Egoscue Postural Alignment Specialist

American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer

Yoga Alliance Experienced Registered Yoga

Dr. Kim Vaccaro  

Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

Egoscue Postural Alignment Specialist

American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer

Yoga Alliance Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher

Dr. Kim is a holistic lifestyle expert. With her background in Naturopathic Medicine, she empowers clients with an understanding of their unique physiology, identifying the root cause of symptoms and lifestyle factors that may be contributing. 

As a health educator, Kim has guided thousands of clients to exceed their wellness goals and improve their quality of life. Dr. Kim’s passion for supporting people to heal themselves led her to the world-renowned Hippocrates Health Institute, where she served as co-founder of the Weight Loss and Fitness Academy. 

Her unique background of: holistic wellness, yoga philosophy and therapeutic movement, equips Kim to offer the utmost in comprehensive self-care. 

Dr. Kim currently offers individual sessions and small group programs, with Vis Integrative Wellness, remotely.

You can find her online at drkimvaccaro.com, onYouTube at “Move Nourish Recover with Dr. Kim” and on the Public Facebook Group “Lifestyle as Medicine, with Dr. Kim,” through Vis Integrative Wellness. 

Kim is honored to share some of her favorite lifestyle wellness techniques with the Kula Yoga Shala community!

Lisa first began her yoga practice almost 20 years ago. Slowly the physicality of the practice grew within her an understanding of the emotional and mental benefits that accompanied it. Now as a teacher, Lisa hopes to show students that what you find within your mat practice, can be an extension of what you practice within your life. The guiding principles of breath, awareness, discipline, compassion and attention to heart at the core of our yoga practice are essentially principles that help cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.

Lisa is blessed to be a graduate of the Kula Yoga Shala Teacher Training program directed by Scott Feinberg in Jupiter, Fl where she also served as a mentor to trainees in the program once she began her teaching career. Most recently she’s entered into studies in the Himalayan Yoga tradition under the guidance of Pandit Rajmani Tigunait and Rolf Sovick.

With a background in massage therapy and a strong interest in alignment and accessibility, with each class she strives to create a safe environment for everyone to practice asana but also explore the deeper dimensions of the yoga tradition. She teaches vinyasa, yin and restorative classes as well as conducts teachers' trainings, workshops and specialty classes. She is beyond grateful for each and every student that allows her to be a part of their practice.

Holly has been a student of Yoga since 1999. At first she was VERY frustrated by how inflexible and weak she felt – it was incredibly humbling for her. Soon she started to feel stronger, healthier, centered, more balanced and peaceful. Her life began to change in wonderful and unexpected ways. Holly finally saw the beauty in patience, discipline and being still inside. Somewhere along the way she found her voice and began to use it. Then things became clearer for her on many levels. Now she realizes she was waking up. She began to listen to her intuition and later trust it. Even now, she believes that every day brings a new lesson. She was asked to teach in 2001 and absolutely loves it. Holly LOVES having anything to do with people getting into Yoga and having their lives changed as a result. She has completed many work shops and teacher trainings in conjunction with YogaWorks, Integrative Healing Strategies, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies and the Institute for Advancement of Human Behavior. Her training reaches Vinyasa, Sivananda, Vini, Bikram, Ashtanga and Pre-natal Yoga and various types of meditation and energy work. She is certified with the prestigious and international YogaWorks and is a YogaWorks Teacher Trainer Ambassador. She is also certified for Advanced Reiki. On the personal side, she grew up in Kansas and has two amazing children. Holly thinks a little sense of humor can go a LONG way. She trusts that the Universe guides us when we pay attention and stay present. Holly believes energy medicine is VERY powerful stuff. And she thinks people should use Yoga in their lives however it suits them. www.Yoga4Everyone.net 

Scott counts his blessings as a devoted father, writer, social-entrepreneur, dedicated yoga teacher and Embodied Insight Coach. Practicing yoga since 1999 and teaching since 2002, Scott is a nationally certified teacher through Yoga Alliance at the E-RYT 500 hour level and has trained and mentored over 400 yoga teachers since 2009. He is the founder of Kula Yoga Shala, a donation-based yoga and healing arts collaborative in Jupiter, FL. His teachings are steeped in the merging of the mystical with the practical. Scott has launched yoga outreach and community service initiatives in over 100 cities across the world through his non-profit work. He has been a presenting faculty member at The Omega Institute, The Caribbean Yoga Conference and The Omega Yoga Conference. He loves pushing the creative boundaries of yoga having co-led inter-disciplinary retreats and trainings in Peru, Tuscany, Maui, Costa Rica, Jamaica and The Gulf Coast (post Katrina) blending yoga with community service work, the creative arts, mantra, eco-adventure and Enneagram. He is inspired by people who live their live’s boldly and on purpose and most of all, he thoroughly enjoys supporting people in stepping into their authentic Self.

Egoscue Postural Alignment Specialist

American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer

Yoga Alliance Experienced Registered Yoga

Dr. Kim Vaccaro  

Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

Egoscue Postural Alignment Specialist

American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer

Yoga Alliance Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher

Dr. Kim is a holistic lifestyle expert. With her background in Naturopathic Medicine, she empowers clients with an understanding of their unique physiology, identifying the root cause of symptoms and lifestyle factors that may be contributing. 

As a health educator, Kim has guided thousands of clients to exceed their wellness goals and improve their quality of life. Dr. Kim’s passion for supporting people to heal themselves led her to the world-renowned Hippocrates Health Institute, where she served as co-founder of the Weight Loss and Fitness Academy. 

Her unique background of: holistic wellness, yoga philosophy and therapeutic movement, equips Kim to offer the utmost in comprehensive self-care. 

Dr. Kim currently offers individual sessions and small group programs, with Vis Integrative Wellness, remotely.

You can find her online at drkimvaccaro.com, onYouTube at “Move Nourish Recover with Dr. Kim” and on the Public Facebook Group “Lifestyle as Medicine, with Dr. Kim,” through Vis Integrative Wellness. 

Kim is honored to share some of her favorite lifestyle wellness techniques with the Kula Yoga Shala community!

Chris first began his yoga practice like the rest of us with his first breath. A number of years later Chris found his way into a hatha yoga class. Instantly noticing a difference in his state of mind after class he was drawn to start studying the philosophical and physical side to yoga. After completing a 200 hour teacher training with Kula Yoga Shala, Chris is now an RYT certified teacher with Yoga Alliance. Chris has been hugely influenced by the principals of alignment from the Anusara tradition to open a safe space as he guides his students though a practice. Chris adds elements of kundalini, yin, restorative and partner yoga as well as pranayama, meditation and mantra to many of his classes to create an all around balance for his students. Chris has a big passion for teaching kids yoga, which helps him stay connected to his inner child. As a release from traditional yoga, Chris loves practicing yoga on a slack line, which incorporates much breath and body awareness alongside focus, concentration and balance. Chris is also a ceramic artist working mostly on the potter’s wheel and has an understanding and passion for the process of building from the ground up. Wherever your practice is, Chris is interested in meeting you where you are and creatively expanding your practice. Watch a video interview wit

Rob’s passion for Yoga became a part of his daily life after his last deployment to Afghanistan 2012-2013. After being injured in Operation Enduring Freedom, he was diagnosed with PTSD along with permanent physical injuries, which were severely debilitating. After connecting with other Veterans in the local area, Rob found Connected Warriors Yoga. The Yoga helped manage pain levels, anxiety and depression. “I really believe in the practice of Yoga which led me to become a Yoga Instructor to share the practice of Yoga”. Rob grew up in the local area and has retired from the US Navy. He is a certified Yoga instructor after taking his teacher training at Kula Shala Yoga (RYT 200hrs) and Connected Warriors Yoga teacher training to work with other disabled veterans suffering from disabilities.

Susan’s love for the outdoors, connection with nature and interest in the mind body spirit connection, lead her to the healing arts in the mid 90’s. Having studied breathwork and massage therapy in the UK, Susan become licensed as a massage therapist in Florida in 2000, and began delving into various yoga practices. Susanyearning for more, and desire for healing, lead her to Svaroopa® yoga, where she quickly began to experience relief from pain, feeling calmer and stronger. Through the support of this profound practice of letting go, releasing and decompressing the spine, Susan dove into teacher training in 2010, feeling not only passionate about wantingshare as a teacher and yoga therapist, but considers it an honor. Susan continues her studies with Svaroopa® Vidya Ashram in PA, in advanced teacher training and Svaroopa® yoga therapy, committed to growing in consciousness and helping others on their path to expand, grow and heal. 

Angie has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. In early years before studios were accessible, her inspiration and instruction came from a poster on her wall. Yoga has always been the biggest healing tool in her life and being able to share this gift with her students has been one of the most beautiful blessings for her. Watching her students bloom through yoga fills her heart with so much love. She reminds her students to meet themselves where they are in their bodies and their hearts not a photo they see online which can intimidate some people. Yoga is for everyone. Kula was the first studio that she experienced when she moved back from Colorado. Instantly she felt this was her home, a sacred space for her growth and healing. It was through this studio and their teachers that gave her the inspiration to be a teacher of yoga. They had such an impact on her healing journey that she wanted to share that love with others. Be a part of that ripple effect. Angie believes the connection to true self and community strengthens and flourishes with every practice. Whether at home, a studio, the beautiful mountains or the healing ocean, Yoga is always with you. Angie is constantly growing her knowledge of yoga and has studied with many teachers to elevate the journey for her students. She is currently 200 hour RYS certified under the direction of Leslie Glickman, as well as certified in Chair and Yin yoga.  Her classes usually include the healing tones of mantras and sound bath of singing bowls.
www.centertheheart.com

“Yoga found me in 2011 at the beginning of menopause while I was experiencing very strong hormonal fluctuations and the effects they had on my body and mind were terrifying for me. Those were very difficult years. But a dedicated practice of yoga helped me through, and here I am.
Through yoga I became stronger, more flexible, more balanced and more focused and it helped me navigate through difficult times with more grace and understanding. Bringing yoga to the people is my passion and helping them find inner peace, my mission. My yoga is for everyone who has a curiosity to go beyond asana alone and explore a little with the breath.”Love , Jyoti Watch a video interview with Marianne!

Ashley Patrice is an adventurous south Florida native whom has traveled around the world beginning 10 years ago where she found yoga in Thailand. She saw yoga as a way to practice self-care and begin a journey towards good health. She is passionate about spreading her love for yoga and helping others in their journey.  Her teaching style is refreshing and light, she incorporates precise cues and pose breakdowns to help students understand the movements of their bodies and the path to personal growth.She has a keen sense for embracing the connectedness of the body, mind, and breath.

Ashley is an entrepreneur who is passionate about her work ranging from being a realtor, a philanthropist for foster children and a certified yoga instructor.

Dana is a certified Qoya teacher and has been a practicing licensed massage therapist for over 10 years. She has a passion for healing intuitive bodywork and for dance. Her path includes many wonderful practices such as yoga, qigong, dance, breathwork, and meditation. Qoya weaves it all together and makes the movement simple, meaningful, and so fun! Dana truly feels that movement is medicine and a powerful healing modality that gets us back into our bodies, frees us from restrictions, opens our hearts and our minds, and reminds us of our true essence that is wise, wild, and free. She believes in the wisdom of Qoya and invites us to tap into the freedom to be ourselves, to play, to let go and move the way our bodies want to move – “If it feels good, you’re doing it right!”

Taylor fell in love with yoga while she was pregnant with her son. Through the physical asana she found a sense of connection to her most authentic Self.  Ever since, she has committed to share with others how to live Yoga embodied; taking their practice off the mat and connecting with their truth.  This, for her, is the greatest gift of yoga.  Taylor is passionate about living an active lifestyle, and believes in the power of nutrition to heal the body.  She is a NASM certified personal trainer, and registered with Yoga Alliance as a RYT-200 through Kula Yoga Shala.  She says the greatest gift of teaching is guiding others to their truth, and in turn, raising the vibratory field one conscious practice at a time!

William (aka papacrock), began his path to yoga in 2012, after various body aches and pains, and an experience with cancer. Growing up in Florida, he was always active in fitness and surfing. His first real yoga classes at Kula were restorative, where he was able to tune in to his body, breath and spirit. He now teaches a gentle and mindful yoga practice, emphasizing breath, alignment, and posture, through multiple poses to help those, with aging gracefully. William says the practice of yoga has definitely enhanced and extended the quality of his life, and his passion is to share this gift with others.

One word that comes to mind when describing Lauren is “joyful.” She is full of passion and so extremely excited and honored to join the Kula Yoga Shala community as a teacher. She looks forward to continuing her education in yoga as she learns and progresses with each class. In December of 2014, Lauren’s dream came to life as she graduated from yoga teacher training. She is overwhelmed with joy and love for yoga and for life. She is honored to have the opportunity to share this with her students. She really exudes this joyful nurturing energy that you will feel as her student. We are blessed to have her as a teacher in our Kula. 

Jade found her way to yoga when she attended her first yoga class here at Kula 3 years ago. Early on she met those that would light a fire in her soul which helped to set her out on a new path in life and lead her to passions that she now holds close to her heart. It did not take long before Kula started to feel like a second home. With the love and support of the local community and the friends she made along the way, she found her way to slacklining- which in the years prior only seemed like an interesting but impossible dream. After a year of dedication to slacklining and attending a few events Jade began to participate in acro-yoga which became a strong focus of passion for her over the last few years. “It has brought me such happiness since I started hosting the acro-yoga jams and teaching classes at Kula. Being able to learn, teach and grow with all of the amazing beings I have come to meet during my time at Kula has taught me a lot about myself, and taking time to reflect, I am grateful to see how my journey has come full circle -all starting with that first yoga class 3 years ago-I am looking forward to continuing this journey and see where this ride of life will take me next.” Jade completed her 200hr yoga teacher training with Kula in December 2018 and has joined our team of teachers.

Originally from New York, and mom of two teenage boys.   Alison,  who has a Masters in Elementary Education took her love for children and teaching skills out of the traditional classroom and into the yoga studio.  Starting Kidding around Yoga with Ali after becoming certified to teach babies, toddlers and children through Kidding Around Yoga in 2015, Alison teaches all over the county in schools and yoga studios bringing yoga to our youth.  Alison received her  200 hour RYT  through Haute Yoga in 2016 and 85 hour RYT Prenatal  Yoga in 2017 through Jaya MA. “I love children and wanted to give them the tools to live life through their heart and be able to find that sense of calm and peace inside themselves that we are always searching for as adults.  Maybe just help them discover that spiritual light that we all have inside of us and don’t usually find until later in life.”

Marissa first discovered yoga, more specifically Kula, after she moved to Jupiter in 2015. Throughout her adolescent life she trained as a competitive dancer and naturally fell in love with the practice of yoga as it mirrored her warm ups with the exception of one thing; the breath. The inclusion of breath would be the element that granted her the freedom to navigate deeper into her spiritual practice and acted as the catalyst for her curiosity. Having been captivated by practice she craved more and knew that the best way to understand something was to study it. She decided to embark on the OMazing journey known as yoga teacher training and graduated from Kula’s Teacher Training program in June of 2016. Marissa is also a graduate of Florida International University with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and thoroughly enjoys blending the teachings of yoga with the studies of the mind. She looks forward to guiding you through your practice not only on your mat but off it as well.

Cynthia is a nationally certified teacher at the RYT500 level and Reiki I with specializations in Pranayama and Yoga for Mental Health. For the past fourteen years, her degrees in Criminology and Legal research have gifted her with the ability to assist victims of crime and those suffering from disabilities. However, something was always missing. Early on she noticed the help she was able to give lacked the spirit of true recovery and complete wellness. Additionally, difficulties in her own life and the work she was involved in began taking a toll on her health.  In 2008, a desire to try something new and find stress management techniques led her to yoga. Continuing a healthy home practice, she began to attend workshops throughout the state. Slowly, she realized the journey she was on was not unlike the journey of those she had been seeking to assist through the legal system. The missing link was Yoga! This inspired her to further her practice personally and professionally. As a graduate of Kula’s 200 hour teacher training program and AUM hOMe Shala’s 500  hour training program, she is honored to give all that she has learned back to our community. Cynthia continues delving into the study and accessibility of yoga and is in her last year and clinical portion of an IAYT accredited Yoga Therapy training.  Her deep love of asana, pranayama, and meditation,combined with a belief in the healing accessible through yoga, leads her to share yoga as an offering of wellness to you.

With a background in Art, Human Rights and Social Work, Pao’s approach to yoga is one that integrates heart, emotion, thought and action into the discovery of one’s greatness. Her classes include philosophy, breath work, chanting, meditation and movement, guiding her students into the discovery of their own talents, to uncover their own power and to connect to all life with a kind, compassionate and loving heart. Her intention is to bring the essence of yoga into a simple practical way of living through the cultivation of awareness, food education and soulful practices. Pao especializes in teaching: Hatha Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Corporate Yoga, Kids Yoga, Meditation and Plant Based Lifestyle coaching, she works with groups and private clients. soulfulyogis.com

Jen has been on and off the mat since college and was initially drawn to the “physical” side of yoga. In 2012, however, she experienced a defining moment in class where she finally saw herself for the first time; unmasked. This experience strengthened a new relationship with herself and provided a connection to a level of spirituality that she had been searching for. When Jen discovered there was much more to yoga than fitness, she instantly wanted to share this with others.

Jen loves seeing her students progress in their own abilities and to reach a place they didn’t believe was previously possible. Her intelligent sequencing is combined with speaking to the energetic aspect of the yoga practice, allowing her students to have a transformational experience – inside and out. Her hope is to cultivate a space where students feel brave enough to shed the layers and limiting beliefs that keep them from growing towards their true potential.

Jen is a Yoga Alliance accredited teacher based in South Florida and has received her ERYT500 under the direction of Leslie Glickman. In addition to group classes and private clients, she is currently a facilitator + program manager for Chakraology School of Yoga (www.Chakraology.yoga)

The practice of yoga came to Dakota over time. His parents first taught him conscious breathing at a young age to help quiet his mind so he could drift off to sleep at night. This practice of taking full conscious breaths later assisted him in other areas of waking life such as in school and social situations where anxiety would take root. He began to notice the power of the breath and would use this form of yoga (or union) as much as he could to induce a state of peace and a sense of well being. As he practiced meditating and conscious breathing the Universe dropped another seed of yoga into Dakota’s lap; the practice of music. He began playing bass and two years later picked up the guitar in 2009. Since than he has learned to play 4 other instruments and considers music to be one of the most healing and disciplined practices in his life. With these two practices as a foundation for growth, Dakota moved through life for a number of years until he finally stumbled onto an actual yoga mat. It became clear to Dakota that the next step was to share this healing practice with any and everyone who would be open to receive this practice as their own. In February of 2015 he began the teacher training program through Kula and completed his training in June of that year. Dakotas classes incorporate a mix of active and passive asana (postures) with an emphasis on pranayama (breathwork); as well as mindfulness meditation techniques and occasionally the use of chanting as a way to deepen the connection to ones awareness of the Self by making sound! Open to all ages and levels, only requirements are an open mind and a beating heart!

Christina is a passionate practitioner of all things health and wellness. Her yoga journey began as a means to heal while dealing with grief. What started as a physical practice grew into a much deeper practice of self discovery, mindfulness and introspection all of which now serve as a daily foundation of her balanced and fulfilling life. Practicing Yoga is an essential part who she is, bringing her balance, peace, strength and a wonderful sense of community all of which she wishes to share with others through teaching. Christina received her 200hr RYT at Kula Yoga Shala and is also a registered Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Her intention is to connect the two worlds of yoga and nutrition together creating a mind/body connection to allow students and fellow practitioners alike to optimize their wellness experiences and live happier, healthier lives. Nothing fills her heart up more than being able to share her love of this practice with others.

Buckley Griffis is a world percussionist who has been playing music and teaching drumming for over thirty years. From the Bolivian Andes and Amazon rainforest to a small fishing village in northern Quebec Canada, Buckley has worked with people from birth to ninety years old. He has a BA. in Phycology and a master degree in education. His primary intention in the drum circle is healing and self-awareness. These goals are central to all of Buckley’s programs for both children and adults.

The medicine circle is an ancient healing practice that has been a vital part of communities all over the world. In this circle we play drums and other percussion instruments with the clear intention of healing ourselves and others. The circle includes three rounds. The first round is a release of those things which no longer serve our higher self.  In the second round we invite new manifestations into our life that we want to create and enjoy. In the final round we focus the energy of the circle wherever it is needed. To a loved one or group people. Maybe to a situation in our lives or a part of the Earth that needs healing. No musical experience is needed to enjoy this medicine circle. Drums and small percussion instruments will be provided, however anyone is welcome to bring their own instruments.

A Florida native, lover of all things nature, mother of two daughters, and practicing Occupational Therapist for 25 years, Tina was first introduced to yoga about 18 years ago at a YMCA gym.   She was immediately reconnected to her innate love of embodied movement, breath, and spirit, which ultimately took her down the path of becoming a certified yoga teacher through training at Kula Yoga Shala.  She considers it a great honor and privilege to join this experienced and diverse group of teachers at Kula.  Tina loves to combine her experience as a therapist and training of yoga to help others gain insight into how to move both intentionally and safely through specific cues, intelligent sequencing, and eclectic inspiration. It’s important to her to provide an encouraging and supportive space for her students to explore with curiosity and integrity yoga as a healing, transformative practice, and be able to take this out of the studio and into everyday life. Tina truly believes that the greatest gift she can offer as a yoga teacher is to empower others to know that “The best teacher is the one that resides inside yourself!” 

During the 1980’s, following a deep awakening during Encounter Group therapy, David Brown spent a total of nine months in India with Swami Chinmayanada, the founder of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide. David traveled all over India with Swamiji and received his teachings of Vedanta first hand. Subsequent to that life-changing experience, David has continued his studies of Vedanta with Swami Tejomayananda and Swami Bodhatmananda in the USA and has led study groups in Advaita (non-dual) Vedanta for well over 20 years. Finding a connecting thread of Truth in all true spirituality, David also spent several years in Toronto as a student of Lama Namse, a Tibetan Buddhist Kargupya monk. More recently, he and Lynne resided in Southern California for three years to study A Course in Miracles with Ken 

A life-long student of non-dual teachings that include Christian Science, Plato, Vedanta, and A Course in Miracles, Lynne Matous has a Master of Arts in English and undergraduate degrees in English and philosophy. She has taught writing at the University of Miami and Palm Beach Community College. A graduate of All Faiths Seminary International’s Class of 2010, Lynne enjoys editing spiritual material and occasionally writing poetry. She has taken sacred site tours to the UK, France, and Brazil and has traveled to Mexico, Europe, Africa, and Russia–increasing a vision of one world united in peace. Lynne has studied Advaita (non-dual) Vedanta with Swami Tejomayananda and Swami Bodhatmananda in the USA for many years and supports David with his Vedanta study group meetings.

Mark is a physician who learned Tai Chi after his retirement from a career in Medicine. While practicing medicine he observed how stress impacted both wellness as well as outcomes during an illness. He also observed that mobility is essential to health especially with advancing age, and that flexibility, strength and balance are absolutely essential to mobility and health.  Tai Chi and Qi Gong combined with other exercise and activities is an excellent approach to maximizing health, well-being and to reducing stress. Mark was fortunate to discover Tai Chi in Jupiter at Kula Yoga Shala and quickly became a serious student and advocate. He believes that Tai Chi and Chi Gong can benefit many people who don’t know about it.

Mark is originally from Boston but has lived in Florida since 1985, first in Miami and now in Jupiter.  He is married, has two children, 3 1/2 grandchildren and 1 cat. He attended Brandeis University as an undergraduate and then Boston University School of Medicine. He did his internship and residency at the Medical College of Virginia and University of Miami School of Medicine. He also has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Florida International University in Miami. He authored peer review articles and publications and a book of fiction. He plays piano and guitar.

Jassany has this quiet way of sharing this deep wisdom that springs from within her spirit. She can be described by her students and teachers as an ancient soul that has returned to share this in her classes. She is patient. She is compassionate. She is present as a teacher tapping into what the needs of her students are. She teaches the beach yoga on Sunday morning holding space for you to be on an adventure of yoga with the vibration of the sea.