Teaching Team

Sam & Mama, alleyCat Yoga cats
Sam and Mama are experts in the art of doing nothing. With approximately 11 years of practice between them, they excel at stretching, basking in the sun and relaxing. With their equanimity and serene quality of presence, they serve as models for all aspiring alleyCat Yoga students. Click to see photos of the alley kittens. Thanks to all who helped with their rescue and to those who are providing them with good homes! And thanks also to everyone involved in the capture and spaying of Mama.

In memory of Sam
?-May 2006
He lived a contented life in the alley inspiring us all to relax, take it easy and enjoy the simple gifts... such as a sunny corner and a friend's offer of a special treat. His sweet presence is sorely missed.

Ken McRae, Director of alleyCat Yoga
A professional-level yoga teacher, Ken's teaching combines the precision of the Iyengar system with the heart-centered, meditative aspects of Kripalu Yoga. Known for his meticulous good-humored instruction, he has been studying, practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for 30 years.

Monday 6:00-7:15am Sunrise Kripalu

Monday 5:30-7:00pm Kripalu

Thursday 7:30-8:45 Yoga 101

Friday 6:00-7:15am Sunrise Kripalu
(no class 6/13-8/1)

Friday 4:30-6:00pm Happy Hour Yoga

Kathleen Knipp, Director of alleyCat Yoga
Kathleen's gentleness and sensitivity along with her playful spirit create a safe environment for her students to explore the many facets of the practice of yoga. Her teaching emphasizes honoring and respecting the body while using yoga as a tool for cultivating self-awareness and self-acceptance. Kathleen is a professional-level Kripalu Yoga teacher.

Monday noon-1:00pm Kripalu

Monday 7:30-9:00pm Kripalu

Thursday 10:00-11:30am Kripalu
(no class 5/22-8/28)
Thursday 5:30-7:00pm Kripalu
(no class 5/22-8/28)
Saturday 9-10am Yoga Nidra
(offered again in the fall)

Each class will offer an opportunity for you to learn a little yoga philosophy as well as practice postures, breathing and relaxation.

Lynn Maloney
Wednesday 5:30-7:00pm Meditative Yoga. Lynn is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Registered Kripalu Yoga Teacher. Her class begins with sanskrit chanting followed by a few basic postures, pranayama, savasana and seated meditation. The class is designed to develop awareness of prana, the subtle energy that all yogic practice is based upon. The class is appropriate for beginners as well as more advanced students seeking a more internal practice. Lynn can be reached by phone at 424-6108. Read more about Lynn. Also check out Lynn's beautiful website!

Sienna
Sienna has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. She is a nationally certified yoga teacher and a beneficiary of a rich variety of yoga teachers and teachings. As a result, her teaching style is both a personal and eclectic exploration of bodymind, breath and spirit. Read more about Sienna.

Tuesday 5:15-6:45pm Eclectic Hatha
Explore your physical edges and dive deeper into your breath.
Thursday noon-1:00pm Vigorous Lunch Hour
For experienced students looking to deepen their practice.
Saturday 10:30-noon Deep Stretch
A quiet, slow-paced class ideal for all levels of students.

 

Jan Wheeler
As a licensed psychologist, in addition to being a certified yoga teacher, Jan brings to the yoga mat a keen understanding of how the mind affects the body. Her teaching style is warm and down-to-earth, inviting you to be more truly you. Read more about Jan.

Monday 9-10:15am Senior Yoga
A very gentle, slow-paced chair class designed to strengthen the body, improve balance and steadiness, increase range of motion and promote calming of the mind.

Monday 4:00-5:00pm Good Mood Yoga
An uplifting yoga experience made up of one hour of Hatha Yoga focused on opening the heart and enhancing mood stability, followed by a time of sharing and reflection.

Pack Matthews
Sunrise Kripalu Yoga , Wednesday 6-7:15am
and Kripalu Yoga, Wednesday 7:30-9pm
Pack’s yoga class is built around the principles of Kripalu Yoga and integrates the best practices of body mechanics, physiology and body work. You will reconnect with your body’s inherent capacity to heal and grow. Greater awareness, flexibility, balance and confidence are the fruits of a regular Kripalu practice. Pack’s fun and creative approach to teaching will help you take the insights and lessons of Yoga from the mat and blend them into your entire schedule of work and play.

Pack Matthews M. Ed. has been teaching Yoga since 1989. He received his Kripalu Yoga Teacher certification in 1993 studying with Tom Gillette and Deva Parnell. Over the years he has inspired hundreds of students to connect with their body’s inherent wisdom. He applies the Kripalu principles of Meditation in Motion at the piano as well, performing regularly throughout the Midwest and can be heard on Jeff Tarrant’s meditation CD.

Christy Hutton
Deep Rest Therapeutic Yoga, Sunday 2:30-4:30pm
Christy's classes are gentle and focused on opening the body. As a psychologist and certified restorative yoga instructor, Christy understands how important yoga practice is to quieting the mind and calming the body. Her classes encourage focus on body sensation and breath with slow movement and holding of postures. Read more about Christy.

Kim James
Wednesday 4:00-5:00pm Yoga for Teens
Kim has been practicing in the Kripalu tradition for the last four years. She attended her first yoga class when she was eight years old. Kim is a midwife, massage therapist and meditation teacher. Her teaching style reflects her experience with parenting teens and her love for mindfulness practices.

Susan Cooperstock
Wednesday 9:30-10:30am Kids Yoga 3-5 year olds
Satrurday 12:30-1:30 Kids Yoga 5-10 year olds
Susan has practiced Kripalu Yoga for 6 years and delights in sharing the joys of yoga, movement and children in her classes. As an early childhood educator for the past 19 years, Susan has a deep understanding of a child's natural desire for exploration and movement. Her classes are centered around teaching yoga through play and imagination. Stories, songs, and games will help children explore simple relaxation and meditation exercises and will offer yoga as a playful and enjoyable experience.

Melinda Staley
Devotional Chanting & Mantra. Melinda is a board member of the American Haidakhan Samaj (www.babajisamaj.org) offering devotional chanting, worship opportunities and library access to the community at the Heartland Haidakhandi Center near Rock Bridge State Park. She has been practicing yoga since childhood. Melinda leads kirtan at alleyCat Yoga.

Sarah Linsenmayer
Saturday 12:30-1:30pm Kids Yoga
Sarah has been practicing yoga in Columbia for seven years. Sarah's interest in kids yoga began while working as a play therapist and observing the benefits of yoga with children. When not doing yoga, Sarah can be found mothering her daughters, Willa and Pearl.
*not offered this session

Peter Holmes
Tuesday 7:10-9:10pm Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Peter is a licensed psychologist who has over 25 years experience with meditation and mindfulness.

Erica Kroll
Tuesday 7:15-9:15 pm Wholebirth Prenatal
Erica is a certified Whole Birth Prenatal Yoga educator, trained in mindfulness meditation and childbirth education. Yoga is the perfect metaphor for birth; both embodying a sense of letting go and whole body/mind awareness. Erica also teaches couples yoga retreats in preparation for birth, mom and baby yoga, parent and child yoga and now offers kids yoga.
Read more on Erica's beautiful website: www.withawareness.com.