Visiting Faculty
Sonja Rzepski
Sonja is accredited by the International Yoga Alliance to lead teacher training in the specializations
of pre/postnatal yoga and anatomy for yoga. She is certified as a yoga teacher by Centered Yoga Institute since 2000 and as a prenatal teacher through OM Yoga, New York. As a physical trainer the American Council on Exercise accredits Sonja in the specializations of pre/postnatal exercise, nutrition, nutrition for elite athletes, women's health, Foundations of Flexibility and Alignment, and Functional Anatomy.
She has lead wellness retreats internationally on yoga and holistic nutrition and Ashtanga yoga, in Brazil, Croatia, Thailand and the United States. She has worked with world-class athletes and Olympians on mindfulness training, and she has designed corporate wellness programs for such companies as TCOM, HBO, I.S. Corporation, In Fitness and In Health, and Crunch Fitness. Sonja has taught yoga in the university setting at her alma mater New York University and currently works in New York City with Namaste New York. Sonja is eternally grateful to her teachers and mentors in the yoga and exercise physiology worlds. Sonja believes we can all live in grace, physically and energetically if we move forward with patience and positive attitude. For more please see her full bio.
Sara Granström-Thorsson
Sara completed her Centered Yoga Training in June 2005. She is a dedicated and focused student of yoga,
which is evident in her teaching and sharing of the practices. Sara has studied both Pranayama and Asana
intensively and is a senior graduate of Centered Yoga Institute. She teaches yoga regularly in Stockholm,
Sweden, and is developing her own center on Gotland, Sweden. In addition, Sara is a student of and practitioner
of ayurveda and nutrition. Sara spends about four months a year teaching at Samahita Yoga Thailand. For more please see her full
bio.
Jessica Blanchard
Jessica has been involved with Samahita Yoga Thailand since the foundation in 2003.
She came as a dedicated student to then move on from her corporate professional career to commit
full time to Yoga and Ayurveda. She lived and taught on site for many years. She now runs her own
studio in New Orleans and returns to Samahita Yoga Thailand for specific programs.
For more please see her full
bio.
Stephen Thomas
Stephen completed his Centered Yoga Training in 2003 and has been a regular
dedicated student and friend since. He has been teaching retreats, workshops
and trainings throughout Asia in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka. We are happy to have him be part of our regular teaching staff in 2010 onward. For more please see his full
bio.
Sean Kirke
Sean completed his Centered Yoga Training in November 2004. Since 2003 he has spent most of his time in Asia for both yoga and chiropractic, until recently relocating back to Australia with his family where he now teaches and is in the process of opening a shala. Sean's passion for holistic health not only resulted in him becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic but also led him to the path of yoga. His chiropractic studies gave him a deep understanding of anatomy which he is able to apply when teaching yoga and also when treating yogis as a chiropractor. This has proven to be of great benefit in helping people advance their practices and recovery from injury.
For more please see his full
bio.
Adarsh Williams
Adarsh teaches a contemplative style of yoga that embraces both modern innovation and traditional wisdom. Since 1995, Adarsh has been engaged in the field of natural healing and has received certifications in therapeutic massage and active isolated stretching. He continues as a student of Ashtanga Yoga and its sister sciences of Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and Bhakti. Adarsh has continuously traveled to Asia since 2001 for study and pilgrimage and has received teaching Authorization by his late Guruji Shri. K Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Adarsh directs the Ashtanga Yoga Shala in Palo Alto, CA specializing in progressive instruction for beginner through advanced levels.
Through in depth study of human anatomy and physiology and formal training as a massage therapist, Adarsh is highly regarded for his sensitive yet deep adjusting style. He has experience working with a wide variety of students of diverse abilities, ages, and backgrounds. With a deeply held belief that anyone can develop a personal yoga practice, Adarsh is an energetic teacher who infuses his enthusiasm for practice and hard work in his students.
Dorien Israel (Retreat Advisor)
Dorien started practicing Ashtanga yoga with Paul at the young age of 60.
She spends most of the year on Koh Samui and spends her time as a retreat
advisor to our guests. Most people have never been on a "retreat" so having
Dorien to give personal guidance is a great support. She also teaches other
non-yoga related classes such as Qi Gong.
She is the author of three books; UnBound, Tao Passages and The Way to the
One I AM. She is a Reiki Master, Yoga teacher and Qi Gong practitioner.
In 1984 after a "near death" experience resulting from a severe automobile
accident Dorien discovered she was given the ability to access ascended
information (channelling or direct revelation).
In 1997 Dorien came to Koh Samui on a one week vacation and never left.
During that week she had a "transcendent experience" (satori). Now at the
age of 65 she is a remarkable reflection of what is possible in body, mind
and Being when one aligns their life with their highest values and real
identity.
More information on Dorien and her services
http://www.wellness-thailand.com/psychology-therapy.html
