About the Staff
Karen Myers: Yoga Instructor - Karen has been known to describe herself as a runner prone to inflexibility and a personality laden with melancholy. She began practicing yoga four years ago in an effort to compliment her distance running and find solace for her busy mind. She quickly fell in love. Yoga made such a difference in her life that she wanted to be able to share such a gift with others so in October 2007 she became certified as an instructor and began teaching, which she has also come to love. Since she began practicing yoga regularly, she has been consistently running sub 1:40 half-marathons. Injuries that plagued her in the past are now distant memories. She is also able to quiet her busy mind in and outside the studio with relaxation techniques she has learned through her yoga practice. She feels very honored to be a part of the East-West community.
Leigh Devier: Yoga Instructor - Leigh has been studying the mind body connection for the last ten years and was drawn to a weekly yoga class held in a local school in Shenandoah County. This led her to other outlets for yoga and to a teacher training program in Charlottesville. Her enthusiasm for yoga and the noticeable impact on body strength and flexibility has continued to support her desire to share yoga with others. As an elementary school Reading Specialist, Leigh has organized classes for staff members and introduced children to yoga during fitness nights. The focus on yoga has led to an interest in children’s yoga which she enjoys sharing with her grandson and other children. Leigh has experienced peace and calm through the asanas as well as the physical benefits of healthy living.
Eric LaFreniere: Communications
Laura Brennan: Webmaster - Laura is an IT specialist, small business owner, part-time JMU faculty member, and part-time BRCC faculty member. She stumbled upon John and his previous venture ‘Harrisonburg Underground Yoga’ back when they were in a coffee shop off Port Road and forced him to make her his Webmaster. Laura has been doing yoga since 2000 when she took her first class at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck NY, but still claims to be a beginner.