Randee Schwartz

Today, I am a classically and creatively trained Ashtanga Yoga Instructor (RYT® 500). But I started my journey as just another messy teenager. I completed my first 200-hour training in 2007, with Larry Schultz of It’s Yoga San Francisco. A decade later, I accomplished a second 200 -hour training – this time with Ana Forrest in New Haven, Connecticut. This Forrest Training deepened my understanding of how to liaise with the human body. Anatomically – I learned how to dissect postures until the postures fit my students - rather than fitting students into postures. Somatically – through the lens of Forrest Yoga - I investigated the bio- psycho-social benefits of asana and breath work. From May 2019 to March 2020, I completed a rigorous 300-hour training with Marie Russell of It’s Yoga International. As part of my tutelage – I lived for three months in Puerto Escondido. From January 2016 until March 2025, I studied classical Ashtanga yoga with Aharona Shackman. Sadly, she passed away last month. I think about her when I unroll my mat 6 mornings a week to practice. And, I try to share her magic no matter what class I teach.Ashtanga yoga catapults me out of bed in the morning and lands me onto the mat. When I awake from Savasana, I feel fortified and prepared to greet and tackle the day in all the distinct roles that I play. Yet, sometimes life hurls challenges that the mind cannot grasp. In searching for meaning on and off of the mat, I have found divine clarity and strength in the yin practice. Being held by the poses, being nestled by the earth...Yin yoga gives me grace, connection and compassion. In 2023, I completed a 60-hour Yin training with Rise and Shine Yoga school so that I could share this practice with others.I am deeply curious and passionate about the mind -body- breath connection. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages, abilities, and personalities. It is my honor to share my passion and knowledge of this healing practice with each and every student I meet.