About Our Teachers

Alison Rubin, Director of Harmony Yoga
My first experience of yoga was in 1972, the same year I moved from England to Southern California. I studied with a variety of teachers in California for 12 years and started teaching in Spokane in 1984, and I am now registered as an E-RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance. I have had the opportunity to take trainings with many excellent instructors over the years, especially those from the Iyengar and Anusara traditions. My teaching style is eclectic, with a strong emphasis on precision of alignment and philosophy. I love to weave the philosophy of yoga into my classes and endeavor to practice moment by moment awareness in my life. For further information or questions, I can be reached at (509) 747-4430.

Brit Penberthy
Brit has been practicing yoga since 1980 and teaching in Spokane since 1999. Her eclectic approach is recognized for being personal, grounded, practical, and fun. She seeks to connect each pose and class to the unique and changing needs of her students. Brit continues to be an avid student of various yoga traditions and is richly rewarded when those who study with her experience the joy of yoga both on and off the mat. Brit can be reached at (509) 458-3263.

Zoe Smith
I started practicing yoga in late 1998 on the advice of a Massage Therapist to help with stress reduction. In 2002, while recovering from work related injuries, I began exploring the benefits of gentle modifications to poses from the teachings of Judith Lasater, Lilias Folan, Peggy Cappy and others. In late 2008 I completed my teacher certification and I I am now registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT 200. My earlier explorations provided the insight I needed to focus my teaching on those who want the benefits of yoga but are less physically capable due to injuries, stress related illness, surguries, or just ravages of time. My goal is to help students find ease in the poses through the use of props, compassionate understanding, and encouragement so they can gently heal and rejuvenate their body and recapture their joy in living. You can reach me at (509) 276-5177.

Deborah Lyon
I discovered Kundalini Yoga through a P.E. class at the University of Massachusetts in 1975. I was immediately intrigued and inspired by the ancient technology that works on the energy flow of the chakras. I continued to practice yoga even as I pursued a career in social services and law. Kundalini Yoga helped to keep me balanced in body, mind and spirit. Years after my children were born, I had an opportunity to attend the teachers training program in Portland, Oregon. I obtained my teaching certification through the International Kundalini Yoga Teacher's Association. I feel blessed and delighted to be able to share these teachings with others. One of my favorite quotes from a kundalini yoga teacher is, "Our goal in life is to be quiet enough to hear the voice of the soul and strong enough to do what it says. Kundalini yoga is the technology to get us there." Please feel free to contact me with any questions, at 509-869-5162.

Diane Sherman
I have practiced yoga since 1996, I have taught since 2001, and I am registered with Yoga Alliance as an RYT 500. Originally, I began yoga to help alleviate lower back pain, and then used the practice to rehabilitate my body after a serious car accident. Through dedicated practice, I was able to transform and heal my body in ways I didn’t think possible, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I also found the yogic path the perfect blend of spiritual, physical and mental practices.

As a teacher, I blend yin (long held passive poses) and yang yoga, which builds strength and stamina. The focus in each class is on an aspect of mindfulness, and a cultivation of compassion towards ourselves as we move through the asanas. My training includes in depth study of Iyengar Yoga, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa and Ayurveda. I am passionate about people finding a way to integrate body, heart and mind, and to feel strong and alive in their bodies. My most influential teachers include Sarah Powers, Donald Moyer, Scott Blossom, Pema Chodron, Gabrielle Roth. You can read more about me on my website, and I hope to see you on the mat! Namaste. www.lotusofferings.com.

Amie Comeau
I practice yoga for the complex and profound health benefits. The structure of my classes incorporates centering and meditation, yoga education, with pranayama and partner work. Students regularly comment on the accessibility of this teaching to all levels of practice. I have recently studied at Evolution Yoga and Physical Therapy in Burlington, Vt., The Savannah Yoga Center located along the Georgia coast and Bhava Anusara studio in Albuquerque, Nm. I received training certification in Integrative Yoga Therapy, in 2005, from Joseph and Lillian Lepage. The focus of my training has helped me to specialize in the areas of Yoga and Education, Stress Management for the General Population, and Trauma. I can be reached by email at arcomeau@yahoo.com.

Neely Wadden
As a mother of two small children, I have personal experience with the amazing process of pregnancy and birth. My Pre-Natal Yoga class places special emphasis on the prevention and alleviation of complications and discomforts that can occur through pregnancy and birth. We spend time each class discussing whatever questions or concerns we may have, and exploring the many ways of preparing for birth. We create a safe and open atmosphere in which we can all discuss our chosen paths and feelings about pregnancy and birth. I received my training specifically in Pre-Natal Yoga from the Seattle Holistic Center. My other interests include skiing, reading, and of course, parenting. I can be reached at (509) 532-8749 or neelygibbons@hotmail.com.

Arika Whiteaker
I am a multi-dimensional performing artist fusing sacred tribal dance with a cutting-edge flair. I have been teaching dance since 1998 and international workshops since 2007. My study of dance has drawn me to gifted teachers and dancers from around the world in tribal bellydance, ballet, modern dance, flamenco, yoga, music, creative movement and the healing arts, all combining to create a unique dance experience. I perform with dj's from the international music scene, I am a featured soloist at music festivals and in local productions, and I remain in deep gratitude for the dance of life!

Elizabeth Jones, B.S., M.Ed.
I am a nationally recognized Master Pilates Teacher, and  began teaching Pilates in 1983 with degrees that focused on Physical Education (Dance), Kinesiology, and Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention. Following a severe dance injury and two back surgeries, I was able to modify the classical pilates exercises for my rehabilitative needs. My trainings have included studying with Alan Herdman (1982-84), Eve Gentry (1988-93), and Ron Fletcher (1992).  In 1984 I founded the Physical Conditioning Centre (Houston), which accommodated over 350 appointments weekly by 2001.

I created and appear on the matwork section of "Jaclyn Smith's Workout for Beauty and Balance", and I created a book and DVD: "Exercise for Pregnancy and Beyond: A Pilates-based Approach for Women". My work has been highlighted in national magazines including Vogue, Allure and Mothering.  Residing in Spokane, I see clients for individual sessions, (www.pilatesrehab.org), and I conduct national teacher-training workshops and lectures. You can see me on my youtube series on: http://www.youtube.com/user/EJBPilatesRehab.

Tom Light
I am a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and have been practicing various forms of yoga since 1991. I have taken 200-hr teacher trainings in Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar-based hatha yoga and Anusara yoga. I have also had numerous additional training workshops in these and several other yoga styles. I have a strong appreciation of the interaction of alignment, physiology, and inner focus. My workshops are designed to help the participants use these concepts to develop greater awareness of their potential for melding mind, body, and spirit in their practice .I use meditation as a pathway to awareness of the Inner Self, that force within you, and as you, which represents the primal force of the Universe. My background also includes many years of running and coaching runners, at the high school, open, and masters level. I can be reached at (509) 638-2274.

Liz Heyliger
My husband and I just moved to Spokane from the Tetons in southeastern Idaho. We are mountain folk by nature and this new city is both exciting and complex to us!
I was introduced to yoga at an early age and it has been a part of my daily routine since. Because I am an incredibly flexible person I was injured doing yoga incorrectly many years ago. My path of healing led me to a new style of yoga, Anusara Yoga, which gave me a fresh perspective and a new way of life. I also have a strong background in Ayurveda (the sister science of yoga) and outdoor recreation. I am happy to share my enthusiasm with all of my students, whether they are new to yoga or just new to me. I can be reached at liz.heyliger@gmail.com and I would love to hear from you.