Mission Statement:

It is our mission to deliver a high quality teacher training program that promotes and preserves the ancient wisdom and traditions of yoga, while honoring and cultivating the individual journey of the modern yoga teacher. It is our commitment to teach the skills necessary to heart-fully & safely lead yoga classes and encourage our students to become pioneers, using yoga as a model of health care and transformation.

Program Structure:

In this seven-month intensive program, training sessions will be offered two weekends a month at Blue Heron Wellness in Silver Spring. In addition, students will be required to take one yoga class per week at Blue Heron Wellness with primary faculty and faculty members, complete class observations, and log their personal practice in a daily journal.

Program Overview:

Our comprehensive yoga teacher training program is anchored in the timeless wisdom of yoga, and synthesizes the art of mindful living with the art of skillfully teaching yoga.  Though this program, you will deepen your knowledge of yoga and learn how to apply the wellness principles of Ayurveda to your life and your teaching.

Each weekend will be a focused intensive including physical practice, philosophy and anatomy lectures, workshop exploration and practice teaching. There will be ample time for asking questions and the instructors are always available for additional assistance.

Topics of Study Include:

Yoga History, Philosophy & Ethics = 42 hours
   Classical Yoga History, Philosophy & Evolution of Modern Yoga
    Ayurveda: Understanding Your Unique Constitution
    Exploring the 8 Limbs of Yoga
    Ethics of Teaching Yoga
    Bandhas (Energy Locks)
    Yogic Nutrition
    Art of Meditation: Developing Deeper Levels of Awareness

Asana Techniques and Practice = 107 hours
    Sun Salutations: Breath, Gaze, and Movement
    Classical Alignment of Basic and Advanced Poses
    Verbal & Physical Assists & Adjustments
    Special Populations: Pre & Post-Natal, Kids, and Gentle Yoga

Yoga Anatomy & Physiology = 30 hours
    Applied Anatomy: Skeletal System and Movement
    Cardiovascular, Nervous, Respiratory, Digestive, Immune, & Endocrine Systems
    Physiology of Breathing
    Common Misalignments and Working with Injuries
    Chakras: Energetic Anatomy

The Art & Science of Teaching = 35 hours    
    Knowing your Students: Psychology of Motivation using Ayurveda
    Teaching Strategies: Tone, Pace, and Personality
    Arranging your Room
    Designing Themes for your Classes
    The Art of Sequencing
    The Business of Yoga & Financial Success

Teaching Practicum = 38 hours
    Leading A Community Class
    Methods for Running A Successful Class
    Practice Labs: Putting Theory into Action

Practical Class Experience = 50 hours
    Observe classes with RYT teachers
    Assist  classes with RYT teachers
    Participate in classes with core & supporting faculty
    (These classes are in addition to TT classroom hours)

Independent Study =  20+ hours
    Daily Home Practice and Journaling
    Community Service Project

Prerequisites:

At least one year of regular yoga practice is recommended but not required before beginning this course.  We welcome those of all fitness levels and body types to join this program.  This experience will be one that will expand and challenge the body and mind in ways that will strengthen you as a teacher and practitioner of yoga.

At the end of this program, students are eligible to become Registered Yoga Teachers at the 200 hour level (RYT200) with Yoga Alliance.

Just Announced!

2011 Program Dates:

Weekend sessions take place at Blue Heron Wellness:

Saturdays:  1:00 – 7:00 pm
Sundays:  1:00 – 6:30 pm

The dates of the program are as follows:

Informational Open Houses will be held at Blue Heron Wellness on January 8, 2011 and
February 5, 2011.

Please send all inquiries to ashley@blueheronwellness.com

Teacher Training Faculty:
(to learn more click on the teacher's name below)

Ashley Litecky, M.S., ERYT200 – Director & Primary Faculty: Ayurveda, Kundalini, Flow Fusion Yoga
Lauren Richardson, RYT200 – Co-Director & Faculty: Vinyasa Flow
Claudia Neuman, ERYT500 – Primary Faculty: Anusara, Alignment, and Sutras
Elizabeth Cosgrove, ERYT500 – Faculty: Anusara, Therapeutics, and Yoga History
Carla Douros, ERYT200, Ph.D – Anatomy & Physiology Intensive
Elizabeth Cosgrove, ERYT500 – Faculty: Anusara, Therapeutics, and Yoga History
Kati Gimes, RYT200 – Faculty: Ashtanga and Advanced Yoga Teaching Principles
Debbie Jensen, RN, RYT500 – Faculty: Therapeutics, Gentle Yoga Techniques, & Yoga Nidra
Carrie Ganz, RYT200 – Faculty: Pre and Post Natal Yoga Techniques
Paula Pelkey, RYT200 – Faculty: Kids Yoga
Daniel Hickman, ERYT500 – Faculty: Yoga as Inquiry, Pranayama, and Meditation