
teaching method, many of these students have benefited
greatly from her yoga classes, while sharing with her
their experiences of improved flexibility, reduced tension
and stress, improved breathing capacity, positive attitude
and a overall sense of health and fitness. Angela has
been described as a joy to all who know her and an "instructor
with a consistent following of members who adore her"
as she is a true master at her art. "Unlock the hidden
power of the mind through mediation and yoga."
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BEA RAYDO (TEJAS): "I started
taking Yoga classes from Jimmy Barkan back in 1985.
At first Yoga was simply a way of exercise. After a
few years, I started exploring other styles of Yoga
and studied Ashtanga Yoga under the tutelage of David
Swenson. In 1997, I took my yoga practice into another
level and it became a way of life. I joined the Divine
Life Society, Sivananda Ashram in Maryland, and later
traveled to its Headquarters in Rishikesh, India. I
took Sanyasa Diksha (monkhood vows) from Swami Chidanandaji
Maharaj in Rishikesh. Since 1997 Yoga has a deeper meaning
and I am committed to spread the message of Yoga wherever
I am. The journey of this philosophy has made me explore
into different styles of Yoga, only to find the Unity
in their diversity. I have been trained and/or certified
in Bikram, Barkan Method, Ashtanga, Jivanmukti, Sivananda,
Iyengar, and of late in Universal Yoga.
The system of Yoga has been so fragmented that it is
my goal to make us all see that Yoga is only one. I
call myself a Teacher of Hatha Yoga, and will teach
that way. This is the new way for the new millennium.
We went from the One to the many, only to find our way
back from the many to the unity of the ONE.
I am also known as TEJAS , or Swami Bhaktipremananda."
OM Tat Sat
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BARBARA SLOAN: Drawing
on her 25 years of experience in ballet and modern dance
Barbara brings a unique awareness of body alignment and
movement to her method of Yoga instruction. In addition
to teaching dance Barbara also danced professionally and
directed her own modern dance company for many years.
She has also studied contact improvisation, and bodywork
with Nancy Topf (ideokinesiology) and Elaine Summers.
Barbara was certified in Sivananda Yoga in 1998 and Kundalini
Yoga in 1999. She has taught Yoga at Spa Atlantis, Florida
Memorial College, and The
University Center for the Performing Arts where she
has been a co-owner and dance instructor since 1985. Students
can find more information on Barbara at
www.universitycenterfortheperformingarts.com
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KELLY GREEN is certified in both Hot
Yoga and Vinyasa, Levels I and II. Born with birth defects
in her knees, Kelly brings her compassion and her warrioresque
attitude to injured students, and helps keep all students
motivated and challenged. Dedicating her life to yoga
because of the life transformation it has brought her,
Kelly is sure to keep you inspired.
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JASON MASTRIAN: Jason joined Yoga
Connection as our Thai Massage Therapist (license no.
MA 28027), having a degree in massage therapy and neuroscience.
He is certified in both Pilates and Yoga and in the
exciting new Budokon practice, developed by Cameron
Shayne, combining vinyasa yoga, martial arts and meditation.
Jason is one of the first certified conditioning teachers
in the world.
Jason brings all of his knowledge and experience to
Yoga Connection's Kids Class in a playful non-competitive
environment and Budokon classes, as well as his private
one on one Thai Yoga Bodywork that he calls "The
Right Stretch".
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LISA
PUMPER: Lisa studied the Ashtanga Vinyasa System
for 7 years with a wide array of senior teachers from
around the world. After several years of self study she
began to share this love of Yoga with friends and family.
This in turn transformed Lisa into a well loved teacher
in her community. To expand her knowledge of yoga she
earned her certification in Hatha yoga therapy from The
Hatha Yoga Pradipika Institute. Lisa is the director of
The Relaxation Association, which conducts various Yoga
workshops. She is a registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga
Alliance and The International Yoga Therapist Association.
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JESSICA
LOHREY COBB (LALITA): The newest member of our
yoga family, Jessica's awareness of yoga began when she
was a child, watching Lilias Folan on "Lilias, Yoga
and You" with her mother. She believes that every event
in her life has led her on the path to where she is today.
There have been many mentors, and inspirational teachers
along the way, including her mother and father. After a
life-changing motorcycle accident, Jessica's physical and
spiritual path led her deeper into her yoga practice, inspiring
her to share what she had discovered with others. Jessica
studied under lifelong yoga practitioner, Gurmukh (Mike
Noury) at Yoga of India in Atlanta, Georgia. Gurmukh gave
her the name Lalita. In addition to her teacher training,
over the last decade, Jessica has studied Iyengar, Ashtanga,
and Sivananda Yoga.
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DIANE
ZAGORIA: Diane started working behind the front
desk at Yoga Connection when we first opened in 2002.
After meeting Yogi Amrit Desai when he came to do a weekend
program in 2003, life has never been the same! At his
suggestion Diane became a certified Level I Amrit Yoga
Instructor in 2003 and continued to get her Level II certification
in 2004. She is registered with Yoga Alliance at the 500
hour level. Diane received the name Renu when she was
initiated by Amrit Desai in 2004. She is currently halfway
through the Amrit Method Yoga Nidra Teacher Training and
will be a certified Yoga Nidra instructor in 2007. In
2003, while working behind the desk and constantly hearing
how "stressed out" everyone was, she developed
a relaxation class which she has been teaching ever since
and has recently recorded a CD of the same. Diane continues
to attend workshops, programs and trainings to further
enhance her own practice as well as her teaching. Her
teaching style is soft and gentle as she encourages students
to stay present and listen to their bodies and not to
their minds. She invites students to go deeper and learn
yogic philosophy from within. For more information on
Amrit yoga, see www.amrityoga.org. |
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DEBORAH MELZER: Deborah is a certified
Pilates instructor specializing in mat and reformer technique,
having been certified by POLESTAR PILATES EDUCATION, one
of the leading Pilates training, physical therapy and
rehabilitation centers in the world. She instructs in
both disciplines, but finds the greatest benefit for her
students using the mat program with the strong connection
between mind and body. Deborah is also trained in IYENGAR
Yoga, having studied under Bobbi Golden, one of the nation's
leading IYENGAR certified yoga practitioners. An avid
yogi herself, Deborah has enjoyed combining the beauty
of both movement disciplines: Pilates and Yoga, into her
classes at Yoga Connection. Deborah has participated in
additional coursework and studies including "Reformat,
Powerpilates", Feldenkrais Method and Yogafit. She
participates regularly in teacher training workshops that
enhance her teaching skills, knowledge and qualifications.
Deborah believes that her life has been enriched through
her studies in and commitment to Pilates and Yoga and
feels great joy in sharing her passion with students.
"Blessed are the flexible for they shall never get
bent out of shape!"
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ZEINA
SMIDI: Zeina began her study in her living room
as a college student, practicing with the assistance of
yoga DVD's by Rodney Yee and Baron Baptiste. She later
joined Yoga Connection as a student, and began studying
with owner Jimmy Barkan and obtained her certification
to teach The Barkan Method of Hot Yoga in 2005. Zeina
is known for her gentle approach to teaching and practicing.
She believes mind-body awareness is crucial to practicing
consciously and that practicing consciously is key to
personal power and freedom. Self awareness, gratitude,
forgiveness and love are all important to Zeina and she
incorporates all of these qualities into her classes.
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CAROLE DRISCOLL: Carole and her husband
Michael, and most of their five children, were loyal
members of the Yoga Connection family from the very
beginning. After many years of wanting to take Jimmy
Barkan's teacher training, Carole finally found the
courage and became a certified Hot Yoga teacher. Carole
found it an amazing, life altering experience and more
than she even imagined. Carole is honoured and privileged
to be able to share the love of yoga with others and
quotes Katherine Graham when she says "To love
what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything
be more fun?"
Carole is now teaching Hot Yoga classes and has become
the loyal and trusted manager of the Yoga Connection
studio, and she is certainly appreciated and adored!
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PHYLLIS
TANENBAUM, lovingly known by us as "PHILLY
T", is certified in The Barkan Method of
Hot Yoga. Philly T began her study and practice of yoga
in 1996 under the mentoring of one of Bikram Choudroy's
most senior teachers. "The first time my yoga teacher
asked me to sub her class, it felt so natural. I immediately
felt like I had been teaching yoga forever!", she
says. Philly T is certified by Anne Greene in Partner
Yoga and has participated in many workshops including
David Swenson's Ashtanga Primary Series, Aadil Palkhivala's
Iyengar Yoga and Yogi Amrit Desai's Yoga Nidra. Philly
T continues to study and practice the eight limbs of yoga
in her daily living. When she is not teaching yoga, Philly
is working as a speech therapist helping children with
speech and language disorders. |
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DIANA KULLANDER: Diana comes to Yoga
Connection with a 25 year background as a dancer and
dance instructor, both in the US and abroad. She began
her practice in Bikram Yoga in 1993 and soon after began
teaching yoga. Diana has completed trainings in Ashtanga
Yoga, teacher training program with Doug Svennson, and
has completed a 33 hour training program with Betsey
Downing, senior certified Anusara Yoga Instructor. Diana
continues to train in Anusara Yoga, having completed
educational workshops with John Friend and other senior
teachers. In addition to her dance and yoga training,
Diana has completed a comprehensive two year teacher
training program in the Pilates Method Program with
Core Dynamics - Michelle Larsson. Diana continues to
study with many varied continuing education programs.
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CLINT DUVO: Clint has been practicing
yoga for many years, initially studying in Philadelphia
with Joel Pier, an advanced teacher with over 20 years
experience. Clint then studied with Bikram Choudhury
in Los Angeles. After moving to Florida, Clint continued
his yoga studies under the guidance of Yoga Connection
owner Jimmy Barkan. Clint continues to seek out all
approaches to healing the body through the properties
of Yoga and has completed further intensive studies
with Rod Stryker. Clint says that his primary objective,
beside turning more people on to a healthier and more
peaceful lifestyle that continually challenges them
to grow, is to teach a system of exercise that fully
integrates the body, mind and spirit.
Clint is currently teaching 5th grade and is not on
our permanent schedule, but students will find him subbing
classes from time to time.
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MELANIE CAMP often subs and teaches
our Kids Yoga classes as well as Hot Yoga and Hot Vinyasa.
Having discovered yoga after the sudden passing of her
husband, Melanie attributes yoga to helping her "navigate
choppy waters". Melanie is a certified instructor
for Barkan Method Yoga, having completed Levels I, II
and III instruction, and Kid's Yoga associate teachers
training. Owner of her own publishing company and a
publishing consultant, Melanie is currently writing
a book of yoga tips and affirmations from her travels
around the world. Melanie lives in Fort Lauderdale where
she is a community activist and civic leader. She has
served on numerous arts boards and been involved in
fund raising for worthy causes for more than three decades.
Visit www.artfulyoga.com for a preview of Melanie's
book and an example of her art.
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SURENDRAN PANDARAN comes
to us from THE HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA RESEARCH INSTITUTE,
INC. as the Primary Yoga Teacher for our Hatha Multi 200
Hour Teacher Training. Having grown up in South India,
Kerala, Surendran began doing Yoga in School at the local
branch of Sri Rama Krishna Matham (Ashram) where he participated
in Shat Karmas, Kriyas and other Yoga practices such as
Aasana practice. In 1982, while living in New Delhi, he
learned Transcendental Meditation at a Maharishi Mahesh
Yogi’s Ashram and was a regular participant at the
Dhirendra Brahmachari’s Ashram. In 1985, he got
a certification in Yoga from “Kaivalyadhamma Yoga
Samiti.” in New Delhi. From 1987 onwards, living
in New York, Surendran was involved with Gurumayi Chidvilasananda’s
Siddha Yoga Ashram in South Fallsburgh, upstate, New York,
and practiced Iyengar style Yoga in NY City. After moving
to Fort Lauderdale, Surendran completed Sri Naranda Yoga
Teacher Training Course in 1999. Having since studied
intensively with prominent yoga teachers in the United
States, and having since studied at the Yoga Institute
of Bombay and Sivananda Ashram, Kerala as well as Rishikesh,
both in India, Surendran is a registered Yoga Alliance
500 hour Yoga Teacher and president of Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Research Institute, Inc., also registered with Yoga Alliance,
and both qualified to certify students who can then also
be registered with Yoga Alliance as 200 hour Yoga Teachers.
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