what's behind my teaching

my training + experience since 2011

first, I gathered know-how

education, ongoing

ISHTA Yoga Certified Teacher

ISHTA Yoga Teacher Training (TT)

Level 1 with Kelly Eudailey, Jean , Peter Ferko, Alan Finger, 200 hours
Level 2 with Kelly Eudailey, Peter Ferko, Wendy Newton, Alan Finger, 300 hours
Additional apprentice hours with Kelly Eudailey and Peter Ferko, 50 hours
Assistant Teacher, Level 1 with Sarah Finger, Ann Mosca, Alan Finger, 200 hours
ISHTA Master Teacher Training with ISHTA Yogirajs, 55 hours
Sadhaka Yogi, "level 3" of my own studies

ISHTA Restorative TT

Level 1, 20 hours
Assistant Teacher, Level 1, 20 hours

Prenatal Yoga TT

with Gina Menza, 20 hours
with Gina Menza and Jenn Langbehn, 80 hours

ISHTA Yin Yoga

Level 1 TT with Ulrica Norberg, 20 hours

ISHTA Marma Therapy

Level 1 with Alan Finger, Kara Sekuler, Kristin Leal, 20 hours
Level 2 with Alan Finger, Kara Sekuler, Mark Waterman, 20 hours

Thai Yoga Bodywork

ShivaShakti School of Yoga & Healing Arts

Basic Certification, Thai Massage Sacred Bodywork, 94 hours

Movement Studies

Anatomy

Anatomy of the Spine with Irene Dowd, 30 hours
Advanced Anatomy Workshop with Kristin Leal, 20 hours
Functional Anatomy, self study, ongoing

Alexander Technique

Personal study + practice with Amira Glaser, 5 years
Workshop 1
Workshop 2

Postural Restoration Institute

Pelvic Restoration, 20 hours
Postural Respiration, 20 hours

Strength Training + Conditioning

Personal practice with Daniel Lucas, 2 years

Dance

Individual studies in dance + performance throughout high school + college, 10 years
Master of Fine Arts in Dance & Technology from The Ohio State University, 3 years
Individual post-graduate studies + performance in NYC, 3 years

then, I built my how to do

initial experience

Teaching Yoga + Meditation

1:1 Yoga + Meditation

Mov/ed Online Sessions, since 2018
at Yoga 216, 2013-2019
at ISHTA Yoga, 2013-2018
at Kinespirit, 2012-2013

1:1 Therapeutic Movement

Independent Online Sessions, since 2018
at Nimble Fitness, 2018-2019
at Yoga 216, 2014-2019

Group Yoga Classes

Independent Online Classes, since 2020
at Yoga 216, 2013-2019
at ISHTA Yoga, 2013-2018
at Kinespirit, 2012-2013

Group Restorative + Meditation Classes

Independent Online Classes, since 2020
at ISHTA Yoga, 2014-2018
at Yoga 216, 2013-2019

Group Prenatal Yoga Classes

at ISHTA Yoga, 2014-2018
at Yoga 216, 2014-2018

Leading Trainings

Trainings created + taught with Nicole Katz at Yoga 216

Functional Anatomy for Yoga Teachers

60 hour training

11 sessions, 2013-2019

Level 1 Teacher Training

200 hour training

4 sessions, 2014-2019

Level 2 Teacher Training

300 hour training

1 session, 2016-2017

and added a trauma-informed perspective

evolving offerings

Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitator

TCTSY is an evidence-based intervention for complex trauma.

Facilitators complete a 300-hour certification program and complete regular continuing education and supervision to maintain good standing through an annual recertification process.

Certified TCTSY-F in March 2022

Certification renewed

March 2023
March 2024

how it all adds up

I have loved movement since I could copy the ballerinas I saw on TV. Over the years, my love of dance and movement has evolved from personal exploration into a teaching practice, sharing my experience, knowledge, and perspective.

When joint injuries sidelined me, movement (yoga, Alexander Technique, strength training, mobility work) helped me create a process of healing that continues to help me with physical pain and emotional stress. Through that journey I discovered my desire to help others do their version of the same.

Teaching movement classes and facilitating trauma-sensitive practices is how I spread the good word about our amazing moving bodies, and about our capacity to heal through movement—from all kinds of hurts.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WORKING WITH ME

mov/ed with esther is

a "hell yes!" in my book

- Melanie, custom sessions