Jocelyn & Cheryl
CREATORS OF H.E.A.L. BFLO
For the people. By the people. This grassroots event was inspired by the city in which we live and the love we have for Yoga.
Cheryl Scheff
I was born and raised in Western New York, always surrounding myself by friends and family. Whatever path I was given, somehow I managed to walk it a little different then everyone else. Having a 25 year career in Education, I choose to teach inter city high school drop outs. Bringing awareness to my family to always be compassionate, appreciative and giving to everyone around you. Teaching that to my two beautiful boys was forefront in my life. Starting my yoga practice opened my soul to a level I never new existed. The gift I have been given through yoga has created a voice inside that I want to share with all the people I love. HEAL Bflo began because Jocelyn and I had a vision that we could bring everyone and everything we love together for one day and spread the positive changes that our city is creating. This community is joining together, and watching the response from friends, businesses and total strangers is showing us what were all made of.
Jocelyn Ryann
In coming back to this city from living in NYC and Hawaii for the last 8 years it has been exciting to be back and see this revolution take place. It's been a long time since this city's heart has beat as one; One Buffalo. The communities in this city are strong - people here take care of one another. To be surrounded by my family & friends and to live in a community where you are supported and loved....there's no place in the world that can compare. It's funny...the things you look for in life are sometimes right under your nose. I'm so grateful for the people, companies, and organizations that have helped this dream come alive. Don't forget to dream big and trust the universe will always have your back.
Naryan Padmanabha
Musician
Born into a family with roots extending from India to Ireland, Naryan's interests in music started at the early age of 8. He started playing basic Western instruments like drum set and guitar. On these instruments, Naryan created music ranging from punk rock to folk and many places in between. During his teen years, Naryan began exploring his roots by traveling to India and soon learned the styles of Classical Indian music. Through his travels, he learned to borrow concepts and styles from many world traditions. His main instruments are hammered dulcimer (santoor), sitar, and hand percussion. Naryan has performed with and/or shared bills with Max Creek, Rob Wasserman, Toubab Krewe, The Heavy Pets, Consider the Source, Michael Kang (String Cheese Incident), Steve Molitz (Particle), Melvin Seals and JGB, and Family FUNKtion and the Sitar Jams. He has also recorded with the world renowned North Indian Classical vocalists V.J. Kichlu and South Indian percussionist T.S. Nandakumar. Naryan has performed on over 15 independently released recordings and has toured the United States and Canada as a performer. Today, Naryan performs mainly on sitar with electronic worldly loops. The arrangement allows for much improvisation and ranges in sound from light atmospheric sounds to straight up dance grooves! He refined this sound arrangement through his weekly music residency in Western New York since 1998. Naryan is also the founder of epoch music located in Western New York. The label is dedicated to refined sounds and celebrates diversity through world traditions, electronics and all things unique. Naryan is also head engineer of epoch music's own recording studio, Ananda Kharakhane. Press Quotes "A new psychedelic musical experience. As rock and funk combine with the extended improvisation found in Indian classical music, you'll find yourself a step closer to nirvana." -ARTVOICE "...blend traditional Indian music with serious funk freak-outs..." -Buffalo News "Indian music with jazz fusion, funk and jam, is one of the most innovative sounds that I have heard..." -Music Marauders "A group that needs to be in everyone’s rotation." -Relix "Brilliant!" -Village Voice www.naryanp.com
Musician
Born into a family with roots extending from India to Ireland, Naryan's interests in music started at the early age of 8. He started playing basic Western instruments like drum set and guitar. On these instruments, Naryan created music ranging from punk rock to folk and many places in between. During his teen years, Naryan began exploring his roots by traveling to India and soon learned the styles of Classical Indian music. Through his travels, he learned to borrow concepts and styles from many world traditions. His main instruments are hammered dulcimer (santoor), sitar, and hand percussion. Naryan has performed with and/or shared bills with Max Creek, Rob Wasserman, Toubab Krewe, The Heavy Pets, Consider the Source, Michael Kang (String Cheese Incident), Steve Molitz (Particle), Melvin Seals and JGB, and Family FUNKtion and the Sitar Jams. He has also recorded with the world renowned North Indian Classical vocalists V.J. Kichlu and South Indian percussionist T.S. Nandakumar. Naryan has performed on over 15 independently released recordings and has toured the United States and Canada as a performer. Today, Naryan performs mainly on sitar with electronic worldly loops. The arrangement allows for much improvisation and ranges in sound from light atmospheric sounds to straight up dance grooves! He refined this sound arrangement through his weekly music residency in Western New York since 1998. Naryan is also the founder of epoch music located in Western New York. The label is dedicated to refined sounds and celebrates diversity through world traditions, electronics and all things unique. Naryan is also head engineer of epoch music's own recording studio, Ananda Kharakhane. Press Quotes "A new psychedelic musical experience. As rock and funk combine with the extended improvisation found in Indian classical music, you'll find yourself a step closer to nirvana." -ARTVOICE "...blend traditional Indian music with serious funk freak-outs..." -Buffalo News "Indian music with jazz fusion, funk and jam, is one of the most innovative sounds that I have heard..." -Music Marauders "A group that needs to be in everyone’s rotation." -Relix "Brilliant!" -Village Voice www.naryanp.com
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Steve Procknal Instructor I grew up playing every team sport and thought the way to a strong body was either by playing on the field or lifting weights in a gym. When I was in Brazil, I was fascinated by a bunch of locals practicing capoeira (the Brazilian dance and martial arts mixture) on the beach. I didn’t understand how simply moving your body weight and using your balance resulted in elite fitness. I was confused. After finishing a collegiate sports career in soccer and track, I wanted something more. I took on triathlons and distance running. After a few years of hard training, I started to develop chronic injuries. I tried everything for rehab, including physical therapy and surgery. Finally, a friend recommended I try power yoga. Suddenly, everything made sense. My body loosened up, muscles I didn’t know existed were awakened, and a new balance in my life was created. I felt alive. I thought back to the time in Brazil and now realized how just by moving your own body, you can develop elite fitness, strength, and flexibility. After months of practicing, I came to the conclusion that power yoga is the center hub of physical fitness. I knew with regular practice I would be able to take on any physical challenge and thrive. What I also found was that yoga gave me the ability to bring my mind back to that center hub as well. I believe fully in both the mental and physical benefits of power yoga and wish that I had been offered this earlier in both my sports career and my life. Power Yoga has taken me around the country and the world. My sports background includes Division 1 All Conference soccer player, 70.3 Ironman World Championships qualifier, Boston Marathon qualifier and competed in the Spartan world championships. I've lived in Australia, Brazil, South Africa and California. I have completed Level 1, 2 and Art of Assisting Baptiste trainings. I have completed Yoga for athletes trainings and trained under Tiffany Cruikshank and Bryan Kest. I currently teach at Power Yoga Buffalo, The University of Buffalo, The Buffalo Club, CrossFit Buffalo and Child and Family Services. |
Jamie & Susan
Instructor
The style of yoga we teach at Power Yoga Buffalo is based on the Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga system. All of our teachers have trained, and continue to train with Baron Baptiste. It is an energetic, powerful, challenging style that builds in flow with laughter and playfulness. The emphasis is on breath and flow and heat, while weaving in the purpose and transformational qualities that yoga’s history has given us. This creates an environment for all students, regardless of experience, to grow. Each class challenges and clears your mind while strengthening and toning your body. It awakens your spirit!
The blend of sweat and spirit in each class will empower you to find your edge, and grow beyond what you thought possible. Prepare to sweat each time you practice. Heat up your body, wring out your stress, and light up your path. Be prepared to SHINE!
http://poweryogabuffalo.com/
Instructor
The style of yoga we teach at Power Yoga Buffalo is based on the Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga system. All of our teachers have trained, and continue to train with Baron Baptiste. It is an energetic, powerful, challenging style that builds in flow with laughter and playfulness. The emphasis is on breath and flow and heat, while weaving in the purpose and transformational qualities that yoga’s history has given us. This creates an environment for all students, regardless of experience, to grow. Each class challenges and clears your mind while strengthening and toning your body. It awakens your spirit!
The blend of sweat and spirit in each class will empower you to find your edge, and grow beyond what you thought possible. Prepare to sweat each time you practice. Heat up your body, wring out your stress, and light up your path. Be prepared to SHINE!
http://poweryogabuffalo.com/
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Kate
Instructor A gypsy at heart, I’ve been traveling, teaching and practicing yoga across the globe since 2006. Trained under Ron Reid and Diane Bruni of Downward Dog Yoga Centre in Toronto, my yoga roots are in Ashtanga. But after stumbling across NYC's Kula Yoga Project in 2010, my practice completely transformed, and under the tutelage of Nikki Villela and Magi Pierce I learned the creative Vinyasa flow style that is now the backbone of both my practice and my teaching. To me, yoga is the permission to explore, to try new things without the pressure of failure. It is a way to open up a space completely free of judgment, one that does not harbor distraction or anxiety. Admittedly, I am a total movement junkie but I’ve learned through my practice, through connecting my body and breath, that there is a sense of peace in the still spaces, a sense of strength that can only be achieved through letting go. As an instructor, my goal is to weave intelligent asana with intention, focusing on that balance between movement and stillness. I encourage students to explore their own boundaries with compassion and not take themselves too seriously. After all, I truly believe we are all here to make life a little brighter for each other, and what better way to achieve that than through sweat, laughter and good, old-fashioned fun http://www.eastmeetswestyoga.com/about-us/teachers/profile:kate/ |
John & Molly
Musicians
Siblings John and Molly Hastings have been surrounded and playing music
since before they can remember. They were born and raised in the rolling
hills of western NY and are now bringing their music to dusty bars, yoga
practices, and camp fires. Yogi's themselves, they are working on
spreading the powerful vibe one song at a time.
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Gina Warthing Assistant My yoga journey began in 2003 after a lifetime of running and spin classes. I was hooked immediately. Yoga transformed my mind and body to a place of peacefulness and calm. Over the next few years I became stronger in every way. As life changing events happened to me the yoga studio brought me focus and clarity. I’ve met so many beautiful people throughout my practice who have influenced my life. I’m forever grateful for all the friends new and old. I love being a student and have never felt compelled to become a teacher. All that changed six months ago when Cheryl asked me to teach a class to the women of the Lighthouse. As the women entered the class the first day I realized , “I’m still a student!”I have so much to learn from them. It’s such an fantastic feeling to bring yoga to these women who are reconstructing their lives. Watching them grow in their practice is a great joy for me every week. |
Joe Erbacher Our Superstar |
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Carrie
Instructor My yoga practice began as an outlet for physical activity. I was a swimmer for much of my young life and in college, swim practice was my meditation. After graduating, I found that I missed those hours I spent immersed in water, connecting movement and breath, completely engaged in my own in my body. I started yoga in order to move in a new way, but realized it filled the hole that had previously been occupied by swimming. The process of turning inward, focusing on the alignment of my body and moving with the breath, allows me the opportunity to rest my mind. It is from that perspective that I structure my classes. My classes, like my own practice, begins slowly, with the intention of opening areas that need attention. I create a sequence that combines challenging poses with easier counter poses, using the breath to transition between them with grace and ease. I enjoy the opportunity to settle in to a pose to see what may arise and allow for the body to adjust. I like to give students time toward the end of class to explore their own practice and I frequently end class with a yin pose - holding a seated or reclined shape for an extended period of time. http://www.eastmeetswestyoga.com/about-us/teachers/profile:carrie/ |
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Mbaye
Drummer Drum heal smile heal that s love we heal together love always we are the people blessings to everyone Let s heal together Buffalo Respect justice peace love |
Erin Curtin Raw Food Specialist Erin Campbell Curtin’s first job in the food industry was serving lunches at the age of 16. In her 25 years since, Erin has continued to work in the restaurant industry, eventually opening three restaurants in Buffalo with her husband, Tucker. The Steer Restaurant and Saloon, Lake Effect Diner, and Dugs Dive. They have also started a small food distribution center, EAT Market, which serves local Buffalo restaurants, and are currently developing recipes for dressings and sauces to bring to the open market. Erin just celebrated her second year practicing yoga, which has not only transformed her mind and body, but has also completely changed the way she looks at food. Having been dedicated to sports in high school and college, Erin followed the traditional schools of thought for “eating right”. Erin found that the highly processed “healthy” food industry does anything but make you healthier. Erin is now a plant based and mixed raw eater, and has taken classes from raw chef Russell James to learn the fundamentals of raw foods, as well as being currently enrolled at Rouxbe Cooking School to get her certification as a plant based chef. Erin is planning to bring more raw products to the open market so that everyone can experience the benefits of raw plant based eating. |
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Jen Gress Instructor Jen has been practicing yoga for ten years and teaching for the past five. She was lit up by her first Baptiste teacher in Charlotte North Carolina and hasn't looked back since! She is a Certified Baptiste teacher, has trained with Baron Baptiste, assisted Baptiste programs, taught at Power Yoga Canada and is now so proud to call Power Yoga Buffalo home. She has also been a student of the Mysore practice of Ashtanga yoga with David Robson in Toronto. Jen is honored to be a part of the HEAL Buffalo event! As a newer resident of Buffalo- she has seen such amazing growth, positivity and Buffa-love in the past year- she is grateful to be a part of this growing and vital community. |
Colleen Hediger
Events
A Buffalo native, Colleen has spent the past twelve years finding her way back home, with stints in Boston, Manhattan and Santa Monica, CA . Having started planning events while in college, she followed her passion across the globe, organizing events for hit television shows American Idol and The X-Factor. She recently "wrapped" her time on the West Coast with a role overseeing events for DreamWorks Animation. Wherever she may rest her head, Colleen is never far from a yoga mat. She started her practice at the Nichols School here in Buffalo, and strengthened her technique (and core!) throughout college. While in NYC, she befriended Marco Rojas and his school, and, while in Los Angeles, could be found down-dogging on the beaches of Santa Monica. Her most clear and powerful thoughts come to her on the mat (OK, and sometimes in the shower!) and she feels her strongest after a power-flow session. A true passion for sweat, chaturanga dandasanas, and excel spreadsheets, she is excited to bring her experience to Buffalo, as there truly is no place like home.
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Marie Phillips Assistant Sports and health have been an integral part of my life since I was young. I started competitive swimming at a young age, and then changed my athletic interests to become a nationally competitive rower and elite level snowboarder. These experiences lead me pursue my college degree in Health Care Studies, which included strength, conditioning, and wellness. After graduation from Daemen College with BS in Health Care Studies concentrated in Exercise Science and working in various health and athletic training facilities I found myself incorporating yoga into training practices and programs. It was the Baptiste methodology and philosophy that attracted me to the practice. To deepen my understanding and knowledge of self and yoga I began to explore Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga. I am a RYT 200 Certified Baptiste Teacher and am participating in the Apprentice and Assisting Program. I am a certified NASM Personal Trainer, Reiki Healing Level 1 & 2, and Certified SUP Yoga Teacher. I started SUP Yoga Buffalo May 2014 bringing my passion for yoga and boards together. I am currently in the process of becoming a 500 Hour Teacher through Bala Vinyasa Yoga. When I am not teaching in my hometown Buffalo, NY I am traveling around the world leading yoga and SUP yoga retreats and workshops. Giving back is the most important thing I do and I am grateful that yoga and SUP yoga has given me the outlets to do so. Being of service for animals to humans, with events and programs like SUP for Pups to Africa Yoga Project Ambassador. |
Jenny Giblin
Assistant
Jenny Giblin is a Therapist, Yoga Instructor & Nutrition Expert. She has recently appeared in Glamour, Real Simple magazine, the NY Post, Forbes, and on the Dr. Oz show. Jenny became an RYT-200 certified Vinyasa instructor through Amazing Yoga in Costa Rica and later in Mexico.
While living in Hawaii, Jenny was one of the first to take her practice onto a Stand Up Paddleboard, and later co-founded the 1st ever SUPYoga Festival in Beaver Island New York with Marie Phillips. Jenny became an RYT-200 certified Vinyasa instructor through Amazing Yoga in Costa Rica and later in Mexico. Jenny integrates an intuitive, therapeutic approach to yoga, integrating meditation and inspiration into a powerful flow. Jenny teaches on retreats & workshops all over the world, (most recently on YogaGirl Rachel Brathen's retreat in Bonaire) and works one on one with clients internationally. Follow her on instagram for daily inspiration (www.instagram.com/jennygiblin) or find out more on www.jennygiblin.com.
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Candice Fogarty
Instructor How I found this practice: I spent most of my life before this practice burning my candle at both ends. I was sure that this was the best way to live fully. “Go, go, go or you’ll miss out.” My mind was constantly looking for the next the next thing. When I came home to finish college, I started to focus more on my yoga practice. I began to see that I was actually doing the opposite of living fully. In my effort to get it all in, I was actually missing a lot of opportunities for growth. Yoga became a place and practice where I could connect my body, mind and spirit. This practice reminds me every day to slow down and pay attention. It recommits me to the importance of the journey rather than the destination. I teach to learn more and to share the connection between what you experience on your mat, to what is possible in your life off the mat. This practice will elevate you and there is nothing more fulfilling than helping someone else recognize this, recognize that they have the power to create whatever they want on the mat and off. THIS is what LIGHTS ME UP! My greatest lesson so far: Change and growth are happening now. Open your eyes to what’s possible from that space. http://poweryogabuffalo.com/our-journey/candice-cinquino |
Jen Russo
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Sarah Panzeca
Assistant |
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Kathleen Instructor I was drawn to yoga with minimal background in movement or athletics. After my first class, I knew yoga was the perfect all inclusive wellness path for me. I was blessed to find teachers within the Ashtanga Yoga tradition who taught me the importance of balance in ones’ practice and life. As an instructor, I offer a playful and laid back class, geared towards harmonizing strength and flexibility. I believe that a challenging yoga practice is available to all and I hope to bring each student to his or her personal edge, while providing the space for laughter, happiness and peace. I studied under Ron Reid and Diane Bruni during my 200-hr teacher training at Toronto’s Downward Dog Centre where I continue to practice. http://www.eastmeetswestyoga.com/about-us/teachers/profile:kathleen/ |
Musicians
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Catherine Cook-Cottone Instructor Catherine Cook-Cottone, Ph.D., is a Licensed Psychologist, Registered Yoga Teacher, and Associate Professor at SUNY at Buffalo. She is the founder of Yogis in Service (YIS) a non-profit group of yogis offering yoga to those who would not otherwise have access and teaches yoga at Power Yoga Buffalo. As a researcher specializing in embodied self- regulation (i.e., yoga, mindfulness, and self-care) and psychosocial disorders (i.e., eating disorders, trauma), she has written four books and over 50 peer reviewed articles and book chapters. Presenting nationally and internationally, Catherine uses her model of embodied self-regulation to structure discussions on empirical work and practical applications. She teaches university courses on mindful therapy, yoga for health and healing, self-care and service, history of psychology, and counseling with children and adolescents. She also maintains a private practice specializing in the treatment of: anxiety-based disorders, eating disorders (including other disorders of self-care), and development of emotional regulation skills. http://theyogabag.blogspot.com/ |
Blake Dawson & Andy DeLuca