Primary Teachers: Norman Sim and Misha Butot
Secondary Teachers: Ida Manly, Tatiyana Bastet, Crystal Deva Star, Jennifer Piercy.
Norman Sim believes that Yoga is a methodology leading to fullness of Being. Consistent with that notion he believes that the – postures, breath, concentration and meditation – to be important parts of every class. He thinks that Yoga should move individuals toward a deeper sense of themselves. Norman is certified by the Yoga Alliance at the E-RYT500 level. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and currently works as a Registered Nurse in a hospital emergency department. Prior to nursing Norman worked as a Scientific Programmer/Analyst for the federal government; before that he practiced and taught Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) . Before TCM Norman soldiered with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He only seems serious.
Michèle Butot, RCSW, E-RYT 500, is a registered clinical social worker with over twenty years experience, and a specialization in women’s mental health and palliative care. Misha began teaching in 1998, subsequently studying and receiving advanced training in yoga nidra. Her practice is deeply influenced by the nondual traditions, and has as its primary goal an embodied recognition of the inherent wholeness and spaciousness of our True Self.
Misha has been at MokSana Yoga since its inception. She teaches in the 250- and 500-hour teacher training programs, with a focus on yoga psychology & ethics, restorative & back health practices, nondual meditation & yoga nidra, and meeting pain, dying & death from a yogic perspective.
Ida has been practicing yoga since 1996 and has practiced many different styles over the years but is most recently influenced by her studies at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massechusetts and Anusara Yoga. Since February 2008 she has been travelling to study with Anusara’s founder, John Friend, and his senior teachers, including Christina Sell and Darren Rhodes. Ida completed her 250-hr teacher training at Moksana and her 500-hr teacher training at Kripalu. Ida is owner and managing director of the Centre.
Tatiyana began her yoga journey by toddling across the meditation hall in yellow stretchies. Asana practice was introduced a few years later and all went well until. . . as a teenager she wholeheartedly rebelled against everything – including yoga. Over the next few years it became frustratingly obvious that any and all roads would lead back to her yoga path. In her early twenties she surrendered, and has since been taught and inspired by teachers including: Kate Potter, Stephen Parker, Ingo Beardi, Bachibhai, Siddhi Ma, and Swami Veda. She is a student of Swami Maheshananda.
Tatiyana began her study of Sanskrit and yogic texts in India, where she lived and studied yoga for two years. Tatiyana facilitates pre-registered advanced classes in yogic philosophy, mythology, pranayama, asana and other practises as well as regular Sanskrit intensives.
Jennifer Piercy, E-RYT500, invites students to explore patterns in the mindbody system from a place of curiosity and wonder. Creating a supportive atmosphere, her teaching encourages the student to connect with and express their concurrent uniqueness/oneness – through awareness, breath, movement, and stillness. Each class is infused with poetry, inspired readings, and the opportunity to welcome all aspects of one’s being. Jennifer began practicing Yoga in 2001 and found herself immediately fascinated by the interplay between ’sthira’ (steadiness, effort) and ’sukha’ (ease, softness) as they unfolded on her mat, and simultaneously her life ‘beyond the mat’. She was drawn to her first teacher training at Moksana in 2004. Since then she has been blessed to have undertaken advanced training with wonderful teachers such as Donna Farhi, Erich Schiffman, Richard Miller, Angela Farmer, and Sama Fabian. Jennifer is also a volunteer counsellor and finds the principles of Yoga naturally coalesce into her interest in transpersonal and eco-psychology.
Crystal Star is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and graduate of the Moksana Teacher Training Program, is often seen in the sun-lit studio dearest to her heart. For the past 11 years she has been on an extensive journey of teaching and practicing at many different locations throughout Victoria. Amazing teachers and wonderful styles including Iyengar, Flow, Hatha, Chakra, Ashtanga and Kundalini have influenced her. Crystal’s teaching style focuses on compassion, self-awareness, safety in postures, having fun, and in creating a nurturing space where each unique being can explore their individual, personal connection to Body-Mind-Spirit. Bringing deep love and life experience to Integrative Medicine, she is also a Certified Counsellor, Registered Nurse, Mother, and Reiki Master/Teacher.