Instructors

Andrea Fournet, ERYT500

Andrea Fournet

Andrea is the owner and director of the Arkansas Yoga Center, and head of the teacher training program at AYC. She has been teaching yoga in Northwest Arkansas since moving from Hawaii 1993.

Andrea is a certified Hatha yoga teacher, with training in the Anusara, Iyengar and Viniyoga traditions. She is registered with the Yoga Alliance at the E-RYT500 level. She began her Yoga studies in Hawaii, and continues to train nationally and internationally.

Andrea Fournet and Bryan Fowler are the co-creators of VariYoga, which is the style taught in classes and teacher training sessions at AYC, and in their workshops.

Andrea's TV Show "Yoga with Andrea", currently airs on the Jones Network in Northwest Arkansas. Andrea enjoys sharing with others the many benefits of yoga through her group classes, private and semi-private sessions.

Learn more about Andrea's journey from her KUAF interviews:

Andrea Fournet is currently teaching:

Bryan Fowler, ERYT500

Bryan Fowler

Bryan is a senior teacher and teacher-trainer at AYC. He received his E-RYT500 status in December of 2006. He currently teaches classes, teacher training sessions and workshops at AYC in Fayetteville, classes at Marvin Altman Fitness Center in Fort Smith, as well as private and semi-private sessions.

Bryan and Andrea are the co-creators of VariYoga, which is a blend of the Iyengar, Anusara and Viniyoga traditions. Bryan is also the creator of the music soundtrack for the television show "Yoga with Andrea", as seen on the Jones Network.

WEBSITE: www.guyyoga.com

Bryan Fowler is currently teaching:

Linda O'Connell, RYT500

Linda O'Connell

Congratulations to Linda! She is now a RYT500 with the Yoga Alliance finishing this program through Andrea Fournet and the Arkansas Yoga Center. She has studied with John Friend, Desiree Rumbaugh, and others. Her most recent workshop with Gary Kraftsow made a deep impression on her, especially in the area of therapeutic yoga. She applies what Gary taught, in her gentle yoga classes helping guide students with physical limitations and beginners to a life of flexibility and increased health. Linda loves sharing the benefits of yoga to whomever she comes in contact with.

Linda O'Connell is currently teaching:

Jimmye Whitfield, RYT500

Jimmye Whitfield

Congratulations to Jimmye, she has attained her RYT500 with the Yoga Alliance through AYC'S teacher mentor program. Jimmye has been practicing hatha yoga and Siddha Yoga Meditation for three decades. Having lived in several African countries as a missionary as well as extensive studies in India since 1971, she has shared her experiences with others all along the way. Her teaching continue to excite and inspire her students each and every day.

Jimmye Whitfield is currently teaching:

Kristin Loman, RYT500

Kristin Loman

Kristin is a certified yoga instructor, who received her training and certification from Andrea Fournet at the Arkansas Yoga Center. She has been teaching since 2004 at various locations in Northwest Arkansas, and began teaching at AYC in January of 2006. In addition to her studies with Andrea, she has also studied with Jamie Allison, Desiree Rumbaugh, and Cyndi Lee.

Kristin Loman is currently teaching:

Charlotte Ray, RYT200

Charlotte Ray

Charlotte completed the AYC teacher certification program in the summer of 2006. She has studied with Betsey Downing, Cyndi Lee, Desiree Rumbaugh, and others. Charlotte is delighted and surprised by the gifts that yoga gives one physically, mentally and spiritually, and she looks forward to helping others discover these gifts. She has a B.S. in medical technology, and has worked in the WRMC lab in Fayetteville since 1994. Charlotte has also brought her gifts of gardening to the yoga center with the beautiful clay pots full of flowers in our plaza. Thank you, Charlotte!

Charlotte Ray is currently teaching:

Meredith Fields, RYT200

Meredith Fields

Meredith is a recent graduate of the Arkansas Yoga Center teacher training program. She has recently completed her 200 hours in the VariYoga system. We are proud to have her as part of our team. Meredith is also a Certified Professional Governess as well as a Life Force Practitioner.

Check out the November 2007 issue of Natural Health magazine - pages 82-88, featuring Meredith!

Meredith Fields is currently teaching:

Mona Jones, RYT200

Mona Jones

Mona Jones is a certified yoga teacher receiving her training from AYC, as well as in Australia. She has taught in Joplin, MO, and now is here to share her talents with us!

Mona Jones is currently teaching:

Judy Paynesmith, RYT200

Judy Paynesmith

Judy completed the AYC teacher certification program in VariYoga in the fall of 2007. In addition to her training with Andrea Fournet and Bryan Fowler, Judy has studied with Jim Bernaert, Amy Weintraub, and Gary Kraftsow. Judy appreciates the peace that yoga brings to her life. Her yoga interest lies in helping all ages attain/maintain mobility, flexibility, and balance. She is currently working with a wheelchair-bound friend on adjustments for asanas for the handicapped person. Judy graduated from the U of A in 1994 with a B.A. in anthropology. She works at Washington Regional Medical Center as a medical language specialist.

Judy Paynesmith is currently teaching:

Terry Condren

Terry Condren

Terry has trained with Dr. Paul Lam, a medical doctor specializing in using Sun-style Tai Chi for people with arthritis. He brings to AYC experience teaching this form, as well as Yang styles.

Terry Condren is currently teaching:

Geoff Oelsner

Geoff Oelsner

Geoff has practiced meditation in the Tibetan tradition since 1974, and is also familiar with Hindu, Taoist, Jewish, Christian and Islamic contemplative approaches. Since 1996 he has co-led a weekly Buddhist Meditation and Spiritual Support Group as a resource for people from all religious and philosophical backgrounds.

Geoff Oelsner is currently teaching:

Josh Newman

Josh Newman

Josh Newman is a licensed professional counselor in private practice in Fayetteville, AR. He also co-leads the Buddhist Meditation and Spiritual Support group which meets Thursday nights at the Arkansas Yoga Center. Mr. Newman has a B.A. in psychology and religion from Hendrix College in Conway, AR and a M.A. in counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM.

WEBSITE: www.janewman.com

Josh Newman is currently teaching: