About

Background

Why I practice yoga?

The spiritual and scientific tradition of yoga offers me an avenue to explore an experiential philosophy as a way of life. For me, living yoga is the best way to teach yoga.

How I discovered yoga

My introduction to yoga came at a young age as I watched my father, Taras Cerkevich, practice his daily routine. I’d often find him doing headstands or vigorous breathing exercises that, at the time, seemed really strange. It was only after his death that I learned how much he incorporated yoga into his private practice as a clinical psychologist and began to appreciate its therapeutic value. Later, while attending college, I was increasingly drawn to the yogic techniques my acting professors taught as a way to alleviate physical stress and prepare for a role. Eventually, the practice of yoga took precedence over the pursuit of a career in the performing arts. Signing up for my first teacher training at a local yoga studio and starting to offer small group classes to my friends seemed like the natural thing to do

My Training

In addition to studying yoga, I began training in Thai massage with physical therapist and Anusara yoga teacher Jonas Westring. It was with him that I learned a deeper, more complex level of body dynamics as well as my first true introduction to meditation and the fascinatingly natural movement of energy within the human body, mind and heart.

After a period of teaching at community centers, pilates studios, private homes and corporate venues I began teaching at my beloved home studio, Flow Yoga Center, where I am surrounded by talented, experienced teachers with a variety of backgrounds. This supportive and encouraging environment has allowed me to hone and deepen my approach to teaching and my personal practice.

In July of 2007 I began my studies in yoga for anxiety and depression with Amy Wientraub, creator of “Lifeforce yoga” and pioneer in the field of yoga therapy. After receiving my certification for Lifeforce yoga for mood management with Amy, I grew intrigued by the possibility of the application of yoga for trauma recovery. That lead me to Dr. Richard Miller, psychologist, yoga teacher, and director of the Center for Timeless Being. Dr. Miller had developed a yoga nidra protocol which is currently being utilized by the Walter Reed Army Medical Center to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I began studying with him and since then have been blessed with the opportunity to assist in several of the programs at Walter Reed and look forward to continued involvement.

I have also studied at one of the nations premier trauma centers, the Justice Resource Institute in Boston. Headed by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk who created the term “PTSD,” the center requires that its  patients attend the trauma - sensitive yoga classes the center provides. I have incorporated their unique style of trauma sensitive yoga classes both in my work in Rwanda and local shelters for battered women in Washington DC.

Specializing in Yoga for Mental Health

I’m currently enrolled in George Washington University’s professional psychology program. After I earn my doctorate (PsyD) I intend to continue my work to contribute the the fields of modern psychology and yoga. After receiving my degree, I will build on the international non-profit I founded two years ago who’s mission is to bring yoga to post conflict countries for healing and social change. As a psychologist, I will be specializing in mood disorders (particularly anxiety and depression), and trauma.

Yoga in Rwanda

In September of 2007, I traveled to Rwanda to volunteer with an NGO that focuses on conflict resolution and sustainable peace among the youth of the country. I hoped to reach a population that had limited access to mental health providers and share simple techniques for self healing and peace in action. Since empowerment is intrinsic to healing, I felt the best way to serve the population was to teach them to teach others and provide them with something they could continue to explore, share and most importantly, modify to meet their cultural needs. The adaptability of yoga to different cultures and religious traditions, combined with its cost effectiveness, makes it a perfect match for underserved populations.

Longer term, I hoped that well-trained individuals could serve as catalysts for healing and social change within their communities. The initial program I offered was a success with 30 participants and 11 graduating teachers. A year later, several yoga communities have been created and flourished with regular classes and meetings in and around Kigali, Rwanda.

Formation of the non-profit Anahata International

In November of 2007, I created Anahata International, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring yoga to post conflict countries to promote healing and social change. As executive director of Anahata International, I look forward to continued advanced teacher trainings and outreach both in Rwanda and Washington, D.C.

Yoga Therapy in Washington DC

Currently I am working with Greenleaf Integrative strategies to provide mental health care workers with workshops on the application of complementary and alternative therapies with their patients. I offer workshops on mood management through yoga and  yoga nidra. I enjoy forming partnerships with local physicians and regularly see private clients for therapeutic yoga sessions.

In terms of creative expression and meaningful work nothing in my life compares to the endless rewards I experience as a yoga teacher and practitioner. Yoga has given me strength, compassion, strong friendships, well-being and meaningful insights that I doubt I would have gotten from any other pursuit. My classes are an opportunity for me to try to share the gifts I’ve received with others.