Meet the Team
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Nina
Meet Nina, a radiant and inspiring yoga teacher, whose journey into the world of yoga began in 2020. Her adventure started long before she realized, as she playfully found herself in plow pose as a child, unaware of the profound path it was paving for her. Fast forward to February 2023, Nina became YTT 200 certified at the esteemed Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where she deepened her knowledge and practice in Kripalu yoga—a hatha-based approach that beautifully harmonizes the mind, body, and spirit.
Nina is thrilled to introduce a Gentle Yoga class designed to welcome beginners while equally challenging and enriching yogis of all levels. Her classes are a sanctuary for growth, learning, and self-discovery, inviting students to explore their true Selves in a supportive and nurturing environment.
With a keen understanding of the impact of trauma on the mind and body, Nina approaches her teaching with compassion and awareness. Nina is trauma-informed, integrating this sensitivity into her language and practice. She believes in the power of yoga as a healing tool, offering space for individuals to heal trauma through mindful movement and breath.
Her commitment to ongoing learning and her passion for sharing the transformative power of yoga shines through in every class she teaches. Join her on this journey to wellness and self-discovery, where every pose and breath is a step closer to knowing your true self.
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Shivabalayogi
MEDITATION MASTER
In the serene space of our yoga studio, the profound presence of Sri Sri Sri Shivabalayogi resonates, an unseen yet deeply felt guide on our collective journey towards self-discovery and inner peace.Shivabalayogi, revered for his profound wisdom and absolute commitment to spiritual transcendence, has left an indelible impact that transcends physical boundaries. His teachings, deeply rooted in the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, echo throughout the studio, instilling a sense of unity and interconnectedness.
While Shivabalayogi devoted eight years of his life to intense meditation, achieving a state of self-realization that is rare and remarkable, his physical presence is no longer with us. Yet, his spiritual energy is as tangible as ever, pervading our studio, guiding our practices, and shaping our journey towards enlightenment.
Walking into our studio, one can't help but feel enveloped by Shivabalayogi's enduring energy. His teachings, centered around the understanding that the self and the universe are inseparable, are palpable in every breath, every pose, and every moment of stillness we share.
Shivabalayogi's absence is physical, yet his influence is profoundly present. His teachings continue to guide us, his energy continues to inspire us, and his spirit continues to shape the essence of our community. His enlightened presence is more than a memory – it's an active, guiding force, encouraging us to transcend our perceived limitations and discover our true, universal nature.
In essence, the studio serves as a living testament to Shivabalayogi's enduring spiritual legacy. His teachings continue to inspire, his energy continues to uplift, and his presence is felt in every inch of our space. Despite his physical absence, the essence of Shivabalayogi's wisdom endures, guiding our community towards deeper understanding, unity, and inner peace.
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Don D.
QIGONG & MEDITATION
Don is a remarkable individual whose experiences span the vast expanse of life, from the desolate landscapes of Desert Storm to the tranquil practice of martial arts. His story is one deeply etched in service, dedication, and resilience. A veteran, Don has witnessed humanity at its most intense, serving in active military zones and performing duties that would daunt even the most seasoned individuals. His stories echo a time spent patrolling the labyrinthine depths of a clandestine military base, an enduring testament to his unwavering patience and profound tenacity.
Don's journey took an intriguing turn when he crossed paths with a notorious Chinese internal martial arts teacher. This meeting occurred in the unlikeliest of places – a backyard training session, which also marked his first encounter with a young apprentice. Despite the age difference, their initial meeting unfolded on the sparing mat, a testament to Don's formidable skills as a martial artist. This encounter would set the stage for a profound and enduring bond, shaped by mutual respect and shared passion.
An inspiring testament to his character, Don's life goes beyond martial arts and military service. His resilience shines through personal hardships, where he navigated life's rough terrains with unwavering dedication and quiet strength. These experiences sculpted him into a pillar of strength, a beacon guiding those around him towards resilience and self-belief.
Don's dedication extends into his spiritual journey, where he continues to explore the depths of Eastern arts practices, meditation, and yoga. He pours his experiences, wisdom, and learnings into his teachings, enriching those lucky enough to learn from him. As a guide, Don prefers to stand beside his students, empowering them to uncover their own potential rather than directing from afar.
Those who have the privilege to know him will attest to Don's incredible resilience. Even in the face of life's most formidable challenges, Don continues to inspire others to live their best lives. He radiates quiet strength, a reservoir of wisdom and knowledge that unfolds gradually, revealing profound insights to those who earn his trust.
Don embodies the teachings of his past mentors, living testament to their wisdom and influence. His life is an open book filled with fascinating chapters of courage, resilience, and determination, each page echoing his readiness to pass on his wisdom. Don stands as a beacon for others, a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, patience, and pure dedication. His life serves as an inspiration, a reminder that no matter the trials we face, we possess the strength to overcome, learn, and grow.
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MJ
DHARMA YOGA
Yoga is more than a passion for me; it's a lifestyle that encompasses all its elements - from the asanas to the spiritual aspects, the soulful chanting, the uplifting music, and the enriching community. I'm also deeply dedicated to teaching, having consistently shared the practice for over seven years.My teaching journey began at a temple on Sunday mornings. The students, with an average age of around 70, embraced the practice with enthusiasm. We started with a gentle practice for about 12 weeks, gradually progressing to Dharma 1. The practice didn't replace their Jewish faith; rather, it harmoniously aligned with it. The physical and spiritual aspects of yoga resonated deeply with them. Each week, they eagerly anticipated the next session, sharing their progress and aspirations with me. It was truly inspiring to see them love the practice as much as I do.
Six years ago, I started teaching at a studio in Oswego, Dharma Yoga North. At a time when my work life was stressful and disorienting, this opportunity anchored me. I could reconnect with my true self while sharing yoga with enthusiastic new practitioners. It helped me regain balance and prioritize what truly mattered.
More recently, I've been teaching yoga at a substance abuse agency where I've worked for the past 30 years. We received a grant of $25,000 to implement innovative programs, including yoga, nutrition education, and chronic disease self-management. We revamped a room, equipped it with mats, blocks, and straps, and soon I was teaching yoga to our clients. This program, which started in February 2018, had a transformative impact. Our data showed that those attending yoga sessions had fewer positive drug tests and better attendance than those who didn't. Despite the challenges posed by COVID, we adapted and continued the practice remotely.
In August 2020, I embarked on a 500-hour yoga teaching training program. As the oldest trainee in the class at 59 years old, it was the most challenging endeavor I had undertaken in my adult life. The training was interrupted by COVID in March 2020, forcing us to continue online, adding another level of challenge. By July 2021, however, I had completed the training and earned my 500-hour certificate.
Having received this gift of yoga and the opportunity to share it has touched every facet of my life. It's an honor to aid others in their journey towards peace, balance, and self-discovery. As a teacher, seeing the transformative power of yoga in others' lives is a reward beyond measure.
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Craig
BUDDHIST MEDITATION
Meet Craig Olmsted, a vibrant 35-year-old who has devoted over two decades of their life to the exploration and practice of Buddhism. Craig’s spiritual quest has led them through the varied landscapes of many Buddhist schools of thought - Secular, Rinzai Zen, Theravada, as well as the mystical realms of Vajrayana and Dzogchen Buddhism. Yet, no matter how far Craig’s explorations took them, Craig invariably found the way back to their spiritual guru, Siddhartha Gautama, and the sanctuary of Theravada Buddhism.Craig's journey has seen their self living in the serenity of a Zen monastery, residing side by side with Buddhist monks. Craig has experienced the profound stillness of sesshins - intense meditation retreats - and has received the gift of koans from the esteemed Shinge Roshi of The Zen Studies Society.
Despite Craig’s vast experiences and knowledge, Craig holds no formal credentials, certificates, or degrees in meditation, concentration, or insight. They are not recognized as a teacher within any traditional lineage. Craig’s journey is one of personal commitment and self-discovery, rather than formal accreditation.
Yet, what he possesses is the invaluable wisdom of the Dhamma - the collective teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, The Buddha. Guided by these teachings, and the insights from revered monks such as Ajhan Chah of the Thai Forest Tradition and Bhikkhu Bodhi,
Guided by these profound teachings, Craig has embarked on a lifelong journey of learning and cultivating the practice of meditation.. These teachings are what he humbly offers to others, in the spirit of dāna - the selfless act of giving without seeking anything in return, a true manifestation of Buddhist generosity.
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Jen
DHARMA YOGA
A student of the Sri Dharma Mittra Yoga lineage since moving to Syracuse in 2009, Jennifer began her yoga practice as a way to bring balance amidst a stressful career and to help facilitate alignment with her most authentic self. It didn't take long to realize that she had found her home with the Dharma Yoga Syracuse community. As a means to continue deepening her practice, in 2015 she studied under her beloved teacher, Saraswati Om, during the 200 hour LOAY Teacher Training. Jennifer has extensive gratitude for this journey as a yoga practitioner, as it continues to be a daily practice of mindfulness and dedication as well as a process of self-exploration.When not on the mat, Jennifer spends much of her time in the service of her other great practice, the alchemy of baking at her eatery, The Sweet Praxis.
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Pranav
ASHTANGA YOGA
Pranav Soman has been practicing Ashtanga yoga for over 15 years. Though originally from Pune, India (home of Iyengar yoga), the first place he started yoga practice was in Hershey Pennsylvania, under the tutelage of Tina Stroh (Just Plain Yoga) and has been practicing ever since.
In his classes, Pranav lays emphasis on correct breathing techniques, and maintaining a straight spine. In his classes, expect to find traditional ashtanga series practice, as well as a blend of first and second series asanas (hatha vinyasa).
Most recently, Pranav was teaching Ashtanga Yoga at Dharma Yoga in Syracuse. When not teaching yoga, Pranav can be found teaching Biomedical Engineering to his students at Syracuse University.