Megan Louvin – Owner, RYT 200
I came to Yoga late in life, but am so glad I did. The impact on my life has been profound. I began practicing in 2005, when I was 38. I have been teaching since 2010. I also teach cardio classes, and I am able to bring a heightened body awareness, that is so essential to yoga, into that arena. This makes my cardio workout much more balanced and beneficial. I had no idea when I began this journey that I would one day open my own studio. What a blessing it is to be able to do what I am so passionate about. I could not have foreseen just how beautiful and fulfilling teaching would be. It just goes to show that you CAN teach and old dog new tricks!!
Kristin Maxwell – Studio Manager, RYT 200
Larissa Montes – RYT 500
Larissa Montes started her yoga adventure her final semester at UT Austin in the spring of 2009. Following graduation and moving to California, yoga is what would keep Larissa grounded yet allow for her to grow within herself and as a person. Coming back to Texas and after deciding to forgo to physical therapy school, Larissa enrolled in her first Yoga Teacher Training. Upon completing her 200 hour teacher training, Larissa began to teach at Yoga Den. After teaching hatha flow and subbing vinyasa classes, Larissa would embark on obtaining her remaining 300 hours to becoming a 500 hour certified yoga teacher. Specializing in pranayama, meditation and Ayurvedic studies, her intention for each class is to lead students to finding what works best for them and their practice; as she believes the answers are within and heard best when we choose to surrender.
Tara Lemes-Jones – RYT 200
Tara Lemes-Jones has been a student of yoga since 2002. Finding the peace and calm of that yoga brings a welcome change from the hectic life of motherhood, “wifey” stuff, and the joys and business of being in public education. While she knows she requires both the heat-building yang of yoga, it is the quiet, calm of yin yoga that is her true passion. She looks forward to learning and sharing with you the peace and quiet of the yin side of yoga.
Elizabeth Kertesz – RYT 200
I have been practicing yoga for many years, but became more deeply committed to a regular practice in 2012, when I began attending prenatal yoga classes while pregnant with my son. A recent graduate of VIP Unlimited Yoga School, hosted here at the Yoga Den, I am thrilled to reach out to the community by teaching yoga to beginners. One of the many beautiful things about yoga is that you can start wherever you are right now in your journey and keep going from there. Each moment, each breath and each posture can be experienced as if it is the first time, and I strive to cultivate this sense of “beginners mind” in my teaching style and in my approach to life. Off the mat, I enjoy spending time with my son. I maintain a green beauty and wellness blog. In addition, I am a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional and experienced green building consultant.
Tiffany Murphy – RYT 200, Pilates
Hello, my name is Tiffany. I started practicing yoga in 2015. I started practicing at home, then I stumbled into The Yoga Den. The Yoga Den had become my happy place, I was attending everyday to get a sense of peace in my life. I noticed yoga was helping me mentally and physically. I started to focus more on reality and not the pictures of my past, nor the fears of my future but rather the present tense (reality). I started to become more aware of my thoughts. This gave me the sense that this will be a lifetime practice for me. The owner, a few students and some instructors were encouraging me to become a teacher. With much persuading, I took my classes to become an instructor, and I am happy I did. I enjoy teaching, I enjoy meeting different people, and the energy they bring while in class.
Harini Srinivasan –
E-RYT 200 and RYT 500 with emphasis in level 1 yoga therapy
Harini’s yoga journey began in chidlhood and she grew to love the practice. Originating from in Southern India, yoga grew to be Harini’s passion and part tradition. After completing her Masters in Microbiology, she decided to deepen her practice and completed her first teacher training in Hatha Yoga in India in 2005. After coming to the US and having a family, she again turned back to yoga, all the while practicing. Again, she became certified in flow based Hatha, from Yoga, Yoga in 2013. Additionally, she completed a 22hr restorative training from Judith Lasater.
Continuing with the passion of the healing aspect of yoga, she went on to complete a 500hr certification with the emphasis in level 1 yoga therapy. During the course, there was a deeper understanding on the anatomy, physiology and also philosophy with advanced pranayama and meditation.
Her teaching style includes Hatha, flow-based Hatha, Viniyoga and Restorative yoga. In her class, she encourages students to find their edge, yet be compassionate to themselves and awaken the inner spirit. Her personal practice includes chanting, pranayama and meditation.
Caitlin Skinner – RYT 200
Hey I’m Caitlin! I started my yoga journey at a gym, just on a whim in 2011. I wasn’t really serious about practicing until I moved to Colorado in 2013 where I started going one, two, even three times a week. I worked as a seva for the studio and eventually one of the teachers, of a class I frequented, asked if I had ever thought of becoming a yoga teacher. HA! Me? Teaching yoga? Yeah right. Yet, I began thinking about it more and more. Finally, in the summer of 2017, I completed my 200 hour teacher training program. It was the hardest, most intense emotional, mental and spiritual time of my life. I actively began teaching in January 2018. Upon moving to San Antonio, I found The Yoga Den to be an amazing welcoming community and I am so excited to be part it! In my down time, I enjoy cooking, exploring open spaces/backpacking, travel and scouring Hallmark for the perfect card. Oh, and the way to my heart is through peanut M&Ms, dark chocolate and almond joys.
Tess Muth – RYT 200
Tess enjoys teaching all styles of yoga, especially Vinyasa, Gentle, Power, and Restorative classes. She strives to keep her practice interesting and fresh by frequently varying her sequences. Daily practice of yoga raises her awareness, develops her physically, emotionally, and keeps her spiritually energized. Her primary inspiration and teaching goal is to provide a foundation to inspire peace, love, and healing in her students. “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavaintu” – May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may the thoughts, words, actions, of my own life contribute to that happiness and freedom for all.”
Nicole Jones – M.S., LPC-Intern, RYT 200
I started my yoga journey at The Yoga Den in Summer of 2017. I work as a counselor with survivors of domestic violence, and began incorporating yoga and meditation into my work with the population once I realized the ways in which it could benefit their overall wellness. I have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UTSA, and I am currently working on professional licensure as a LPC-Intern. Yoga has changed my life, enhanced my mental health, and opened up so many doors for me. I will always be grateful to The Yoga Den for welcoming me with open arms and continuing to be such a huge part of my life.
Sabina de Vries – Ph.D., LPC-S, RYT 200
Sabina de Vries, PhD, RYT-200 has maintained an active lifestyle for most of her life and has been practicing yoga for many years. She received her yoga instructor training from Yoga Yoga, Austin. Sabina views yoga as a spiritual and physical journey, and she believes in the healing aspects of this ancient tradition. Sabina feels passionate about everything related to yoga, especially slow Hatha flow, restorative yoga, and meditation. Slow Hatha flow offers a safe way to transition in and out of asanas while allowing for detailed focus on alignment, which is very important to long term joint and spinal health. Sabina is also a counselor and associate professor.
Dedra Espinoza – Certified SEL, RYT 200
Hey, y’all! I’m Dedra. I’m a public school teacher and have been practicing yoga for several years now. I was certified last year through Breathe for Change, a wonderful organization that focuses on certifying public school teachers and counselors in teaching yoga and social emotional learning in an effort to introduce students of all ages to the benefited of yoga and the mindfulness and introspection it encourages. I cannot emphasize enough the positive impact of yoga in all aspects of my life. While I participate in all types of yogic practices, slow and mindful yoga gets me out of my overstimulated monkey mind and allows me to just “be”. Sooo…restorative yoga and yoga Nidra are kind of my jam! And I really can’t say enough about the encouraging, “come as you are” philosophy and community at the Yoga Den. They really helped jumpstart me on this fabulous journey. I hope to see you on the mat!
April Ovalle – RYT 200
Hi, I’m April and have been a yogi for about ten years. My first class happened to be a full bikram yoga session. . . I loved it. Later my husband bought a class pass to a downtown studio that offer other styles of yoga, especially ashtanga. For the most part, I focused on the physical aspect of the practice, but did feel the meditative qualities as well. It wasn’t until I became certified to teach that I learned and understood what yoga is and I’ve only merely scratched the surface. I am passionate about yoga and enjoy witnessing what it brings out in people.
Michelle Tarantino – RYT 200
Yoga chose me. I didn’t know anything about it, nor did anyone I know do it or talk about, but I still found my way to the mat. I quickly realized that my mind, body and soul felt better after practicing, and before I knew it, I had developed my own personal form of therapy. Every time I step on my mat I am either taught or reminded of a lesson that will serve me in all areas of life. Feeling the overwhelming transformation that came with embracing the eight limbs of yoga, I knew I had to pass it on to my students. As a middle and high school teacher, I saw time and time again how powerful attention, intention and breath can be in anyone’s life. I decided to get my RYT 200 in 2017, and will begin training as a Yoga Therapist in January.
Recognizing the dire need for these tools in the world, I decided to step into the role of an integrative health coach. I help women navigate through confusion, anxiety and depression to find clarity, peace and strength without the use of pharmaceuticals. The sweet spot for healing is where science and spirituality meet. Combining the science of nutrition with that of ayurveda and yoga, I work with women to help them befriend their nervous systems and in turn their divinity. I also lead weekly yoga and meditation groups to high school youth in Austin, Texas.
I love the feeling of the ground beneath my feet, the sunlight on my skin, dancing wildly to loud music, a fresh exhale, and my dog eagerly running towards me to play fetch. And I’d love to talk with you about any of them.