Carmen Monico

Co - Founder/Program Advisor

MSc, E-R.Y.T. 500

PhD/MSW Student

Gauri (Carmen Monico’s spiritual name) is a Yoga practitioner with advanced studies in Yoga and graduate degrees in development management and economics. She is a Sivananda Yoga Master (500 level), a certified Thai Yoga Massage (TYM) practitioner,  a doctoral student of social work (Virginia Commonwealth University) and of Yoga Philosophy and Meditation (International Vedic Hindu University.) Gauri is also completing programs to become a Health Educator in Ayurveda and Yoga, as well as a practitioner of Somatic Experiencing (trauma healing).

Iffet Cochran, E-RYT 200

Director of 200 Hr Karuna Yoga Teacher Training

Iffet received her Yoga teacher certification in 2007. Well versed in Yoga philosophy, Iffet brings a distinct brand of fun and play to the Practice of Yoga, while encouraging students to find their true Spirit, which is Bliss. A former professional French Horn player with the Richmond Symphony, Iffet received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Performance from New York's world-renowned Juilliard School.

Susan Sandlin, L.Ac., M.S.O.M., ERYT500 

Asana and Alignment                

Susan has studied a variety of dance and movement forms since her teens and has been practicing yoga since 1987. She taught her first yoga class in 1992 and has been learning from students ever since. Some of her most inspirational teachers included Ganga White and Tracey Rich, Seane Corn, Shiva Rae, Paul Grilley, Saul David Raye, Sarah Powers, Eddie Modestini and Nikki Doane, Cyndi Lee, Catherine De Los Santos, Natasha Rizopoulos, and Annie Carpenter.

Her style, which is fluid, dynamic, and simultaneously grounded, not only empowers students to discover their authentic potential but also incorporates playfulness. Susan believes that every pose is a meditation and opportunity to glimpse bliss and grace. Whether the practice is Vinyasa style, Core, Hatha, Yin or a fusion of one or more of these, she assists students in finding a sense of the sacred. Susan often includes aromatherapy, acupressure, massage, and soothing relaxation techniques in her classes. Her unique understanding of the body, deepened over time through her studies of both eastern and western systems, enhances her teaching.

A practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and an intuitive energy healer, Susan has practiced healing arts since the late 80’s and in Richmond since 2002. Her practice, West End Eastern Medicine (www.westendeasternmedicine.com) is set in a serene wooded environment. She incorporates gentle acupuncture, food-based Chinese herbs, tuina Chinese massage, nutritional therapy, and lifestyle consultations.

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