our instructors
All of our classes are taught by certified, specially-trained volunteer teachers. These men and women are the heart of our work. Meet the family!
Hasna Atry
coming soon…
Julie Dean
Julie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Science from the University of Colorado and has practiced as a CPA for 20 years. She has been a student of yoga for over 20 years and has 13 years experience as a teacher. Julie brings extensive experience as a trustee from a variety of nonprofit organizations. She is a mother of two and a student of art, music and dance. Her solid belief in the transformative power of yoga and the desire to share this with those without access has drawn her to Yoga Behind Bars.
Bonnie Dike
What does teaching for YBB mean to you? Teaching the maximum security incarcerated teens at Echo Glen allows me to observe certain profound effects of yoga: the ability to open up, trust, express gratitude, kindness and politeness, and to take action even when uncomfortable. I wanted to bring hope and encouragement to these dear souls. As it turns out, I am amazed and uplifted by them every week. What style of yoga do you teach? Hatha, Vinyasa, Yoga Nidra. What is your favorite quote that relates to our work at YBB? Close your eyes, scan your world, share your love. ~Natalie Smith, Director YBB
Carlos Joy Gomes
coming soon…
Irene Hauzinger
coming soon….
Katherin Hervey
What does teaching for YBB mean to you? Everyone has the capacity to change. Everyone deserves the opportunity to find peace within themselves. Everyone has value and something to offer the world. What style of yoga do you teach? Kundalini Yoga and Meditation What is your favorite quote that relates to our work at YBB? “Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.” – Yogi Bhajan
Lesley Hobbs
coming soon…
Cathy Iacobazzi
coming soon…
Haripurkh Khalsa
What does teaching for YBB mean to you? Facilitating an environment of mindfulness and compassion to support our students in deepening their connection to self and community. What style of yoga do you teach? Kundalini Yoga. What is your favorite quote that relates to our work at YBB? “It’s not the life that matters, it’s the courage that you bring to it.” ~ Yogi Bhajan
Morgan Kellock
Morgan has taught yoga in Seattle for five years but her practice spans 30 years from her first yoga class in Los Angeles. She has academic degrees from UCLA and University of Washington, dance and yoga training from master teachers in multiple styles, and studies spiritual philosophy with the Sri Aurobindo Circle of Seattle.
p:206-367-6591 w:morgankellock.com
Victor Odlivak
What does teaching for YBB mean to you? The most meaningful thing I do. I love it. I love the students and I just have a whole lot of fun while imparting and getting a tiny bit of OMic wisdom. The chanting at the end is a blast. What style of yoga do you teach? Dharma Mittra. What is your favorite quote that relates to our work at YBB? The five klesas. If you have that, you have everything. “Ignorance, egoism, attachment, hatred and clinging to bodily life are the five obstacles.” In German: Nichtwissen, Ichbewustsein, Zuneigung, Abneigung und der Drang zum Leben sind die Klesas. (Note it rhymes in German like the Sankskrit)
Gwendolyn Payton
What does teaching for YBB mean to you? I am passionate about exposing incarcerated men and women to yoga. The benefit is almost immediate and truly amazing. What style of yoga do you teach? I teach a rewarding and challenging conditioning-infused yoga class designed to build strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and agility, while gaining focus and clarity. I focus on correct alignment and personal growth. What is your favorite quote that relates to our work at YBB? “In order for man to succeed in life, God provided him with two means, education and physical activity. Not separately, one for the soul and the other for the body, but for the two together. With these two means, man can attain perfection.” Plato
Janice Rapp
Coming soon…
Brenda Schornak
coming soon…
Vanessa Skantze
coming soon….
Chelle Swierz
/>coming soon…
Suzanne Teachey
coming soon….
Danielle Woodard
coming soon…
Judy Yablanksi
coming soon…