Dharma River-Manitou Instructors
Experienced, compassionate instructors, creating safe learning environments for allGloria Alatorre
“I’m an ever-lasting student of life. I love to learn and always stay updated with my practices while holding the awareness of impermanence with a compassionate and respectful spirit towards myself and all living beings.”
Gloria is a Mom of a passionately curious autistic boy who is constantly reminding her the power of patience, understanding, and unconditional love. Gloria has ample experience as a cantadora del Tarot (Tarot Storyteller Reader) utilizing it as an evolutionary and psychospiritual tool to assist with various areas of life. Gloria is also a trained Reiki practitioner, Zen practitioner student and currently undertaking training for Shinrin-Yoku aka Forest Bathing Certified Guide through ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy). With her offerings, Gloria wishes to contribute to bring support and brave spaces to anyone in her community regardless of their background.
Trish Baishin Johnson, MSW, LGSW, Teacher, Co-Founder
Trish’s life passion and commitment is in supporting others on their journey in self exploration, discovery, care and authenticity. She has worked as an educator, both overseas and throughout the Midwest since the mid 1990s. She has 15 years of experience developing and implementing holistic mind-body curriculum with children and adults in various settings, individually and in diverse group settings. Trish is a mental health therapist, mindfulness meditation teacher, a Zen priest and Dharma Holder, a certified yoga instructor (trauma informed) and is one of the co- founders of Dharma River. She offers mental health therapy at Dharma River and outdoors in natural spaces. Trish has 2 beautiful children and a life partner. She is grateful to her family, friends and all of her teachers over the years.
Elle Newman, Instructor
Elle came to yoga in 2001 as a non-athletic nerd with a mediation practice. By then her health was already beginning to suffer with chronic pain and undiagnosed autistic burnout. Looking back, Elle can see how her practice supported her and provided her with the means to take care of her mind, body, and spirit, as well as a valuable way to connect her to community.
Elle first fell in love with asana, breath, and the accessibility of Vinyasa Flow. Later her path brought her to Forrest Yoga and the strength and stability it provided. She brings 15 years of experience leading yoga, as well as a sense of humor and an ability to work with a variety of student’s needs. Her training includes 200 hours of Vinyasa Yoga training and Forrest Yoga Advanced Teacher Training. She also has specialty training in: Yoga for Back Care, Prenatal Yoga, and Yoga for Seniors.
Elle’s classes draw long term practitioners, as well as people brand new to yoga. If you have questions about whether or not Elle can meet your needs, or accommodations you may need in your practice, please reach out via email. ellenewman11@gmail.com
Alanna Jane Pelowski, 200 RYT, M. Ed.
Paul Kisho Stern, MA, Teacher, Co-Founder
Paul Kisho Stern sees his work at Dharma River and in life in general as being focused on developing dynamic, holistic learning contexts that allow for a deeper engagement with and understanding of our human condition. Through developing compassionate and wise insights into our own humanity, we are enabled to more fully engage in life practices that allow deeper connection and compassion with ourselves, our communities, and our world.
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