Adelle Brownlee Brewer Owner, The Synergy Studio, Nia Trainer, Journey Dance Facilitator & Reiki Sensei Adelle Brownlee Brewer is a Black Belt Certified Nia Trainer, Journey Dance Teacher, Reiki Sensei, and Professional Fiber Artist. She has been dancing and teaching in the field of art for over 35 years. Adelle teaches Classic Nia, as well as Nia 5 Stages, an integrative movement class based on the five stages of human development: Embryonic, Creeping, Crawling, Standing and Walking. Practiced with awareness, these stages have the power to facilitate optimal alignment, improved function and comfort in the body. She also offers workshops and presentations throughout the US and Mexico, as well as demonstrations for companies and special groups. Adelle also works with patients in pain management, women dealing with sexual trauma and eating disorders, as well as offering private instruction for those who want a more individualized experience. Teaching people in special situations has been rewarding, as well as challenging. Seeing smiles on the faces of people who have been afraid to move, or have felt disconnected from their body, makes every class a true joy for me. We shimmy, kick, sway, punch, laugh and sing our way to health! Adelle can be reached at adellebrewer@gmail.com.

Erin Casey Yoga Instructor RYT 200 Erin became inspired by the capacity of yoga to nourish the mind and strengthen the body. She finds the practice of yoga brings a sense of mental clarity, compassion and confidence. Erin is a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), and teaches a challenging Vinyassa flow for students of all levels, incorporating breath and movement. She believes that the place where comfort meets discomfort is where transformation occurs, thus she encourages her students to find and embrace their personal edge. She believes that the grace and composure found on the mat can transform one's life, improving performance in both physical and mental challenges. Erin is extremely grateful to be able to share the gift of yoga through teaching and hopes to see you on the mat soon Erin Casey can be reached at badbettybikes@hotmail.com. Jasmine Dennis Kundalini Yoga Instructor Jasmine, Liv Kiret, Dennis is a 200 Hour Certified KRI Yoga Instructor. Her yoga path began unfolding in 1994 during her final year of high school. It was not until she walked into a Kundalini Yoga class that she truly began to understand the way of yoga. In 2010, her study as a teacher began. Jasmine has spent the last decade exploring forms of healing, art, and dance as pathways to creativity and union with her spirit. She has chosen to consciously devote her life to loving and transforming her body, mind, Heart and Spirit while sharing her joy of living with her daughters. Jasmine has a background in healthcare and is a Master Reiki Practioner. In addition to teaching Kundalini Yoga in San Antonio, Jasmine is a multi media artist, dancer, and aspiring musician sharing her love of art, dance, and yoga with children in an afterschool enrichment program at a local Montessori school. She teaches public Kundalini Yoga classes at The Synergy Studio and Totally Divine Yoga. Jasmine can be reached at jasmine_dennis76@yahoo.com.

Joanie Brooks is a Black Belt Certified Nia Trainer from San Antonio, Texas. Joanie began her Nia path in 1994 and has obtained all her Nia belts (white, blue, brown and black) under the study of Debbie & Carlos Rosas, the co-founders of the Nia Technique. Joanie's Nia classes focus on developing student's self-awareness & body wisdom through movement to promote fitness, strength, power, creativity and personal growth. Her mission is to share the joy of Nia and to help others reclaim their body's natural way of moving.

As a teacher of Nia, joy of movement and truly caring for people are my motivations. I believe we are as young as our spirit allows us to be. It is through an open mind and a true connection to joy that we can free, strengthen and heal our body, mind and spirit. Nia has awakened my inner child, and has made me feel timeless, ageless and weightless. I now stay fit by dancing, laughing, skipping and playing on the floor.

In addition to her Nia classes, Joanie offers Nia workshops, presentations, and has used Nia in therapy groups and with cancer rehab patients. She also offers personalized Nia 1 on 1 conditioning sessions on the principles and practice of Nia for students and Nia teachers at her home studio. Contact Joanie for schedule and session rates.

Joanie can be reached at brooks.joanie@gmail.com.

Mary Ellen Rose holds an MFA in Theatre Design, which brought her from Chicago to teach Costume Design and Period Movement at Trinity University. After leaving the University setting she began her career as a Food Stylist, working in advertising, where she experienced stress and anxiety at Olympic proportions.

My body finally gave out, just shut down, fortunately one of my friends did a Yoga intervention. Rose has learned through Yoga to cultivate the opposite, to create balance in her life. The anxious mind cannot exist in a relaxed body.

In addition to her Yoga Alliance 200 Certification, she specializes in a deep relaxation/ meditation technique called iRest, Yoga Nidra, and is currently the only Certified iRest,Yoga Nidra Instructor in Texas.

Ms. Rose hopes that her students experience an awakened practice of postures that integrate the observation of feeling and sensation, a connection to the flow of the breath and a pure observation of being in the moment.

I am grateful and informed by every teacher and student with whom I have shared a class.

Her practice is influenced by Paul Grilley , who reminds her to observe and honor the differences in each body, and Lesile Kaminoff, who requires her to use knowledge of the anatomy of breath, with every breath we take, and her mentor, Dr. Richard Miller who leads by example, to be in this moment, and welcome all that arises, with joy, laughter and gratitude, celebrating who we are.

Mary Ellen Rose is currently part of a team conducting research studies at Brooke Army Medical Hospital, quantifying the healing effects of, iRest ,Yoga Nidra Meditation, on multiple populations. For more information please go to www.irest.us

Member: Yoga Alliance, IAYT - International Association of Yoga Therapists, Texas Yoga Association, Integrative Restoration Institute

You can contact Mary Ellen Rose at rose@texas.net

Emilie Rogers
Yoga Instructor
E-RYT 500

Emilie Rogers fell in love with yoga and found her life-path as a teacher 30 years ago when she took her first class with Esther Vexler. She became a graduate of the first class of the Austin Yoga School in the mid-nineties and continues to practice yoga with her teachers Peggy Kelley and Devon Dederich.

In 1999 Emilie became a certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, and in 2007 earned Yoga Alliances certification of Experienced Yoga Teacher at the 500 Hour level (ERTY500).

Emilie is the Founder and Director of the Esther Vexler Yoga School. For more information please go to www.evyogaschool.com

In addition to teaching at The Synergy Studio, Emilie has taught yoga at many colleges and volunteered for years in our beautiful city. Emilie gives thanks for her teachers Esther, Peggy and Devon, and the opportunity to share the love of yoga with others.

Affilliations: Yoga Alliance Texas Yoga Association

Emilie can be reached at texyoga@sbcglobal.net.

Esther Vexler has been widely acknowledged as a pioneer in the field of Yoga. She was one of the first Yoga teachers in San Antonio and has mentored and inspired many people who have pursued Yoga as a practice and a profession. We are lucky to have her at The Synergy Studio!

Esther can be reached at chatarra@aol.com.

Veronica Rivas has been teaching bellydance for the past fifteen years. Recognized by her ability to express the music, Veronica is known for her strength, endurance, and inspiration. She taught bellydance classes at the Karavan Studio where she studied under Karen Barbee. Her talents took her to Houston where she performed with the best Arabic musicians in the business. After several years of perfoming and teaching in Houston, Veronica moved to the Netherlands where she taught workshops, seminars, gave private lessons to master instructors in Holland, and held weekly classes across the country and in Belgium. She also had the privilage of meeting and performing with Arabic musicians from all over the Middle East. Veronica is enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge and love for her dance. She is looking foward to seeing you in her class!!!

Esther can be reached at chatarra@aol.com.

Devon Welsch received her M.F.A. from The University of Utah in Ballet Teaching and Choreography. She additionally holds a B.S. in Marketing and a B.F.A. in Ballet Performance. Devon danced with Utah Ballet until knee surgeries encouraged her to become a teacher and share her love of movement with others.

Devon taught Ballet at Saint Marys Hall, a private preparatory school in San Antonio, Texas, from 2004 to 2008. While teaching Middle and Upper School students, she was the Artistic Director and Choreographer for The Nutcracker, Cinderella, The Sleeping Beauty and La Bayadere.

Following knee surgeries Devon was introduced to Pilates as a part of Physical Therapy. Devoted to the study of Pilates since 2001, she has been a Qualified Fletcher Pilates Teacher since 2008.

Devon can be reached at pilatesroomatsynergy@gmail.com

Tricia Messinger

Tricia discovered the beauty and peace that comes from moving consciously with breath in her mid-thirties. Stress is what originally led Tricia to a regular yoga practice.

I had stepped into a new relationship and parenting a child for the first time. Practicing yoga taught me how to be more present with the two people most important to me.

It was this discovery of how calm and alive the body can feel through the postures and breath of yoga that led Tricia to her next step. In September of 2002, Tricia completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training.

Tricia has had the opportunity to study with many wise teachers over the years. Paul Grilley with his knowledge of anatomy and Cora Wen with her focus on making yoga accessible for women and her humor have added much to how Tricia teaches. Most important are the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli through Rossella Baroncini. It is their idea of breath and the organic movement that comes from conscious breath, that Tricia tries to bring into every class she teaches.

In 2010, Tricia took the next step in her own practice by going to Montreal to learn the art of Thai Yoga Bodywork. This is a deep one on one yoga practice that focuses on breath, rhythmic movement and supported/restorative yoga poses to allow the student to find new levels of openness, flexibility, tension release and calm within their own body.

It is my aspiration that people will leave a class that I have taught with a deeper connection to their breath, a more open body, and a centered feeling of peace.

Tricia holds affiliations with: Yoga Alliance and Texas Yoga Association
And the following certifications: Lotus Palm Thai Yoga Bodywork Beginning Certification 2010, Lotus Palm Thai Yoga Bodywork Intermediate and Advanced Certification-January 2011

Tricia can be contacted at tricia@rockmouthart.com.

Jenny has been teaching movement and fitness since 1986, beginning as a competitive, womens gymnastics coach and choreographer.

Jennys decision to become a Pilates instructor came as the result of being diagnosed with scoliosis in her late twenties. To Jennys amazement, her pain began to alleviate after just a few weeks of studying Pilates. It was enough to convince her Pilates was something she wanted in her life, and wanted to learn more.

The wife of a military officer, Jenny has had opportunities to work and learn in a number of unique settings and locations all across the U.S. and overseas. Her military affiliation has also afforded her the unique opportunity to train and teach physical fitness to active duty soldiers, reservists, Special Ops members, and Wounded Warriors.

No one should feel intimidated with regard to improving their physical fitness. I've worked with children as young as 6 years old and adults as old as 91. My desire is to help people achieve optimal physical function and health and live life to the fullest. I cant wait to work with you!

Contact Jenny at jennyroberts.pilates@yahoo.com.

Jan Jarboe Russell is a Black Belt Nia instructor. Jan uses Nia in her own work as a writer and journalist to encourage free self-expression. Her Nia classes focus on healing the body - and the creative mind - through physical movement. Jan teaches regular classes at Synergy Studio. She has also led Writing From the Body Nia workshops at Gemini Ink, San Antonio's literary organization.

Jan can be reached at janjarboerussell@aol.com.

Jennifer Ortega is a Certified Nia Green Belt Instructor who has been teaching since January 2008. She found Nia 3 years ago when she discovered the joy and freedom Nia offers to everybody. From that first class, Jennifer knew she needed to share her joy and passion of Nia to the world. Jenn teaches with athleticism, creativity, an active imagination and a whole lot of enthusiasm. When she is not teaching Nia, Jennifer is a full time model and actress and has found that the principles of Nia have brought her into a deeper understanding of herself and her body which she is able to weave into her profession.

Contact Jenn at releasethemadness@yahoo.com.

Yoga for me has been a journey of self-discovery. I began a regular yoga practice as part of rehab after a car accident disrupted my professional horse-riding career. What I discovered however was Yoga had swept into my world like the breeze that issues in spring. It whispered and invited me in: to make myself at home and to take the time and space to be just as I was. Yoga beckoned me to practice living in the shadows long enough to find a space I was unaware existed. My yoga practice has been my guide toward being just me.

As a teacher I aim to inspire my students to explore the possibilities of self-discovery that await them on their mats. My classes are informed through my study of Psychology specifically somatic or body based psychology. The mat is safe place to practice creating a good relationship to one-self. As we practice acceptance and joy on the mat we begin to extend this joy into other parts of our lives.

The simple act of practice may inspire you to feel liberated in your own skin and free you from self-judgment. I actively study the Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa styles of yoga. My first yoga certification was with the Ester Vexlar Yoga School, here in San Antonio, TX. I currently hold RYT-200 and continue to further my studies in the Iyengar foundation. Yet it was my discovery of the Jivamukti method that spoke directly to my heart. It combined the challenge and rigor of Ashtanga with the support and alignment found in an Iyengar practice. It was for me joy embodied! I travel to NYC as often as I can to study this method and I look forward to continuing my studies with the Founders of Jivamukti method Sharon Gannon and David Life in the spring of 2011.

MEMBER: Yoga Alliance, NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicap Association)

Alycia can be contacted at pugoet@hotmail.com.

Kelly Hamilton holds a BA in Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio and Graduate Studies in Education from The University of the Incarnate Word. A lifelong advocate of teaching and learning she fell head over heals in love with Yoga in 2007 and has fostered that love since then by way of completing her 500 hour Yoga certification through Yoga Works in Los Angeles, California. She is passionate about sharing all that she has learned and does so with a gentle spirit and precise instruction.

Kelly believes that yoga is not only a physical tool for bettering the body but is also an essential tool for quieting the mind and opening the heart so that we can be still and present in every moment.

Kelly can be contacted at hamilton.kellyk@gmail.com.

Rachel Hector began teaching yoga 10 years ago and is currently pursuing a doctorate in kinesiology at the University of Texas at Austin. She is certified at the 500 hour level and teaches Hatha yoga and Ashtanga yoga. Rachel teaches Ashtanga Yoga in a beginner-friendly format that is appropriate for all levels of Ashtanga students. She provides a safe environment where students can learn about the practice, their bodies, and how to prevent and heal injuries. Her recent observations in various physical therapy clinics and yoga studios in Boulder, Co., further solidified her desire to help students practice and teach safely and effectively with a focus on injury prevention and recovery.

The Synergy Studio is excited for Rachel and Yoga Yoga to join our community!

Fred Chavez has been a tai chi (taiji) and qigong practitioner since 1992. During that time he has studied the Chen, Yang and Sun styles of tai chi and numerous forms of qigong.

He has been a Certified Tai Chi for Arthritis (TCA) Instructor with the Arthritis Foundation since January 2007. In December 2008, he became a Certified Instructor of Evidence-Based Taiji and Qigong (EBT) with the Center for Taiji and Qigong Studies. (www.centerfortaiji.com)

Currently, Fred is commuting monthly to study medical qigong at the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, CA. Studies will conclude in the Fall of 2010 and will result in a certificate as a Medical Qigong Practitioner. Additionally, he writes a free twice monthly e-newsletter (Between Two Moons) on following the Dao and other Daoist qi cultivation practices.

Fred may be contacted at either taichihealthdynamics.com or integralqigong.com.

Sarita Rodriguez discovered the inspirational power of Nia in 1999 but has known the joy of dance as long as she can remember.

I see photographs of myself as a three year-old child swaying the lacy skirts of La Pollera (the national dress of Panama) and cant help but move to the drum beats of my heart.

In 2006, after seven years of dancing and experiencing Nia in Austin,Texas, Sarita trained and studied with nationally renowned Nia Black Belt Trainer, Holly Curtis in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she completed her White Belt training. In February 2009, she studied with Nia co-founder Carlos Rosas to become a Certified Green Belt Instructor.
Sarita draws from her Caribbean roots (both Panamanian and Puerto Rican) to guide the rhythm, energy and grace of her expressive dance that thrives in the joy of Nia.

I love Nia because it provides a dynamic and disciplined framework for exploring natural movement and self-discovery. The Nia elements of form and freedom enrich my soul. Nia continues to increase my body-knowledge and encourages me to lovingly build my mind, body and spirit. I aspire to share that knowledge and experience with students in class.

Sarita can be reached at saritula@gmail.comcom.

Angie was introduced to Nia in January 2009. She knew after her first class that Nia was what she had been looking for and it would become an important part of her life. She completed her White Belt training in January 2010 with Nia Black Belt Trainer, Holly Nastasi.

Nia enriches my soul and fills my body with joy! Nia has transformed and healed my body. I now love and accept my body. I am excited to share the healing, body conditioning, passion, spirit and fun of Nia in my classes.

Angie can be reached at angie.braswell@gmail.com.

Tara Moorman

Tara is a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT200). She has been practicing yoga on and off the mat for the past 10 years and teaching for 3 years. She graduated from the Esther Vexler Yoga School last spring.

Tara has also been a mindfulness meditation practitioner since 2003. She has practiced with Thich Nhat Hanh's Order of Interbeing in addition to sitting with various American and Japanese Zen groups in Hawaii. Given the name, Mindful Presence of the Heart, by Thich Nhat Hanh, Tara strives to live a heart-centered life and brings that energy to her own yoga mat as well as to the classes she teaches. Off the mat, she is a mental health and chemical dependence therapist, an online college facilitator, and a dog-loving hoop-dancer with a penchant for throwing hoops into the San Antonio River.

Tara can be contacted at ChatteringSilence@gmail.com.

Jane Clanton Bick, M.Ed. is a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique with over twenty years of teaching experience in the Technique. She received her training from the renowed master Alexander teacher, Marjorie Barstow, taught for over fifty years. Ms. Bick has taught workshops around the U.S. and in France and currently runs a practice in Austin, where she has taught since 1993.

Jane Bick can be reached at janebick@att.net.

Shelly is a Hoopnotica Certified HoopDance instructor from South Texas. She picked up a hoop in March 2008 and hasn't put it down since! Through HoopDance Shelly found the perfect combination of creative expression and physical challenge. She has a background in Shaolin Kung Fu and feels that martial arts have greatly influenced her hooping. Both cultivate discipline and body awareness, bringing together metal, physical and spiritual components that improve overall quality of life.

"I love HoopDance for many reasons. It is a fun, positive activity that can be enjoyed by people of every age and background. It is healthy for both body and mind. You can hoop alone, or with friends! From waist hooping to circus tricks, each student sets their own goals and workout intensity. Every HoopDancer is unique! In class we have hoopers of all levels, and I cannot say enough about my wonderful students. We spend our hour smiling, laughing, dancing and playing! They are a very special group of people."

Shelly is a full time student working towards her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy. Her passion is promoting health and well being through fun activities.
Visit her website: http://www.hothoopers.com

Shelly can be reached at shelly.dawn@yahoo.com

Competition was a way of life for Meg, dating back to childhood when being one of nine children left few other options.

I didn't know that peace was one of them!

Athletics was a way for Meg to exhibit her strength and to be noticed among the crowd. Many years of competitive sports, however, will take its toll. A spinal injury and severe back pain ended what had been a life-long hobby and career, but opened the door for a whole new way of living. Meg chose yoga to rehabilitate her body after her injury, and found that yoga not only heals the body, but also the mind and spirit.

Yoga becomes our way of being in the world...a way of peace and strength, combined.

Meg can be reached at mstecher@mindspring.com.

Lori completed a three year teacher training program through the American Viniyoga Institute under the direction of Gary Kraftsow. Lori also is a graduate of the Mount Madonna residential Hatha Yoga Teacher Training program, where she studied with Baba Hari Das, and is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher at the 200-hour level. Her practice and teachings emphasize adapting the tools of yoga to sustain wellness, promote healing and awaken the heart and mind.

The Synergy Studio welcomes Lori and Yoga Yoga to our community!

Mehtab completed his first Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training course in 1974 while in residence at the Hargobind Kundalini Yoga Ashram. During the 1970s, he taught yoga in the public school system and in drug rehabilitation programs in California. He studied Kundalini Yoga under Yogi Bhajan and was among the first students to be certified in Kundalini Yoga through the Master's Touch training course in New Mexico. He has been a Kundalini Yoga Teacher Trainer since 1997, and has taught Level I and Level II teacher training courses. Along with his wife Guru Karam, Mehtab received the International Kundalini Yoga Teacher’s Association “Building Communities in Yoga” award in 2000. He has taught Kundalini Yoga workshops and classes to students and teachers from around the world at the annual Kundalini Yoga Summer Solstice gathering in New Mexico.

The Synergy Studio is thrilled to welcome Mehtab and the excellent teaching faculty of Yoga Yoga to San Antonio!

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