Yoga Instructors

	Rulik Rulick teaches a dynamic style of Hatha Yoga, emphasizing the qualities of awareness and meditation in the practice. In May 2006, he began leading a free weekly Ashtanga Vinyasa class in a warehouse in downtown San Francisco. Seeing his friends become passionate about the practice was the most satisfying experience for him. Rulick received his first formal yoga teacher training certification from Piedmont Yoga Studio where he studied with teachers who drew their lineage from the Iyengar tradition. Ever committed to the healing and nurturing sides of yoga, Rulick helps his students to transcend their limits and guide them into the unknown. Being a mountain climber and a back-country skier, he sees the benefits of applying both the physical and mental aspects of yoga practice to the “extreme” hobbies. Learn more about Rulick's teaching at www.rulick.com.
Lori Lori has been a student of Ashtanga Yoga for over ten years. She is committed to teaching Ashtanga in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois as a framework to realize the power of the breath, steadiness of mind and body, and deeper self-awareness. She is grateful to have completed extensive study with Dena Kingsberg of Australia.
	Baxter Baxter Bell, MD, RYT500 has been a part of the Ironworks Yoga staff since almost it's inception. He leads an alignment focused practice that is influenced by such teachers as Rodney Yee, Erich Schiffman, TKV Desikachar and BKS Iyengar. Not only will you "do" yoga, but you will learn about yoga as well. All levels are welcome. Learn more about Baxter's teaching at www.bellyoga.info and his blog,www.yogaforhealthyaging.blogspot.com.
Raven I have been a student of yoga since 1997, and received my teaching certification from Integral Yoga Institute in February of 2003. I teach an accessible, yet sometimes challenging, form of Hatha yoga, appropriate for beginners and those looking to slow down and go deeper. In my classes there is an emphasis on breathing and unwinding, while also building strength and flexibility. I encourage each person to move at the pace of their own slow, deep breath. (This is different from the quicker vinyasa styles, where the breath is intentionally sped up to build heat). And after we move and breathe and stretch and strengthen, we sit. The seated meditation practice offers the opportunity to be still, if even for a few minutes, allowing the effects of the entire practice to really seep in to the consciousness. My students tell me they appreciate my clear and precise instructions and ability to convey the teachings of Hatha yoga with humor and kindness.
	Sharon After the bicycle crash, cancer and other vicissitudes of life, Sharon was drawn to the healing aspects of Forrest Yoga. Ana Forrest, the founder of Forrest Yoga, uses basic moves like relaxing the neck, active feet and hands to help stay connected with feelings inside the body. The deep core work strengthens the body. The emphasis on staying connected with the breath helps calm the nervous system, and allows healing to happen. Sharon is a certified Forrest Yoga teacher, and teaches a Forrest-Yoga-inspired class in a gently warmed room (75°).
Amelia Amelia is passionate about yoga and loves to share it with others! She teaches a challenging Vinyasa style with a range of modifications offered all along the way. She fosters a calm and nurturing environment where people can embrace their own challenges on any particular day, whether that is to remember to breath fully or to take a much needed break. She started studying yoga in 2006 with Kevin Snorf in Santa Cruz and continued her practice as she moved around the world. Amelia trained to be a teacher with Yoga to the People in San Fransisco spring of 2010.
	Melissa Melissa teaches an invigorating vinyasa class open to all levels. Emphasis on alignment, core strength and linking postures mindfully with the breath. Be prepared to sweat, smile and feel rejuvenated!
Julie Julie spent many years involved in training within the Krishnamacharya lineage of Vinyasa yoga in India with Sri Pattabi Jois ((Ashtanga), T.K.V. Desikachar (Viniyoga), and with Iyengar teachers in the Bay Area (Rodney Yee, Ramanand Patel) as well as with Mark Whitwell and Heart of Yoga. She studied regularly with Dharma Mittra in his NYC studio. Julie was mentored by the founders of Jivamukti Yoga during the establishment of their East Village yoga school where she was one of their very first teachers. She teaches yoga from the inside out focusing on the inner sensation of the breath in the body. She creates a playful field to explore flowing asana sequences wrapped in intelligent alignment, breath, mindfulness and sound. Yoga is offered as a mirror through which we gain self-knowledge and grow compassion. Julie has a private practice in Psychotherapy/Yoga Therapy (MFT 36095) and is adept at helping people heal physical and emotional conditions. She is the mother to a delightful 5 year old who provides her with extra learning opportunities.
Sandra Sandra Safadirazieli has been teaching at Berkeley Ironworks since 2001. Trained in the Iyengar tradition, she teaches an alignment based practice that encourages creativity and playfulness. She guides students to recognize how changes in everyday habits of movement can lead to greater freedom, comfort, and ultimately a more fulfilling life. As a life-long soccer player, Sandra has relied on yoga to maintain a balance of flexibility and strength. As a cultural anthropologist, she is keenly aware of how cultural messages affect our body image, and ultimately our experience living in and with our bodies. Learn more about Sandra’s teaching at www.raziyoga.com