Faculty

Diane Kovanda, M.Ed., E-RYT 500, Director of training, Founder Kind Yoga School ~ teaching methodology, asana, meditation and breathing techniques. Diane Kovanda, a holistic health practitioner and educator, has been practicing hatha yoga for over 25 years. The curriculum at Kind Yoga School is based in Hatha Yoga with a focus on ahimsa and karuna, which cultivates a profound respect and compassion for the self and others. Diane is also the co-founder of The Calm Warrior Training Inc. providing criminal justice professionals with stress reduction and decompression tactics. www.CalmWarrior.com

Diane’s teaching of yoga is deeply informed by her own longtime practice of mindfulness.  Since 1985, Diane has been inspired by her studies of yoga with Callie Lewis Tyber and at Kripalu Center. Diane is certified in Kripalu Yoga, assists with yoga teacher certification at Kripalu, along with facilitating the Calm Warrior program which is open to anyone dealing with stress. 

From her early childhood in Prague, Czech Republic, Diane (Jarmila) has been motivated by her curiosity into the energy of life – nature, people, and communities.  Her passion is to make a positive difference in the world each day.  She is an advocate for effectively reducing our carbon footprint by making informed decisions. Diane writes for various publications, here is an article on receiving her first honey bee hive.

Diane has an extensive background in body/mind approaches to wellness including training in mind/body medicine with Herbert Benson, MD at Mind Body Medical Institute, a license in therapeutic bodywork, and training in mindfulness, meditation and stress management. She continues to deepen her understanding of yoga through ongoing practice and study.

Diane has a relaxed, informal teaching style that puts students at ease, her classes are informative, safe, fun, and relaxing. Her diverse studies have shaped her own unique style of teaching which deeply honors the wisdom of the body and the uniqueness of each individual. Diane is a Professional Level registered yoga teacher with the National Yoga Alliance – E-RYT 500. She also speaks fluent Czech (and English). Diane’s favorite pastime is walking in the woods or on the beach with her dog Tara.

 

• • C. Patty Fater, MD ~  healing energy medicine; FaterMD.com

• • Kumara Sidhartha, MD ~ anatomy, physiology and nutrition;
  • Jay Rosenfeld, MD, Physiatrist, Certified Yoga Teacher – Anatomy

• • Megha (Nancy Buttenheim), M.A., RYT, ~ teaching methodology, asana, meditation and movement; www.LetYourYogaDance.com

• • Linda Harmon, M.Ed., RYT,, ~ fascia, anatomy and gentle yoga; http://www.wave-therapeutics.com

• • Linda Dias, MS Ed, RYT 500, EYT 200, YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Professional), Meditation and Restorative Breath work teacher. Linda received her 500 Hour Yoga Teaching Certificate through the Kind Yoga School. She has over 25 years of experience working with individuals with special needs. Linda teaches yoga for seniors, individuals with special needs and private yoga sessions for individuals and groups. Linda brings a relaxed approach to her yoga classes and creates an environment that allows students to safely explore and meet their potential through thoughtful, compassionate teaching.
    

    Linda Dias

  • Michele Sheridan, B.A. Licensed Assistant applied Behavior Analyst, 500 hr. Yoga Teacher Certification,  Meditation Teacher 
  • Lori Mack, Restorative Yoga
  • Janet Gardner, Registered Yoga Teacher, Janet Gardner has been practicing yoga for nearly forty years and has three decades of teaching experience in a variety of settings. She loves all types of yoga but gravitates particularly towards gentle and slow practices, including chair and yin yoga.
  • Leslie Chisek, MA Certified Speech and Language Pathologist, 200 hr. Yoga Teacher Certification, Postures, Class Flow