The Teacher Team
Paul
Paul is a senior teacher of Pranayama, Asana and the meditative art and science of Yoga. He has been a dedicated student for over a decade of both Sri O.P.Tiwari, one of the few remaining classical yogis and masters of Pranayama, and the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in ashtanga vinyasa. Both of these great teachers have personally
certified
Paul in these practices, a unique position as the only one to receive this double honor. Paul continues with Mantra practice from the yoga lineage and meditative approaches, influenced by the Thai Forest tradition. This combination of practice and study through dedication and devotion has helped him gain some understanding of practice and to apply this appropriately in Asana, Pranayama, Mantra recitation and Meditation for the different level of students he has the privilege to share the teaching with. He continues his studies in health, digestion, anatomy and physiology. One of his main gifts is to be able to relate the teachings in a very down-to-earth way for the modern seeker. He does not take life or yoga too seriously and as a result the discussions and philosophical sessions are lively and humorous, helping to explain the meaning behind the practices and philosophy.
Paul is the happy father of two lovely boys. Together with his wife, he founded Samahita Yoga Thailand. For more please see his full bio.
Stephen Thomas
Stephen Thomas is a senior international yoga teacher. He leads Teacher Trainings, Workshops and Immersions across Asia and Europe. His teaching is deeply rooted in the traditional Yoga practices of asana, pranayama, and meditation. His philosophical background is influenced by studies in the Classical systems of Yoga Philosophy as well as Tibetan Buddhism and Tantra, enriching and informing his personal approach.
He presents Yoga in its' classical form, directly from lineage. In his teaching, he encourages a synthesis of physical effort (asana, cleansing kriyas, pranayama, etc.), with the study of sanskrit, chanting, meditation and devotion. Integrating these deep practices into the daily spectrum of one's life is a central theme of his work.
Stephen studies directly with O.P. Tiwari of Kaivalyadham, India and continues to evolve his knowledge in the fields of pranayama, therapy, healing, and Ayurveda. This lineage is one of the few living sources of authentic pranayama available. He has completed advanced studies with Tiwari and continues to dedicate his personal practice and work to promoting health and transformation through this method of yoga.
The asana component of his teaching is used as a way to purify and stabilize the system, and to re-integrate the mind/body/spirit complex. Through the asana, the joy of the body and breath are re-discovered and a gateway into the deeper realms of the practice is revealed. His asana studies form a major part of his teaching and have been influenced by the alignment principals of Iyengar, and the transformational elements of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system.
He embodies the spirit of joy, respect and deep gratitude for those who have influenced him over the years, including, Sri.K. Patthabi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, Richard Freeman, Aadil Palkhivala, Paul Dallaghan and Patrick Creelman.
Stephen currently divides his time between his base in Asia and Zurich, Switzerland. For more information or, to see his teaching schedule please visit, www.stephenthomasyoga.com, www.kdham.com, www.withinspace.com, www.airyoga.ch
Sara Granström-Thorsson
Sara completed her Centered Yoga Training in June 2005. She is a dedicated and focused student of yoga,
which is evident in her teaching and sharing of the practices. Sara has studied both Pranayama and Asana
intensively and is a senior graduate of Centered Yoga Institute. She teaches yoga regularly in Stockholm,
Sweden, and is developing her own center on Gotland, Sweden. In addition, Sara is a student of and practitioner
of ayurveda and nutrition. Sara spends about four months a year teaching at Samahita Yoga Thailand. For more please see her full
bio.
Elonne
Elonne has been a committed yoga practitioner and devotee since the early age of 14. She has lived and taught in the Bahamas, Canada, India, the United States, and Taiwan where she has taught asana, pranayama, and meditation at yoga studios, ashrams, resorts, schools, orphanages, hospitals, and clinics. In 2006, Elonne moved to Asia, where she met her teachers, Paul Dallaghan, O.P. Tiwari, and Richard Freeman.
As Elonne's understanding of the practice grows, she feels more and more like a beginner, and she is excited to continue this journey. She feels blessed by the opportunity to teach at Samahita Yoga Thailand, and she is extremely grateful for the chance to help others while she continues her own studies. She has completed the Training at Centered Yoga along with trainings from Richard Freeman and Sivananda. For more please see her full bio.
Adarsh
Adarsh teaches a contemplative style of yoga that embraces both modern innovation and traditional wisdom. Since 1995, Adarsh has been engaged in the field of natural healing and has received certifications in therapeutic massage and active isolated stretching. He continues as a student of Ashtanga Yoga and its sister sciences of Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and Bhakti. Adarsh has continuously traveled to Asia since 2001 for study and pilgrimage and has received teaching Authorization by his late Guruji Shri. K Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Adarsh directs the Ashtanga Yoga Shala in Palo Alto, CA specializing in progressive instruction for beginner through advanced levels.
Through in depth study of human anatomy and physiology and formal training as a massage therapist, Adarsh is highly regarded for his sensitive yet deep adjusting style. He has experience working with a wide variety of students of diverse abilities, ages, and backgrounds. With a deeply held belief that anyone can develop a personal yoga practice, Adarsh is an energetic teacher who infuses his enthusiasm for practice and hard work in his students.
Sean Kirke
Sean completed his Centered Yoga Training in November 2004. Since 2003 he has spent most of his time in Asia for both yoga and chiropractic, until recently relocating back to Australia with his family where he now teaches and is in the process of opening a shala. Sean's passion for holistic health not only resulted in him becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic but also led him to the path of yoga. His chiropractic studies gave him a deep understanding of anatomy which he is able to apply when teaching yoga and also when treating yogis as a chiropractor. This has proven to be of great benefit in helping people advance their practices and recovery from injury.
For more please see his full
bio.
Rachel
Rachel has practiced and had interests in various styles of yoga since 1999, and felt that all of it led to a greater understanding of her current practice. She completed her Centered Yoga teachers training with Paul in 2005 and has returned regularly to SYT over the last 5 years.
Her main focus in teaching is to create an appropriate intelligent bridge to the dynamic form of Ashtanga, breaking it down so that each person is practicing to their own level and reaching their potential.
She has taught in London, and more recently in Sydney focussing on courses, workshops and Mysore classes. She uses her experience from her daily yoga practice, workshop intensives in yoga therapy, back bending and inversions combined with Thai massage experience for a wholistic approach to teaching and when giving adjustments to share the joy of yoga. bio.
Amy
Amy completed her Centered Yoga teacher training in July 2010. As a resident of Koh Samui, Amy continued her studies under the tutelage of Paul Dallaghan and Elonne Stockton, growing as both a teacher and a student. She joined the teaching team in February 2011, which she combines with her role as SYT Marketing Manager.
Amy studied acting and theatre in London and has been living in Thailand for seven years, working as a freelance writer for magazines, focused on wellness and travel. She has two young daughters, and lives her life immersed in raising children, writing and the biggest practice of all; learning how to live yoga, finding balance and joy through all of life's many adventures.
