Our Teachers
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Sri Dharma Mittra
Yoga Guru and Owner
Sri Dharma Mittra was one of the first independent yoga teachers on the East Coast and has initiated hundreds of thousands on the path of Yogic practice and teaching. Sri Dharma began disseminating this knowledge long before styles of yoga became popular and he has always remained true to the traditional practice he received from his Guru and his Guru’s Swamis.
Sri Dharma has been teaching classes continuously almost every day since he first started in 1967. To this day, he still makes himself available regularly to anyone who walks through the doors of the Dharma Yoga Center in need of help and direction. He is affectionately known as a “Teachers’ Teacher”.
“It is my greatest joy to share with the students this knowledge that I have acquired over the past 50 years of practice and study. Dharma Yoga will give one’s body the power and strength to have resistance to common illnesses and diseases.
With proper encouragement and increased faith in the teacher, one can improve his physical body and mental attitude rapidly, thereby igniting the higher motives of making one’s self useful to himself and all mankind.”
Eva Grubler
Eva has served as the Director of the Dharma Yoga Center (DYC) since 1990, and she is the visionary behind the Dharma Yoga Level of Awareness (DY LOAY) program, which she established in 1999. Her deep commitment to yoga is influenced by her heritage as the daughter of Holocaust survivors and is complemented by her diverse background in modern dance, choreography, and music. For a decade, Eva successfully led the DY Retreat Center in Upstate New York. At DYC, she has been a guiding force since 1988, specializing in yoga for beginners, foundational courses, and programs for children and seniors. In her current role, she oversees all center activities, orchestrates operations, and is deeply involved in every aspect of Dharma Yoga. Eva believes that Dharma Yoga is a pathway to radiant health, well-being, and inner peace, and she warmly invites everyone to join and experience the transformative practice at the center.
Adam Frei
Since 2006, Adam has been a vital member of the Dharma Yoga Center (DYC), officially joining the staff in 2007. His diverse background spans teaching, administration, various spiritual disciplines, and music. Starting as a student, Adam quickly progressed to teaching within a year and now serves as the Director of the Dharma Yoga Level of Awareness (DY LOAY) program. His journey at the Center has also involved significant collaboration with Sri Dharma Mittra and Eva. Notably, Adam played a crucial role in editing and compiling the LOAY Teachers' Manual and "Yoga Wisdom," both authored by Sri Dharma Mittra, highlighting his dedication to disseminating yoga knowledge. Adam's personal statement reflects his commitment to constant practice and compassion: “According to Sri Dharma, the secret to success is constant practice and the action of compassion is to see yourself in others. Try to never lose sight of this personally or in all that we do at the New York Center.”
Andrew Jones
Andrew has been a dedicated member of the Dharma Yoga Center since 2006 and joined the staff in 2007. With a background in advertising, he brings a unique perspective to his teaching, known for his fun and approachable style. Specializing in beginner classes, Yoga Nidra, and Psychic Development, Andrew excels at creating a supportive environment for all students. He considers it a blessing to practice and teach at the DYC, valuing the center's compassionate atmosphere and the opportunity to share Sri Dharma Mittra's teachings.
Ayelet Afek
Azusa Irie
Azusa's yoga journey took a transformative turn in 2016 when she first practiced Dharma Yoga with Sri Dharma Mittra at the Dharma Yoga Center. Inspired by this experience, she completed the 200-hour Dharma Yoga Teacher Training in 2020. Since then, Azusa has had the privilege of teaching and sharing Sri Dharma's teachings both at the Center and through international workshops. She is profoundly grateful for the guidance of Sri Dharma Mittra and is dedicated to being an active part of the Dharma Yoga community.
Barrie Rosencrans
Since 2014, Barrie has been a devoted student at the Dharma Yoga Center and has practiced yoga since 2001. With a background in dance and nutrition counseling, she holds a Master’s Degree in Human Metabolism and Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University Medical School. As Director and Proprietor of Dharma Yoga Ohio, Barrie specializes in Dharma Yoga Asana, Meditation, Pranayama, Yoga Nidra, and Vegan Nutrition Consultation. She is trained in advanced Dharma Yoga teacher programs (500, 700, 800/1000 DYRT). Barrie is deeply committed to sharing the teachings of Sri Dharma Mittra and guiding students towards a heart-centered, Ahimsa-based yoga practice. She values the profound impact Sri Dharma’s teachings have had on her life and practice.
Ekaterina Lebayle
Ekaterina felt an immediate sense of belonging when she first attended Sri Dharma Mittra’s class at the Dharma Yoga Center, finding herself embraced by a supportive community. Grateful for the wisdom and compassion Sri Dharma shares, she has completed 200-, 500-, and 800-hour teacher trainings, and considers every moment in his presence a blessing. It is Ekaterina’s honor to impart the teachings she has learned from Sri Dharma. She encourages students to trust their inner intuition and let it guide their practice, emphasizing that any variation of a pose is perfect when performed with effort, determination, and the right intentions. Sri Dharma’s teachings on offering the fruits of practice without attachment to results continually inspire her.
Jessica Hwang
Joann Stekler
Joann is the heartbeat of the Dharma Yoga Center, serving as the unwavering administrator at its core. With a tireless work ethic and a perpetually welcoming smile, she is the first friendly face to greet visitors as they walk through the doors. Dedicated to ensuring an exceptional experience for everyone, Joann goes above and beyond to assist and support each individual. Her commitment to making everyone feel valued and supported reflects her warm and accommodating nature.
Jonathan Rosenthal
Jonathan has been a dedicated member of the Dharma Yoga Center (DYC) community since 2011 and transitioned to a staff role in 2013. With a background in neuroscience and medicine, he brings a unique perspective to his involvement at the center. Known for his “Humerus” approach, Jonathan blends serious dedication to practice with a touch of humor, contributing to the center's vibrant atmosphere. Jonathan's journey with yoga began at 14 when he first read about it and The Bhagavad Gita, though he was initially intimidated to join a class. After practicing at home for years, he took his first class in 2010 and quickly found his way to the DYC, where he has practiced consistently since. Completing his 200-hour teacher training in 2013, Jonathan devotes time at the center weekly and strives to live the life of a yogi as exemplified by Sri Dharma Mittra, aiming to spread this knowledge to those who need it most.
Justine Hoang
Justine, known in the Dharma Yoga community as Anjali Om, first encountered Sri Dharma Mittra at a yoga conference and was instantly captivated by his powerful and all-encompassing practice. Eager to deepen her knowledge, she pursued extensive training, completing the 50-hour, 500-hour, 800-hour, and 1000-hour LOAY Yoga Teacher Training certification programs. She now teaches Dharma Yoga and leads Kirtan both in Canada and internationally, as well as online through the Dharma Yoga Center and her personal Zoom platform. Justine feels incredibly blessed and honored to share Sri Dharma Mittra’s teachings and is profoundly grateful for the connections she has made within the global Dharma Yoga community.
Katja Prager
Katja, a dedicated DY teacher is an essential force in ensuring smooth operations within the virtual realm of Dharma Yoga. Katja is a dedicated Dharma Yoga teacher and a key force in managing the virtual realm of the Dharma Yoga Center. She expertly handles the technical intricacies of online sessions, ensuring smooth operations and maintaining the flow of each class. Beyond her technical skills, Katja is a devoted teacher, using her expertise to guide and support students through their yoga practice. Her commitment to keeping online sessions harmonious and efficient highlights her invaluable contribution to the Dharma Yoga community.
Kelly Lee
A member of the Dharma Yoga Center since 2016, Kelly transitioned to a staff role in 2018, bringing a background in Brand Design, Marketing, and Operations to her contributions. Known for her easy-going, fun, and friendly nature, Kelly is always delighted to assist and support students in any way possible. Her approachable demeanor and willingness to help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all members of the community.
Lyn Sellars
Lyn has been a cherished member of the Dharma Yoga community since 2011, transitioning to a staff role in 2017. As the owner of Dharma Yoga Vermont, she excels in meeting each student with kindness and compassion, reflecting her deep commitment to inclusive teaching. Her classes embrace all levels and cover the complete eight limbs of yoga, offering a holistic approach that goes beyond physical postures. Lyn's teaching is rooted in devotion and compassion, guiding students through a practice that seeks to uncover their deepest selves and foster a greater sense of empathy.
Melanie Yllanes
Melanie has been a part of the Dharma Yoga community since 2013, taking on the roles of LOAY Teacher Training Registrar and Internship Coordinator. With a diverse background in Martial Arts, Theatre, and Business Administration, she brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to her responsibilities. In her roles, Melanie excels at managing the administrative and coordination aspects of the Teacher Training programs, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience for all participants. Her multifaceted background enriches her approach, allowing her to effectively assist and guide students through their training and internships. Melanie is dedicated to making Dharma Yoga accessible and impactful, helping to foster a nurturing and organized environment for both new and seasoned practitioners.
Pablo Herrerias
Pam Jones
Pam has been a dedicated member of the Dharma Yoga Center community since 2007 and joined the staff in 2012. With a background in Dance and Fashion, her classes blend strength and flexibility with a devotional and meditative atmosphere, guiding students to connect with their innermost Divine Self. Pam’s mission is to inspire a consistent practice, helping individuals reach their maximum potential while promoting kindness in all aspects of life.
Penny Kalloo
Penny has been a cherished member of the Dharma Yoga Center community since 1998. With a rich background in various dance styles and Pilates, she currently serves as a full-time dance teacher with the Department of Education. Penny’s versatile skill set enables her to teach classes of all levels, including Yoga Nidra and Psychic Development, with a deep joy in supporting students' growth. Her profound enthusiasm for helping others and sharing her knowledge is evident in her work within the community.
Shelley Cook
Shelley has been a steadfast member of the Dharma Yoga community since 2008 and joined the staff in 2016. With a diverse background in traditional martial arts, design, and social media, Shelley brings a unique perspective to her role. Renowned for her genuine and approachable nature, she creates an environment where students of all levels feel comfortable and supported. Based in Dallas, TX, as a traveling Dharma Yoga Registered Teacher (DYRT), Shelley offers DY Gentle and all-level classes, sharing the essence of yoga with a broad spectrum of practitioners.