Robert Butera, E-RYT, M.Div., PhD., is the founder of the YogaLife Institute, publisher of Yoga Living magazine and a board member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Bob studied yoga with Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra at The Yoga Institute of Bombay and later obtained his Ph.D. in Yoga Philosophy a the California Institute of Integral Studies and a Masters of Divinity from The Earlham School of Religion. With over 25 years of meditation and yoga experience, he has worked with teachers and students throughout Japan, Taiwan, India and the United States. Bob emphasized a holistic exploration of Yoga and is known for teaching ancient Classical Yoga principles in a practical and relevant way that connects students with their own divinity. Bob's book, The Pure Heart of Yoga: Ten Essential Steps for Personal Transformation was released by Llewellyn Worldwide in September 2009.
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In The Pure Heart of Yoga, yoga master and scholar Dr. Robert Butera examines the subtle internal healing processes that are contained in yoga philosophy and experienced through yoga poses. Through clear direction and exercises designed to encourage practitioners toward experiential knowledge, these teachings have tremendous impact on yoga practice.
The Ten Steps include: Personal Intention, Attitude, Archetypal Patterns, Posture, Bio-energetic Awareness, Mental Focus, Energy Centers, Locks and Seals, Psychological Blocks and Emotional Transformation.
Julie Rost, E-RYT500, Director of the YogaLife Institute of NH, researched the therapeutic aspects of Yoga while a Psychology major in college, resulting in a thesis on the benefits of Yoga for at-risk adolescents. After ten years of working in women’s reproductive health, she spent three years in Africa studying traditional methods for healing HIV/AIDS. Realizing that the yoga lifestyle held the greatest potential for health and well-being, her return to the U.S. led her to the YogaLife Institute in PA, where she studied and eventually coordinated the 200 and 500-hour Classical Yoga Teacher Training programs. For the last 5 years, she has directed both Teacher Training programs in NH, along with Meditation Training, weekly classes, workshops and private yoga therapy.
Brian Serven, Assistant Director, E-RYT 500, CYT, is a Senior Instructor at YogaLife Institute in Exeter, New Hamsphire. He assists in the coordination of the 200 and 500- hour Yoga Teacher Training programs, the Comprehensive Yoga Therapist training program, as well as facilitates the 'Introduction to Yoga' and 'Meditation For Your Type Series'. A graduate of the YogaLife Institute's 200-hour and 500-hour Classical Yoga Teacher Training program, he received additional Teacher Training certification at The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, India, where the therapeutic principals of Yoga are integrated seamlessly, philosophically and physically. Believing the benefits of Yoga to be abundant and suitable for everyone, Brian's approach to sharing these experiences are with an intention of simplicity and accessibility. Viewing Yoga as a lifestyle and combining such experiences with 6 years of Martial Arts studies, Brian has a unique view of balance, discipline and awareness.
Senior Instructor: Lisa Rockenmacher, E-RYT 500, KYRT is a devoted practitioner of yoga who enjoys sharing her enthusiasm with others. A constant student of yoga and the creative spirit, Lisa has been a teacher for over fifteen years--focusing on yoga and healing for the past five. She is certified as an instructor in Classical (Hatha) and Kundalini Yoga and is a Reiki Master Teacher in the Usui Tibetan-Enhanced and Karuna traditions. Blending yogic wisdom with intuitive sensibility, Lisa facilitates classes that allow students to explore challenges and new experiences within a safe and supportive community. Lisa is honored to serve as a vehicle for encouraging students toward deeper access of their unique wisdom, strength, and guidance.
Senior Instructor: Lily Sibley, owner of Ocean Spirit Yoga, has been teaching yoga in Portsmouth, NH, as well as Kittery, ME, Exeter, Rye and Newburyport, since 2002. Lily has advanced certification as a Classical Yoga teacher, is a certified Reiki Master and a licensed teacher of The Lebed Method, a movement therapy program for breast cancer survivors and chronic illness. Currently, Lily is a senior teacher in the YogaLife Institute of NH yoga teacher training program, a program born of the Yoga Institute of Mumbai, India. Ocean Spirit Yoga offers regular on-going yoga classes, workshops, retreats, meditation classes, classes for rehabilitation and wellness, and private yoga classes.
While introducing her students to the physical and mental benefits of a regular yoga practice, Lily encourages her students to be comfortable with their individual levels of ability. Her students are further encouraged to "take their yoga off the mat" -- to create harmony and a sense of well being in their lives. While building strength and flexibility in their bodies, Lily's students discover the stillness and peace that lies within each of us. Using classical texts, such as the Bhagavagita, the Upanishads, the Yoga Sutras, the Tao Te Ching, as tools for discussion, students learn to live in the ups and downs of a fully integrated life. Visit Ocean Spirits website for more information, click here Ocean Spirit.
Senior Instructor: Stacy Smith, RYT 500, has studied yoga since 1998 and teaches at The Yoga Center in Portland, Maine. She approaches yoga in a holistic manner, blending the insights of Classical and Iyengar yoga with Ayurvedic teachings to nurture physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Stacy was trained as a philosopher of education and formerly taught undergraduates at a liberal arts college. She now enjoys exploring the deep philosophical and spiritual traditions of Eastern wisdom with students of all ages. She is the mother of two young boys and teaches pre-natal yoga as one avenue for sharing the many ways that yoga has supported her mothering and family relationships. Stacy is a graduate of the YogaLife Institute of NH and continues to study and instruct in its teacher training programs. To view Stacy's current yoga classes at the Yoga Center of Portland, Maine, click here.
Senior Instructor: Sally Sugatt, RYT500, CYT, started practicing postures in 1978 pregnant with her first child, and is grateful to many teachers for their wisdom. In 2006 she was ready to learn more and Julie Rost appeared! Sally finished the Classical Yoga Teacher Training Program with Julie at the 500 hour level in 2009. She began teaching at Blue Moon in 2007. She received her certification as a Yoga Therapist in 2012. As a child and family therapist, Sally is particularly interested in how the ancient practices of yoga--all eight limbs--inform our relationships: with ourselves and with others. At the Blue Moon Sally has found a committed and supportive yoga community.
Teacher Training 
Robert Butera, E-RYT, M.Div., PhD., is the founder of the YogaLife Institute, publisher of Yoga Living magazine and a board member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Bob studied yoga with Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra at The Yoga Institute of Bombay and later obtained his Ph.D. in Yoga Philosophy a the California Institute of Integral Studies and a Masters of Divinity from The Earlham School of Religion. With over 25 years of meditation and yoga experience, he has worked with teachers and students throughout Japan, Taiwan, India and the United States. Bob emphasized a holistic exploration of Yoga and is known for teaching ancient Classical Yoga principles in a practical and relevant way that connects students with their own divinity. Bob's book, The Pure Heart of Yoga: Ten Essential Steps for Personal Transformation was released by Llewellyn Worldwide in September 2009.
Senior Instructor: Lisa Rockenmacher, E-RYT 500, KYRT is a devoted practitioner of yoga who enjoys sharing her enthusiasm with others. A constant student of yoga and the creative spirit, Lisa has been a teacher for over fifteen years--focusing on yoga and healing for the past five. She is certified as an instructor in Classical (Hatha) and Kundalini Yoga and is a Reiki Master Teacher in the Usui Tibetan-Enhanced and Karuna traditions. Blending yogic wisdom with intuitive sensibility, Lisa facilitates classes that allow students to explore challenges and new experiences within a safe and supportive community. Lisa is honored to serve as a vehicle for encouraging students toward deeper access of their unique wisdom, strength, and guidance.
Senior Instructor: Stacy Smith, RYT 500, has studied yoga since 1998 and teaches at The Yoga Center in Portland, Maine. She approaches yoga in a holistic manner, blending the insights of Classical and Iyengar yoga with Ayurvedic teachings to nurture physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Stacy was trained as a philosopher of education and formerly taught undergraduates at a liberal arts college. She now enjoys exploring the deep philosophical and spiritual traditions of Eastern wisdom with students of all ages. She is the mother of two young boys and teaches pre-natal yoga as one avenue for sharing the many ways that yoga has supported her mothering and family relationships. Stacy is a graduate of the YogaLife Institute of NH and continues to study and instruct in its teacher training programs. To view Stacy's current yoga classes at the Yoga Center of Portland, Maine, 