MICHAEL DOWNING Founder and Director of Yoga For Living, has been designated as an Anusara-Inspired Instructor. He has received this appointment from John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga. Michael has over 20 years of self awareness training, holds a masters degree in counseling, has taught anatomy, psychology and science to elementary and high school students. Michael brings a fresh approach to yoga, integrating his experience in martial arts, sports coaching, weight training, TA, NLP and vocal training. Prior to opening Yoga For Living in 2001, Michael taught yoga at Phoenix College, various studios, health clubs and resorts in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area as well as teaching workshops around the country. Michael would like to express his appreciation to the many influential teachers he has studied with including: Jeff Martens, Ian Lopatin, Tara Mala, Kat Puraleski, Lisa Cohen, Jordan & Martin Kirk, Tias Little, Seane Corn, Francois Raoult, Pat Hansen, Tim Miller, Jonny Kest, Geo Takoma, Gurmukh Khalsa, Gurushabd Khalsa, Beryl Bender-Birch, Dave Oliver, Saul David Raye, Anthony Carlisle, John Friend, Desiree Rumbaugh, Desikachar and Kausthub.
MELINDA DOWNING knows first-hand how stress can settle into the body. A self-proclaimed project monster and recovering workaholic, yoga is an important part of maintaining balance in her busy life and she feels yoga, meditation and massage are essentials. The goal in her Tuesday morning class is to create a place of serenity, so that for seventy five minutes you can escape from the world, completely letting go. In the Monday night yoga class, she will motivate you to move, inspiring you to look and feel fabulous. Melinda has studied Thai Yoga Massage with Saul David Raye, Yin Yoga with Sarah Powers, Therapeutic Yoga with Cheri Clampett and Anusara style yoga with Martin & Jordan Kirk. She continues to learn about yoga each day from her partner and inspiration Michael Downing. One of her biggest passions is the project she shares with her Uncle. Over the last 4 years they have built 3 one room cabins in the mountains, using mostly recycled materials. Melinda is also a photographer and event designer, you can visit her websites here:
Etsy shops:
Crowns and Caramels
Photography and Stationary