Our Yoga Instructors

Lillah Schwartz, ERYT is a Nationally certified Iyengar instructor, seasoned teacher, and founder/director of Lighten Up Yoga Centers and Teacher Training Institute.  

Lillah teaches weekly yoga classes for novice, therapeutic, intermediate and advanced yoga students.  She is also the director and primary instructor for the 200 Hour and 500 Hour teacher training courses.

For more information on Lillah as well as her reflections on yoga practice, please click here.

If you have specific questions for Lillah you may contact her at Lillah@lightenupyoga.com

"My goal with my students is to help them to get their cellular and endocrine bodies percolating in a healthy way, gain confidence in their ability to heal through understanding proper alignment and action, as well as opening to receive the full potential of their body, mind, and spirit."

Lighten Up Yoga Instructors For Weekly Classes

Fun is a big part of Adam Laufer's life and yoga practice, and he knows that nothing helps people stretch like a good belly laugh. He has been meditating and practicing yoga since he was 16, and he brings his experience and training in anatomy, Iyengar-style asana, and other healing modalities to class to the benefit of his students. A great workout with Adam will make you feel young again, and best of all, you'll learn stretches to tie your shoes, wait in line at the bank, watch a movie, and how to stand on your head while driving your car. Impress your friends!

If you have specific questions for Adam, you may contact him at 828.658.0830.  

Gea Skeens began practicing yoga more than 20 years ago and has been teaching Iyengar yoga since 1992. Gea has worked as a raft guide, social worker and is a long distance runner. Gea has trained extensively with Lillah Schwartz as part of the Lighten Up Yoga teacher training program, as well as with numerous other certified Iyengar teachers. A gifted storyteller, Gea teaches with warmth, humor, and the wisdom of a dedicated yogi.

"With focus on the breath, I strive to create a joyful and challenging experience that will deepen awareness of our divine existence."

Laura Stone is a graduate of the Lighten Up Teacher Training Institute.

I have practiced Yoga for over twenty years. I grew up watching my Mom practise to a record player and recognized how fun it was to go upside down! When I was an adult, my Mom hurt herself in a class and has been reluctant to return. This is why I love the Iyengar method of alignment and the use of props to stay safe while receiving the benefits of the poses. Yoga has strengthened and nurtured me through 3 pregnancies and moving around while my partner receives his medical training. In my classes, I strive to educate the body through movement, quiet the mind and awaken a playful spirit.

If you have specific questions for Laura, you may contact her at 828.281.2212 or via email at cstone138@charter.net.

Danielle Goldstein, RYT teaches creative and insightful yoga classes with attention to precise alignment and is excited to bring her teaching to the Asheville community through Lighten Up Yoga. She is certified and a 200 Hr Registered Yoga Alliance teacher. A native of California, Danielle spent much of her adolescence traveling and living internationally and was drawn to exploring the commonalities that all people share. She spent 10 years in Boulder, Colorado studying yoga and dancing with Tumblebones, a contact improvisation collective. Since 1996, she has studied with teachers including Donna Farhi, Judith Lasater and John Friend, all teachers grounded in the Iyengar method. Danielle has been teaching group yoga classes and private therapeutic yoga sessions since 2003. She is experienced in working with a variety of ages and abilities and is interested in making yoga accessible to all people. Danielle was first introduced to Anusara yoga while teaching in Boulder, she is currently studying with John Friend.

Didier Cuzange

Didier has been practicing yoga for the past 20 years. A graduate of the first Lighten Up Yoga Teacher Training program in 1997, he owned and operated the yoga practice studio in Silva, NC for 10 years until moving to Asheville last year.

"Yoga has been a part of my life for so long, I would not know how to function with out it. Teaching is like Breathing." Didier brings enthusiasm, fun and challenge to every class in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.

Didier is also a master chef. He owns and operates a vegan / macrobiotic take out on Chestnut St just behind Green Life in Asheville. For good food and good yoga - Check him out! For Food orders call 828.301.2178.

 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Training & Guest Instructors

Roger is an internationally recognized yoga teacher. Roger has trained atthe Iyengar Institute in San Francisco and in Pune, India.

He is known for his deep understanding of yoga, thorough knowledge of anatomy andphysiology, and a clear, gentle teaching style. He is also an accomplished anatomist and research scientist, specializing in the physiology of relaxation, sleep and biological rhythms. Roger is also one of Yoga Journal's "ask an expert" instructors.

Chaitanya                                                  

Kirtan is a traditional yogic expression of heartfelt love and devotion to the Divine through song. Chaitanya is a group of musicians dedicated to sharing the joy, healing, & blessings of Kirtan with everyone who is drawn to it. Harmonium, guitar, bass, tablas, mridunga, & tamboura are the instruments which create the accompaniment for the chants. Members of Chaitanya have been hosting Kirtan in Asheville since 2001.