Bhante Rahula
Bhante Rahula was born in Sri Lanka and became a novice monk when he was ten. After having his ten years  monastic training, he received his full ordination in 1999 and completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree at the University of Jayawadanapura in Sri Lanka. After serving as Deputy Abbot of Sudharshanaramaya Buddhist Temple in Sri Lanka, he taught in Singapore and Malaysia, where he shared his Dharma experiences. He moved to the United States in 2007.

Diane West is an AFAA certified personal trainer and pilates mat certified instructor and is pursing her full certification in the pilates method.  She has experience in dance, aerobics, weight training, pilates and natural body building, winning “best poser” at age 49 in 2001.

She was originally led to pilates five years ago because of increased body aches due to years of physical training.  Her personal goal is to make pilates available to everyone regardless of age, fitness level or body size.  She believes that to get into the best physical and mental shape, one must challenge themselves.  Through the years, she has made it a goal to help inspire each one of her clients to achieve personal balance, alignment and understanding of his or her own potential.

When she’s not working as a registered nurse or taking care of her grandchildren, she is pursuing a career as a pilates “master” instructor, studying at a studio in Riverside, a suburb of Chicago. Her hope is to someday open her own studio and introduce pilates equipment to this area.

Certification: Shambhava School of Yoga
Registration: Yoga Alliance
Practice: Began in 2001
Instruction: Since March 2006

After a few brushes with Kundalini in the 70’s, my current yoga path began in 2001 in Peoria as a way for my wife, Mary, and I to spend time with my daughters Christine and Renee. From there, I started taking classes locally and met Brian Saeger, who inspired me to consider yoga as a personal discipline. I attended Brian’s 16-hour teacher workshop in 2005 to further explore the possibilities of yoga in my life. I then chose the Shambhava School of Yoga in Rollinsville Colorado to become certified. The training, in January of 2006, was where I became certified at the 200 hour level for Hatha Yoga teachers. I am also registered with the Yoga Alliance.

I’ve been instructing locally since March 2006. My personal interest is to make yoga available to anyone by beginning at their level. This is done by offering modified asanas and encouraging participation in the breathwork. Since Yoga is originally and ultimately a spiritual practice, I do like to remind students of its origins and purpose on a regular basis.

Certification:  Enrolled in 200-hr Training 2010-11
Practice:  Began in 2000
Instruction:  Since 2004

During a girl’s weekend in 2000, Ellen’s sister Trish led her first asana practice.  She has been hooked on yoga since and has barely gone a day without a yoga or pilates’ practice!

Ellen’s course of study has been through workshops led by yoga masters, books, magazines, classes, dvd’s and home practice as she immerses herself in yoga and learning about pranayama, meditation, asana, sequencing, energy and holistic health.  Ellen applies these proven concepts to her life and enjoys sharing them with others.

A former piano teacher, Ellen gave her hand to yoga instructing at a small health club in the Peoria area.   She has broadened her horizons by teaching pilates and flow at area clubs.  She is excited to be part of Namaste where the ancient form of yoga is honored and offered.  One of her favorite aspects of teaching is the great people she meets and preparing heartfelt unique sequences for class.

Certification: Center for Taiji Studies
Practice: Began in 1992
Instruction: Since 1997

I began practicing Wu Style Taiji Quan in 1992. In 1996 I began studying Chen Style Taiji Quan under Master Yang Yang, formerly from Henan Provinces in China.
I have been instructing locally since 1999. I have found over the years of my study and practice that a balanced program includes three essential ingredients: standing & sitting meditation, form practice & push hands practice.

When I first started Taiji I had been looking for some form of physical activity to compliment my daily meditation routine yet not break down my physical body by over taxing the muscles and joints as I aged in years. I have found in my practice the ideal combination for nurturing both the body and mind. I call it “the power of stillness in motion”.

Certification:  Enrolled in 200-hr Training 2010-11
Practice:  Began in 2005
Instruction:  Since 2009

Joe began doing Yoga in 2005 at a local health club as a way try to move away from a work and school sedentary life style. As he found Namaste, he also found a new path of self-discovery for his abilities. An instructor mentioned the concept of Poi and thus began his interest. Since the day he picked up his first set of Poi, his life has taken a new path. Between following a whole new discipline of flow and movement, and the people that have come into his life, Poi and Yoga have brought new light to his life.

Joe has been spinning various things throughout his life, mostly through different martial arts and moved to Poi at the beginning of 2007. He has attended seminars given by world renown Chris Bailey, Winner of the Fire Idol and fire performance competitions by the Fire Technicians, a fire performance troupe out of St Louis. Joe also frequently performs at various venues in the area, including the Prairie Air Show and The Contemporary Art Center.

..coming soon!

Certification: Yandara Yoga Institute – March 2008;
Currently enrolled in Samudra Global School of Yoga for 500-hour certification.
Continuing Education Credentials: Yoga Nidra Certified February 2009
Registration: Yoga Alliance
Practice: Began in 2001
Instruction: Since 2008

Kirsten began her yogaventure after taking a yoga-pilates class with a local gym. After two years of a consistent practice, it was time to take yoga to the next level with a personal practice and Kirsten has now been practicing passion for 7 years. In March 2008, she wanted to deepen her personal understanding of yoga and share her joy with others. She found a 28 day program devoted to precision alignment, healthy diet, spiritual immersion, kirtan, and nature meditation with the Yandara Yoga Institute in Baja Sur, Mexico. Life was simply yoga and nature.

Kirsten has recently been accepted into the Samudra Global School of Living Yoga created by Shiva Rea for her 500-hour level certification. This program is to be completed within the next two years and Kirsten’s students will receive the benefit of the teachings of Shiva Rea beginning in May of 2009. The program includes instruction in Vinyasa Flow, Yoga Trance Dance, Body Mandala, Chakra work, and Ayurvedic understanding. This training will compliment Kirsten’s current precision alignment, Hatha training in a way totally unique to Peoria. A practice with Kirsten is sure to be creative, conscious, and fun!

She says, ‘Yoga has transformed my life in an unbelievable way. I once battled with depression and since my practice, sad thoughts are banished. I recently lost my job due to the failing economy, but there was never a worry – yoga has given me the ability to understand that life is always changing and I can always just “go with the FLOW!” My deepest desire is to help those in the Peoria area and in my global community discover their own inner peace and accomplishments. Namaste!’

Certification: Training began with successful completion of Baptiste Power Yoga Institute’s Four Day Assistant Training in 2007. Certification is being pursued following successful completion of Journey Into Power Teacher Training Level 1 with Baron Baptiste in 2008 and Teacher Training Level 2 with Baron in 2009.
Practice: Began in 2004
Instruction: Since 2008

Mary discovered her love of yoga when she did her first Baron Baptiste yoga practice on DVD, and continued to practice only at home using DVDs and CDs until discovering yoga classes at Namaste. Now pursuing her daily journey of self discovery is happening through her yoga practice in class and at home.

Mary is enjoying the opportunity to share Baptiste’s flowing style of power yoga. This method uses breath linked with movement to speak to the total person on a deep level as it teaches them to learn to listen to their own intuition to help them transform themselves and their lives. This style of yoga has completely changed Mary’s life: physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Mary guides her students as they reach new levels of health and fitness, improve their self confidence, achieve a deeper understanding of themselves, and inspiring yogis to discover their own potential as they follow their path of self-growth.

When not practicing yoga, Mary enjoys spending time with husband, Doug, and daughter, Katie. She is also employed as a Registered Nurse where she enjoys taking care of mothers and their new babies.

Certification:  Enrolled in 200-hr Training 2010-11
Practice: Began in 2004
Instruction: Since 2009

Circling back to Peoria, most recently from Chicago after 15 years,  Molly found herself in her ‘hometown’ pregnant without pre-natal yoga offerings.  Thus, the birth of Namaste!  The discovery of yoga a couple years prior had brought her on a new path of self discovery, awareness, and a whole new way to move and appreciate her physical body.  Practicing through 2 pregnancies and birthing with a doula allowed her to be present and fully appreciate the pregnancy experience and the joy of birthing.  Her second birth was ‘at home’, and will always be considered her ultimate and most joyous yoga practice with an incredible savasana!

Yoga has provided her a path for reflection and an opportunity to peel away unnecessary layers.  Her time on the mat allows for more exploration of personal freedom and as we all know, freedom takes practice.

Certification:  Enrolled in 200-hr Training 2010-11
Practice: Began in 1998
Instruction: Since 2000

Trish has been a student of yoga since 1998. She began teaching locally in 2000 and formerly co-directed a local studio. Her style of teaching is greatly influenced by her mentor, Senior Iyengar teacher, Gabriel Halpern. She gathers inspiration from Gabriel, her faith and her family and friends. Join her in a class that integrates strength, balance, truth and the expression of beauty that resides within each of us… YOGA!!