Anjali Yoga Studio | Southern Pines, NC | 910.692.3988
Marie Thorne-Thomsen - Owner
My first yoga class was at the age of 18. I was hooked. Throughout high school I played volleyball both beach and indoor, ran track and participated on the diving team. Sports was my passion. Yoga seemed like the perfect compliment for the years of hard work and play. After only just a couple of classes I noticed how not only was my body responding but my mind and spirit as well. During my first year in college I could not afford the expensive class rates. The local studio offered an "office yogi" position. It was office work in trade for unlimited yoga classes. I soon took classes daily often even twice a day. I practiced under master yogis Tim Miller, Sarah Powers, Scott Blossom, Deb Dobbin, Nicki Doane, Eddie Modestini and others. That was the foundation to what became a lifestyle. I practiced Ashtanga with dedication, Hatha, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Kundalini..... The list of names is endless as they continue to evolve. I found that when I continued with a daily practice, life was easy and troubles seemed few. When I let it go, things became difficult. As I treaded through life yoga was the one constant I could count on for taking responsibility of myself. It was the mirror of my body, mind and soul. Now, I don't know how I could ever live with out it. I am so excited to be able to share this precious gift with others and I hope that it's effects continue to enrich the lives of all beings everywhere on our planet. My classes will incorporate yoga theory and philosophy, proper alignment and meditation with a deep sense of spiritual connection to oneself and others. My experience spans over 20 years of yoga practice, countless workshops and intensives, massage certification, Reiki healer, and continuous student of theory, philosophy, poetry, meditation techniques and spiritual evolution. I received my 200 hour Yoga Alliance RYT Teacher Training with Nicki Doane and Eddie Modestini on the beautiful island of Maui in August of 2010.
Christina Mickle
I have been practicing yoga for the last ten years. I took my first Hatha yoga class in 1999 while studying abroad in Ecuador. Then, during my last semester of college, I completed a four-month anthropological research project on yoga using participant-observation methods. I attended a variety of classes from Kundalini to Bikram to Hatha yoga and interviewed countless instructors. I then went to Mongolia as a Peace Corps volunteer for two years. During that time, I continued practicing yoga on my own in my tiny little yurt in the evenings. As my practice deepened, I discovered a place of peace and spirituality inside myself. While in Mongolia, I also taught a 10-week yoga class for teachers and students at the school where I was working. Although we were a small group, it was a wonderful way to spend an hour each week laughing, growing and connecting with each other. When I returned to the U.S. from Mongolia, I moved to Sacramento, CA where I discovered the Zuda Yoga Studio and its wonderful team of teachers. I immediately connected with Anne Marie Kramer’s Power Vinyasa Yoga teaching style; the smooth transitions, thoughtful sequencing and natural connection to breathing felt so right for me. Now, life has brought me to beautiful Southern Pines and Anjali Yoga Studio. Throughout this year I will participate in Rolf Gates’ 200-hour Teacher Training Certification program. I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to deepen my own practice and share the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual benefits with others.
Julia Stilwagen
Julia Stilwagen is a Southern Pines native and thrilled to be back in the area sharing her joy of practicing yoga. She was introduced to yoga by Tom Thompson of the Awakened Heart Center back in 1990. Hard to believe! Julia completed her 200 hour RYT (registered yoga teacher) certification in March 2010 at the Triad Yoga Institute in Greensboro. Her training emphasized proper alignment, therapeutic uses of yoga, use of a yoga wall and listening deeply to one's own unique body. Julia practiced yoga for many years at several studios in Chapel Hill, NC and in San Francisco, CA. She also lived and worked at a Buddhist retreat center for four years where she was introduced to the value of meditation and spiritual practice. Julia is currently a mom to a wonderful boy and helps her amazing husband with his custom wood and metalwork business. She has been a teacher, volunteer coordinator and anthropology student. Julia welcomes folks of all ages, experience and background to her class and looks forward to sharing the many benefits of yoga with you.
Ashley Smithson
I began practicing yoga regularly in 2000, while pregnant with my daughter, Mia. The physical comfort, confidence, and focus that I discovered through yoga made me want more! I continued to practice, eventually completing teachers training. I have been teaching in Southern Pines since 2007, with a focus on therapeutic and prenatal yoga. The practice of yoga is a uniquely personal experience that nurtures physical, mental and spiritual growth. I am honored to have the opportunity to share this gift of yoga with people of all ages and physical ability.
Ashley is a Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200) with the Yoga Alliance, as well as a Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher. She first received certification locally through Sandra Thomas' Chrysalis Yoga, and has studied with Matthew Sanford, Gabriel Halpern, Jonas Westring, and Heather Till, among others. Ashley continues to study and practice with her friends at Anjali, and through Kunga Yoga, a service-based program in Wilmington, NC.
Ashley is a Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200) with the Yoga Alliance, as well as a Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher. She first received certification locally through Sandra Thomas' Chrysalis Yoga, and has studied with Matthew Sanford, Gabriel Halpern, Jonas Westring, and Heather Till, among others. Ashley continues to study and practice with her friends at Anjali, and through Kunga Yoga, a service-based program in Wilmington, NC.
Jessica Patella
Dr. Jessica Patella earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University and her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. Her clinical rotations were focused in homeopathy and nutrition. She is also a certified Kundalini Yoga Instructor and Reiki Practitioner. With her passion for health and wellness she is excited to be teaching Kundalini Yoga at Anjali Studio.
Kyndra Rubio
I was first introduced to yoga while in college, although its profound effect came later while married and living in Japan. At that time, my body and mind were ready for the challenge of stillness and patience required during a power yoga class: or at least I attempted. In 2007 I pursued my 200 hr yoga training, and realized that true growth in yoga can only come with time and experience. Since then I have attended Evolution: Asia yoga conference and a few weekend trainings in Ashville, NC. In every class I teach my goal is to guide the class in finding a mind body connection while allowing stillness to enter the mind. I look forward to meeting you and strengthening our yoga practice together.
Nikki Sharon
I started practicing yoga shortly after moving to the area in 2005. I joined a local gym that offered yoga and Pilates classes. I had always enjoyed high-impact classes such as cycling and kickboxing as well as outdoor running and tennis. I found yoga in combination with these to offer a nice balance. I later expanded my practice after discovering nearby yoga studios that offered a diverse selection of styles including Bikram, Hatha and Vinyasa Flow. I soon developed a love and respect for yoga.
With my practice continuing to grow and deepen over the past couple of years, I felt compelled to further my knowledge about the physical and health benefits of yoga as well as the philosophy and spiritual aspects that it stems from and enrolled in a teacher training program.
The practice of yoga is so multifaceted! The physical, spiritual and emotional growth it brings to so many of our lives on and off the mat is truly amazing. Who wouldn't want to share the joy of this practice with others after experiencing it themselves? Whatever it is that you may be seeking in your life at this moment, I invite you to come and experience yoga: You might be surprised at what you find!
With my practice continuing to grow and deepen over the past couple of years, I felt compelled to further my knowledge about the physical and health benefits of yoga as well as the philosophy and spiritual aspects that it stems from and enrolled in a teacher training program.
The practice of yoga is so multifaceted! The physical, spiritual and emotional growth it brings to so many of our lives on and off the mat is truly amazing. Who wouldn't want to share the joy of this practice with others after experiencing it themselves? Whatever it is that you may be seeking in your life at this moment, I invite you to come and experience yoga: You might be surprised at what you find!
Mark Hunsiker
What does it mean to be a yoga teacher? That is a question I asked myself when I first seriously considered attending a teacher training. What I discovered was the opportunity to participate in a process of learning, where both the student and the teacher engage one another and discover what is possible. This excites me! What does this mean to you? You will attend a class that is full of encouragement and will offer a practice that enhances every aspect of your life.
My experience with yoga began 6 years ago in Atlanta. It was preceded by numerous other activities, such as distance running, competitive golf, and plenty of long days spend challenging my body in different arenas. Those years of practice and competition gave me a strong foundation and provided a firm understanding of what it means to place specific demands on the body, leading to positive results. So, why yoga? Simple: yoga offers more benefits and balance to the rest of my life than any other activity I have participated in. It just fits! In 2006, I completed an 840-hour training in massage therapy at ASHA School of Massage in Atlanta, GA. The program offered a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, and nutrition. I enjoyed the experience, yet the idea of going a step further toward yoga was very appealing. This past spring I attended The White Lotus Foundation's intensive 16-day Teacher Training, located in Santa Barbara, CA. White Lotus teaches a non-dogmatic approach to Hatha Yoga. They provide the fundamentals for a safe and effective practice, for a lifetime of enjoyment and healthy living. This training offered the starting point for a teaching career. Currently, I am finishing my 200-hour level certification through the continuing education requirements set forth by White Lotus. The possibility of feeling lighter, happier, and healthier is available to you. This practice is about removing ourselves from the ordinary and moving toward the extraordinary. Come participate in a class and see what we can discover...
My experience with yoga began 6 years ago in Atlanta. It was preceded by numerous other activities, such as distance running, competitive golf, and plenty of long days spend challenging my body in different arenas. Those years of practice and competition gave me a strong foundation and provided a firm understanding of what it means to place specific demands on the body, leading to positive results. So, why yoga? Simple: yoga offers more benefits and balance to the rest of my life than any other activity I have participated in. It just fits! In 2006, I completed an 840-hour training in massage therapy at ASHA School of Massage in Atlanta, GA. The program offered a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, and nutrition. I enjoyed the experience, yet the idea of going a step further toward yoga was very appealing. This past spring I attended The White Lotus Foundation's intensive 16-day Teacher Training, located in Santa Barbara, CA. White Lotus teaches a non-dogmatic approach to Hatha Yoga. They provide the fundamentals for a safe and effective practice, for a lifetime of enjoyment and healthy living. This training offered the starting point for a teaching career. Currently, I am finishing my 200-hour level certification through the continuing education requirements set forth by White Lotus. The possibility of feeling lighter, happier, and healthier is available to you. This practice is about removing ourselves from the ordinary and moving toward the extraordinary. Come participate in a class and see what we can discover...
Julie Tampa
From the beginning of my practice, I knew I wanted to teach yoga. We learn through teaching, and I'm a teacher at heart. The transformation, grace, and blessings that come into our live through living yoga motivate me to want to share it with anyone who will listen! I started teaching hot power vinyasa classes because that's my physical practice, but I am finding huge benefit in teaching beginners. I also find I benefit from different perspectives offered by various traditions, and enjoy keeping my practice and teaching new by reading books and journals, and by attending workshops and classes taught by contemporary masters. As I finish my 230-hour teaching training and begin my 500-hour training, I look forward to continuing to teach and learn to live yoga in every aspect of my life.
Rachel Arabian
Rachel has over 300 hours of Yoga training in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Integral and Restorative Yoga from various teachers to include Ana Forrest, Lisa Clark and Pamela Schulte. She is a Yoga Alliance 200 hour certified instructor currently working on her 500 hour certification with Rolf Gates. Rachel has also trained with Lucy Cimini, founder of the Central Massachusetts Yoga Institute in Yoga for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). Rachel has found the biggest gift yoga can bring is the gift of healing, whether it be emotional or physical. Her classes can be anything from a challenging, hot vinyasa to a dream like restorative practice, both using the breath as a gateway for the mind-body connection and a means to heal oneself.
AnneMette Lavery
AnneMette has been practicing yoga for 7 or 8 years and is well on her way to completing 200 hours toward becoming a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200). Yoga has been a shining light for AnneMette through challenging and exciting times, and she's hoping to share this light with fellow yogis here in Southern Pines. AnneMette has practiced yoga in Phoenix, Fayetteville and DC, as well as in far away places like China and Guyana. She's recently chucked the corporate world for a life of peace, serenity and happiness here in North Carolina. AnneMette is trained in the YogaFit© style which is flowing vinyasa yoga with a little power yoga thrown in for fun! Everyone is welcome to her classes regardless of experience. Namaste.
Julie Sanford
Picture coming soon
My interest in yoga developed from a state of emotional imbalance and consequent back pain rendered by the capricious nature of life. I started studying privately with a young Iyengar teacher in my home while my children where in school. I found a strong interest in the asanas and philosophy which soothed my soul and brought balance to my life. I began visiting Kripalu and taking weekend programs and become committed to the teachings of Christopher Baxter, one of the founders of Kripalu. He encouraged me to take the 200 hour training course with him in Asheville, NC in 2000. I continue to take workshops and retreats around the world. I have been teaching in the New England area for the last 10 years. I frequently bring the joy of music and dance into my classes and enjoy mantras and chanting as well. I look forward to celebrating our amazing bodies and spirits together. Namaste' - (Julie will return in September 20111 with her hatha yoga class)
