Heartwood Yoga Teacher Training Program  

A complete description of our 200 hour Yoga Alliance approved teacher training program is offered below or you may download a program brochure, student application, and teacher recommendation form in Adobe format by clicking the links below.  Please feel free to contact us with additional questions or comments.

Yoga Teacher Training Brochure

Student Application Form

Teacher Recommendation Form  

A Summary of the Program

We designed our program with two parallel objectives in mind.  First, we aimed to support dedicated yoga practitioners in developing the fundamental knowledge and skills to help them teach yoga confidently, compassionately, and safely.  Second, because we believe practice is both the foundation and the creative wellspring of teaching, we focused on program elements we hope will support participants in maintaining and deepening their own personal practice.

The foundation of our training is Classical Yoga, the eight-fold path of Patanjali.  The program is designed to offer each student an in-depth, experiential understanding of the eight limbs of yoga and how they work together to influence practice and life.

Heartwood yoga is owned and operated by heartwood’s teacher training program co-directors, Kate Tremblay and John LeMunyon.  We have been offering classes, private sessions, yoga therapy, and workshops to the Birmingham community for over 12 years.

Program Curriculum

Heartwood's Yoga Teacher Training Program (HYTT) is approved by the Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga School 200 Hour Level.  Students successfully completing the program will be eligible to apply to the Yoga Alliance for registration at the 200 hour level.  The curriculum includes:

·         Over 100 hours of instruction in teaching techniques with a focus on Classical and Hatha Yoga including adaptations for special needs

·         50 hours of instruction on, and practice in, teaching methodologies

·         50 hours of instruction in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology

·         Over 50 hours on the philosophy, ethics, and yogic lifestyle

·        25 hours of teaching practicum

In designing the HYTT program, we sought to create an experience for students that followed Patanjali’s advice for practice – a balance between effort, sthira, and ease, sukha.  Whenever possible, each day of instruction includes a balance of physical practice and lecture.  We designed projects to draw students into a deeper relationship with themselves and their practice of yoga.  We selected texts we believe to be informative, accurate, and enjoyable to read.  We created a schedule for instruction that acknowledges and respects the difficultly of remaining focused and fresh for much longer than three hours at a time.  We hope each student will enjoy this time of study and communion with self and others on a similar path.

The Student

The HYTT Program is designed for yoga students who have been studying and actively practicing yoga for a minimum of two years.  Program participants will be expected to maintain a personal practice of at least five days per week through the course of the program and to practice weekly with a qualified teacher. 

The program offerings each month rely heavily for support on the reading and homework assignments given to students for completion between sessions.  Final certification of students requires attendance at all trainings, timely completion of all homework and projects, and satisfactory completion of written and practical exams at the conclusion of the program.

Whether you choose to join our training because your intention is to become a teacher of yoga or because you have a sincere desire to deepen your personal practice, we believe you’ll find our program of study supportive and enriching.

Registration and Acceptance to the Program

Those applying for admission to the program should complete a registration form and ask their primary teacher to complete a teacher recommendation form. You may access these forms from our website or by emailing or calling us directly.  Completed applications are due in our office by July 1, 2008.  

Please include with your application a registration fee check in the amount of $250 payable to “Heartwood Yoga”.  The entire registration fee is a credit toward your total tuition fees.  Do note that $100 of this fee is a non-refundable administrative fee.  

Acceptance into the program will be based on a number of criteria including practice experience, teacher recommendation, and personal interview.  We will notify you when your application is received to schedule your personal interview. 

Location of Classes and Contact Information

Classes will be held at heartwood yoga.  The studio is located at 700 Century Park South, Suite 227 in Birmingham, Alabama.  Our office telephone number is 205-979-0019. 

If you have additional questions after reading through the program materials please telephone us at the number above or email us at john@heartwoodyoga.com or kate@heartwoodyoga.com .

Cost of Program and Refund Policy

The cost of the program is $2500 for eleven weekends or $2300 if paid in full on or before August 1, 2008.  The program cost includes a $100 non-refundable application processing fee as mentioned above.  Students may elect to pay tuition in full by the first day of classes, with discount prior August 1, 2008 or in three equal payments.  The payment amounts and schedule are as follows:

Note:  A late fee of $100 will be assessed for any installment payment received after the due date.

Tuition Refund Policy:  Any tuition paid (excepting the $100 application processing fee) is fully refundable prior to the beginning of classes.  Students who begin the training program agree to complete their full tuition payment agreement as above.

Times and Dates for 2008 – 2009 Program

 Program Directors and Faculty

Kate Tremblay, E-RYT 500, LMT– Primary Faculty/Co-Director

 My fascination with yoga began in my teens and led me into teaching 12 years ago.  I am motivated by practices that help me see where I’m stuck, physically, mentally and spiritually.  For a time what helped most was a strong physical challenge.  I learned to practice with courage, respect, intelligent effort and kindness, attitudes that form the foundation of my teaching.  More recently, I see my “stuckness” best through the quieter practices of chanting, breath awareness, and meditation.  Devoting more time to becoming still has deepened my relationship with yoga, and fueled my interest in training teachers.

John LeMunyon, E-RYT 500, LMT – Primary Faculty/Co-Director

I have been a student of yoga for over thirty years and began teaching a little over ten years ago.  My approach to practice and my style of teaching have always had a more a meditative focus.  For me, a great asana cultivates an awareness and receptivity to the moment and to my Self in that moment.  I live with a sense of gratitude for the teachings and for those who troubled to bring them forward.  That’s why I practice and teach.  I see yoga darshana unveiled with every asana practiced and each breath taken consciously.

Rolf Sovik, PsyD. – Supporting Faculty 2008-09 Training

We are fortunate to have Rolf returning to heartwood as supporting faculty for the November 2008 session of the program.  Rolf is spiritual director of the Himalayan Institute and Co-director of the Himalayan Institute of Buffalo.   He began his practice of yoga in 1972, and was initiated as a pandit in the Himalayan tradition in 1987.  He is the author of Moving Inward, co-author of Yoga: Mastering the Basics, and columnist for Yoga+ Joyful Living.

Sandy Anderson, E-RYT 500 – Supporting Faculty 2008-09 Training

To our great joy Sandy will be returning to Birmingham as part of the April 2009 session.  Sandy is co-author of Yoga: Mastering the Basics, and is on the faculty of the Himalayan Institute. Sandy was initiated into the Himalayan tradition in 1988. She teaches subtle body yoga, meditation, and spiritual ecology nation-wide, is co-director of the Himalayan Institute’s Teachers Association. She is also a senior editor for Yoga+ Joyful Living magazine.

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