“Thank you for all you give. Your example and knowledge
are very inspiring to me, its real Yoga, not the aerobic class variety that seem to abound. You always challenge me on many levels, not only physically, but right down there on the inside, in the emotional and spiritual places I often don't want to look at. Not many people are skilled enough to risk that
kind of teaching.”
- Kristine Chalifoux, Lifestyle Student, Wake Forest, NC
“You have been very generous with sharing the knowledge you have more than anyone I know and the guidance you gave me from your heart. With such solid training I enjoy teaching yoga more and more each year.”
- Lee Gardener, Chapel Hill, NC, R.Y.T.200
Joan’ Story
I chose Lillah Schwartz's teacher training program from among what I considered the top programs in the country. At the time, I wasn't able to identify WHY I thought she was a great teacher. Now I understand that Lillah's teaching style combines essential ingredients:
-concise, clear action language
-a broad and deep knowledge of how the body works
-30+ years of yoga practice and reflection
-commitment to being present and speaking the truth.
When I began the program, I had no background in exercise or anatomy, although I quickly discovered I loved that aspect of study. I loved the precision and attention to detail that Lillah inspires and expects from her students. After graduating with my 200 hour Yoga Alliance level, I began teaching full-time at The Cliffs at Glassy in Landrum, SC. Since then I have expanded my experience and knowledge by becoming a group exercise instructor, personal trainer, and wellness coach. I published a guided yoga practice CD and video. Yoga and Lillah have led me to a career in the wellness industry, and a feeling that I am in my right place, doing my right work.
I continue to study with Lillah several times each year, and communicate regularly regarding my work and questions about my students and my personal practice. I know that when I apply what she has taught me, I am successful! Joan H. Craig, E-RYT 500
Ryan’s Story
The teachings of Lillah Schwartz and the Lighten Up Yoga teacher-training program have been an instrumental part of my growth as a yogic practitioner and teacher. Lillah has been an enormous influence for my practice of asana, pranayama and yogic philosophy. She has also helped develop my abilities to communicate my knowledge of yoga to my students so that it is clear and hopefully profound. Lillah has always been so very generous with her knowledge honed from many years of dedicated practice. I feel very blessed to call Lillah Schwartz my teacher.
Ryan Conrad, Ph.D., RYT.
About Ryan: Ryan has been exploring self-awareness practices and meditation since the age of 15. In 1995 he discovered the yogic path and dove deeply into the study of asana, pranayama, and the yoga philosophy. Ryan has studied with teachers from several yogic lineages, but has focused primarily on the Iyengar method, learning from BKS Iyengar and many of the senior Iyengar instructors in the US and abroad.
In 2002, Ryan completed the 200-hour Yoga Alliance teachers training at Lighten Up Yoga Center in Asheville. In 2010 he completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at UNC Chapel Hill in order to expand his knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and how to work with a variety of impairments. When Ryan is not teaching yoga he works in a rehabilitation hospital treating patients with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
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“Having lived and studied yoga for over a decade with some well known teacher in the Los Angeles area, let me say that I've learned more from Lillah than anyone else! I am so grateful to have done my training with her. The quality of her teaching and expertise can not be denied. She has given us the tools to be great, and the motivation to be even greater!” - Estee Chase, 200 hr R.Y.T., VA.
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Yvonne’ Story
Soon after completing my 230 hour teacher training in Charlotte, it became apparent to me that if I were going to make a career out of teaching Yoga, I needed more in-depth training to help me better understand the postures and how best to adapt them to the needs of a variety of students. I knew that studying with someone who was immersed in the Iyengar method would be the perfect fit for my needs so I contacted Lillah. I found Lillah to be as tough as she is nurturing. She has very high standards for her teachers, which I appreciate and respect. Her high standards keep me on my toes to continually fine tune my teaching skills. With her 500-hour teacher training under my belt, I was able to pursue further training in Yoga for Cancer and am now the lead Yoga Therapist at Presbyterian Hospital's Cancer Rehabilitation & Wellness.
Yvonne Brown, E-RYT 500
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“Lillah provided me with the knowledge, tools and confidence I needed to effectively teach yoga. I am not aware of any 200-hour program in NC that prepares graduates to teach as well as does the Lighten Up Yoga Teacher Training program.”
- Maria Nagem, R.Y.T. Charlotte, NC
"Lillah’s expertise with alignment and anatomy makes each and every session a true learning experience. This expertise coupled with her uncanny ability to spot and correct what is holding you back in any pose are truly amazing."
- Marty & Sheila Gooch, Owners of Wake Forest Yoga, NC
“ The effect of studying with Lillah is like a gift that extends far beyond the classroom of Lighten Up Yoga. She draws the best out of her students leading us to a well grounded personal yoga practice and teaching practice.”
- Mona Flynn, Yoga Teacher, Wife and Mother, 200 & 500 Hr Graduate
“As an educator and clinician of long standing, I wanted others to know how impressed I have been with your classes and workshops during this past year. I believe you are a wonderful resource to serious students, aspiring teachers and teachers wanting to increase their knowledge and teaching skills."
- Carol Ann Mitchell, Retired Nurse and Health Educator, 500 Hr Program
“Thank you for this weekend. I needed to be inspired… I have so many limitations, and I am fortunate to have you as a yoga teacher who is tops at helping students work with limitations and physical issues.”
- Susie Mahnke, Music Director , 200 Hr Graduate
“Your 200 Hr course was so well designed… I feel confident I can start my humble beginnings as a yoga
teacher with some valuable tools and insights. Thank you."
- Michelle Raferty, Insurance Industry, Bermuda (200 Hr Graduate)
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