Awaken Yoga School - Yoga School in Mentor Ohio, Yoga Therapy, Yoga Classes and Workshops

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Practitioners

Caryl Rae Church CYT, Reiki Master

Yoga has been a journey of acceptance, adaptability, and gratitude for me. Since 2001, I have studied with wonderful teachers such as Heidi Shaffer and Anne Ondrey. In 2012 I began yoga teacher training with Jennifer Langsdale at Awaken Yoga School in Mentor, Ohio. Along with teaching yoga, I am also a Reiki Master and earned a Masters degree in Art Education from Kent State University. I view the mat as a transformative space that connects us to ourselves, one another, and the subtle vibrations of the Universe. I am so happy and honored to be teaching Awaken Yoga School.

I am also a reiki practioner and training facilitator, beginning my training in 2010. Originally, training with Marcia Backos, I finished my ART and Master certification with Rowan Silverberg. I have have volunteered in many Reiki clinics and shares. I loos forward to sharing a relaxing, healing experience for my Awaken Yoga clients.

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Pandora I Dana LMT, CPT, CMA, Life Coach

I have been a State Board licensed Massage Therapist for 11 years, and a certified life and wellness coach with expertise in stress management, mind-body interactions and anxiety disorder for 5. I am also a nationally certified medical assistant and phlebotomist with 6 years of intensive study of human anatomy and physiology and am currently working on my BS in Biology with special interest in Human Anatomy and physiology.

In my massage practice I specialize in deep tissue massage therapy, trigger point and myofacial release, pregnancy massage and post-partum massage. I offer stress relief, pain reduction and optimal wellness plans through life coaching and massage therapy. Body work plus awareness training is combined to relieve pain and discomfort from injuries and ailments, as well as related emotional stress.

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Lisa Fleming RYT, CYT, Reiki Master, Owner and Studio Director

Lisa is a Registered Yoga Teacher certified at the 300-hour level with the Yoga Alliance, and continues to work and study with the Awaken Yoga School in Mentor, Ohio. Lisa has owned and directed OneTree Yoga in Euclid for 2 years. She knows firsthand that yoga can be a healer. Lisa was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythmetosis at the age of 11, and feels she has finally found the best treatment for her "dis-ease" through yoga. Her Lupus went into remission shortly after she began her practice and she has never been healthier! Lisa teaches her classes from her heart, drawing energy from her students and her highest Self to create a peaceful, powerful sanctuary for her students to find peace and healing within themselves. She feels that sharing what she has learned with others is not only her passion, but also her responsibility in this lifetime.

Jennifer Langsdale has not only been a teacher and friend to Lisa, but also an inspiration. The two joining together to bring true yoga to Mentor came naturally, as their visions are the same and their styles complement each other. They feel blessed to be able to share their love of yoga with everyone who walks through the door!

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Jessica Guerrieri LMT, RYT, Certified Thai Massage Practitioner

Jessica is a Licensed Massage Therapist, licensed with the State Medical Board of Ohio, a Certified Yoga Teacher and a practitioner of Traditional Thai Massage, certified by Sarah Cheiky, LMT of The Studio Cleveland in the Shivagakomarpaj Lineage. She currently practices therapeutic table massage and Thai massage at Awaken Yoga Studio & Healing Arts Center.

Jessica discovered Yoga over 10 years ago while seeking a deeper meaning in her life. Finding calm, clarity and beauty, she knew she had found her true path. Through this practice, she has begun to experience the peace of letting go of fear and doubt and has instead begun to cultivate strength, courage, consciousness and compassion. The beauty of Yoga is that the opportunity to practice exists within every day and within every person. Jessica's greatest influences in life are found in Nature and in the beauty of the human soul.

Jessica's classes are a moving meditation, incorporating the use of the breath to connect to the innermost part of our Selves, and to find peace and clarity in our flow. You will leave class feeling open and energized in body, yet calm and centered in mind and spirit. Jessica hopes to inspire others to also find hope, courage and peace in their lives. She is eager to share her passion for yoga and for life and warmly invites you to practice with her, on and off the mat. Namaste

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Jennifer Langsdale E-RYT 500, Certified Yoga Therapist, Owner and Director of Teacher Training

Yoga found Jennifer in her early 20's, physically to heal her aching hip flexors, emotionally to heal her aching heart, and mentally to ease her mind of anxiety and fear. She is certified in Hatha Yoga and Yoga Therapy, Shiva Rea's Prana Vinyasa Flow®, Thai Yoga Massage and is currently working with women as a Doula in training. It has offered her more than that, and now after teaching for 8 years and more than 5,000 hours of teaching, opening a school and practicing yoga therapy, she is partnering up with Lisa Fleming, someone who loves yoga as much as her! There was no better person for her to share that experience with than with someone like Lisa who loves this practice as much as she does! They are so excited to share this community with you!

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Jolynn Lewis, LMT & CD(DONA)
Arvigo Practitioner, Fertility and Pregnancy Massage Specialist, Certified Birth Doula

I graduated from the Arizona School of Massage Therapy in Tempe, Arizona in 2006. For the past 6 and a half years I provided therapeutic massage therapy in Nashville, Tennessee. I established a busy massage practice specializing in women's health, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care. In February 2013 my handsome fiance lured me back to my hometown roots of Cleveland, Ohio. I am now excited to be offering massage and birth doula services to women in the Cleveland area.

It is my passion to advocate for women's reproductive health. I strive to educated and support women to trust their bodies, make informed and confident choices, to take an active role in their health care, and most importantly to love their bodies. I offer Pregnancy massage, Postpartum massage, Maya Abdominal Therapy, Crainiosacral Therapy, and Reiki.

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Jenn Mason, RYT-500, Reiki Master

Jenn has been sharing the practice of yoga with others since 2005. She certified at the 500 hour level with Jan Hauenstein & Judy Bar with Try4Life. She is grateful to have studied with many wonderful local and national teachers. She enjoys fusing elements of different yogic paths and Qigong to create an interesting & relaxing practice. Jenn is also a certified Reiki Master, laughter yoga leader & yoga therapist.

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Anne Ondrey, MSW, E-RYT, Reiki Master

Anne is in her fourth career with yoga. She started out playing the cello, then worked as a newspaper reporter and finally settled on social work, doing outreach and community-based work for 20 years. Then the yoga bug bit and she found what she'd been looking for all along - a system and philosophy to help people be happy! Anne's alignment work is based on her studies with Ginny Nadler, Judith Lasater and Doug Keller. She teaches restorative yoga and is certified at the advanced level with Judith Lasater. She also teaches chair yoga and studies this style of yoga with Peggy Cappy. She teaches meditation and has studied with David Nichtern and she is a Reiki Master and does Reiki training with Rowan Silverberg. Anne has a BA from Brown University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh.

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Jeanette Peters, RYT, CYT
My eyes were opened to yoga in high school after the death of my father. At that time in my life I was looking for a way accept a new change in my life and my heart found peace by doing yoga. I have to admit that I was content just attending yoga classes and doing videos by myself, however, the universe had a different direction for me. I met Jennifer Langsdale of Awaken Yoga a few years later and my journey down a yogic path began to unfold itself at landslide pace and I found myself signed up for a yoga teacher training program. The road I have been traveling down has not been easy and at times I have felt like I was never going to experience this absolute bliss and peacefulness that I have learned so much about. Through the trusting guidance of my teacher I realized that learning anything new takes time and patience. Yoga isn't just about a physical posture (asana) it's about learning how to accept the things you cannot change and embracing the difficult things in your life with an open heart. I live with my wonderful husband, our two beautiful twin daughters and our little furry companion. Some of my inspirational teachers are BKS Iyengar and Swami Rama.

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Jennifer Shope, RYT-300, Reiki Practitioner

I am a 300-hour Registered Yoga Instructor and a graduate of the Awaken Yoga School. I was led to yoga during a traumatic period in my life in which I was injured and truly lost. For years I've experienced chronic pain including back, neck, hip and shoulder pain, and for most of my life I've suffered from anxiety and depression, all of which came to a head a few years ago after a car accident. I tried countless methods of treatment to heal myself physically and emotionally. Then a friend suggested I try yoga. In addition to my dramatic physical recovery, I also learned how to release emotional stress, which can manifest as physical pain. Yoga provided me with my path to healing, inside and out, and it truly changed my life. I love the fact that I now have the opportunity to help others experience what yoga can do for us. We are all faced with challenges and we all have stress, and my goal is to teach classes that provide each student with a well-deserved chance to reflect and heal and relax!

As my spirituality grew through learning and teaching yoga, I became increasingly aware of the palpable, tingly energy that manifested during a yoga practice or meditation, particularly in the palms of my hands. I began learning about Reiki and receiving treatments. I felt immediately drawn to it. It was clear to me that it was a natural progression in my quest for a deeper connection with the Universe and with healing energies. I have since received my 1st and 2nd Level certifications and look forward to becoming a Reiki Master. It has already helped me and others with insomnia, anxiety, depression, grief, and physical pain. I am continuously amazed at how Reiki feels and what it can do. I absolutely love it.

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Danielle Snow, LMT, RDH, Reiki Practitioner

I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, Registered Dental Hygienist, Reiki Practitioner, photographer and fine artist. I view anything done well in life as an art form. Through my years of various studies, I pull from each area to enhance this healing art I am grateful to share with you. My intention is to aid in restoring balance, energetic vitality, and deep healing to your being holistically.

I am experienced in Swedish, Relaxation, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy, Reflexology, Medical and Sports Massage. I have received my Reiki 1 Attunement, and plan on furthering my studies with a traditional Reiki Master from Taiwan in the coming months. Exploring new methods and modalities to serve you better is my passion.

It is sincerely my honor to work with you and assist in your body's self-healing capabilities. My hope is to leave you feeling renewed, vibrant, and able to go back into the world and thrive. It is my belief that massage is for everyone! If we do not care for ourselves..how can we be any good to our family, friends, and community? Your well-being IS essential, a priority, and you deserve it.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

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Gina Stropko, LMT

Gina Stropko has been in practice as a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Reflexologist since 1997. Her studies include Tai Chi Ch'uan, Polarity Therapy, Biodynamic CranioSacral Therapy, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Shamanism, Myofascial Release, trauma and stress release therapies, Aromatherapy and pain management. Continuing her studies in Natural Healing and the healing arts, Gina combines different modalities of bodywork and energy work according to the comfort and needs of each individual. Gina has extensive experience working with senior citizens and those suffering with chronic pain.

Gina began studying Tai Chi Ch'uan with Master Tom Huang of Coventry Rd. in Cleveland Heights in 1995 to help aid in her recovery after surgery. Gina has continued to practice the Wu style form consisting of 118 flowing movements and Tai Chi warm-ups including the 8 Best Best Movements for Health. Tai Chi is good for Health, Long Life, Improves Balance, Good for the Mind, Helps Prevent Arthritis and it is Self Defense. Gina currently conducts beginner's classes with an emphasis on Health.

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Yoga Therapy

Awaken Yoga Body Wisdom™
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A psychological approach to yoga which allows the client to have an open dialogue with their body through the use of yoga postures and meditation techniques to release chronic pain, past tensions and experiences that are causing "dis-ease" in the body. The body remembers and stores emotions, fears and pain, and yoga postures are proven to help release these tensions. Yoga Therapy is beneficial for anyone, those dealing with imbalances of the mind, the body or spirit. No Yoga experience is necessary. All sessions are safe and confidential. You may be asked questions regarding your medical and physical history. Dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing. Contact Jennifer with questions.

A "cure" occurs when one has successfully controlled or abated the physical progression of an illness. Curing a physical illness, however, does not necessarily mean that the emotional and psychological stresses that were a part of the illness were also alleviated. "Healing is an active and internal process that includes investigating one's attitudes, memories, and beliefs with the desire to release all negative patterns that prevent one's full emotional and spiritual recovery."" -Caroline Myss's Anatomy of the Spirit

During our sessions we went through one Chakra at a time trying to release issues in these areas of my body. At the end of it I felt like a brand new person. All my pain was gone.

~ Read More Testimonials from Clients

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Thai Yoga Massage

Thai Massage - Schedule a Session here

Jennifer has been certified in Yoga Therapy through Sarah Cheiky LMT of The Studio Mentor

Thai massage is a form of body work that is becoming increasingly popular in the West. A traditional Thai massage incorporates an ancient combination of acupressure, energy meridian work, and yoga-like stretching for an invigorating and balancing experience. Thai massage improves circulation, flexibility, muscle tone, and is the perfect complement to any exercise routine.

Thai massage is most different from other forms of massage in that there is no oil used, that the masseur uses a mattress on the floor (as opposed to a table), and that you remain completely clothed throughout the massage. Thai massage has sometimes been called 'Yoga Massage', or 'Yoga for Lazy People'!

Therapeutic Table Massage - Schedule a Session here
As an ever-increasing part of many medical therapies, massage has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including fatigue, high blood pressure, back pain, arthritis, digestive conditions, depression, insomnia, anxiety and more. Therapeutic Table Massage at Awaken Yoga is performed on a massage table, the disrobed client covered with sheets. It incorporates techniques of Swedish, Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Massage to stimulate circulation and relieve knots and chronic muscle tension in deeper seated muscles and the fascia. A combination of techniques is used, with the application of lotion or oil to reduce friction on the skin. Benefits of Therapeutic Massage include stress reduction, and relief of muscular tensions, soreness and pain. The intent of this treatment is to calm the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste from the body.

Awaken's own 'Heaven and Earth' Massage - Schedule a Session here
Both practical and indulgent, Heaven and Earth is a soothing head, scalp and neck massage, followed by pressure point massage of the feet. The head, scalp and neck are massaged rhythmically in order to open the energy channels, clearing the way for the body to engage in its own healing process. Soothing massage of the reflex points in the feet causes the body to send signals that balance the nervous system and release healthy chemicals, such as endorphins, to relieve pain and stress. This heavenly experience will leave you with a deeper sense of inner balance and connectedness within your mind and body. Benefits include relief from tension headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness, plantar fasciitis, mental fatigue and anxiety.

Prenatal Massage - Schedule a Session here
Nurture yourself through all stages of pregnancy to reduce stress, fatigue, and common aches and pains.

Prenatal Thai Massage - Schedule a Session here
Thai Yoga Massage for expecting mothers! Enjoy the benefits of massage and Thai yoga therapies to help heal your aching legs, feet, back and hips. Massage is done by lying on your side and on your back, propped up with support. Jennifer received her training while she was pregnant and loved the benefits this form of massage gave her! Receive 10% off if you are a Prenatal Yoga pass holder.

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Reiki

Reiki
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The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". Reiki is a technique which promotes stress reduction and relaxation, and also aids in healing. It is administered by the practitioner holding their hands slightly above the body, or gently on, but is not a massage or any type of pressure. It is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Because Reiki is guided by the life force energy, it can never do harm. It always knows what a person needs and will adjust itself to create the effect that is appropriate for them. Reiki will improve the results of all medical treatment, acting to reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, reduce or eliminate pain, reduce stress, and help create optimism. One never needs to worry about whether to receive Reiki or not, it is always helpful.

Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy
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A gentle way to work with settling the Nervous System and connecting with our Inherent Health. The Cranium (head) and the Sacrum (base of the spine) is the midline of our physical being and houses our Life Force, Chi, Ki or Potency. The more Potency in the system, the better we feel and the better we heal. Cranial Sacral clients may remain clothed. A session includes light touch and possibly feeling Stillness and the fluidity and the subtle energy moving throughout one's being. This expression of Health is felt through the fluidity and movement of bones and tissue, the Nervous System settling, resistances releasing, and our core energy building. This deep and slow work can allow the body to regulate the Autonomic Nervous System and helps with numerous issues as our Essence comes forward and pain and pathology diminish.

Reflexology
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Reflexology is an ancient form of compression touch done to the feet and hands through a system of reflexes that mirrors the entire body, including all of the internal organs. Using the concepts of Zone Therapy, Reflexology promotes healing on many levels.

Polarity Therapy
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Polarity Therapy is a healing science working with helping the balance and flow of our Living Energy Fields, acknowledging that we are physical, mental, emotional, spiritual beings with an energy system. Founded by Dr. Randolph Stone, Polarity Therapy encompasses many different healing modalities from both Eastern and Western cultures, having roots from ancient to modern traditions for promoting Health and Vitality.

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Private Yoga Instruction

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Jennifer is a remarkably effective teacher, acutely sensitive to the subtleties of the body's search to be open, free, present and equally attuned to the soul driving and peeking through those subtleties.

~ Read More Testimonials from Clients

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Birth Doula

Jennifer is a Doula in training, meaning she must voluntarily, or for a small fee, attend several births for recognition by DONA International. Contact Jennifer for more information

She has taken and completed the Doula Course and outside training requirements. If you are interested in having Jennifer support you with your birth, please contact her for details on the experience of having a Doula assist you in your birth. The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A Birth Doula...

• Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
• Stays with the woman throughout the labor
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
• Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

A birth doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials CD(DONA).

Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.

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Healing Arts Shop

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