Sara Easterson-Bond
CO-FOUNDER, MFA, CIYT, ERYT 500
Sara began studying Yoga in 2005 and was hooked after one class! Sara’s teaching focuses on bringing strength, stability and humor to the practice of Yoga, both on and off the mat. "Cultivating Joy" is how she describes her approach to Yoga and life. A Level 2 Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Sara has studied extensively with senior Iyengar teacher Patricia Walden, completing Patricia’s 2-year teacher training program in 2015. Sara has studied with Geeta Iyengar in Pune, India. She also gratefully acknowledges the major influences of Iyengar teachers, Ja Soon Kim and Carrie Owerko, on her Yogic path. Sara has taught public classes, private classes, workshops and special series since 2014. Before becoming a full-time Yoga teacher, Sara spent 15 years as a Managing Partner of WoodMetalConcrete Architecture with architect/husband Tom Easterson-Bond. A lifelong New Mexico resident with a background in studio art and architecture, she holds an appreciation for the beauty of color, proportion and line in her teaching and practice. Sara’s other passions include learning from her chihuahuas and reading the widest range of poetry possible.
Learn more about Sara: everjoyfulyoga.com
Melissa Spamer
CO-FOUNDER, MA, LPCC, CTP, ERYT500, YACEP, AP
Melissa has spent most of her life in deep observation of nature, the body, and movement patterns. Beginning formal dance classes at the age of three, she danced through university continuing her studies in expressive arts therapy, bodywork, Ayurveda and psychology. She began formally studying the practice of Yoga with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers in 1993, and received her first certification to teach Yoga in 1997. She has since completed more than six Yoga teacher trainings and has accumulated thousands of teaching hours around the world-training teachers, leading retreats, and supporting others on their healing paths. She spent over two decades studying with her primary teachers, Angela Farmer and Victor Van Kooten, and the late Rama Jyoti Vernon. Her love of Yoga led her to study and train with Dr. Vasant Lad to become an Ayurvedic practitioner. She has delved deeply into movement arts, therapeutics, Yoga, bodywork, energywork, and somatics for over three decades. Her classes are mindful and introspective, incorporating Yoga philosophy, energetic and physical anatomy, somatic inquiry, and free flowing movement explorations. She has a master’s degree in counseling psychology with a special focus in neurobiology and healing trauma. She is a certified trauma professional. Her classes encourage you to care deeply about your whole self and the collective body of the world.
Learn more about Melissa: melissaspamer.com
Linda Spackman
ERYT 500, YACEP, RPYT, C-IAYT
Linda Spackman began practicing yoga in 1984 and teaching in 2000. She offers workshops, retreats, and series classes for Yoga studios and teacher trainings both nationally and internationally. Her passions and expertise include asana, pranayama, and chanting the Bhagavad Gītā, Yoga Sūtras, Vedas and Upanishads. In teaching, Linda imparts her joy and reverence for all aspects of Yoga. Her presentation style is uplifting and accessible yet challenging for all levels, from beginners to lifelong practitioners. Linda is a senior student of Sonia Nelson, a personal student of TKV Desikachar. Sonia’s teaching transmits an understanding of the depth of the Yoga tradition and how these ancient teachings apply in contemporary, everyday life. Linda treasures the opportunity to study with Patricia Walden, one of the most senior teachers of Iyengar Yoga. Since first meeting her in 2004, Linda has been inspired by Patricia's dynamic teaching and the devotional, refined elegance of her practice. A long-time prenatal and postpartum teacher and Certified Yoga Therapist, Linda specializes in Yoga for all phases of a woman’s life. With a keen eye for alignment and a broad understanding of Yoga practices, she enjoys supporting students' progress by working one-on-one in private settings to create structured self-practice.
Learn more about Linda: lindaspackman.com
Cyndi Lee
MFA, ERYT 500, YACEP
Cyndi Lee began teaching meditation 30 years ago with the blessing of her root guru, the great Tibetan master, Gelek Rimpoche. Cyndi is the first female Western yoga teacher to fully integrate yoga asana and Tibetan Buddhism in her practice and teaching. From 1998-2012, she founded and ran the renowned OM yoga Center, a yoga studio and dharma center. One of the most influential teachers in the U.S. Cyndi has trained thousands of meditators and yogis worldwide. OM yoga Center was the first NYC studio to offer Buddhist meditation classes. Cyndi is the author of five books including the classic yoga text: Yoga Body Buddha Mind. Other books are the The New York Times critically acclaimed May I Be Happy: A Memoir of Love, Yoga, and Changing My Mind and OM yoga: A Guide to Daily Practice. Cyndi is regular contributor to Yoga Journal, Lion’s Roar, Real Simple, and has written for Yoga International, Tricycle, and Natural Health. Recent articles include “My Slow Fashion Practice is Yoga, Too” (YJ), and “The Joy of Self-Caring” (LR). Cyndi has found that teaching meditation online is wonderful! It turns out that it is completely possible to experience genuine connection and community this way, and we get to people we might never meet any other way.
Learn more about Cyndi: cyndilee.com
Julie Reynolds
ERYT 200, ERYT 500, YACEP
Julie first began a dedicated yoga practice in 2007 during a time that was filled with the turmoil of change. Through daily practice - a deep sense of peace developed regardless of what life held. A steadiness within self. The practice of Yoga transformed the path of her life and she has felt a calling to share this with her community; to help people align all parts of self.
Julie began formal training and received her first 200 hour certification in 2012 at Kripalu School of Yoga where she continues to return each year for continuing education. Some of her most inspiring teachers have been Larissa Hall Carlson, Jonathan Foust, Mark Gerow, & Coby Kozllowski. She holds certifications in Yin, Restorative, Vinyasa, Meditation, & as an Ayurvedic Yoga teacher. She admires all styles of the practice and continues to be inspired by a variety of teachers. Her teaching is rooted in her own personal practice; a dedication to continuing education, personal growth & discovery, and a committed healthy lifestyle.
Learn more about Julie: www.yogajbr.com
WHAT THEY SAY
“It is said that a teacher is fortunate to have a few students who shine with a genuine desire to learn, absorb and reflect on what has been taught and then eagerly share their knowledge with others. Linda is such a student and teacher, and a great example of yoga in action.”
— Sonia Nelson, Director Vedic Chant Center