NEWS
Coming soon: Loving Kindness Meditation Series
Yoga Teacher Certification Staff
Francesca Vanegas, EYRT
Francesca is a devoted student and instructor of yoga and eastern contemplative practices. As founder of the Florida Yoga Institute she pioneered Florida's first Classical Yoga Mind-Body Sciences teacher training program. She is a certified Kripalu Yoga instructor and holds the foundational and advanced Forrest Yoga certifications. She has studied with Yoganand (Michael Carroll), Ana Forrest, Guruatma Khalsa and Gurmuk Khalsa. Francesca is drawn to Buddhist studies and committed to the practice and teaching of meditation as a vehicle of awakening. She has participated in meditation retreats with Lama Surya Das, Jonathan Foust, Larry Rosenberg, Tara Brach, and Mr. Goenka; and studied with Hyon Gak Sunim,. Francesca has devoted two + years writing the upcoming Teaching Down Dogs New Tricks™: Yoga's Top 25 Poses Unveiled. Francesca’s teaching style is attentive, and reassuring. Her voice and distinct languaging style meditatively draw students deep within the evolving nature of each pose. Before embracing teaching, Francesca worked in the field of marketing communications and TV news. She is a native of Italy; grew up in Colombia, South America; and she speaks three languages fluently.
Sondra Mitchell, ERYT
Sondra is a registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance and has over 20 years' experience teaching adult and children's classes. She has a strong background in Iyengar yoga and also completed YogaAway's Viniyoga program. Sondra, in partnership with Susan Carter (see below) have developed a unique program within the training to teach students how to custom-assist students with limited range of motion. She ably evaluates each student's specific conditions, illnesses, or injuries, and supports students to modify poses through the skillful use of modifications and props. She has created a self-massage program with tennis balls for stress relief. Sondra has an engaging sense of humor and infuses her classes with lightness. "Have fun and don't take yourself too seriously" is her motto. Sondra is a joy to be around!
Susan Carter
Susan Carter is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and has a B.S. degree in education. A yoga teacher since 2000, she has completed numerous teacher trainings with Bobbi Goldin and Ramanand Patel. She has also assisted and participated in teacher trainings at the Health & Harmony Center. She is drawn to the Iyengar Yoga tradition and has studied with several renowned teachers including John Shumacher, Rodney Yee, Angela Farmer and Victor van Kooten. Susan and Sondra Mitchell (see bio) have developed a unique program within the training to instruct teachers in training to custom-assist students with limited range of motion. Her enthusiasm and high energy encourage her students to explore and experience their bodies in a new and different way. Susan's gift to our program is her ability to infuse the room with an enthusiasm which lights everyone’s creative and learning fire.
Dr. Roberto López-Rosado
Dr. Roberto López-Rosado is Florida Gulf Cost University's (FGCU's) Instructor of Gross Anatomy and Neuroscience, in the College of Health Professions. He received his bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences in June 1993 from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and his first Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Human Anatomy in June 1999 at the Universidad Central del Caribe in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. He has been a member of the American Association of Anatomy since 1999. He moved to the United States in August 2001, and earned his Master's degree in Physical Therapy from Florida Gulf Coast University, and his Doctorate's in Physical Therapy from The Sage Colleges in Troy, New York, in 2008. Dr. López-Rosado has taught Histology, Gross Anatomy and Neuroanatomy to undergraduates, graduate students and medical students and became involved in the dissection of cadavers since 1993. His research interests include anatomy education and standing static and dynamic balance. Roberto will deliver twenty hours of mind body sciences training (far exceeding Yoga Alliance standards) including asana biomechanics, an in-depth understanding of selected illnesses/pre-existing conditions,. Students enjoy Roberto's warmth style and frequent infusions of humor which help students remember complex principles of mind-body sciences.
The Florida Yoga Institute's program far exceeds Yoga Alliance anatomy and physiology requirements for Yoga Teacher Certification. Our training provides more than 30 hours of instruction to become a yoga instructor.
Raquel Torres
Florida Yoga Institute graduate and outstanding yoga teacher Raquel Torres is our teaching assistant. She guides posture sequences and showers students with her warm, caring, and bright energy. She is also certified as a laughter yoga leader and a Reiki III master. Raquel teaches in our community and has a unique aptitude for tailoring yoga classes for corporate wellness programs. She is currently working with local businesses to boost team productivity, reduce stress and provide programs that transcend typical company benefit offerings. "Teaching yoga has helped me learn more about myself as well as helping others to journey beyond their life struggles," says Raquel.
Directions
9480 Corkscrew Palms Circle
Suite 6
Estero, FL 33928
Phone:
239-498-0222
Our Promise
On graduation day you will know Yoga and meditation in your bones, heart, mind, and spirit. You will feel ready to teach any student (whether they are 20, 40, or 80 years old). You will teach safely, with authenticity, intelligence, and integrity. Our 200-hour+ Classical Yoga teacher training is comprehensive, noncompetitive, safe, and friendly.
To Learn More
Here are three ways to contact us to learn more: