Body of Work Yoga Studios Springfield MO Teachers Instructors

Joan Rosen, RYT 500, ERYT 500, BCYT, has the distinction of being the first yoga instructor in Springfield to receive the title of Registered Yoga Teacher, thru the Yoga Alliance. Joan began her yoga practice 25 years ago and has been teaching all over Springfield for years. Joan received her B.A. from the University of Delaware in Dramatic Arts and Speech and later taught Creative Dramatics in Wilmington, DE. She is married to Springfield businessman, Mark Rosen, with whom she has three children. All family members practice yoga, subscribing to the adage "life is for learning;" holidays always include a yoga session. Joan is a grandmother so inspiring yoga kids are in her future. You can find Joan not only at the studio but at the Jones YMCA.

Kirsten Kukal, RYT 500, BCYT, a Springfield native, found yoga in the year 2001 when she was simply looking for a different form of exercise. After her first class, she realized the practice was more than just a workout. Her teachers include locals Joan Rosen, Tom Carlson and Beth Spindler. She has also taken many journeys to study with many instructors such as, Thomas Michael Fortel, Ana Forrest, Shiva Rea, George Purvis, Rod Stryker, Saul David Raye and more. You can find Kirsten sharing yoga not only at the studio, but at MSU, the Ward YMCA, and anywhere else she is needed. She also takes care of the studio newsletter and manages this website. Through yoga, she has learned patience not only with herself, but with others. Kirsten shares her practice with her husband and two children. You can view her website here and her blog here.

Wendy Fanson, RYT 200, BCYT, graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. A life-long career as an accountant seemed likely, but a shoulder injury eventually led her to her first yoga class in 2003. Although she was immediately drawn to yoga's physical benefits, she soon noticed a calmer mind and a greater sense of tranquility. She studied yoga for two years, attending the Yoga and Inner Peace Sivananda Training Center in Lake Worth, Florida. After relocating to Springfield, she completed the Body of Work Yoga Studios Certified Teacher Training (BCYT)program, and began teaching in 2007. In 2008, she became the first student to complete the Teach to Inspire RYT program. She currently teaches a blend of yoga styles throughout the Springfield area.

Dipa, is a Pail word, (pronounded Deepah). It is the name she was given when ordained as a novice nun at Bhavana Society in West Virginia by her preceptor Bhante Gunaratana. Dipa practices in the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. The Theravada monastic tradition is the oldest surviving monastic lineage in the world. After living at Bhavana Society for almost two years, Dipa returned to Springfield which has been her home since 1981. No longer a novice nun, she now practices the eight precepts. Mindfulness of the body is a very important part of practice of Theravadins. The ideal is to be mindful of the body during all activities throughout the day, not just during meditation. The goal is the end of stress or suffering as it is often translated from the Pali word, dukkha. For more info, click here.