patti perez.

Patti moved to New York City in 1987 from Miami.

In 1991 Patti was introduced to yoga and ensued study of Sanskrit, Vedic chanting, spiritual texts and Hatha yoga. Seeking more specialized instruction in Hatha yoga she discovered Ashtanga yogasana and has been practicing it ever since.

Working with many distinguished yoga teachers, Patti chose Manju Jois as her teacher. He in turn solidified Patti’s path in yoga, sharing his well-rounded knowledge of Ashtanga yoga and the Vedas.

Patti currently enjoys her Second Series practice and gives thanks to every one for making Shiva Shala what it is.

charles secallus Charles has been practicing yoga for over a decade. He was first introduced to Ashtanga by Raji Thron in 1998. Charles started studying with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in 2000 and since then the Ashtanga yoga practice became part of his daily routine. He has traveled to Mysore, India several times to study directly with Pattabhi Jois and his family. His broadened perspective and ever expanding understanding of yoga has inspired in him, a lasting commitment as practitioner and teacher. Charles takes pride in staying true to the traditions of Ashtanga and believes that the system can change you from the inside out. He lead a successful Mysore program in his native New Jersey for several years before teaching with Patti at Shiva Yoga Shala in NYC. Charles has recently returned from a 3 month stay in Mysore and is currently working on his authorization. It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that he teaches and passes down the system to today’s aspiring students.
	Andrew Petker. Andrew has a devoted Ashtanga Yoga practice, encompassing the full Primary as well as Second Series. He practices at Shiva Yoga Shala under the stewardship of Patti Perez. Andrew also studies under the guidance of Manju Pattabhi Jois. Andrew holds these two teachers in the highest regard, each one being a true inspiration of light. Andrew teaches Led Ashtanga classes as well as Mysore style Ashtanga practice. Andrew also teaches Jivamukti Yoga, having received his certification as a Jivamukti teacher in 2001. Andrew taught for five years at the Jivamukti Yoga centers becoming a senior teacher before pursuing his own road. Andrew is grateful for the love, compassion, guidance and inspiration of his beloved teachers Sharon Gannon and David Life. He is thankful for having apprenticed with Sharon, Ruth Lauer-Manenti as well as Kelly Morris. These apprenticeships represent three years of study following a one year long teacher training program. Andrew then trained fellow Jivamukti certified instructors. Andrew is appreciative of all those in his lineage. Andrew has cultivated a unique style of teaching, he teaches true vinyasa with a near continuous breath count. Andrew motivates and leads his students in surpassing their self perceived limitations. Andrew encourages his students to view the vinyasa simultaneously as hard work as well as play. In short, Andrew teaches vinyasa as he likes to practice. Andrew has choreographed, directed and performed in select asana dance performances. He has been filmed and photographed doing asana for national and international advertising campaigns, as well as artistic expression through short film. Andrew leads select Yoga workshops. Andrew collaborated with Elie Tahari in the creation of Om Jeans, which he proudly sports when out and about on the town. Andrew is active in a variety of sports including skiing, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving as well as cycling. .