200 hour teacher training
The next 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training will take place October 2023 - May 2024 (see all dates listed below). Registration is now open!
Come as you are. Discover all you can be.
Since 2011, the Laughing River Yoga 200hr Teacher Training Program has inspired leaders and teachers in our community through a journey of personal exploration and evolution. This robust and heartfelt program is designed to go deeper than the physical mechanics of yoga, emphasizing inner and outer yoga practices to support expansion, growth, and positive change within yourself and your community. Our teacher training will encourage and assist you in doing the work necessary to deepen your understanding of who you are. Over the years, this training has certified teachers currently teaching in studios, schools, prisons, office settings, community centers, rehab centers, and more.
Our 200 hour training program offers two tracks of exploration. The first track is for those who are interested in becoming a certified yoga teacher. The second track is for those who are interested in deepening their personal practice and expanding their knowledge of yoga but do not wish to teach. The main difference between the two tracks is that for those taking the second track, all homework assignments and final testing are optional. Those on the first track will receive a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training certification and those on the second track will receive a 200 hour Yoga Study certification.
The program is co-directed by Emily Garrett and Christina Fornaciari, with faculty including Brian Tobin, Kim Jordan, Malaika DosRemedios, and other skillful and experienced teachers and community leaders. Together, we are committed to share with you the wisdom and skill cultivated through countless hours of dedicated practice and teaching. Over the years, we have also come to recognize how much we learn from one another over the 8 months together!
The Teacher Training program is built upon Laughing River Yoga's tenets:
Your essence is unconditional love.
We believe in the power of yoga to heal.
Yoga changes the world through transforming individual lives.
No one is free until we are all free.
Diane
Taking the 200-hour YTT was life-changing, absolutely transformative... I took my gifts, my tools, my training into the world and have built a beautiful practice...
But until now, I had NO IDEA how prepared you made me for this gift of silence, this retreat, this self-quarantine until, well, it befell me...
You gave me the resources to linger in the moment. To be in the now. To slow way down. And to find the simple joys in each hour.
Michelle
When I started the program, there was a small part of me that wondered, is this right for me? At my age? Will I be able to do it? The training challenged me and rewarded me in ways that I didn't expect. I would recommend the training to anyone, regardless of age or ability.
Ashley
Nine months ago I was a totally different person from who I am now. I feel more whole, loving (and loved) today than I ever have before and I am so excited and able to share this transformative inspiration with others.
Laura
Thank you for this transformative experience. I truly feel that I am not the same person that I was when I began this training. This was an amazing experience and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it
Alex
When I began this training, I felt a big "YES" all in my body, knowing this is what I want and need to be doing. This feels just as true today, I am so excited and curious to continue a life of studying, practicing, and teaching yoga!
Instructors
Emily Garrett
Christina Fornaciari
Malaika DosRemedios
Brian Tobin
Trish Derocher
Sofi Dillof
TEACHING METHODOLOGY:
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Analytical training in how to teach and practice asana, pranayama, and meditation
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How to instruct, observe, assist and demonstrate asana
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How to use props
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How to work with different body types
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How to create inclusive environments
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Qualities of a yoga teacher
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How to develop your authentic voice as a teacher
ANATOMY:
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Anatomy and physiology of the skeletal muscular system
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Anatomy of the breath
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Anatomy of the energy body
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Body mechanics
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Awareness of common injuries and how to prevent them
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Application of anatomical principles to posture instruction
YOGA PHILOSOPHY:
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Yoga history and philosophy
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Study of yogic texts and how to apply them to your daily life
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Exploration of Sanskrit chanting and mantra
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Use a yogic lens to look at the root causes of oppression and inequity
SELF STUDY:
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Cultivate a home practice
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Improve and understand your unique physical alignment
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Use your voice as a tool for honest, heart felt communication
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Journaling and Awareness exercises to help let go of limiting stories of self and step into your power
BUSINESS OF YOGA:
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Getting into teaching
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Marketing yourself as a yoga teacher
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Becoming aware of the commodification of yoga
Logistics:
The 8 month program includes nine 14-hour weekend trainings, unlimited drop-in yoga classes at Laughing River Yoga (live and virtual), and four two-three hour Sunday intensives. In addition to the weekends, each participant in the training is required to take at least 35 drop-in classes or a combination of classes and Sunday intensives with Teacher Training staff for a total of 35 hours.
The weekend session hours are:
Friday evening 6:30 - 8:30pm
Saturday 12 - 6pm
Sunday 10:30am - 4:30pm
2023/2024 Dates (subject to change):
October 6-8, 2023
November 3-5, 2023
December 8-10, 2023
January 12-14, 2024
February 9-11, 2024
March 8-10, 2024
March 22-24, 2024
April 19-21, 2024
May 17-19, 2024
Complimentary Sunday Intensive are included within the program. Dates and topics TBD. Past examples include Finding your Voice, Intro to Sanskrit, and Deepening Yogic Philosophy.
If you miss one weekend, you are still eligible for certification. If you miss two weekends you will need to make up one of them in order to be eligible for certification. If you miss more than two weekends we cannot guarantee certification.
Responsibilities:
Teacher Certification Track: Attendance at monthly sessions. Journal writing, reading/writing assignments, monthly small group meetings, class observation and assist, 35 classes or 35 hours of classes/workshops during the duration of the training (class fees included), home yoga and meditation practice. Final exam and final test teach.
Study Certification Track: Attendance at monthly sessions. Monthly small group meetings, 35 classes or 35 hours of classes/workshops during the duration of the training (class fees included), home yoga and meditation practice encouraged.
To Register:
Cost is $2950.
If you are seriously considering taking this program, we recommend you review our intake form and make sure it is the right fit for you.
Financial Aid:
VSAC offers an advancement grant for this training. Please note that if you receive a grant from VSAC you will still need to register directly with us. Once you receive the grant, send us an email to let us know you would like to register for the training.
Laughing River also offers financial need-based scholarships for the teacher training program. Those who identify as part of marginalized communities; BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color), and LGBTQ are encouraged to apply. We also offer one scholarship for those in later stage recovery from opioid addiction. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship through us, please fill out this form.
Questions about the training?
Reach out to program Co-director Christina Fornaciari directly at cfornaciari33@gmail.com
Prerequisites:
This training is open to all students wishing to become yoga teachers as well as all sincere, serious students of yoga who want to take it to the next level. We recommend a daily home yoga practice of at least 20 minutes and at least one group class a week with a teacher of your choice for at least six months leading up to the training. This will set a strong foundation for the group, generate questions about practice, and inspire you to learn more.
Required Reading:
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The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V Desikachar
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Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
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Yoga Teacher’s Toolbox by Joseph and Lillian Le Page
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Living Love: The Yoga of Yama and Niyamas by Maetreyii Ma Nolan
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Skill in Action by Michelle Cassandra Johnson
Inspired reading from our yoga library:
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The Bhagavad Gita commentary by Graham M. Schweig or Eknath Easwaran
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The Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Svatmarama
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Yoga Sutras of Patanjali commentary by Edwin F. Bryant or Sri Swami Satchidananda
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Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
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Tantra Illuminated by Christopher Wallace
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Yoga Assists by Sharon Gannon and David Life
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Teaching People, Not Poses by Jay Fields
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Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar
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A Student’s Guide to the History and Philosophy of Yoga by Peter Connolly
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Awakening Shakti by Sally Kempton
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The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
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The Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
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From Vedas to Vinyasa by Amy Vaughn
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All about Love by bell hooks
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The Art and Practice of Moving into Stillness by Erich Shiffman
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The Subtle Body by Tias Little
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Is this Yoga? by Anya Foxen and Khrista Kuberry
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Radical Dharma; Talking Race, Love and Liberation by Rev. angel Kyodo williams, Lama Rod Owens, with Jasmine Syedullah
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Tell Me Who You Are: Sharing Our Stories of Race, Culture and Identity by Winona Guo and Priya Vulchi
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Restorative Yoga for Ethnic and Race-Based Stress and Trauma by Gail Parker Ph.D
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The Activists Tao Te Ching by William Martin
Cancellation Policy:
More than three months prior you receive your deposit minus a $75 processing fee. Three months prior you receive 50% of your deposit back. Two months prior you receive 25% of your deposit back. Less than one month prior there will be no return on your deposit. If you decide to withdraw from the training after it has begun your money will not be refunded.
Resource page for current YTT
Click the button below for the YTT resource page