Intensive Teachers
Each Intensive draws upon a distinct constellation of teachers depending on the topics of the course. Below are some of the teachers we have had the pleasure to work with in the and who likely will teach in upcoming courses.
KINO MACGREGOR
Kino MacGregor and her husband Tim Feldmann are the owners and founders of Miami Life Center. After spending a major portion of her life actively engaged in deep personal growth work, she returned to Miami to create a space dedicated to the integration of yoga, holistic health, consciousness and community. Kino has created four Ashtanga Yoga DVDs and has published three books. Her clothing line Om Stars launched in 2016.
She is one of a select few people to receive the Certification to teach Ashtanga Yoga by its founder Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. Perhaps the youngest woman to hold this title, she completed the challenging Fourth Series with Guruji and Sharath. Traveling internationally, she leads classes, privates, workshops and retreats in the traditional spiritual path of Ashtanga Yoga.
Kino is dedicated to sharing the amazing tradition of Ashtanga Yoga with its growing number of practitioners. She holds a Master’s Degree from New York University and integrates her commitment to consciousness and empowerment with her yoga teaching. In her unique, inspirational and playful approach, Kino helps her students expand and deepen their understanding of yoga and life.
TIM FELDMANN
Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Miami Life Center, Tim Feldmann is Authorized to teach directly by the founder of the Ashtanga Yoga Method, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, and his grandson, Sharath Rangaswami. He was set on the yoga path by his teacher Lino Miele. A practioner of the third series he is dedicated to Ashtanga Yogas traditional style. Tim is of the firm belief that the regular practice of Ashtanga yoga is the true teaching/teacher. His teaching integrates extensive study of Alexander Technique and sitting meditation with 20 years of experience as a professional dancer and an internationally acclaimed choreographer. His in-depth knowledge of functional anatomy, alignment as well as the idiosyncratic body and mind in stillness and in motion creates the platform upon which his solid understanding of the Ashtanga method rests. Tim emphazisizes the Ashtanga basics – breathing, bandhas and gaze – as the primary means to help students connect with their own practice and inner truth.
Tim is a cherished teacher giving workshops, classes and privates throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas, often together with his love Kino.
ANNA SCHMIDT-OEHM
Anna Schmidt-Oehm lives in Stuttgart, Germany where she runs a yoga studio. She has been accompanying people in yoga trainings since 2015. She has a PhD in biology and loves sharing her passion for the human body with people. She also is an Ashtanga student and did her API with Miami Life Center in 2019 and the AI in 2020. Miami Yoga Garage is her heart studio and she has been connected to the team ever since.
In the anatomy course with Anna, you will learn how to incorporate anatomical topics into your teachings/practice in an applied and understandable way. You will first gain understanding of the structures of the body, then you will learn to find the topics discussed in your own body and in your yoga practice. Annas believes that anatomy doesn't have to be boring. Her lessons are humorous and entertaining. In this section we will learn why it is important for yoga practitioner to study the body and how yoga impacts its systems. We will talk about bones, muscles, connective tissues, joints and many more interesting and relevant structures of the body. We also learn about the nervous system and the physiology of breathing.
JOSEPH ARMSTRONG
Joseph Armstrong, an Authorized level 2 teacher. He teaches yoga with feet planted firmly in tradition and gaze turned towards the future. His search for a more present and peaceful life first led him to the practice in 2008. A few years later he was in India, studying intensively.
After finally overcoming a long struggle with addiction, Joseph began experimenting with Ashtanga Yoga. He understood quickly that the lineage was calling to him to deepen his practice. He underwent a 2 year apprenticeship program at the world renowned Miami Life Center, continuing his education under his teachers Tim Feldmann and Kino MacGregor. In 2016 he completed 2 months of study in Mysore under Sharath Jois. 2017 brought Joseph to Guatemala where he taught Mysore Style for over a year while also traveling and giving workshops in Europe and the Americas. 2019 brought him back to Miami and his yoga family at MLC.
Joseph teaches yoga because attempts to do any and everything else ended disastrously. But when he finally devoted himself to his passion, he became an asset to himself and others. He hopes his practice allows him to be ever more loving and to exist gently.
SWAMI CHIDANANDA
Swami Chidananda is a spiritual educator and monk initiated in the Vedic Hari Bhakta Lineage, holding the distinguished title of Swami.
Through the study of scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Swami has gained a deep understanding of the science of Yoga and has devoted his life to helping others on their inner journey.
Before entering the spiritual path, he had a successful career as an investment banker and entrepreneur. Now, he uses his experiences to convey the ancient Yoga Systems in a relatable and accessible way for those seeking to reconcile Western and Eastern philosophies.
Additional information about Swami can be found by exploring his social media page on Instagram, @swami_chidananda, or by listening to his podcast, 'The Path of a Swami.
ESMERALDA LAMAS
Esmeralda Lamas is an Authorized level 2 teacher and devoted practitioner of the Ashtanga Yoga Method. Esme believes yoga is the best tool to overcome any obstacle that we may face in life. Esme started to practice yoga in 2008 but it was three years after when she immersed herself in the study of the Ashtanga Yoga method. Shortly after, she traveled for the first time to Mysore, India to study with R Saraswati Jois. In 2016, Esme went back to Mysore to study under the guidance of Sri. R Sharath Jois at SYC and dived in the study of traditional yoga philosophy and chanting with Dr. M.A.Jayashree and Sri. M.A.Narasimhan.
Since then, Esme has travel to Mysore several times to connect with the lineage in an authentic and pure way; to find inspiration and to continue walking the path as a student. In 2022, she received the formal blessing to teach from Sri. R Sharath Jois.
She finds yoga to be a beautiful gift which deserves to be shared with others in order to make this world a better place to live in.
Esme teaches with passion and love guiding her students with kindness and precise adjustments that help those who want to improve their physical, emotional and spiritual practice.
She is a firm believer in dedication and effort and during her classes she pays special attention to the breath, the movement and the gaze. These three components allow the mind to be focused in the present moment, help the body to be grounded and create internal space for a spiritual journey.
Dr. M.A. JAYASHREE
Dr. M.A. JAYASHREE is from from Mysore India.
After finishing her studies in the scientific field, she became more and more involved in the understanding of Indian philosophy and scriptures.
This led her to achieve a deep knowledge of both Yoga and Sanskrit, which she speaks fluently.
Dr. M.A. JAYASHREE took her PhD in Sanskrit, of which she has become a popular teacher by working in several prestigious educational institutions of Mysore and around the world, as well as her private tuition to Yoga students.
She has also studied the traditional Indian music system, and her wonderful voice has allowed her to become a recognized singer.
She has featured several CDs on Veda, Yoga Sutra, Sloka and Sanscrit poems.
Dr. M.A. Jayashree, along with her brother Prof. M.A. Narasimhan are the founders of the Anantha Research Foundation, Sanskrit & Yoga Research Foundation, Mysore,
whose purpose is to bring the wisdom of traditional Indian teachings to contemporary students all over the world.
EDGAR NAVARRO
Edgar Navarro, Is one of the directors of Miami Life Center. With a passion for holistic well-being and a deep-rooted love for yoga, he works to create a space where individuals can embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery and mindfulness. Edgar currently teaches breathwork and meditation classes at Miami Life Center.