Cheryl Hughes

My Teaching Style~ In addition to the formal Kripalu training, I pursued various ashtanga-inspired training, Mindful Yoga, Adaptive Yoga, and Yoga with Health and Adaptive Techniques. I studied under numerous well- known national and international instructors, drawing from all traditions of yoga as well as pranayama (breath work) and meditation.  I integrate body-alignment infused with body awareness, breathing techniques into Kripalu Vinyasa-style practices, relaxation followed with 5- 10 minutes of meditation.  My instructional style reflects durable architectural foundations incorporating anatomy and kinesiology, the invitation to activate subtle energy guided with the playful Kripalu spirit and humor. Characteristics blended with a joyful and jubilant instructor, sports coach and occasionally drill sergeant, infused in the appropriate manner where designed.  There are moments where the invitation for reflection encompasses the posture in the present moment. To feel and experience each sensation without judgment, to understand that to accept where you are at the present moment helps to develop a strong sense of acceptance on and off the mat. Specialty Yoga Training Programs I have completed consists of: 100- Hr. Prenatal Certification with Pranakriya School of Yoga, a YogaBorn Prenatal Program.; Trauma Yoga with JRI- David Emerson, Bessel van der Kolk, , Mindful Yoga, Yoga Warriors International, Beryl Bender Birch- Yoga Warriors, and Ann Richardson Stevens with Adaptive Yoga has provided me with a solid base for working with individuals suffering from Trauma, wounds, amputations and injuries.  I have been Grandfathered in as a C- IAYT.  My commitment to each student is a well- balanced yoga experience in a calm and peaceful safe space and to inspire others through the practice of yoga asanas, breath work- pranayama, and meditation.  The continual offer of tranquility and the voyage to the still and quiet internal presence within is a journey each participant is invited to explore. Jai Bhagwan~   Certifications and Training~ EDUCATION   BS in Food Technology and Science Research in Agriculture, Univ. of Tenn., Knox., TN; Hospital Corp School, USN; Effective Teacher Training, CCCC, Jacksonville, NC; 21st Century Customer Service Certification, Certificates in Business and Operations Management; Kripalu School of Yoga- KYYA, PKYTA, YA, E- RYT 200; 500- RYT, C- IAYT..  Currently attending additional 300- RTT with Pranakriya School of Yoga H. Arts. Certifications in: 100- Hr. Prenatal Yoga Certification; 100- hr. Mindful Yoga with Suzanne Manafort; 15- hr. Mindful Yoga ( with an emphasis on wellness, self- regulation skills for Trauma with specific pranayama techniques) Instructor (Newington, CT); 40- hr. Certificate as a Trauma Sensitive Yoga Instructor (JRI); Yoga Warriors International Instructor (Boylston, MA); Yoga Fit Level I Instructor Training; AFAA Aerobic and Fitness Instructor; AFAA Yoga Trained; EQUINOX Classical Pilates Mat Instructor; NESTA Sports-Yoga Instructor; NESTA Contemporary Pilates Mat Instructor; “MAD-DOGG SPIN” Instructor Star Level 3; “SilverSneakers Classic Strength, Flexibility and Balance Training” and “SilverSneakers Classic Yoga ”; YMCA Healthy Habits; YMCA Business Training; First Aid, CPR and Defibrillation Adult and Child. Continuing Education Credits in:  Adaptive Yoga for Wounded, Injured and Amputees; The Hard & Soft Yoga Institute: Classical 8 Limbed Path of Astanga Yoga; 15 hrs.- Adaptive Mindful Yoga with Suzanne Manafort; 14 Hrs. Structural Yoga with an emphasis on health centered techniques; Modifications and Adjustments for Special Populations and Physical Conditions; AFAA When Rest Doesn’t Recover; Yoga for PTSD Teacher Training with David Emerson (JRI); Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga; Level I Little Flowers Yoga ages 2- 10 years; Yoga Essential I & II; Yoga Inversions and Balancing; Pilates Mat Work; Nutrition, Fitness and Weight Management; ACSM Personal Training Workshop; Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program; AFAA Golden Hearts: Senior Fitness Training; MAD-DOGG Creative Coaching Clinic; Spin, Breathing Techniques and Modifications and Adjustments for Special populations and Physical Conditions.  HOBBIES   Cooking, kayaking, cycling, hiking, long-distance walking programs, swimming, yoga, Pilates, running, sailing, pottery wheel-throwing, Plein-aire painting, nature photography.   Honorably Discharged United States Navy Veteran