Erin Damm

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Erin Damm MPH ACSM-HFS RYT E-RYT I discovered yoga while an undergrad at the University of Iowa studying Health and Sport Studies with an emphasis on Health Promotion and Physical Fitness but it wasnt until completion of my Master of Public Health in Behavioral Science at Saint Louis University that I fully immersed in my own practice of yoga The decision to become a certified yoga instructor came after many years of teaching different styles of fitness classes eg bootcamp kickboxing and finding a passion for sharing the gift of yoga  In Fall I began a -day intensive -hour yoga teacher training at Anamaya Retreat Center in Montezuma Costa Rica Under the instruction of Paula Tursi of Reflections Yoga and Peter Kaaberbol Kristensen of LagoCPH I learned the key principles of yoga and teaching receiving my -RYT certification alongside other beautiful souls I believe the best teachers are those who continue their personal practice and are lifelong students I have attended yoga festivals throughout the country including the Dubuque Yoga Festival and Wanderlust-Aspen My continuing education has included workshops in pranayama breath control Thai Massage trauma-conscious teaching/practice ayuerveda nutrition and yoga anatomy I continued my studies under Sharon Doran-Ballenger at Total Harmony Yoga in San Antonio TX through a generous scholarship from Yoga Alliance Here I furthered my understanding of teaching to yogis of all levels and understanding Trauma-Informed yoga teaching techniques more deeply I received my hour designation in July  and plan to continue learning as I go In I founded Light the Spark Within Retreats with fellow teacher Clarissa Thompson We aim to create intriguing adventurous and transformational retreats domestically and internationally Our first retreat was in Guatemala and we will take our second group to Amorgos Greece in Visit wwwlightthesparkwithincom or follow us on Instagram @lightthesparkwithin for more info I spend my free time with family and friends My passions outside of yoga include traveling to visit new places and friends from all stages of my life journey being physically active with running/ cycling / swimming/ kickboxing/etc trying lots of different restaurants and foods and using social media to connect all these passions I have always been told that I can do and be anything I want I make it my life goal to help others realize this as well I am blessed to use my background in health promotion and human anatomy/movement to share my passion for fitness and yoga with as many people as possible Through teaching yoga and other varied fitness classes I have been able to help others find the energy and drive to take on many a mental and physical challenge beyond what they ever thought possible I encourage others to continue to be students of life to travel the world or just their own back yard and to meet as many people and take on as many challenges as possible for each person and challenge that comes into your life teaches you a new and exciting lesson  Attend an in person or online group or private lesson with me and you will find a unique flow with lots of emphasis on breath and alignment to aid in creating a connection between your mind body and spirit  Favorite Quote: Dont set a spark light a fire Namaste.