Instructors
Carol Hendershot
BS, E-RYT 500, Anusara Inspired Yoga Teacher & LifeForce Yoga Level II Practitioner
Carol graciously invites her students to explore their present moment experience with a sense of fun and adventure. Her classes emphasize safety and self-honoring while encouraging students to live to their full potential.
Her love for meditation and eastern philosophy began more than thirty years ago and since 1996 she has immersed herself in the study of Yoga. She is forever grateful to many amazing teachers, especially John Friend, Betsey Downing, Amy Weintraub and Behnje Masson.
Carol recently completed her second intensive Professional Training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as taught at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, under the direction of Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli.
She loves to travel and has wandered through many parts of the world, especially India and Nepal, where she learned much about herself. She lives in Rockford, MI with her husband Tom, two dogs, Zack and Zoey and one cat, Allie. Her heartfelt goal is to support others in their journey to grow, expand and find joy in their lives.
Katherine Florentine
BS, RYT500, Anusara Inspired
Member IAYT &
LifeForce Yoga Practitioner
Experience your vitality with Katherine in a yoga practice that focuses on supporting you physically, emotionally, energetically, and spiritually.
Katherine weaves the Eastern practices of Ayurveda, the “Sister Science” of yoga, with Western medicine in a unique therapeutic approach to yoga. Because of her background in Respiratory Therapy and health care, she has a deep respect for and understanding of the healing power of the breath.
Katherine loves introducing people to the practice of yoga in classes filled with vivid imagery and touches of humor.
When not on the mat, she enjoys travel, snow skiing, time with her family and Buster, the new puppy in her life. She thanks all yoga therapy students for sharing their experiences and deepening her passion for healing through yoga. Her many wellness teachers include Doug Keller, Betsey Downing, John Friend, Todd Norian and Nischala Devi.
Mary Ellen Troy
RYT200
Mary Ellen is a firm believer in the mantra “If you can breathe, you can do yoga.” Her teaching is down to earth and imbued with an understanding of the challenges yoga presents to older or less flexible students.
She first became interested in yoga in 1983 while living in Bonn, Germany. She returned to the United States to work for the Federal Government and in 1995 began studying with Betsey Downing at the Health Advantage Yoga Center in Herndon, VA. Her love for yoga led her to receive a yoga-teaching certificate in 1997, and she taught Gentle yoga in Herndon for a year before returning to Grand Rapids, her childhood home.
Mary Ellen originally practiced and trained in Iyengar Yoga and became a student of Anusara Yoga in 1997 when it was established by John Friend. She studies regularly with John Friend, Betsey Downing and many other senior Anusara teachers.
She and her husband Tom, enjoy traveling to Minneapolis, New York City, and Portland, Oregon to visit their three children and four grandsons.
Mimi Ray
RYT 500 & Anusara Inspired Yoga Teacher
Supportive and heartfelt teaching invites you to explore the connections of body, mind and spirit. With a background in art & design, Mimi’s teaching encourages the creative expression of the Self, and inspires beauty and artistry in action. Visual language woven with her commitment to a steady practice awakens increased freedom and joy on the mat and in life.
As a young designer Mimi traveled the world in search of new ideas, and is inspired by the unique patterns of every culture. Travels to Japan and China sparked an interest in Feng Shui and the harmony of the space that surrounds us, leading to further study & an integration of the principles of sacred space within design, the body & life.
A dedicated teacher and student of Anusara Yoga, Mimi continues her study of Yoga, Philosophy, and Therapeutics.... making the practice ever new, an unfolding joyous path. Lifes’ delights: nature, the open sky, sun, wind, waves, dirt, free time, gardening, art, cooking.... and learning!
Behind every teacher are many teachers: Mimi thanks all her students and teachers. Especially John Friend & Betsey Downing for the teachings and brilliant reflection of the Divine.
Susan Duesbery
Anusara Yoga Teacher Training 2008,
Graduate Certificate: Holistic Healthcare
Holistic Stress Management Facilitator &
Animal Reiki Master
Susan’s soothing voice, skillful teaching and sweet and supportive manner encourages students to nurture their body, open their heart, and live life with increased joy and greater ease. She is inspired to offer the gift of yoga to help people feel more connected, whole and at peace.
She was drawn to yoga 17 years ago in Toronto because of its ability to cultivate a profound sense of self-awareness, balance and well-being and she continues to be awed by yoga’s power to nurture body, mind and spirit.
Susan is grateful to John Friend and Betsey Downing for whole-heartedly sharing their knowledge and she wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Behnje Masson, Rick Powell and Carol Hendershot for their wonderful teaching and continued support.
Susan is honored to share her life with her wonderfully supportive husband, two beautiful daughters, two big, goofy dogs, two noisy guinea pigs, and numerous foster kittens.