Shown below with brief biographies are some of our regular instructors and teachers.

P. Casey Barish, RYT

Yoga, Nia, Budokon, Martial Arts for Kids and Women, Meditation

Yardley, Hillsborough, Hopewell

A resident of Hopewell since the 90's, Ms. Barish moved to New Jersey, by way of Seattle, in 1991, after picking up her Arizona roots and embarking on her own life's journey. Ms. Barish dabbled in gymnastics, dance and body awareness education since childhood but it wasn't until her martial arts practice began making its "wear and tear" known, that she made the full commitment to her yoga practice. Casey trains and teaches the art of American Bujutsu Kai as created by the late Master Denis James. She also has trained in Korean, Okinawan, Chinese, Israeli and Russian art forms. She has been asked to teach (and taught) seminars in Womens' Self Defense as far away as Juneau, Alaska. Ms. Barish leads presentations for corporations in topics of interest as Stress Management and Work-out for the Work Place. Her yoga classes incorporate Sun Salutations, stretching and balancing postures as well as strengthening and stretching which benefit "bodies in demand". Ms. Barish instructs young students of the martial arts in the Young Warriors program at studio ZEN. Ms. Barish is ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified, YogaFit certified and registered with The Yoga Alliance. She is also a certified Nia® instructor and a Budokon® instructor. Ms. Barish has been teaching for 13 years. She continues her education of both the martial arts and yoga through certification programs, teacher training, intensive workshops, private instruction and a never ending supply of books, articles and video presentations. Private and semi-private consultations and classes in specialized yoga including prenatal, post-partum, mood imbalance, social imbalance, golden yoga (for seniors), and special needs - whether physical of nature, emotional or behavioral, are available with Ms. Barish at The Szen.

Dottie Pierce, RYT

Director of Pilates, Yoga, Nutrition and Macrobiotic Cooking, Thai Massage, Reflexology - Yardley

Dottie Pierce is not only ZEN’s Pilates Instructor, but she is an onsite therapist for Reflexology, Vegetarian/Macrobiotic Strength Health Counseling, and Thai Yoga Massage.  Dottie is a certified instructor that has been practicing Yoga for 25 years, having studied at the Kripalu Center for Yoga Health, the Himalayan Institute, and the Omega Institute.  She also specializes in Pre and Post-Natal Yoga, and Yoga for Cancer Patients and those with Cardiovascular Disease, and runs weekend workshops on Acupressure Yoga.

Acharya Girish Jha

Director of Yoga & Meditation

Yardley, Hillsborough

26 years of experience in Authentic Yoga – Education, Research, Training, Therapy. 23 years of working in the field of Yoga - Education, Research, Training, Therapy, Promotion in National Institute of Yoga, Govt. of India. Experience in Administration, Policy Making, Project Preparation, Writing Yoga articles, Research Projects, organizing Seminars, workshops, Conferences’ etc.  Designed, developed, experimented and validated specific programs from all Yoga practices, different traditions, schools and styles for target groups attended by over 60,000 people (includes engineers, Ambassadors, Executives, Teachers, Students, Army officers, Doctors etc)  during the last 26 years. Conducted research studies and contributed to scientific understanding of Authentic Yoga Practices in the health and disease managements. Taught Yoga Therapy to medical doctors integrating YSS. Worked on the possibility of Yogic intervention in Rehabilitation, After Care of HIV and Substance Abuse, sponsored by United Nations, Drug Prevention Program (UDPP). Formal Education (B.Sc., M. Sc., Certificate, Diploma) Physics, Chemistry, Math, Applied Physiology, Psychology, Yoga and Indian Philosophy. Informal Education: Learnt under 50 masters and mentored by Himalayan Master in Gangotri (Himalayas). 

Paul Sher

Tai Chi, Qi Gong - Hillsborough, Yardley

Paul Sher of Bridgewater, New Jersey has been studying Oriental healing and martial arts since 1966.He holds a 5th-degree Black Belt in Okinawan karate and certified as an instructor by the International Isshinryu Karate Association as well as by the Southern Karate Union. Sher has trained with the Tiger Karate Society under Master Richard Mrofka, and the Samurai's Den with Bob Malenchek, Aikido at the Aikido schools of New Jersey with Rick Stickles and at the Ki Society with Terry Pierce. Sher also trained with Jack Hoban and received a Black Belt in Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu with the title "Bushin" Spiritual Warrior. In 1989 he studied Tai Chi and Qi Gong with Professor Cao Sui Yu of the Capitol Institute of Beijing, Master Fa Xiang Hou, Dr. Ji Liang Chen, and Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming. Sher is a member of the National Qi Gong Association. After graduating from the Meridian Shiatsu Institute in 1984, He trained briefly with Wataru Ohashi at the Dai Bosatsu Zendo. Sher is a Shiatsu Practitioner certified by the Association Of Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA), a Massage/Bodywork teacher certified by the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), and a Hypnotherapist certified by the International Association of Counselors & Therapists. Sher, a retired research scientist, has held memberships with the American Chemical Society, New York Academy of Sciences, Past Chapter President of Sigma Xi: the Scientific Research Society, and the Coblentz Society for Spectroscopy. He was an active member of the Johnson & Johnson Corporate Analytical & Instrumentation Subcommittee being an editor of that group's worldwide journal "ENDPOINT" and received several awards for his contributions as an editor and "Distinguished Service to Analytic Chemistry."

Carol Heffler

Nia - Hillsborough

Dance and music have been lifelong passions for Carol Heffler. A published and recorded singer, songwriter, and pianist, Carol's work as a jazz musician enhances and expands her teaching of Nia. After years of ballet, Carol studied Modern Dance and African Dance at Hood College in Frederick, MD with Dorothy Johnson. She continued her study of African Dance at The Yard Colony for Performing Arts in Chilmark, Massachusetts and at Princeton (New Jersey) Dance and Theater Studio. Carol Heffler is one of the few certified Nia teachers in the Central Jersey/Bucks County PA area. Her rhythmic agility, relaxing voice, and sense of fun make her classes unique and enjoyable for all levels of fitness and ability.
 

Deirdre Hopton

Pilates - Hillsborough

Deirdre Hopton is a New Jersey native by way of Bloomfield, Beachwood, Toms River, Hillsborough, and now Raritan.  She has been practicing Pilates for four years, and became certified by AAAI/ISMA (American Aerobic Association International/ International Sports Medicine Association) in 2005.  Since that time, she has taught in many studios throughout Somerset and Hunterdon Counties, and has been with Studio Zen of Hillsborough since their Grand Opening in June 2007.  As a full-time college student working toward becoming an English teacher, with a  full-time job to keep her busy on weekdays, Deirdre feels that Pilates is the perfect method of de-stressing while being good to her body.  In addition to teaching, she writes a biweekly email called “Pertinent Pilates,” which is filled with great tips for improving your workout and fun facts about Pilates.  Sign up to become one of Deirdre's Pilates Pals by sending an email to DeirdreSHopton@yahoo.com.  Whether you've never done Pilates before or have been practicing for a while, Deirdre's mat based classes are the perfect way to start the day.

Lori Arrechea

Yoga - Hillsborough

Donna Teitelman

Nia, YogaFit-Yardley

Donna is a mind, body, spirit enthusiast! Her work as a Leadership Mastery Coach, expanding the thought capacity in the corporate arena, is enhanced by her practice of Yoga, Pilates, and a holistic cardio workout called Nia.  Donna’s physical coaching is palatable for all fitness levels but caters to clients who want a safe and effective workout.  As an executive coach, Donna’s clients are high achievers, mature in their career and life that don’t have a lot of time to workout.  Donna provides fitness options that uniquely meet their needs.  Donna is certified in Pilates which focused on core strength, a big interest for most health conscious adults. Pilates is the answer for working the mid-section with a series of thoughtfully choreographed exercises that target the muscles of the hips, buttocks & abdomen.  For those who want to work the arms, Donna offers light hand weights. Donna’s class is ideal for all levels with simple and fluid movements that focus on lengthening and strengthening the abs and other core muscles. Each exercise has an intermediate and advanced option for those who wish to increase the intensity. Again, safety is paramount and the instruction focuses on techniques which includes mental focus, proper breathing and precise movement for maximum muscle impact. Cardio is critical for all fitness regimes.  But there comes a time when step aerobics or kick boxing seem too tiring or taxing on sensitive or injured areas. Donna is among the few local certified instructors for an exciting cardio workout known as Nia.  Neuro-muscular Integrative Activity as it was originally known, but now simply called Nia, is a non-impact cardio workout combining the energy and movements of dance, martial arts and the healing arts. Because the participant chooses the intensity level, Nia is a great fit for every age and physique.  It is expertly choreographed to provide an uplifting experience which brings joy to the spirit and body.  Music is a top priority in Nia routines and the beats and sounds are as much fun as the movements of Nia. To bring it all together and address strength, flexibility and relaxation, Donna teaches Yoga.  It is a solid yet serene approach to fitness that many of Donna’s clients are looking for to bring balance to their hectic professional lives.  As a YogaFit trained instructor, Donna utilizes an approach to Yoga which emphasizes do-able moves and poses to promote safe physical fitness and much needed relaxation. Donna specializes in private instruction and can be found for group training at Studio Zen in Yardley. She is also presenting her theories on physical fitness and its impact on leadership and career success as part of a public speaking series.  Donna is available to speak to your group or conference and will include a physical break out session in addition to an empowering discussion on leadership mastery.    

Greg Walraven

Wushu Kung Fu - Yardley

Greg is a Teacher of both Traditional Kung-fu and Modern Wushu. His Martial arts career began in 1983. In 1986 he made the U.S. Wushu team and represented the USA in International competition in Tianjin China. Greg then set his sights on teaching this art after having achieved the title of Sifu (teacher) and earning his 2nd degree Black Sash in Modern Wushu and a 1st degree Black Sash in Traditional southern Kung-fu. During the years of 1990 to 1995 Greg was ranked as one of the top 10 forms competitors in the country. Through much of his training he was introduced to other Martial arts such as Tai Chi and Qin-na. Greg’s passion for teaching has led to having coached two national champions. After taking a five year break from the martial arts to focus on raising his 2 children Sarah & Justin with his wife Jenny, Greg is now returning to teach martial arts.

Guy DeRosa

Tai Chi Chuan - Yardley

Guy DeRosa has been practicing Taiji since 1978 with his teacher Susanna DeRosa. He has also taken classes with Jou, Tsung Hua and other Taiji masters. Guy has taught Taiji since 1985 in a variety of settings including martial arts academies, a massage school, adult schools,  several colleges, privately, and at Studio Szen. He has givenTaiji workshops and trainings for the N.J. Department of Corrections, Robert Wood Johnson Fitness Centers, and a cancer support group to name a few. Guy trained in Shotokan Karate for 10 years and earned a Black Belt. Guy teaches Yang Style Taiji, Cheng Man Ching Short Form and chi kung.

Christiane Truelove

Belly Dance - Yardley

Christiane Truelove has been studying bellydance since 2001, starting off in Egyptian cabaret style with Habiba of Philadelphia. In 2003, she discovered American Tribal Style bellydance, a fusion style of improvisational group dancing, and started taking lessons with Vikki Williams of Hipnosis, eventually becoming one of the first members of Tribal Spirit, Hipnosis' advanced student troupe. Christiane has formed her own troupe, Ak'Ana, a gothic-influenced group that has performed in nighclubs and events in and around Philadelphia. She has also continued to take lessons and workshops in other styles of bellydance, with teachers such as Artemis Mourat, Azhia, Paulette Rees-Denis, and others. When it comes to bellydance, Christiane is a firm believer in that it is a dance for all women, of all ages and levels of fitness. You can see some of her performances as a soloist, with Ak'Ana, and Ak'Ana's student troupe Devi'ance at http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=ChristianeTrue&p=r.

 

June Miller

Yoga - Yardley

June Miller is certified in Power Yoga through Yoga for Life, Ashtanga Yoga with David Swenson and Pilates from The American Fitness Institute. Having balanced a full time career as an FAA Air Traffic Controller and raising five children has given her personal knowledge of the value of yoga for relieving stress. She is eager to share her joy of yoga and believes the class should be fun while being challenging. The benefits will build physical strength, increase endurance, balance, and flexibility, while achieving a greater peace of mind and a renewed spirit.

 

 

 

 

Kate Graves

Meditation - Yardley

Kate Graves believes that meditation and relaxation provide a much-needed respite from the continual stimulus and demands of daily life.  Creating a stable sitting posture, attention to the breath, and directing the attention inward are the foundations of the practice of meditation.  Kate’s class usually includes some simple stretching and may include Kundalini yoga sets between sitting periods.  Basic instruction is given for the newcomers to sitting meditation, and people who want to deepen their practice by sitting with a group are welcome on an ongoing basis. 

Kate participated in the year long Khalsa Meditation Teacher’s Training program in 2006-2007, a process which must have included at least 100 hours of basic sitting.  In Dr. Khalsa’s words: “Meditative teachings explore the seamless interface between heart, mind and body.  The implication of meditation practice for regulating thought patterns, leading to biological balance and mental stability is vast.”

EMAIL US: info@studiozen.org

studio Z E N of Yardley
301 oxford valley rd. - ste. 1503
yardley, pa  19067  Tel: 215.321.7787

studio Z E N of Hillsborough

381 triangle rd.

hillsborough, nj 08844  Tel: 908.431.7787