Teacher Training Workshops
June 22, 2025
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June 21, 2026
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program Starting July 2025 with Lotus Pond
- Yoga Philosophy
- Alignment and modifications in yoga postures
- Physical and Energetic Anatomy
- Breathing Techniques
- Teaching Yoga / Teacher Ethics
- Meditation & Mindfulness
Our comprehensive program will deepen your yoga practice & prepare you to share these gifts with others. We help you draw upon your unique qualities to develop your teaching skills, find your authentic voice, and encourage your passion.
You can Apply here:
https://www.lotuspondyoga.com/ytt-200.html
Or call the studio at 813-961-3160
The information and content we share is not medical advice and is not meant to replace medical care. Please consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your unique healthcare needs.
300hr Yoga Teacher Training Program with Lotus Pond
*Pre-requisite: 200hr Yoga Teacher Training completed and actively registered on Yoga Alliance as a RYT 200.
Become a Yoga Alliance certified 500 Hour Yoga Teacher. Upon graduation, you can register through Yoga Alliance to become a RYT-500
Fill out an application here and someone will reach out to you with the next steps: https://forms.gle/gnqLUBe3t57g37yCA
Start Date: Open/Rolling Enrollment
Here's How it Works:
* You create your schedule!
* Option to take in studio or online courses
* Payment plans offered or Pay for each workshop as you go!
* Tuition priced at $18 per credit hour + Registration Fee
*Required Courses Include:
Meditation Unveiled (recorded & offered in studio annually)
Form & Function: Advanced Alignment Principles (offered in studio twice a year in March and October)
Perspectives on Anatomy of Yoga (offered in studio biannually & recorded)
Advanced Pranayama Level 1 & 2 (offered in studio biannually & recorded)
Ayurveda & The Subtle Body (offered in studio annually & recorded)
Share What You Love: Yoga Business (offered in studio annually & recorded)
Vinyasa Certification (offered in studio annually & recorded)
Deepening Peace Bundle: A Philosophy Series (recorded)
YTT 300 Kula Masterminds (offered monthly on zoom and in studio, recordings will be available)
Elective & Required courses are offered online or in studio.
You can view our online on demand training gallery here: https://app.heymarvelous.com/lotuspondyoga/shop
300hr website link: https://www.lotuspondyoga.com/ytt-300.html
Read Reviews From Graduated Students on Yoga Alliance: https://www.yogaalliance.org/SchoolPublicProfile?sid=2678&lid=2678
Ready To Sign Up?
Fill out the application below or call the studio (813) 961-3160
https://forms.gle/gnqLUBe3t57g37yCA
The information and content we share is not medical advice and is not meant to replace medical care. Please consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your unique healthcare needs.
300hr YTT Kula Mastermind - June 23, 2025 (2 credits) * with Katie Beene
With Lotus Pond Studio Co-Owner, Katie Beene
Monday, June 23, 2025
6:30-8:30pm
TOPIC: Exploring the Koshas (Layers of Self)
Cost: $40
*option to attend live on zoom or in studio / recording available to students in our 300 hour yoga teacher training
*required course for Lotus Pond 300hr YTT
Course Description:
Exclusive to students in our 300hr Advanced Teacher Training program.
These Kula Mastermind sessions are designed for yoga teachers to come together as a community (Kula) to practice and study together to develop deeper insights and a stronger connection to the practice of yoga (both on and off the mat!) Each month, we explore a different topic that the 300hr students vote on.
In this month's Kula, we will explore The Koshas through the ancient wisdom of the Taittiriya Upanishad, which introduces the five koshas as the layers of human consciousness. Through the study of this sacred text, combined with movement, breathwork, and meditation practices, we will explore the physical, energetic, mental, wisdom, and bliss layers of the Self. This session offers a profound experiential understanding of how these layers interact, guiding each student toward greater self-awareness and a deeper connection with their practice and teaching.
300 hour YTT students receive a recording of the zoom session that they can re-watch as many times as they would like.
About Your Teacher:
Katie Beene, E-RYT 500, Co-Owner of Lotus Pond, Yoga Teacher Training Director
With over 3,000 hours of teaching experience, Katie Beene brings a deep love for yoga to every class she teaches. As the co-owner of Lotus Pond Yoga and Teacher Training Director, she guides students of all levels through a variety of yoga styles, from group sessions to personalized 1:1 practices designed to meet individual needs. Katie’s teaching is rooted in the belief that yoga is for everyone, whether you're seeking physical strength, mental clarity, or emotional balance. A lover of nature and mindfulness, Katie finds inspiration in the world around her, bringing a grounded, holistic approach to her yoga practice both on and off the mat. She enjoys cross-training in dance, sports, and other fitness modalities, always infusing her movement with the wisdom of yoga. Her classes are a space for growth, self-discovery, and connection, where students are encouraged to explore their own path with curiosity and compassion. Katie believes in the power of yoga to transform lives, and her teaching reflects her commitment to sharing these practices in an accessible, warm, and supportive way.
The information and content we share is not medical advice and is not meant to replace medical care. Please consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your unique healthcare needs.
Vinyasa Teacher Certification (15 credits)* with Ryan Devin
*Required course for Lotus Pond 300hr students
Date: June 28-29, 2025
Time: 10:00am-6:30pm
*Pre-requisite: 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Certification
Cost: $300
Course Description:
Vinyasa traditionally means “to place something in a sacred way.” In this setting, it is breath-synchronized with controlled and conscious movement that keeps your students present and fully engaged.
In this workshop, you will learn how to:
-Lead a powerful and transformative Vinyasa yoga class
-Effective alignment cues
-Raise the energy in a room
-Create intelligent sequences that prepare your students for greatness
-Learn to create a fluid and engaging vinyasa class format
-Create an atmosphere to keep your students coming back
About your Teacher:
Ryan Devin is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500) who has extensive training in alignment-based yoga, acrobatic yoga, pranayama (yogic breathing), and meditation. With over 2500 hours of experience in teaching, he is a passionate and enthusiastic person who helps his students develop self-awareness and healthier lifestyles through a loving and patient approach.
The information and content we share is not medical advice and is not meant to replace medical care. Please consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your unique healthcare needs.
Costa Rica Yoga Retreat: Transforming Practice into Purpose (40 credits) with Carla Jimenez Rosas & Sahara Rodriguez
Register; https://square.link/u/WlGlP1wY?src=sheet
Open to all yoga practitioners! Yoga Teachers can receive 40 credits for continuing education on Yoga Alliance (YACEP)
Join us on a transformative yoga retreat that goes far beyond the mat—a sanctuary to deepen your connection with self, cultivate healing, and step fully into your potential.
This immersive experience weaves together in-depth asana practice, breathwork, guided meditation, and chanting, alongside journaling, vocal instruction, and chakra exploration.
You’ll experience the power of Reiki energy treatments and earn your Reiki One certification, empowering you to bring the gift of energy balance to others.
Each day, we’ll gather in intentional circles, create space for personal reflection, and reconnect with nature’s grounding energy.Through our integrated practices, you’ll discover tools for releasing limiting beliefs, reclaiming self-worth, and cultivating self-empowerment.
Guided by the foundational principles of the Yamas and Niyamas, you’ll learn to apply yoga as a guiding force in your daily life and a way to inspire and uplift those around you.
Whether you’re seeking to shift heartbreak into compassion, replace imposter syndrome with self-confidence, or discover how your own experiences can serve a greater purpose, this retreat is an invitation to step into your highest self.
Come as you are and leave empowered, equipped, and ready to shine!
Learn More: https://www.lotuspondyoga.com/costa-rica-yoga-retreat.html
Rooted: Grounding Techniques for Resilience, Balance, & Rest (6 Credits) with Anne Curtis & Melissa Carroll
with Anne Curtis & Melissa Carroll
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Open to All : 10:30AM-12PM for a fun all-levels practice
Cost: $30
YTT & Yoga Teachers: (6 CEUs) 10:30AM - 5PM (30 min lunch break from 12PM - 12:30PM)
Cost: $120
Description:
Feeling grounded and centered is one of the best ways to counterbalance the stress, busy-ness, and tumultuous nature of life. In this workshop led by two experienced yoga teachers, Anne Curtis and Melissa Carroll, you will experience the benefits of grounding through yoga postures, pranayama, mudras, and meditation. This workshop will explore both physical asana and the subtle body/energy system of yoga to help cultivate calm, inner stillness, and harmony.
In this Workshop you will:
- Enhance your alignment in yoga postures and build proprioception by grounding in healthy, sustainable ways
- Learn how to stabilize your joints and strengthen your muscles through standing, prone, supine, and seated poses
- Experience how rooting benefits balancing postures
- Explore the energetics of grounding through guided meditation, pranayama, and the Prana Vayu
- The morning session is open to all: we will enjoy an all-levels practice. Full-day session open to Yoga Teachers and YTTs.
About your teachers:
Melissa Carroll (ERYT500, YACEP, MFA) has taught yoga since 2008 and co-led the 200hr Teacher Training programs at The Lotus Pond for 7 years. Originally, she discovered Tibetan Buddhist meditation and Reiki in 2006, which began to help her work with her anxiety and depression. She is devoted to studying yoga, meditation, Reiki, and philosophy, and sharing these ancient wisdom practices with others. Melissa is the author of three poetry books and is the editor of the essay collection Going OM: Real-Life Stories on and off the Yoga Mat. Currently, Melissa offers advanced teacher training workshops and teaches online.
Learn more at
Anne Curtis studied classical ballet and modern dance for 14 years in Berkeley, California. She earned a Ph.D. in biology at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts before taking up Yoga in 1996 to heal from an upper back injury. In 2003 Anne did her Iyengar-based teacher training studies in Palo Alto, California with Larry Hatlett. She then completed the Yoga Alliance 200 hour certification at The Lotus Pond, followed by completion of the 500-hour certification in 2014. Anne is devoted to teaching each student with thoughtful attention and creativity. Anne's teaching style is a mixture of Iyengar, Kripalu, and modern dance, with a strong influence from functional strength training and physical therapy. Anne works to weave core strengthening into every class and tries to lighten things up with humor and to support her students with deep compassion and empathy. Learn more at
The information and content we share is not medical advice and is not meant to replace medical care. Please consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your unique healthcare needs.
Yin Level 1 Certification (14 credit hours) with Melissa Carroll
Date: July 19-20, 2025
* Workshops are nonrefundable
Yin Yoga is a deeply grounding practice that offers a beautiful complement to the more vigorous styles of yoga, as well as the busy pace of modern life. More and more people are discovering Yin Yoga's tremendous benefits: openness in your body, calmness in your mind, and a deeper sense of presence. Learn the foundations of Yin philosophy, alignment, and teaching techniques to enhance your own practice and share this wonderful approach with your students.
In this certification weekend, you will learn:
- How to safely and effectively teach Yin Yoga (which you can offer private clients, apply to your yoga classes, and use for specialty workshops)
- The philosophy of Yin Yoga, with an Introduction to Taoism and understanding Yin and Yang Chi
- Pranayama and Meditation techniques aligned with the Yin approach
- How to teach Yin Yoga with and without Props
- About fascia and how yoga affects the connective tissues
Learn more at www.TheYogaWriter.com
Yoga Nidra Meditation with Pam Velez (1.5 credits) with Pam Velez
with Pam Velez
Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
Cost: $30
*All sales are final
Workshop Description:
Experience profound levels of inner relaxation through Yoga Nidra, a powerful guided meditation practice designed to bring deep rest and rejuvenation. Give yourself the opportunity to rest, find balance, and restore your energy. This practice allows your mind and body to reach a state of conscious relaxation, where true restoration can occur. There is nothing required of you but to lie down and listen.
Yoga Nidra is accessible to anyone seeking greater inner peace, mental clarity, and a connection with their authentic self. In this 1.5-hour session, you'll begin with 30 minutes of gentle, mindful movement to prepare the body, followed by a calming 45-minute Yoga Nidra session. As you rest in stillness, either lying down in savasana or seated comfortably, you’ll be guided through various stages of relaxation, effortlessly moving into a deep meditative state.
Yoga Nidra is a systematic practice that has been scientifically shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the "rest and digest" response, which supports the body in its natural ability to restore and recover. This practice has been found to help in the management of stress and may provide relief for symptoms related to insomnia, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, and other conditions.
Pam Velez, certified in Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra, will guide you through this deeply restful practice. Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this class offers the space to disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with your inner calm and clarity.
About Your Teacher:
Pam Velez has been teaching yoga for the past 9 years. She began taking yoga classes at a gym with the intention of getting a good workout. What began as part of an exercise routine has become so much more. Pam credits yoga for helping her to become a better person: more patient, compassionate and less judgmental. She has over 700 hours of yoga training and earned her E-RYT 500. Pam loves to laugh and brings this element of lightheartedness to each class. Her classes incorporate alignment, flow, humor and a bit of yoga philosophy. Pam received her Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra® certification at the Lotus Pond with Jennifer Reis.
The information and content we share is not medical advice and is not meant to replace medical care. Please consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your unique healthcare needs.
YACEP Hours:
Yoga teachers and yoga teacher training students enrolled at Lotus Pond can receive 2 credits for attending this course in addition to completing an accompanying assignment that will be emailed to you after registration.
Techniques, Training & Practice
How to do (practice) yoga (1hr)
Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle & Ethics
History, philosophy, ethics and lifestyle practices of yoga (0.5)
Total: 1.5 credit hours
Teaching Chair Yoga Certification (16 Credits) with Willow Marcotte
Date: August 16-17, 2025
In this Chair Yoga certification you will be provided with the tools to safely and effectively develop your own unique inspirational chair yoga sequences to support your students in unique and various settings. These concepts will help to increase your confidence to teach and support the well-being of others in an inclusive yoga setting.
In this weekend training explore:
- Anatomy in relation to practicing yoga from a chair
- Adapting classical Hatha asana
- Variations for limited mobility, neurological conditions and other health challenges
- Inclusive and Supportive language
- Teaching chair yoga variations
- Chair sequencing and practicum
- Using 1 & 2 Chairs
- Restorative poses from a chair
- Pranayama and Meditation
- Incorporating a chair in traditional Hatha class settings and your personal practice
Yoga for Pain Relief (5.5 Credits) with Lee Albert
with Lee Albert
Date: Saturday September 6th, 2025
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm (1.5 hour lunch)
5.5 Credit Hours
Cost: $115
*All Workshops Are Non-Refundable
Description:
Do you or your students struggle with back pain, sciatica, tight hamstrings, sore knees, or chronic pain? Fortunately, it is possible to live without pain.
Join Lee Albert, Kripalu teacher, author, and Neuromuscular Therapist, for this training where you will:
•Learn How To Relieve Chronic Pain for Yourself and Your Students
•Recognize The Muscle Imbalances That Are Causing Pain
•Practice The Specific Postures That Correct Those Imbalances
•Identify Postures That Can Aggravate Pain
The postures in this class are suitable for all levels.
About your teacher:
Lee Albert, NMT created Structural Yoga Remedies to eliminate or reduce chronic pain associated with many neuromuscular conditions. He is trained in Neuromuscular Therapy and has been practicing yoga for 20 years and leads workshops at the Kripalu Center. Lee is the author of “Live Pain-Free without Drugs or Surgery.”. PBS recently showcased Lee's knowledge with "3 Steps to Pain-Free Living" check your local listing for days and showtimes. Click the link to watch a preview:
https://youtu.be/BQYMuoMaZEU
The information and content we share is not medical advice and is not meant to replace medical care. Please consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your unique healthcare needs.
Fall Pranayama Part One (14 Credits) * with Larissa Carlson
Dates: September 13-14, 2025
*Required Session for 300hr students*
*In Studio Attendance*
Cost: $280
*Workshops are nonrefundable
Workshop Description:
This workshop covers the basic teachings of Pranayama, and is Part 1 of a 2 Part series. Part 2, Advanced Pranayama is offered on Monday and Tuesday, September 15 and 16, 2025. Please note that Part 1 and Part 2 must be taken in the same year or else Part 1 will need to be repeated.
Learn how to deepen your personal practice as well as safely teach pranayama in classes and private sessions.
This workshop will include basic pranayama (Dirgha, Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Sheetali/Sitkari) in preparation for the advanced practices of Kapalabhati, Bastrika and the bandhas that will be presented in Part 2 (Sept 15-16). Through the studies of Pranayama, you will gain knowledge in the safety and strength of the practice and connect with a pathway into the deeper layers of yoga enhancing self-exploration, endurance and clarity.
*Required Resource: 300hr YTT students will be required to purchase the Pranayama 10 Day Audio Course for $18. An email will be sent to students directly with the link for this after registration.
About Your Teacher:
Larissa Hall Carlson, M.A., E-RYT 500 and Kripalu 1000-hr teacher, co-creator of Yoga Journal's online course Ayurveda 101, and former Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda, guides retreats, directs advanced yoga teacher trainings, and provides consultations across the country. Specializing in pranayama, yoga for performers, Mindfulness and Ayurveda, she supports students and clients in deepening their practice, finding radiant health and making the most of this life. Learn more at larissacarlson.com.
The information and content we share is not medical advice and is not meant to replace medical care. Please consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your unique healthcare needs.
Pranayama Part 2 (14 credits)* with Larissa Carlson
*In Studio Attendance*
Cost: $280
*Workshops are nonrefundable
Pranayama Part 1 is a required prerequisite course that must be taken within one year of registering for part 2:
**online recording of part 1 can be purchased here: https://lotuspondyoga.heymarvelous.com/product/34579
10 Day Pranayama For Restoring Vitality Audio Course
https://larissacarlson.com/shop/pranayamaforrestoringvitality
You will be emailed a special discount code to purchase after registering for the workshop.
Attendance Options:
-Attend Part 1 (the weekend) , for the basic teachings of pranayama, online recording available also.
-Attend Parts 1 & 2 for a 4 Day Course (Sat - Tues). Both basic and advanced pranayama practices will be covered.
-Attend Part 2 (Mon & Tues) for advanced pranayama* *This option is only for students who have previously attended Part 1 within 1 year, Basic Pranayama with Larissa.*
Course Description:
Learn basic pranayama (Dirgha, Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Anulom Viloma) and build to advanced pranayama (Kapalabhati, Bastrika, etc). Experience the safety and strength of the bandhas. Deepen your practice and develop your pranayama teaching skills.
About Your Teacher:
Larissa Hall Carlson, M.A., E-RYT 500 and Kripalu 1000-hr teacher, co-creator of Yoga Journal's online course Ayurveda 101, and former Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda, guides retreats, directs advanced yoga teacher trainings, and provides consultations across the country. Specializing in pranayama, yoga for performers, Mindfulness and Ayurveda, she supports students and clients in deepening their practice, finding radiant health and making the most of this life. Learn more at www.larissacarlson.com
The information and content we share is not medical advice and is not meant to replace medical care. Please consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your unique healthcare needs.
Form and Function in Asana: Advanced Alignment Principles with Karin Stephan (10 credits) with Karin Stephan
Full weekend: $200
Saturday only $100
In this workshop, we will explore the practice of intelligent sequencing based on the fundamental principles of Iyengar Yoga combined with Karin's deep understanding of The Asymmetric Body. We will closely examine the various groups of asanas - standing poses, forward bends, twisting poses, backbends and inversions - with adaptations for each individual body. This workshop will also focus on a higher degree of integration of the neuromuscular/skeletal system which will help promote a profound sense of relaxation throughout the body and mind. You may leave feeling focused, balanced, steady and strong.
About Your Teacher:
Learn more at: http://www.yogamacro.com
Awaken The Power Of Your True Voice - 2 Part Workshop with Pam Kaplan
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Open to All | 2 Hours
Reconnect with the strength, clarity, and resonance of your natural voice. Through guided movement, breath, sound, and self-reflection, you’ll awaken your authentic voice—confident, grounded, and expressive.
Part 1 Cost: $40
*all sales final
Part 2 — Empower Your Voice for Yoga Teaching
3:00 - 5:00 PM
For Yoga Teachers | 2 Hours
Deepen your vocal presence as a teacher. This session focuses on asanas, vocal health, projection, and cultivating a vocal style that reflects your personality and supports your class.
Cost for Part 1 & 2: $80
*all sales final
*must complete part 1 & 2 to offer 4 credits for YTT / YACEP
This workshop is for finding your voice! Geared toward helping you improve the quality, tone and strength of your voice.
* Gain an understanding of how the voice works by learning the anatomy and physiology of how the breath and voice work together
* Interact and play with the energy of the voice
* Articulation exercises for clarity of speech
* Dive into creative expression with exercises to increase volume, vary the tone and color the words
* Become a more confident speaker by discovering your voiceprint
* Learn how to use the voice safely to avoid vocal injury
Items you will need:
comfortable clothes, small hand mirror and your yoga mat (journal if you’d like)
Your voice is your inner light, let it shine!
About Your Teacher:
Pam Kaplan E-RYT 200/RYT 500, YACEP, has been studying the craft of yoga since the 80's in NYC where she also studied acting, voice, and dance. Pam is a former actress and vocal coach and currently practices as a speech-language pathologist. She has worked with both television, radio and stage actors to assist them reach their vocal potential. Some of Pam's clients have been ESPN2, NewsChannel 8, WMNF and American Stage. She has worked for Eckerd College, USF, Ruth Eckerd Hall, HSN and performed a one-woman show in Tampa.
The information and content we share is not medical advice and is not meant to replace medical care. Please consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your unique healthcare needs.
Yin Yoga Level 2 Certification: Diving Deeper with Melissa Carroll (14 credits) with Melissa Carroll
Dates: November 15-16, 2025
Cost: $280
**PREREQUISITE: Yin Yoga Certification (from the Lotus Pond or another school: if you do not have this but have relevant experience, please contact [email protected] and explain your previous training and/or experience.) You can also take the Yin Level 1 Certification online on demand. Contact the studio for more information!
Course Description: Dive deeper into the magic of Yin Yoga and expand your teachings. This Yin 2 training will explore Meridian Theory, the subtle body, fascia, Yin posture clinics, and much more.
Manual: Students will purchase a manual the day of the workshop at Lotus Pond for $25.
In the Full Weekend training you will learn:
- The Meridians in Yin Yoga and 5 Yin Meridian Sequences
- Deeper explorations of Chi and Prana from Chinese Medicine and Yogic perspectives
- The Chakras and the Gunas within Yin Yoga
- Fascia, physiology, and piezoelectricity
- Yin vs. Yang pranayama and meditation
- How to teach with and without props
- Posture clinics
About Your Teacher:
Melissa Carroll (ERYT500, YACEP, MFA) has taught yoga since 2008 and co-led the 200hr Teacher Training programs at The Lotus Pond for 7 years. Originally, she discovered Tibetan Buddhist meditation and Reiki in 2006, which began to help her work with her anxiety and depression. She is devoted to studying yoga, meditation, Reiki, and philosophy, and sharing these ancient wisdom practices with others. Melissa is the author of three poetry books and is the editor of the essay collection Going OM: Real-Life Stories on and off the Yoga Mat. Currently, Melissa offers advanced teacher training workshops and teaches online.
Learn more at www.TheYogaWriter.com
