Amanda's Yoga Bio

I took my first yoga class in the spring of 2011, and I was hooked. In 2013 I found my first teacher, Donna Heiple (Good Karma Yoga Studio, Michigan), and completed my 200-hr teacher training in Raja Yoga (Ashtanga and Jivamukti inspired yoga). Shortly after, I moved to Belfast, Maine to experience sustainable farming; living with the land. I lived in Maine for two years, where I taught yoga and trained under Marianna Moll (Belfast Yoga Studio, Maine) in the “practice of precision”, Iyengar yoga.  In the spring of 2015 I moved to New Zealand, where I lived at a yoga ashram and retreat center, Kawai Purapura. During my time at Kawai Purapura, I continued to teach and grow into my practice. My personal practice was enhanced spiritually and I was introduced to the practice of Vyayam Yoga. Six months later, I completed my 100-hr certification in Vyayam Yoga at Ganga Vatika in Rishikesh, India.  In November, 2017, I completed a 100 hour vipassana meditation, taught by S.N. Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin in Indonesia. In August 2020, I completed a level 1 Kirtan Course with Mike Cohen, MA, founder of the Kirtan Leader Institute located in Boulder, Colorado. Most recently, I completed an 85-hr online Pregnancy Yoga Teacher Training with Lucia Seglie from Arhanta Yoga, which is an internationally recognized registered yoga school by Yoga Alliance.

At present, I live and teach yoga in Kirksville, Missouri. I have conducted seven 200-hr teacher training courses where I invite students to explore the possibilities of yoga and enhance their knowledge and understanding of yoga. I use a variety of techniques including food management, meditation, and asana (physical) practice to unfold the unlimited potential of the mind and soul (energy within). 
 
Training & Education

• Bachelor of Science degree from Truman State University 2012
• Certified 200-HR CYT in Raja Yoga from Donna Heiple 2013
• Certified 100-HR Vyayam Yoga in Rishikesh India 2016
• Completed 100-HR Vipassana Meditation in Indonesia 2017
• Completed Level 1 Kirtan with Mike Cohen 2020
• Certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor from Arhanta Yoga Online Academy 2021 
• Logged over 5,000 hours of teaching experience
• Currently continuing education with Todd Tesen, E-500-HR RYT

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Amanda's Athletic Background

I started swimming at the age of 8 and was a competitive swimmer for 17 years. I swam at the collegiate level at Truman State University from 2007-2011 and competed in the NCAA Division II Championships. In 2004, I showed the first signs of tendonitis in both shoulders. For 3 years I dedicated my time to physical therapy and personal training to learn how to strengthen the skeletal system and prevent injury. At the collegiate level I learned the benefits of cross training, where I learned how to strengthen the muscular system. Yoga came into my life after my swimming career was over. I didn’t realize the impact yoga could have had on my performance as a student-athlete, on many levels, which is one of the reasons why I am dedicated to sharing this practice with student-athletes. I have been studying the philosophy and methodology of yoga since earning my yoga teacher certification in 2013.  With years of training, I have developed a deep understanding of technique and body awareness. I also understand the emotional rollercoaster most athletes experience. I am happy to share my experiences with students and I hope to support them on a physical, mental and emotional level.