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About the Instructors

Kay Hackney, Director, E-RYT 907.457.1481 :: Email

Kay began her yoga studies in 1977, was certified to teach by B.K.S. Iyengar in 1995 and studied at the Iyengar Institute in Pune , India in October 1997. In 1998 the Balance work of Jean Couch overwhelmingly changed her life as well as her yoga practice and teaching. She currently is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance and a certified Balance instructor with Jean Couch. She extends heartfelt appreciation for her teachers along the life long path of yoga, primarily B.K.S. Iyengar, Lynne Minton and Jean Couch, and to her husband and son for their love and support.

Susanne Lyle, RYT 907.474.4584

Susanne was born in Germany and was introduced to yoga when she moved to the US at age 19. She was immediately drawn to the philosophy and wisdom of body, mind and spirit. After practicing for 10 years, she began to teach in 2000. In 2003 Susanne completed a year-long teacher training in Anchorage with Lynne Minton and is registered with Yoga Alliance. She has a M.S. degree in Biology from UAF but teaching yoga is her first choice for a profession. Although trained primarily in the Iyengar method, she has studied with Judith Lasater, Todd Norian, Jean Couch and Doug Swenson and continues to explore and integrate different styles of yoga. Susanne feels deeply indebted to many who have shared their creativity, wisdom and love, most of all Lynne Minton, Teri Viereck and Kay Hackney.

Morgan Peterson Bursiel, RYT 907.456.1427

Morgan hails originally from Minnesota and holds a degree in Biology and Women's Studies from St. Olaf College. She is a lifelong student of dance and music and with local musicians has a traditional Celtic CD, Anam Cara.  Morgan has enjoyed a personal yoga practice for 10 years.  After being introduced to the Balance work of Jean Couch in 2004, she began studying yoga with Kay Hackney. The combination of yoga and Balance has significantly changed the way Morgan approaches movement and the art of being in her body.  She appreciates the gifts of this practice-strength, flexibility, relaxation, and mindfulness on and off the mat.  She completed her yoga teacher training program at Inner Dance Yoga Studio in Anchorage in May 2008. Morgan is deeply grateful to both Kay Hackney and Jean Couch for their teachings, inspiration, and continued support.

Shelly Carlson, RYT 907.457.8195

Shelly has been practicing yoga since the mid seventies and teaching since 1993; she specializes in classes for people with mobility limitations.  Locally she has studied with Terry Viereck, Kay Hackney, Lynne Minton and Jean Couch.  Shelly has had the opportunity to study with Iyengar teachers Judith Lasater, Felicity Green, Aadil Palkhivala, and Richard Schachtel.  She has also studied at Kripalu Center and in 2003 completed teacher training at 7 Centers Yoga Arts in Sedona, AZ.  Shelly is certified to teach Liz Franklin’s Yoga in Chairs and is a registered teacher with Yoga Alliance.  Shelly is grateful to Shar Smith and Kay Hackney and to her husband and son for encouraging her to teach.

Toni Kaufman, RYT 907.455.4547

Toni began practicing yoga in 1990 when recovering     
from a serious illness. Continued practice has enhanced
her quality of life immensely. She has had opportunities to work with a number of accomplished yoga instructors mainly, Kay Hackney, Lynne Minton and Anursara teachers Jim and Ruthie Bernaert on the Big Island of Hawaii. She has completed teacher training with Jim and Ruthie and is a registered Anusara Inspired teacher and also registered with Yoga Alliance.

New Location
1504 Gillam Way, Suite B
907.457.1481

1171 Albro Gregory Lane
Fairbanks, Alaska
99712