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Adrienne Berg
Adrienne Berg
was introduced to dance as a child, which fostered in her a love
of the
movement arts. Seeking relief for back pain and stress reduction led her to
begin practicing yoga in 1997. Private study began through various readings
and texts, and training has continued through workshops led by Ginger
Layden-Braun, Amy Likins, Doug Keller, and Kevin Durkin. Her emphasis in spinal
therapy subsequently led her to the work of Joseph Pilates. Enjoying the
compliment of both disciplines, Adrienne began teaching both yoga and pilates
in 2001. She is certified in Pilates Mat work through Body Arts & Science
International (BASI), and is currently pursuing Comprehensive Pilates
Instructor Training through Balance Body University. Eventually she seeks to
begin Therapeutic Yoga Teacher training. Her goal is to never stop learning!
A believer in a well rounded lifestyle, Adrienne is also a practicing Harpist
and performs Celtic, Medieval, Classical, and Popular music at weddings and
other events. Other interests include composing meditative music, drawing,
Ballroom dancing, and hiking - although not all at the same time (carrying the
harp during the hike can be a real challenge). She has a B.S. degree in Marine
Biology from the University of South Alabama.
Adrienne truly enjoys the process of teaching and working with others to help
them create a harmony of body, mind and spirit so they can relate to the world
in greater health and ultimately spread greater peace and compassion to others.
Her classes might be characterized as meditation in motion - her own eclectic
mix of compassionate vinyasa flow, breath work and asana holds designed to suit
her students' needs. Her teaching philosophy is one of respect as she wants her
students to learn to value where they are in the present moment, both in their
inner journey and outer lives.
Lisa Blount
Lisa Blount
began a personal fitness routine twelve years ago which included a dedicated
regimen of running, Pilates, and weight-lifting. This newfound interest in the
field of fitness launched her into the realm of yoga. Lisa has been practicing
yoga consistently over the past eleven years and continues to study the many
nuances of enhancing and maintaining health and wellness of the mind, body, and
soul.
As an avid runner, Lisa has participated and placed in numerous certified road
races throughout the region. She is also a current member of the Port City
Pacers and the Mobile-area corporate cup competitions. Through community health
involvement and leading group exercise classes for YMCA of South Alabama and
Bodies by Cindy, Inc., Lisa was further inspired to obtain a certification as a
Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT) and Group Exercise Instructor through the
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). Lisa furthered her studies
by completing a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) training program with
the well-recognized Kula Yoga Community and Yoga Alliance. In addition, Lisa is
a certified Spinning Instructor through Mad Dogg Athletics Inc. and certified
healthcare provider in accordance with the curriculum of the American Heart
Association BLS for Healthcare Providers (CPR and AED) Program.
Originally from Ft. Worth, TX, Lisa now considers herself a full-fledged
Mobilian where life is measured by breath and not by minutes. Lisa is a devoted
wife to her husband Trip and a doting mother of their beautiful daughter, Maria
Grace.
"The virtues of YOGA have allowed me to find out who I
really am and given me a greater understanding of life. This self-actualization
has furthered my aspirations on a physical, mental, and spiritual level that I
never would have imagined. This awakening provided the missing link in life
that has helped calm the mind and alleviate the daily rigors that we all
experience. Yoga has allowed me to grow as a person and make rewarding
connections with family and has even helped shape remarkable friendships that
may have never materialized otherwise. I feel the practice of yoga is just
that... something one must practice in order to grasp life's potential for
blissfulness. Life is an ever-changing journey and I have found that yoga can
provide the means to help quench our insatiable appetite for wisdom, love,
devotion, sacrifice, knowledge and understanding. Namaste"
Martha Collier
... we will miss her warmth, sprirt, and grace. May she rest forever in God's
light.
Chris Garrett
Chris Garrett
holds a Master
of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and has been a practicing engineer
since 1981. He has been teaching yoga since 2001 and Pilates since 2004, and
has completed Yogafit's Level 1 Teacher Training as well as attended various
yoga retreats and training workshops hosted by Doug Keller, Bryan Kest, Ginger
Layden-Braun, Amy Likins, Kim
Schwartz, Kevin Durkin, John Friend, Cat McCarthy, Leeann Carey, and Aadil
Palkhivala.
Chris has also successfully completed Balanced Body University Reformer 1 and
Movement Principals as well as Core Barre training.
In addition, Chris has been a
group fitness instructor since 1988. He was Primary, Step, and Kickboxing
certified through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, certified as
a Keiser Power Pacing bike instructor, and has also
been an AFAA Examiner.
Yoga and Pilates have helped to give him balance in his daily
activities, and in this phase of his life both have become an
essential part of his existence.
Dana Garrett
Dana Garrett
has been teaching yoga since 2001. She received her 200 hour yoga teacher
training from The Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago, Illinois and is a
Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) with the Yoga Alliance. Dana also holds a
YogaFit Level I
certification, has completed the YogaFit Pre/Post-Natal workshop, and studied
yoga with Bryan Kest, Doug Keller, Amy Likins, Ginger Layden-Braun, Kim
Schwartz, Kevin Durkin, John Friend, Cat McCarthy, Leeann Carey (Foundation
Teacher Training, Anatomy: Form & Function, Developing the Eye, and Mapping the
Body weekend intensives), and Aadil
Palkhivala.
Dana has taught MELT Method classes and sessions since 2016, and is a Level 3 Certified MELT Method Instructor.
Dana has a Pilates Initiation 101 certificate from the PhysicalMind
Institute, Level I and II Mat certifications from the Pilates
Institute of America, certification from Merrithew (Stott) Pilates in their
Intensive
Mat-Plus (2007) and Intensive Reformer (2008) methods,
completed training for the Merrithew (Stott) Pilates Intensive Cadillac (2012),
Intensive
Chair (2012), Intensive Barrel (2012), and Injuries and Special Populations
(2013) methods, and
completed Core Barre training. In addition, Dana has completed
the following ACE and Merrithew (Stott) Pilates CEC Training Workshops:
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Foam Roller Challenge, 2009
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Jumpboard Interval, 2009
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Mini-Stability Ball, 2009
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Matwork for Golf - Level 1, 2010
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Osteoporosis & Scoliosis, 2010
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Pilates with Props - Level 1, 2011
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Superior Balance, Stability Ball - Level 4, 2011
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Matwork for Golf - Level 2, 2011
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The Shoulder Girdle: Stability & Function, 2014
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Lumbo Pelvic Region: Stability & Function , 2014
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ZENGA V2 Vinyasa on the V2 Max Plus Reformer, Level 1, 2015
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ZENGA Power & Strength, 2015
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ZENGA Fluid Conditioning with the Mini Stability Ball, 2015
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Power Paced Fitness Circle, 2016
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Reformer Workout for Men, 2016
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Athletic Conditioning on the Cardio-Tramp Rebounder, 2016
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Pilates Spring Wall, 2017
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Reformer with Fitness Circle, 2017
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Bodyweight Training, 2017
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Matwork Flow with Ankle Tubing, 2018
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Athletic Conditioning on the Reformer, Level 1, 2018
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Reformer & Cardio-Tramp Barre Workout, 2018
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The Lumbo-Pelvic region: Matwork for Stability & Function, 2019
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Prenatal Pilates on the Reformer, 2019
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Post-Natal Pilates, 2019
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ACE Kettlebell Training, 2019
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Pilates for Rehabilitation, 2019
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Essential Matwork with Fascial Focus, 2020
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Essential Matwork on Stability Cushions, 2020
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Bodyweight Training, 2020
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Functional Towel Workout, 2022
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Pilates Matwork for Men, 2022
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Pilates with Props, Level 2, 2022
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Intensifying the Essential Reformer, 2022
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Ultimate Body Sculpting, Flex-Band, Level 2, 2022
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Rotational Disks on the Mat, 2022
Dana has been working in the local fitness industry since 1984 and holds a
Master of Science degree in Sport Fitness Management. She is certified through
the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health and Fitness Instructor, is
certified through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America for High/Low
Impact Aerobics, Kick-Boxing, Weight Room, Personal Training, and Advanced
Personal Training. Dana also holds a Personal Training certification through
the American Council on Exercise and was also certified as a Keiser Power
Pacing bike instructor.
Dana was the Fitness Director at SportPlex from May, 1990 through December,
2004, and has traveled extensively for the Aerobics and Fitness Association of
America certifying instructors for group exercise and kick-boxing. She is also
a CEU provider for AFAA's aerobic and kick-boxing choreography workshops as
well as a presenter for the Mat I and Mat II programs (Yoga/Pilates workshops).
Dana has also presented a Fitness Yoga certification for the Deep South
Alliance in New Orleans.
"I have always tried to show others that they can reach their goals if they
set a series of small and attainable steps - setting themselves up to succeed,
rather than raising the bar so high they ultimately give up. Not succeeding
does not equal failure. In the big picture, the only failure is in not trying.
I consider myself to be a recovering envelope-pusher; someone who felt they
had to climb Mt. Everest everyday in order to prove themselves - usually only
to myself! Yoga has brought me to a much kinder and realistic place - it has
brought a balance that I never understood could exist. During the past few
years, I have gone through many challenges and changes. Without God, yoga, and
the love and support of my husband, I don't know how I ever would have made it!
The hectic pace of life today has most people frantically running in circles -
yoga can bring balance, compassion, patience, self-acceptance, and so much
more. It is hard to believe that something seemingly so simple can have such a
profound effect. I guess people haven't been doing yoga for over 5000 years
for nothing!
Liz Inge
Mobile native and mom to three boys, Liz Inge has always been excited to bring health and wellness to her community. Liz has a degree from Auburn University 05’ in Health Promotion, and is a Certificate Practitioner in Guided Meditation, Health Coaching, Yoga and Massage Therapy, as well as a certified Doula. Liz enjoys bringing healing of the mind, body, and spirit to her clients, runs her own private practice here in Mobile, and is excited to announce that she will also be calling Synergy Yoga her home and hopes to reach many more people.
With over 18 years of experience bring relaxation and a better quality of life to her valued clients, Liz is ready for YOU to hop on the band wagon, so come see Liz at Synergy Yoga & Pilates for her guided Meditation and Yoga classes!
Susan Steber Kangal
Susan Steber Kangal
resides as a life-long native of Mobile. She has two daughters - Kamran, 16
yrs., and Alli, 14 yrs. old.
Susan began practicing yoga in 1998 in search of a more gentle form of exercise
after years of teaching high impact aerobics. Yoga offered a balance and
discipline that helped calm the mind and focus on rejuvenation of chronic pain
issues. Susan is certified through YogaFit. She teaches an intermediate yoga
practice adaptable to all levels. The class includes a variety of fundamental
postures (standing, seated, floor, and many times the wall) providing
stretching, strengthening and restoration. Her style focuses on alignment,
flexibility and strength training.
She is a graduate of the University of South Alabama with a BFA degree in
Graphic Design, a minor in Drawing, with concentrations in Photography and Art
History. Her professional background for more than 25 years has ranged from an
Art Director at an advertising agency, Print and Media Sales to Product
Marketing Manager and formerly owner of Kangal Gallery In The SAIL LOFT in
downtown Mobile. Today Susan is an Account Executive for Lamar Advertising
Company.
Susan's latest passion is combining yoga with her love of water... Stand Up
Paddle Board Yoga on Dauphin Island!
Please visit her
Facebook SUP page and also enjoy her
SUP video.
Faye Mahan
Chris McFadyen
Chris McFadyen
has been teaching hatha yoga for over 10 years. His personal
practice has included Iyengar, Anusara and Ashtanga styles of hatha yoga. Chris
is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with the Yoga Alliance. He has
attended intensive workshops by nationally known teachers including Doug Keller
(Anusara), Bryan Kest (Ashtanga), Shiva Rea (dance/movement) and Didier Razon
(Iyengar). He has also completed workshops in Thai Yoga Massage Therapy and has
been practicing this form of massage for many years.
Rebecca McLeod
Rebecca McLeod
came to yoga while working a stressful job in retail management. As she lay
in Savasana in that first class, she thought to herself "where has this been my
whole life?" The feeling of connection, relaxation and the pure bliss had
hooked her and she became a regular after that. Loving the chance to "escape"
for an hour a week onto her mat.
Life unfolded as it does and she found herself leaving that stressful job and
moving to Mobile where she met a wonderful yoga community. When the opportunity
for yoga teacher training came up, she wasn't initially interested. She was
enjoying being "retired". However, that feeling she had in that very first yoga
class was still with her and she wanted to share that with others, giving them
the opportunity to quiet their mind and feel that connection with their breath
and their body. She completed her RYT-200 training in July of 2015 with Kula
Yoga Community of Mobile. She teaches Hatha, Vinyasa, Gentle, Restorative and
Prenatal Yoga. She believes that yoga is for everybody and every body. Her
classes focus on connecting with and creating space for the breath.
A native of small town rural Northern Pennsylvania, Rebecca grew up on a dairy
farm. She has a Business Administration degree from Mansfield University and
spent over 10 years in the Harley-Davidson business. She received her strong
work ethic and compassion for others from her loving parents and grandmother.
Rebecca loves making others feel good and helping them to relax. When she is
not teaching or taking a yoga class she is traveling with her husband and her
Westie Leroy. She also enjoys cooking, sewing and makes Aromatherapy eye
pillows. Rebecca is a Wellness Advocate for doTERRA Essential Oils and a
supporter of the Mobile Ballet, Days For Girls, and Esophageal Cancer Action
Network (ECAN).
She looks forward to seeing you in class and helping you to relax and reset.
Manja Herlt Podratz
Manja Herlt Podratz
completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Tracey Narayani Glover of
Shanti Warrior Living Yoga at Quiet Mind Massage and Yoga Studio right here in
Mobile.
Manja received her Bachelor's degree of Arts Management and Cultural Studies at
the University of Applied Sciences in Potsdam (Germany) and her PhD in Theory
of Architecture and Media Studies at the Brandenburg University of Technology
in Cottbus (Germany). She taught at college level for 11 years in Germany,
Italy, and the United States, and published several academic books and articles
both in English and German during this time. In 2001 a sport accident caused
fractures of three vertebrae, which after long months of healing and hospital
treatment brought her back to a more intense yoga practice.
Manja is mother of three wonderful children, and the author of "Das Leben kennt
den Weg" - a guidebook about natural pregnancy and childbirth as well as vegan
nutrition during pregnancy, currently being translated into English. Manja is a
Certified Translation Professional, working as medical, legal, and sports
interpreter.
Annette Porter-Ham
has been a student of yoga since 1996 and instructing practice since 1999.
Annette is an E-RYT 500, RPYT, FiTour Master Yoga Instructor, Spinning
Instructor, Fitour Group Fitness Instructor and Certified Personal Trainer.
Annette has competed in 4 Ironman Distance Triathlons, numerous marathons,
multi-sport events and bicycle centuries. Annette completed a double century
(200 miles) and earned the honor of being the first female to complete the
distance in Alabama. Annette has an extensive background in competitive sports,
sports specific conditioning, functional training and her passion of Yoga.
Though her knowledge of exercise and the human body, she is able to design
creative and dynamic programs for any client's fitness level and their specific
goals. She believes in achieving these goals by finding balance in the mind,
body and spirit.
In prenatal yoga, Annette's intention is to create a nurturing and safe
practice that will emerge in the beauty of wholeness and health for the Mother
and her newborn child. Her yoga instruction will facilitate each person's
uniqueness as she guides them into self-awareness.
Her life has been blessed with
two beautiful daughters. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her
family and friends, Celtic music and playing flute.
Mary Ann Sinde
Mary Ann Sinde
initially found yoga through the Kula Yoga Community. Quickly realizing the
profound effect it had on her body, mind, and spirit and curious to learn more,
she began Teacher Training. Her classes are gentle yet effective using breath
work, meditation and asana. It is perfect for both the beginner and the
intermediate student.
Mary Ann believes that yoga opens the door to be gentle with your body and
creates a space for self care. She has a "start where you are" approach which
makes yoga accessible to everyone at any level, and loves to see her students'
growth and progression as they create peace, strength and stamina in their own
practice.
In addition to her RYT-200 training completed in 2013 through the Kula Yoga
Community in Mobile, Mary Ann has completed training in both Thai Yoga and
Yoga for Cancer. Join her every Thursday at Noon for a Gentle Practice - find
your bliss on your mat in her land of "Ahhhs".
Patsy Tucker
Patsy Tucker
began studying yoga in Mobile in 1996. Her yogic path started with hatha yoga
and then moved into pranayama or breath work coupled with a study of ayuvedic
healing, yoga philosophy and meditation. She started teaching yoga in Mobile in
1998 at Naturally Yours Health Food Store and has taught at Pro Health, the
Mary Berg Senior Citizen Center, the School of Math and Science, and the Mobile
Institute of Soft Tissue Therapy.
Patsy moved to San Mateo CA in 2003. There she attended classes at the Iyengar
institute in San Francisco and also Vinyasa and Bikram classes in the Bay Area.
Patsy moved back to Mobile two years ago and since her return has specialized
in teaching gentle hatha yoga classes
Jasmine Woodward
More teacher bios will be added as they become available!
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