Teachers

Melinda Morey, Owner & Teacher - CIyt, c-iayt

Melinda is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) at the Intermediate Junior II level. She is also a certified yoga therapist. She has been practicing Iyengar yoga since 1990. Melinda’s understanding of yoga asana and philosophy is rooted in a strong personal practice. As a surfer, swimmer and dancer, Melinda brings a broad understanding of dynamic movement to her teaching. Manouso Manos was Melinda’s mentor for 25 years.

Melinda’s passion is in the therapeutic application of Iyengar Yoga. Having experienced the benefits of her own practice following various injuries, Melinda is drawn to use her knowledge to help others. She completed a year long Iyengar Yoga Therapy training with her mentor Manouso Manos, and continues to study the therapeutic facets of yoga.

Morey has one son. She also holds a masters degree in visual art, and is a practicing fine artist: http://melindamoreyart.com

Ellen Wagner, Teacher - CIYT

Ellen is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT), at the Intermediate Junior 1 level.  She began her study and practice of yoga over thirty years ago to alleviate pain from a back injury. As the injury healed, Ellen began to appreciate the many benefits of yoga. She was inspired to continue her education, and in 2002 became certified as a hatha yoga instructor. Throughout the years, Ellen has consistently studied Iyengar Yoga. After devoting herself fully to the method in 2009, she became a CIYT in 2014.

Ellen is very grateful to study under the guidance of senior teachers Mary Obendorfer and Eddy Marks, and attends workshops and classes with local and national Senior teachers whenever possible.  Ellen believes that Iyengar yoga is a generous practice that brings insight, joy, and healing into every aspect of life.

VINCE VALENTE

Vincent Valente is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor who has been teaching since 1998. His classes adapt to the needs and goals of students at various levels, challenging all to reach beyond their perceived limits to evolve physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Yoga psychology influences both his teaching and his psychotherapy practice as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Koloa. His scholarship examines the integration of yoga into traditional psychotherapy and yoga for professional development and burnout prevention among psychotherapists. Vincent’s deep knowledge of anatomy and physiology stem from decades as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and lifelong athlete.

After years fostering a connection with the islands during visits with his father and sisters, Vincent finally moved to Kauai with his spouse, Jill and ten-year-old boy, Lorenzo, about a year and a half ago.  He enjoys bodysurfing, ocean swims and mountain biking.