2010 NH Global Mala - Presenter bios

Ajay Gupta, RPh, CIP, MScIM, RYT co-founded YogaCaps, Inc., with his wife Terry to help serve humanity by sharing healthy lifestyle practices. He holds a special place for sharing the joy of yoga with at-risk and under-served populations. Jay began his study of yoga in India in 1983 and has been exploring the depths of yoga since then. Throughout his life, he has endeavored to achieve a scientific understanding of yoga and nature cure practices. He has traveled from the Himalayas (India, Nepal, Tibet) to Kerala (southern most part of India) learning a variety of yoga and nature cure practices. Jay shares some of the practices from the Himalayan masters in his DVD Subtle Yoga for Rejuvenation and donates all the proceeds for advancing the science of yoga. Among his yoga trainings is yoga teacher certification from the renown Bihar School of Yoga. He is on the faculty of Finding Inner Peace Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program and Advanced YTT program. He also serves as a community pharmacist.

Alison Bentley is a licensed massage therapist and Usui Reiki master. She offers therapeutic and relaxation massage and specializes in Oncology massage and Active Isolated Stretching (AIS), a great way to restore lost range-of-motion. She is nationally certified with the NCBTMB and is a member of the ABMP (Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals). Alison is a graduate of Smith college and completed her massage training at the Salter school. She trained with Tracy Walton in 2009, a well known cancer massage therapist. This spring she trained with Dr. Ben Benjamin on Active Isolated Stretching.

Anjana is a 14 year-old Sophomore at Nashua High School North. She began Bharatanatyam under the guidance of Sunanda Narayanan of Thillai Fine Arts Academy in Newton, MA when she was five years old. Since that time she has been performing regularly in the New England area, and in the Nrityanjali and Gokulashtami celebrations at SriLakshmi Temple. On June 6th, she had her Bharathanatyam arangetram. She recently participated in "Ramabhirama" for the Chinmaya Maruti temple. Anjana had the good fortune of attending a workshop conducted by Guru Prof. C.V. Chandrashekhar and also performed in the show Natyamala for AASAI. She is learning Carnatic vocal music from Smt. Sandhya Sridhar, Veena from Smt. Durga Krishnan and piano under the tutelage of Mrs. Kathy Joseph. A student of Chinmaya Mission's Balavihar, she is also a member of the IANH youth group and was elected President of her freshman class. She is a regular performer at the India Association of NH cultural events, and enjoys dancing with her sister. While excelling in academics, her hobbies include horseback riding, acting, baking and playing with her neighbors' dogs, Marley and Iginla.

Arun Chaudhari is a Holistic Yogic Life Educator, Devotional Poet, and Satsang Singer. Arun was initiated to Yog Shiksha by Karma Yogi Shri Dada Ji; and was initiated to Bhakti Yog by Sadaguru HBP Shri Ram Bhau and has been singing since fifth grade. He advanced in Hatha Vidhya from Shri VG Thackeray Guru ji in National Service Residential Camps; learned the internal cleansing and meditation Yogic Kriyas organized by Hathayogi Shri Nikam Guruji’s Ambika Asharam at IIT Powai camp. He participated in community work and organized many cultural festivals. His Yog teaching experience includes classes at Quincy Public School, 263Gallery at Cambridge, Community Center at Malden, Home Satsangs, and traditional Yogic games at Vaishanava Academy. He coordinates Satsangs in Boston's South Shore area, Upward Life Development Camp for children and Conflict Resolution service project, “Setubandhan” in India. He continues to quest for deeper meaning in life and peacefulness thru Sewa in Action which reflects in his devotional poetry writings. He believes teaching Yogic way of life to children is helping the world to be a better place by teaching them to move, sing, dance, laugh, relax, and enjoy the wonderful life of science, “The Yog” for lifelong wellness.
.
Ashara Stansfield has been involved in music as long as she can remember. She formally studied music at the Hartt School of Music, a performing arts school in Hartford, CT, and Ithaca College in New York. Throughout the 70’s, she performed solo, playing guitar and singing at various coffee houses and bars in upstate New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island. She believes that creating a sense of community through music and dance fosters openness, creativity and communication in a nurturing joyful, and fun environment. "Music has always been my connection to the Divine. When I first heard kirtan and chanted the Divine Name, I knew I had found a way to connect in a deeper more powerful way, and I am honored to share that practice with whomever is called to join me." Ashara's website and Calendar of upcoming events: www.asharastansfield.com.

Barbara Landry is co-owner of Amherst Yoga together with Michelle Luks. She has been a student of yoga for over 13 years, teaching Hatha yoga for the past four plus years. In addition, she is a Reiki Master, trained in the Usui tradition with Libby Barnett. She is presently studying with the Rev. Stephanie Rutt at the Tree of Life Temple to be ordained as an Interfaith Minister. Barbara is also a practicing attorney, and integrates the benefits of yoga, Reiki and a spiritual life to offer a holistic approach to life and its many challenges, as well as experiencing all of its joy. For more information, please visit www.Amherstyoga.com and www.barbaralandry.com.

Brahma Kumaris Learning Center for Peace is the local branch of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization (BKWSO). Managed entirely through a network of volunteers from all sections of the community, the BKWSO works internationally to promote peace and positive change in society.

Carol Gaudreau has 14 years of serious study practicing and learning Yoga and Yoga Philosophy. Her studies have included Sanskrit Mantra, Spiritual Studies, and an 8-month certificate program on the Bhagavad Gita, Hindu Philosophy, specifically of the Vedic Culture of India, Upanishads, MahaBharata, and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Her practice experiences have been in the Hatha, Ashtanga, Bikram, Vinyasa, Kripalu, Anusara, and Kundalini traditions. Currently, Carol teaches private yoga sessions, classes with youth in schools, and Mother/Child yoga classes. She holds a BFA in Photography, is a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher, and holds a Level I Certification in Circus Yoga in addition to the Bhagavad Gita Certificate program.

Catherine Martin teaches Yoga and Meditation at several locations in New Hampshire, having studied under Swami Satchidananda at Satchidananda Ashram in Virginia. She also has a private practice in Therapeutic Yoga and NLP. Catherine holds a BS in Alternative Health Studies and has a 25-year career in the field of Dance and Movement, which brought her to perform and teach in more than 40 countries. She retired from touring in 2000 to serve her community through yoga and meditation to promote a healthy and harmonious environment. Catherine is a certified Integral Yoga Instructor, Cardiac Yoga Instructor and Neuro-Linguistic Programming Hypnotherapist.

Cathie Ryder, E-RYT (500) Owner, operator of Yogamatters, and Yogamatters Teacher Training School. With over 28 years teaching experience has spent many years taking workshops and classes from some of the world’s best known and respected yoga teachers including Rodney Yee, Patricia Walden, Baron Baptiste, Cindy Lee, Gary Kraftow, David Swenson, and Elyse Browning Miller (expert on Yoga for Scoliosis).

Cathy Mook started practicing yoga about 15 years ago as a stress release. She has taken courses with Peggy Cappy (Yoga for the Rest of us) with emphasis on modifications using a chair, and with Gary Kraftsow with emphasis on yoga healing for the neck, upper back,and shoulders. As a Dental Hygienist of 33 years, yoga has helped her to release, relieve and rejuvenate her own body. She currently teaches at the Merrimack YMCA , Focus on Fitness and at The Plus Company, a company that serves developmentally disabled adults.

Christine Boucher is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the National Yoga Alliance and is also YogaFit certified at four levels. She has immersed her practice into teaching kids, seniors and meditation, as well as yoga to help relieve depression and anxiety. This wonderful Mom teaches at the Merrimack YMCA and also has an MS in Accounting and a BS in Business Administration.

Deborah Jaishree Spielman, RYT, is a Certified Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher and full time Spiritual Warrior. She has over 300 hours of training including Level 1 and Level 2 training with Baron Baptiste, 45 hours with her teacher Shiva Rea, 65 hrs of Alignment & Assisting Training, CPR Certification, and she is fully insured. Deborah’s yoga practice began 15 years ago while studying classical acting at the Tisch School of the Arts through New York University. Besides her continual training with Master Baptiste Teachers Claire Este-McDonald and Gregor Singleton, she has taken intensive workshops with Natasha Rizpoulis, Beryl Bender Berch, Rolf Gates, and Ana Forrest. She is dedicated to the full 8 Limbed Path of Ashtanga Yoga and finds her deepest connection as a bhakta, a Bhakti Yogi dedicated to the path of devotion and highest love. Deborah teaches full time in yoga studios all over Metro West and Boston. She leads workshops and retreats all over the globe based around the themes of health, joy, and abundance. She is a dedicated student of Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga, and enjoys a vegan eco-conscious diet and lifestyle. Deborah’s original “Chakra Shakti Exploration Series” is a unique blend of all her teachings integrated into a powerful vinyasa flow practice and program. Her intention is to have students connect to their deepest innate power, joy, and creativity. Please visit her website www.jaishreeyoga.com for schedule.

Diana Harris is a nationally recognized intuitive counselor, psychic medium, healer, and teacher. She is frequently sought for the accuracy of her intuitive services, mediumship abilities, and dynamic workshops. Diana has a deep connection to Mother Earth and works with her Wisdom Keepers. She travels throughout the US to conduct transformational workshops, speak at conferences, and offer mediumship or intuitive counseling. Ms Harris reaches audiences worldwide through her writing and radio engagements. She has worked with several major expos/conferences and is often a contributing writer to SpiritSide, Kinetics, Explore Your Spirit, By Region, Om Place and other holistic journals. Learn more about Diana at: www.sacredspiraldance.com.

Doris Grillo is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and owner of Hollis Yoga. She trained with Todd Norian in the Anusara-inspired style and also completed the Himalayan Institute's 500 hour Advanced Hatha Yoga program in India. She's an energy sensor, Reiki trained by Lourdes Grey in the Usui Shiki Ryoho tradition—with initiation at the sacred Allahabad, India site by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait of the Swami Rama tradition. Doris holds a B.A. in Marketing and Business Studies from the Southern New Hampshire University, and when not working as an Hewlett Packard marketing manager or taking pleasure in her yoga studio and practice, she enjoys a wonderful community of family and friends. doris@hollisyoga.com.

Erik Carlson -- Erik's previous work was hardware, systems, and software engineering, but he started his spiritual path at a very early age when he first noticed the gaps in linear time and quantum physics. In 1993 he began to devote more and more of his time studying meditation, Asian culture, Chinese internal martial arts holistic healing modalities and internal energy work. Erik graduated from Spa Tech (formerly the Polarity Realization Institute) and is a Licensed Massage Therapist LMT, Polarity practitioner, a Usui/Lightarian Reiki master teacher, master practitioner of Integrated Energy Therapy, Shambala master and also offers Acutonics® harmonic healing, which uses sound instruments in place of Acupuncture needles to promote healing. Erik is also a Soul therapy practitioner, Shaman, medium, and a teacher of traditional Yang style Tai Chi Chuan and internal martial arts and Taoist Qigong. Member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professional (ABMP) and the North American Studio Alliance (NAMASTA).

Ginny Jackson has over thirty years of experience working in the field of health and wellness. She has run wellness programs in Vermont and South Carolina and is very well known in this area with regards to yoga and Somatics (a specific form of movement re-education). Ginny holds a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology and is a certified Kripalu yoga teacher and a licensed massage therapist. Her overall goal is to help each person reach and achieve their individual movement potential. For more information visit www.ginnyjackson.com.

Gretchen Carmel (Rajeshwari) earned a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from SUNY Purchase in New York. After years in the professional world of dance, she became a certified Kripalu and Vinyasa Flow Yoga teacher a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, a Traditional/Usui Reiki Master, and owner/director of THE YOGA SPACE in Keene N.H. She brings to her teaching a high level of commitment, love for her students, and the joy of mantra, inspired by her teacher Namadeva Acharya (Thomas Ashley-Farrand). Gretchen is a certified Instructor in Mantra under the direction of Namadeva Acharya and Sanatana Dharma Satsang, and continues her studies in his Pujari/Priest Program.

Hari Kirin Kaur Khalsa, MFA, MA, is a teacher and an artist dedicated to healing through yoga and art. She studied with her teacher, Yogi Bhajan, for 23 years and has been teaching yoga since 1985. She is the only Lead teacher trainer of Kundalini yoga in New Hampshire. This year she's teaching at Lesley University, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Monadnock Community Hospital /Bond Wellness Center, the Antrim Girls Shelter, Omega Institute for Holistic Health and at the Union Mill in Peterborough, New Hampshire. She is the author of Art & Yoga: Kundalini awakening in Everyday Life which will be released by KRI Summer 2011. To preview her exhibition which will open at the Brattleboro Museum in April 2011 visit whereveryouareisthecenteroftheworld.com To view her workshops, paintings and public art events visit www.artandyoga.com.

Irene Soléa, MA, MT-BC, believes in the power of the human voice to heal and transform. A vocalist music therapist, she blends sacred chant traditions with modern western musicality and offers soulful multicultural chants and workshops filled with love, laughter and devotion. She Irene received her BA from Clark University and her MA in Music Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. She is certified to practice Music Therapy by the national Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). Her research interests include community music therapy, expressive arts therapy with Latino populations, cross-cultural expressive arts therapy, and multicultural and melodic chanting. She has presented her work at professional conferences for the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA), American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), and the New England Region of the American Music Therapy Association (NER-AMTA).

Jack Barakitis, a Kriya massage practitioner of 14 years and educator for 7 years has a passion for research in the art of language and how it influences the body temple. As a practitioner of Yin Yoga during postures, Jack imagined a dialogue with his experienced resistance asking "Why am I tight here? What causes this resistance to return?" The answer received: Your Language. With this response began a conscious study of words and their meanings to discover the relationship with words and their influence with both inner communication and outer communication. In Jack's research he discovered he was not alone, Yogi Bhajan a Master of Kundalini Yoga in 1977 had written a book entitled, "The Power of the Spoken Word". Further research he discovered the teachings of Plato's Logos to the writings of Mark Twain and many other prolific writers all emphasizing the power of the spoken word. The question Jack pondered upon was: "How do I integrate this wisdom into my day to day living?" He discovered through the use of simple word play that anyone can do, infused with the intention of being conscious while speaking gave rise to a WORD Yoga Practice called Conscious Communication - Liberate Your Life Through Your Language. The journey continues to unfold with monthly workshops, online meetups and an interactive website for Conscious Communicators. (www.ConsciousCommunication.net & www.WordYoga.net)

Jenifer Stuckart, RYT (500) is the Manager of Yogamatters. Jenifer runs the day to day operations as well as teaching classes. With a love for teaching and helping others, Jenifer has accumulated many years of training assisting Cathie Ryder in workshops and in teacher training programs.

Jill Jardine is a Self-Help/ Metaphysical Workshop facilitator for 20+ years, yoga teacher and trainer for 20+ years, Mantra teacher (Reverend in Sanskrit Mantra), ACHE certified hypnotherapist and instructor, AOBTA, certified in Acupressure/Shiatsu, homeopathy, cranial fluid dynamics, Reiki and Spinal Rejuvenation and advanced University degrees in teaching, counseling, psychology and B.S. degrees in Public Relations and Communications.

John Calabria. A long-time ethical Vegan, and leading teacher of Yoga, John integrates uplifting music and innovative sequences to deliver an experience that truly inspires. Through extensive travels in India, John infuses classes with the wisdom of the ancients, brought up to date for our modern issues. John has a heightened awareness of intention and individuality. "I've studied with the masters, and have the utmost respect for lineage, but eventually we all must step off the established path, and find our own Yoga." I'm blessed with the most amazing students, and am grateful to lead sold-out workshops and retreats year round. I love to share my thoughts about life and Yoga, and publish a very-popular Yoga blog at www.YogaWithJohn.com.

Judy Gross, Med has trained with the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Clinic staff at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and practices at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA. She is a 500 hour professional level Kripalu yoga instructor teaches yoga & meditation classes and workshops in southern NH. In addition, Judy leads regular single day and overnight mindfulness meditation retreats at a very special retreat center in New Ipswich, NH. For more information, visit www.judygross.com.

Juliana "Julia" Morozova-Soto has been studying Yoga in the Iyengar tradition for almost ten years. After her first class at Milwaukee Yoga Center (MYC), Julia knew that one day she would help people feel as uplifted and blissful as she felt that day. Julia apprenticed at MYC for a year and has been attending teacher trainings with Iyengar-certified senior teachers. For five years Julia taught a variety of classes and assisted in Yoga for Parkinson's and Yoga for Women classes. Early in her teaching, Julia realized that she would be a better teacher if she had a deeper understanding of human anatomy. She also felt that helping people feel better was her true calling. She quit her corporate job and went to school for massage therapy. Not only did she become a certified massage therapist, but her teaching improved as well, as she was better equipped to explain to students the subtleties of asanas. Julia enjoys introducing a philosophical point during a class to challenge her students to apply it during their asana practice and daily life. Julia moved to NH in summer 2010. She studies with Patricia Walden and teaches a private Yoga for Women's Health class.

Kelley Amrein began her study of Yoga in 2004 when her family moved to Bangalore , India. Kelley trained with Masterji M.S. Viswanath at the Foundation of Panthanjala Yoga Kendra in Bangalore , where she earned her first teaching certificate, gaining the status of Yoga Shikshak. Her studies with Masterji included Yoga Philosophy, Methodology of teaching, Anatomy, Pranayama and Mantra, with a total of 270 training hours completed. After returning to the United States , Kelley pursued a further Yoga certification from the Aura Wellness Center in Attleboro, MA. Kelley received her Hatha Yoga Teachers Diploma, achieving High Honors and earning the title of Certified Yoga Teacher, with 240 hours of training completed.

Laurie A. Daley, CYT, LVCYT is a certified yoga instructor in the Kripalu and LV Chair Yoga traditions. She is also a certified Reiki Master. Living yoga daily both on and off the mat, her practice and study spans more than 20 years. She began teaching full time in 2005 when she completed her 200 hour certification from Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. Laurie continues to study a variety of yoga styles with some of the best yoga masters in North America including Yoganand Michael Carroll, Todd Norian, Ann Green, Lakshmi Voelker and many others. Laurie offers yoga to people of all ages and levels of ability. Her unique and compassionate way of teaching creates a safe, uplifting environment for practice and encourages all people to participate, at their own level and pace, no matter what physical or mental challenges are present. Special instructions and modifications are always presented so that anyone can enjoy the benefits and gifts of yoga. She is currently studying special Trauma sensitive training and working to complete her Professional level certification. Laurie teaches in locations throughout southern NH including Amherst, Bedford, Manchester and New Boston. She provides private and corporate sessions and is associated with the CMC and VA hospitals in Manchester, NH. Visit www.ladaley.com for more information.

Lisa Jones has been studying wellness and yoga for more than 25 years. She has taught breath awareness classes since 1998, receiving her Facilitator Certification from the Transformational Breathwork Foundation in 1997 and is a graduate of Power of Breath Institute in Keene, NH, meeting requirements for certification by the International Breathworker's Training Alliance. Since 2004 Lisa has been a Nia instructor, incorporating her breath facilitator's experience into her classes. Lisa's goal is to help her students and clients heal the areas of their lives that prevent wholeness and invites them to a place of greater empowerment and joy. She invites you to share the insights and joy that come from incorporating your body, mind and unique spirit into a wellness practice.

Lisa Loring is a co-founder of Zaanti Yoga and Meditation Studio. She has been practicing yoga for over 17 years. She is an Embodyoga instructor, a practice using traditional yoga techniques to explore the inner relationship of the body and mind and their fluid, outward expression of this relationship through movement and stillness. Finding the way to this graceful expression of consciousness leads us to an appreciation of ourselves and our practice (wherever we are on any given day!), perhaps allowing us to leave behind notions that we need to change or improve and noticing that, as a result, we offer our unique and beautiful expressions back to consciousness.

Prajna has been a singer most of her life, including performing and recording with On Wings of Song for many years. Her kirtan journey began in the ashrams of Swami Muktananda in India in 1975. It was there, in a company of hundreds of people coming together to steep themselves in the ecstasy of singing the Divine Name, that she found the medicine that she had been longing for. For many years, chanting was a personal practice for Prajna, complemented by the practice of meditation and the study of Hindu and Buddhist mysticism. In 1995, she received a PhD in Hinduism from Harvard University and published a book on the great Hindu saint, Anandamayi Ma, entitled Mother of Bliss. In 1999, Prajna first chanted with Krishna Das and was deeply moved by his intention to carry his guru, Neem Karoli Baba’s, message of love around the world through kirtan. At the first Ecstatic Chant weekend at Omega in 2004, Prajna realized that she, too, could transform her personal path into a way of serving the Divine. That fall she began the monthly kirtan evenings at her home that grew into the vibrant kirtan community that is now based at St. Anne’s Church in Lincoln, MA. Prajna’s CD, “Jai Ma”, was released in the summer of 2007 and she has been leading kirtan since then at various venues in New England and the Southwest. Prajna says that the many blessings in her life include not only having met and studied with so many extraordinary spiritual beings, but having had the opportunity to introduce so many people to the joys of chanting the Divine Name.

Ravi offers Namasan Kirtan at the Holy Feet of Lord Rama, by the grace of the Lord and his teachers, Shubalananda and Swami Ma Chetan Jyoti. As opportunity permits, he continues to accompany some of the Northeast's finest Kirtan leaders.

Rachel de Almeida, founder of Laughing Matters 4, holds two certifications as a Laughter Yoga Leader from the American School of Laughter Yoga, founded by Sebastian Gendry and from the Levity Institute, founded by Katie West. She is also a certified Laughter Coach through Katie West’s Levity Institute. Both Gendry and West were trained by Dr. Madan Kateria, the founder of Laughter Yoga. Rachel is also a certified Life Empowerment Coach, having graduated from the world-class coaching school iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching). She has led a weekly Laughter Yoga Club at Yoga by Donation in Portsmouth, NH, and is planning on leading the club again in the fall. Rachel is an active participant in the Levity Project, an organization dedicated to social change through laughter, play and celebration. Highlights of 2010 have included: New York City’s World Laughter Day, an annual, world-wide celebration; The Clam Festival in Yarmouth, Maine; and the Art Festival in Juno Beach, FL. Rachel is currently working as a laughter coach with those who are ready to make a greater connection to their creative problem-solving abilities, and have a desire for more joy and celebration in their lives. For upcoming workshops and events: Laughingmatters4@gmail.com or www.laughingmatters4.com.

Rosemary Todd Clough has been teaching, exploring and creating through yoga and creative dance for over 30 years. A teacher to students of all ages, Rosemary brings a depth of experience and a playful approach to all of her classes and to her teacher training - www.creativekidsyoga.com. She holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Tufts University, and a Professional Level Kripalu Yoga Teacher Certification. She is a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, a Stott Pilates Teacher, and an experienced dancer. Rosemary has been on the teaching faculty of colleges, schools and nationally certified Yoga Teacher Training courses and was elected a teaching fellow at Harvard University. Rosemary is a mother of five and a grandmother.

Sangeeta and Sanjay Saxena run a spiritual ministry in Vedic Tradition in the Greater Boston area. Sangeeta sings bhajans/kirtans in melodious voice and very much sought after in the community. Sanjay is a life coach and motivational speaker who volunteers services at BU and MIT chapters of Hindu Student Council. They regularly organize spiritual events at Satsang Center of Woburn, MA. As volunteers of Gayatri Pariwar, they regularly make house calls to help people celebrate special family ceremonies (Sanskars), ranging from prenatal rites to wedding ceremonies. While performing these several millennium old continuous traditions they explain the logic, rationale, nuances and philosophy behind all rituals. They have received traditional training in performance of the Gayatri Yagya / Puja / Sanskars at the world HQ of Gayatri Parivar in India. They teach about the life transforming potential of Gayatri mantra and scientific spirituality as explained by the founder of Gayatri Pariwar, Pandit ShriRam Sharma Acharya.

Shri Mohan Samlal Guru ji was initiated into Indian Classical music at a tender age by his Guru Prof. Shri Hari Shankar Adesh ji (Shankar Gharana). Mohan ji acquired training in Khyaal gayaki, thumri singing, and devotional bhajans. A music and Hindi teacher for over 35 years, he continues to nurture Hindustani Classical Music. His received the "Shawl of Honor" for meritorious service for Indian culture in BVS (Bharitiya Vidya Sansthaan); "Karm Veer" award for his service in the field of Indian Culture. He was affiliated with many prominent organizations in Trinidad such as Bharitiya Vidya Sansthaan, Hindu Nidhi Foundation, Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, Raj Yoga Center. He received his Bachelors degress in Music (Sangeet Kalanidhi in Hindustani Classical Music and completed courses in Sangeet Sindhu (Masters degree). He believes in using Indian Music as a forum for promoting Indian culture- especially the spiritual forms of Indian music. Mohan ji's vision is to see young aspiring music students really achieve the highest and explore all their talents. He is truly a cultural ambassador. Pictured to the left is a group of his students.

Tamal Krishna das (Tom Lena) is a guitarist and harmonium player who offers Kitchari Kirtan™, inspiring others with the sacred sounds of vocal chanting. Leading kirtan at Global Mala Boston in 2009 and releasing his first Cd, “Om @ Club Passim,” Tamal creates and performs devotional songs that nourish us integrally with moods ranging from prayerful to celebratory. "Kirtan only asks that we open our hearts so that we may wake up our souls and flow into grace.”

Teresa Moler has been interested in puppetry since age 6 when she saw a marionette in a toy store window. At age 7 she was given a marionette and a cardboard stage. From instructions in the box, learned how to work a marionette and started performing for the neighborhood. At age 9, Moler, set up her stage in a plaza and performed. Since then she has accumulated over 30 marionettes both purchased and some built by herself. She has also been performing for many venues since then and also does watercolors and acrylics.

Vrindavana Preservation Society - Founded on August 30, 1998 on the auspicious occasion of Sri Radhastami, VPS is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Braj Culture around the world. The land of Braj Mandal is situated about sixty miles from New Delhi, India. VPS is run exclusively by volunteers.

YogaCaps, Inc. is an all volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to building resiliency by making yoga more available and affordable. We educate about all of the many practices that comprise yoga, and also teach/share them through free classes and donation-based workshops and events. Our Yoga Volunteer Corps (YVC)matches volunteer efforts of yoga teachers with underserved groups.

Yogiraj John Featherstone C.Y.T, M.Y.Ed. has been practicing and teaching Yoga for rejuvenation, health maintenance and stress reduction for the past 27 years: 24 years with his Yoga teacher and Guru Dr V.S. Rao, founder of High-Tech Yoga where he earned a Master’s degree in Yoga education and was given the honorific title of Yogiraj. He additionally studied with Brahmananda Saraswati, founder of Ananda Ashram, Swami Satchidananda of Satchidananda Ashram, Vyaas Houston for Sanskrit studies and Pandit Rajmani of the Himalayan Institute. He was co-founder of the Yoga teacher-training program at FrogPond Yoga Centre and was a founding member of MassYoga Network. John presently teaches Yoga for rejuvenation and maintenance of physical and mental health. His teachings are based on Patanjali’s Yoga as taught in The Yoga Sutra.