What is behind our name?
"Euphoria" is defined as the state of well-being. Our natural state is one of vitality, bliss and peace. By practicing yoga, you can cultivate and maintain this natural state of well-being and stay connected to your true Self. You can experience Youphoria!
Yoga Youphoria offers hatha yoga classes in a variety of styles and levels. Take a look at the "Class Schedule" link to view class times and descriptions. Try a few different times and instructors to see what works best for you.
Instructor Sangha
(sangha=community)
Sandy Collins, MEd, RYT
Sandy is a dedicated truth seeker who enjoys assisting others in discovering their truth. She started practicing yoga in 1999 and was soon enjoying all the benefits a regular yoga practice cultivates; improved physical health, mental and emotional clarity, and a greater sense of peace and joy in life. She completed the SWIHA Yoga Teacher Certification with Cain Carroll in March 2004 and continued her studies in an advanced training program, and is now Anusara-inspired yoga (tm) certified. Having danced on and off throughout her life, she has found vinyasa (flow) to be a good match to her interests and abilities, and with it the correlation of flowing through life. Similarly, she has taught research skills and critical thinking as college electives, but has found that the greatest research any of us can do is asking the question “Who am I?” and using discernment to discover Truth. She infuses inquiry and humor into her classes to facilitate the Self-discovery process, and uses teachings about the Law of Attraction to help others become more conscious creators. She taught at SWIHA and corporate yoga classes before opening Yoga Youphoria in October, 2005.
Sandy has been a home owner in Ahwatukee since 1999, so Yoga Youphoria is Ahwatukee resident owned and operated.
(Instructors listed alphabetically by first name)
Abigayle Lawrence, RYT
Abigayle is Anusara-inspired yoga (tm) certified. She began practicing yoga after she sustained a rotator cuff injury that didn't mend with conventional treatment. Through careful application of alignment principles, she got her range of motion back and much more. Abigayle was inspired to enter teacher training in 2001 by realizing that yoga heals the mind and spirit as well as the body. Although she is now an instructor, Abigayle believes she has become a lifetime student of the intricacies of yoga. Abigayle has been teaching valley wide for 3 years and is RYT certified, as well as an ACE certified personal trainer. Her classes create an atmosphere of humor, compassion and therapeutic support. Her two cats, Sun and Moon, practice with her every day at home and are experts in relaxation.
Celeste McCarthy, RYT
Baby&Me
Celeste McCarthy has been practicing yoga for seven years and received her certification in 2004. While pregnant with both of her babies, she found prenatal yoga to be an invaluable tool in helping her mind, body, and spirit prepare for childbirth and motherhood. In her mommy and baby yoga class, Celeste invites mothers to explore their new roles while returning to their pre-baby bodies in a safe, nurturing environment. She creates a space where moms lovingly bond with their babies while deepening their yoga practice, and where babies explore their bodies and delight in movement. Besides yoga, Celeste enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Laurie Trigilio, RYT500
Laurie began a regular practice of yoga in 1998 to help heal injuries due to long distance running. Soon realizing that yoga offered more balance to her life in many ways, she embraced the bliss of inner peace, the physical and mental well being, and the awakening of a dormant spirituality that a regular yoga practice offered. The Yogic path continues to be a lifetime journey for her. She incorporates her love of Hatha yoga, inspirational readings and music into classes that combine Iyengar, Yin, and Vinyasa styles. Her desire is to touch other's lives the way her life has been touched, to inspire them and to nurture them to deepen their yoga practice. She is Yoga Alliance certified and has completed a 500 hour master level certification.
Lisa Takamiya, RYT
Lisa's yoga journey began in 1988 under the auspices of Dharma Mittra and the Himalayan Institute. Deepening her knowledge, Lisa completed certification courses under the direction of Aadil Palkhivala, David Swenson, Bikram Choudhury, Sarah Powers and most recently was certified by Danny Dreyer in ChiRunning and ChiWalking. Lisa began her own business teaching yoga/fitness/health and nutrition in 1996 and believes in living her yoga in all aspects of her life. Her classes/workshops combine a unique melding of Eastern and Western influences reflecting her worldwide experience teaching yoga. This wealth of experience has led to the development of her personal and inspiring teaching approach.
Marie Siegfried, RYT500
Marie Siegfreid is passionate about yoga, being a student and teaching. She fell in love with the beauty and wisdom of this ancient practice. What brings Marie great joy is weaving her love of movement, music and poetry together with dedication to the process of self discovery along the spiritual path. She incorporates an upbeat eclectic approach to teach students balance, inspiration and finding their personal edge. She studied under Martin and Jordan Kirk focusing on Anusara Yoga "Opening to Grace". Marie is certified through Yoga Alliance.
Stephanie Benjes, E-RYT200
Stephanie loves leading her students to a place that surprises them, touches their hearts, and heightens their awareness. Her classes are playful and she encourages questions because she thinks that's the best way to deepen your practice. She received her 200 Hour Teacher Training certification with Martin and Jordan Kirk, Anusara Certified Teachers. Her passion to learn more led her to become an assistant to the Kirks in their next teacher training program, Anusara Level 2 Teacher Training with the Kirks & Noah Maze, and Anusara Level 1 Teacher Training with John Friend, Founder of Anusara Yoga. She also completed an Anusara Yoga Therapy Training with Christy Burnette, deepening her knowledge of anatomy, alignment and its implications for a healthy body.
Associate Instructors
Georgianna Anderson, RYT
Georgi's Kripalu teaching style of Hatha yoga is based on B.K.S. Iyengar with an Anusara influence. Her heart-leading practice and "not so serious" attitude allows the student to explore their own self-potential and way of life. She sprinkles in a little philosophy, humor, thought provoking questions and acceptance with every individual/group she shares yoga with.
Georgi is registered with Yoga Alliance and is working towards her 500hr certification in Yoga Therapy, as well as a certificate in Teaching Healing Meditation and Stress Management.
