Meet Your Instructors

I was an athlete as a child so when I began studying yoga in my teens, I felt like I found a piece that had been missing-unity in body, breath, and spirit. I feel grateful that I began my formal yoga studies with Babaji in 2008 and have continued my studies through Mount Madonna and deepening my Bhakti practices through teachers and scriptures that align with the lineage of Baba Hari Das. I am an enthusiastic learner and avid nature adventurer; I feel so grateful I am continuing on this great adventure of learning and embodying Babji's teachings through Mount Madonna offerings. Jai Gurudev!

Andrea Cares, 500-hour CYT. I currently work with adolescents and youth. My approach with yoga is to bring awareness to the breath as it’s connected to the body. And use this approach to promote mental health. Hope to see you on the mat.

Although Gitanjali Lori Rivera has been a student of yoga since her mother first introduced her to asana practice in the 1970s, she only just recently completed her Yoga Teacher Training through MMI last year! An accomplished singer and actor, she loves to bring chanting into her gentle flow classes, serenading her students at both the beginning and end of class. Her evening class is a perfect way to unwind after your day in the world.

Jen Rand, RYT200. Jen completed her training at Mount Madonna in 2013. Since then she has taught children, teachers, public classes both in-person and online, and works with the students in the Ayurvedic Health Counselor Program. Her yoga practice is deeply influenced by her studies of Ayurveda, which allows her to offer options and modifications to help students tailor their practice to what they need. In addition to practicing yoga, she enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking with her dog, and spending time with her husband and cat.

With a teaching career that spans over two decades, a lifetime of yoga practice and formal training in yoga (RYT 500) and Ayurveda (Practitioner), Reiki Master Level training and an immeasurable passion for healing, Lizzy combines her unique experiences to bring a holistic approach to health. These experiences form the foundation from which she aims to guide others toward personal healing.

I'm a certified Ashtanga yoga instructor and have been teaching for more than 6 years now. I currently offer classes in person and online to all age groups 7+yrs. I'd like to ensure that every individual in the class reaps the benefits yoga has to offer.

Natalya found her passion for teaching yoga 17 years ago. She builds her class in an intelligent and fun way, allowing her students to gain more ease, deeper peaceful breathing, greater body awareness, and core strength and flexibility.

Paisley is a multimedia artist & 500-hour Registered Yoga Instructor from Ohio! She has traveled internationally & domestically to spend time studying in various Intentional Yoga Communities, including 1 year in residence at the Mount Madonna Center. She completed her Advanced Yoga Teacher Training with MMI in 2021, and now she offers yoga classes, workshops & retreats in Ohio. To learn more & see her art portfolio, visit her website: www.youareloved.one

With background and training in aerial yoga, wall yoga, restorative yoga, and martial arts, Sidney's practice runs the gamut from gentle to intense. His passions are inversions, balancing, and strength building. As a father, homemaker, gardener, and critter keeper, Sidney feels connected with the world around him and looks forward to every day. He shares his practice with joy and devotion to the growth of his students.

Yachna is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher. She drew her inspiration towards yoga from frequent visits to Mount Madonna since 2008. Years later she finally took the leap and completed her Advanced Yoga Teacher Training with MMI in 2021. Within yoga, Yachna is most drawn towards ancient yogic breathing practices (pranayama) and meditation.

Yu Chen received her PhD in Computer Science. She researches the relationship between technology and the mind and teaches computer science to college students. She enjoys teaching as a way to discover the true nature of herself and help students to do so. She teaches gentle and restorative yoga that serves as a conduit to observe, connect and converse with one’s own body, breath, and mind.