To our dear yoga community of Granite Bay and beyond, Namaskar!
At YOGACREATIVES, we believe that teaching yoga is more than sharing poses; it’s about guiding others to find balance, resilience, and connection within themselves and their communities.
To become a qualified Lead Teacher of our unique and comprehensive 200 – hour Yoga Alliance accredited Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program, I’ve undergone decades of study under some of the world’s most inspiring and influential yogis – primarily Beryl Bender Birch, Rod Stryker, Baron Baptiste, John Friend, Bryan Kest, Seane Corn, Sharon Gannon, Rolf Gates, Jim Bennett, Andrey Lappa, Pema Chodron, Carolyn Myss, and Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. From these mentors, a deep respect for all aspects of yoga – its history, asana practice, yamas/niyamas, chakras, meditation, and mantra was instilled in me, and I am honored to share here our philosophy on developing the yoga teachers who will bring this much-needed practice into the future.
Our intimate YTT, limited to 12 students and held twice a year, spread over approximately 22 weeks with weekend sessions, is designed to nurture authentic, compassionate, skilled and confident teachers who embody the transformative spirit of yoga both in their personal lives, and in their roles as teachers. Here’s how we do it at YOGACREATIVES, in our serene, Zen- inspired studio in Granite Bay, CA.
A Foundation of Authenticity and Self- Discovery
At the heart of our YTT philosophy is the belief that great teachers are first great students. Aspiring teacher trainees should have at least 4 years of consistent physical (asana) practice in-studio, with a qualified teacher. Inspired by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, we guide our trainees to explore their inner landscape through yoga’s eight limbs- yamas, niyamas, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. Studying Ashtanga and Sutra with Beryl Bender Birch taught me that true teaching begins with humble self-awareness, because we need to be a clear slate for deep understanding to take place. Our program emphasizes self-inquiry (svadhyaya) through journaling, meditation, and group discussions on how to put the practical guidance of yoga philosophy to work in our lives. In our small cohorts, you’ll have the space to reflect on your intentions, strengths, and challenges, fostering authenticity and a knowledge of Self that shines through in your teaching. Our curriculum is rooted in Ashtanga’s discipline, with modern Vinyasa’s creativity, and Yin’s introspection. Whether you’re drawn to the meditative focus of Ashtanga or the innovative flow of Vinyasa, we encourage you to discover your unique voice and style as a teacher.
Intimate Mentorship for Deep Growth
With only 10-12 students per cohort, our YTT offers a rare level of personalized attention. This small group size creates a family-like atmosphere – much like our Yoga Creatives community, where teacher trainees are not just a numbers but valued individuals. I work closely with each trainee, offering tailored feedback on your teaching, sequencing, and adjustments, ensuring you feel confident and supported throughout the process. Whether you’re refining your cues for Downward Dog or exploring the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita, our intimate setting and beautiful studio atmosphere allows for deep, meaningful growth.
This hands-on approach extends to our teaching practicums, where you’ll lead classes for your peers and receive constructive feedback in real time. Drawing on Bryan Kest’s belief in empowering students, we create a safe environment to experiment, make mistakes, laugh, and grow. By the end of our journey, you’ll not only meet Yoga Alliance’s RYT-200 standards but exceed them – gaining the public speaking, assisting, sequencing, and inspired theming mastery that will set you apart from the rest. There is a difference between getting a certificate on a 2 week trip to Bali with 200 other trainees, or by taking the time to grow and be mentored for months. Skills that are nurtured slowly, are the most deeply rooted, purposeful, and confident. This sense of purpose and confidence, is what we provide at YOGACREATIVES.
Blending Tradition with Modern Relevance
Our philosophy honors yoga’s ancient roots while embracing its relevance in today’s fast-paced world. Sharon Gannon taught me that yoga is a vibrant, living tradition; and our YTT reflects this by weaving classical teachings with practical applications. You’ll dive into yoga philosophy—studying texts like the Yoga Sutras and Upanishads—while learning how to make these teachings accessible to modern students, from busy Granite Bay professionals, to stressed-out parents, to anxious teens. We will explore and practice Ashtanga’s focus on mental resilience. We will explore and put into our own words, the Diamond Sutra’s heart-centric wisdom. We use timeless principles to create safe, modern classes that are accessible to all levels, and all walks of life.
Our YTT program also integrates unique elements, like Nada Yoga – the healing modality of soothing, harmonizing sounds. We will experience the benefits of yogic sound healing with crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, both for ourselves, and our students. You’ll learn how to incorporate these tools into Savasana or meditation, creating profoundly healing experiences for your students. By blending tradition with innovation, we prepare you to teach yoga classes that resonate with today’s diverse yoga community in Sacramento and beyond.
Empowering Inclusive, Community- Driven Teachers
At YOGACREATIVES, we believe yoga teachers are catalysts for creating strong communities and deeper connections. Inspired by Rolf Gate’s humor and humanity, we encourage you to bring your whole self to teaching—quirks, passions, humor – everything. When we are comfortable and accepting of ourselves, we create a space where our yoga students can do the same. Our YTT empowers you with the skills to create inclusive classes, whether for beginners, seniors, or prenatal students, ensuring everyone feels welcome on the mat. You’ll learn to modify yoga poses, use yoga props, and offer variations, making the yoga practice accessible to all – just as we do in our studio’s Vinyasa, Yin, and Slow Flow classes.
We also emphasize the power of karma yoga—selfless service. You’ll have opportunities here at YOGACREATIVES to design and lead community classes, such as donation-based sessions in our very own studio and beyond, to get the experience you need to teach yoga with certainty and unshakable confidence. This aligns with our studio’s mission to build a ‘family-like’ community, where teachers and students uplift each other. As a graduate, you’ll be able to teach karma yoga classes at YOGACREATIVES, giving back while honing your skills. We care about your growth, even after graduation – something not found anywhere else.
A Transformative Journey in a Nurturing Space
Our YTT is more than a certification—it’s a journey of transformation. Over roughly 20 weeks, with the bulk of instruction on weekends, you’ll immerse yourself in yoga’s physical, mental, and spiritual practices in our Japanese minimalist studio, complete with a Himalayan salt wall, infrared heat panels, soft tatami floors, and a serene ambiance. The extended timeline allows you to balance training with work or family life, while weekend sessions (e.g., Saturdays and Sundays 12PM- 6PM) provide ample time to dive deep into asana, anatomy, pranayama, and teaching methodology.
Drawing on Rod Stryker’s teachings, we infuse our YTT with compassion and mindfulness, encouraging you to teach from the heart. This training gives principles to be inspired by, not dogma to be limited by. You’ll learn to gently guide students towards physical and mental resilience, whether through the steady rhythm of Ashtanga or the soothing stillness of Yin. Our studio’s premium amenities create a nurturing environment where you can focus on your well-being, and personal growth without distraction.
Why Choose YOGACREATIVES’ YTT?
Our 200-hour YTT is designed for those who feel called to teach yoga with authenticity, compassion, and confidence. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Intimate Cohorts: With only 10-12 students, you’ll receive personalized mentorship and build lifelong bonds.
- Expert Guidance: Learn from Christine Keeley, whose training under global yoga masters informs a rich, inspiring curriculum.
- Holistic Approach: Blend Ashtanga’s discipline, Vinyasa’s creativity, and sound healing’s tranquility to become a versatile teacher.
- Community Focus: Train to lead inclusive, community-driven classes that uplift Granite Bay and Sacramento.
- Serene Setting: Practice and teach in our stunning studio, designed to inspire peace and focus.
Join Our Next YTT Cohort- Spring 2026
Ready to embark on a transformative journey to become a Yoga Alliance Registered yoga teacher? Our next 200-hour YTT begins soon, and we’re offering a free info session to explore the program and meet our community. Visit us at YOGACREATIVES, 9719 Village Center Dr, Granite Bay, email us at office@yogacreatives.com, or check out our website for details on our two annual trainings. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! Let’s grow together, creating the teachers who inspire, uplift, and transform lives through yoga; and who will carry these traditions of vibrant health, joy, community, and service into the future.
With gratitude and excitement,
