All our instructors are professionals who have been developed to offer the highest quality instruction. Every member of our instructor team is approachable, caring, and possesses a true love for teaching. After taking just a few lessons, you will see why Palm Yoga is Tampa’s choice for yoga.
Read below to get to know our instructors!
Amanda currently teaches the Level 1 class on Wednesday, from 6:00 pm-7:10 pm.
What brought you to practice yoga?
I first experienced yoga in a modern dance class as an undergraduate. At that time, we were using asana (yoga poses) consistently as means to warm up for dance. I recall that it was the consistency of the practice that drew me to yoga. Each class began with a sun salutation sequence. The repetition felt like an anchor in my busy and chaotic academic semester and through the salutations, I first learned how to connect my movement with my breath. Later, with a "corporate" job in tow, I knew I needed more structure to my yoga practice, particularly with regard to my scoliosis (spinal curvature), which was exacerbated by sitting at a computer. I found a studio in Tampa that had just opened and the class sizes were small. The studio was Iyengar-influenced and the focus on alignment was ideal. The instructors were attentive to my scoliosis-related limitations and provided individualized attention. It was here, at Palm Yoga, that my practice really took off. By consistently attending two to three classes per week, my scoliosis-related back pain became a distant memory. In 2008, I completed the teacher training program at Palm Yoga, and here I am! : )
What's your favorite yoga pose?
Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II). It's simple yet powerful, and you can explore the nuances of this pose at any age or ability with appropriate modifications.
What do you think is the best thing about the practice of yoga?
As a teacher, I've seen unbelievable transformation in students who routinely practice. No matter their ability, the routine use of appropriate props and modifications has allowed students to experience freedom of movement that they thought was impossible when they first stepped on the mat. As a practitioner, the best thing about yoga is taking what you learn about yourself while you're on the mat and using those observations to transform your life. The practice of asana (yoga poses) is simply a tool to explore a more meaningful way of conducting ourselves in the world.
Why do you enjoy teaching at Palm Yoga?
First, Palm Yoga is sensitive to individual needs. At Palm Yoga we try to meet the student where they are, no matter the student's age or physical limitation. I know that no matter which class on the schedule a student attends, he/she will be treated with the same respect and concern. Secondly, the students are fun! Our students are always willing to try new things and greet challenges with sense of humor!
Favorite inspirational quote:
"It is asana that teaches us the physiology of virtue." - B.K.S. Iyengar
Amanda in Virabhadrasana II
Donna currently teaches Yoga for Beginners on Wednesday at 7:15 pm-8:15 pm and Sunday at 11:00 am-12:15 pm.
What brought you to practice yoga?
I was drawn to yoga initially to help me unwind from a hectic, high stress, traveling insurance sales job. What happened next, I didn't see coming. Yoga became the key to my success in the outside world by focusing my thoughts, strengthening my body, energizing my spirit and fostering creative and powerful ideas. My job has transformed as a direct result of my practice and I now have crested to heights of success I never dreamed possible before. Now, passing on the knowledge and gifts that I received from yoga has become a central theme in my life. I am so grateful for the practice!
What's your favorite yoga pose?
Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose). Both for the intense, full stretch and being the symbol of connectedness between heaven and earth.
What do you think is the best thing about the practice of yoga?
Two things: 1) Yoga releases the best elements of who I am in all aspects of my life. It has become a loyal friend that never fails. It is the first and last place I turn to find peace, cope with stress, connect to joy, locate strength, bolster confidence, and restore and heal my body and spirit. 2) The benefits are universal. It applies to everyone, every age, every gender, any station of life. It's so rewarding to connect authentically with everyone on this level.
Why do you enjoy teaching at Palm Yoga?
This is yoga "done right." The small intimate setting creates the best personal experience between teacher and student and equally important fosters camaraderie and support between the students themselves.
Favorite inspirational quote:
"You always had the power." - Glenda the Good Witch
"When you are ready for life, Life is ready for you." - Bruce D. McClellan (my dad)
Donna in Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
What brought you to practice yoga?
I started my yoga practice as a way to stay flexible and agile. I'm a runner, a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, and I wanted to incorporate some other sort of training to break the routine, but also to do something with less impact but still beneficial to my body. That's when I started my yoga practice. Yoga has not only helped me as a runner and with my Jiu-Jitsu practice, it has also helped me dealing with high blood pressure issues and renal dysfunction.
What's your favorite yoga pose?
Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose)
What do you think is the best thing about the practice of yoga?
For me the best thing about practicing yoga is the energy. My body generates a different type of energy when I'm performing my asana practice. It's amazing how my body transforms through my practice, how I can do poses that at some point before I only saw it books and dreamed about being able to do. Not anymore. My yoga practice got me to that point, to the point I can do those poses.
Why do you enjoy teaching at Palm Yoga?
I enjoy teaching at Palm Yoga because of its environment. The students become the teacher and the teacher becomes the student while we practice. It's a great feeling when you can teach or help someone and in return you get more knowledge to share.
Favorite inspirational quote:
"You were born an original. Don't die a copy." - John Mason
Hector in Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)
Robin currently teaches Yoga for Beginners on Tuesday from 6:15 pm-7:15 pm and Saturday from 10:45 am-11:45 am.
What brought you to practice yoga?
Once upon a time - six years ago - I was a member of a gym because I wanted to stay fit. I hated it but I knew I needed some form of exercise. I saw an ad in the paper for an open house at Palm Yoga. Under the logo it say, "Strength in Flexibility." I attended my first class and knew I finally found what I was looking for.
What do you think is the best thing about the practice of yoga?
Through my years of practice I have become physically stronger and more flexible, but I am also learning how to carry this over into my personal life - off the mat.
Why do you enjoy teaching at Palm Yoga?
It's home!
Favorite inspirational quote:
"Believe you can and you are half way there." - Teddy Roosevelt
Robin in Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)
Anna currently teaches Lunch Yoga on Monday from 12:15 pm-1:00 pm, Level 1 on Monday from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm, Yoga for Beginners on Thursday from 6:15 pm-7:15 pm and Level 1 on Saturday from 9:00 am-10:30 am.
What brought you to practice yoga?
I took my first yoga class at my college gym. I can't say why I was drawn to yoga, but I had always wanted to try it. For whatever reason, I walked into that first class and I was hooked. The relaxing (yet challenging) practice was a form of exercise that resonated with me, and I always felt a sense of peace when I left class.
When I graduated and got my first desk job, my body ached from sitting all day. The inactivity made me hurt all over. I naturally turned to the one and only physical activity I had ever enjoyed – yoga. I joined Palm Yoga and my practice took off. I learned to love yoga even more and decided to become a teacher and do yoga full time. Best decision I've ever made!
What's your favorite yoga pose?
Urdvha Dhanurasana (Upward Facing Bow Pose) - so freeing!
What do you think is the best thing about the practice of yoga?
The focus you gain. At first, you don't notice it. Then, after a while, you realize that while you're practicing, you're not thinking of anything else. You are completely absorbed in the task at hand. Once you realize that you can do this –stay present in the moment – you begin to take it into your everyday life. It may not seem like much, but allowing yourself to stay present, not worrying about the past or the future, can be incredibly liberating.
Why do you enjoy teaching at Palm Yoga?
I enjoy teaching at Palm Yoga because there is so much love in the studio. The students and teachers make up one big support system. We learn and grow with each other, celebrating victories and giving encouragement in the meantime.
Favorite inspirational quote:
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Plato
"Persistence overcomes resistance." - Dad
Anna in Urdvha Dhanurasana (Upward Facing Bow Pose)
