“I had a long list of reasons why I should put off yoga teacher training until next year including: I will have more time; I will have more money; and I need to be further along in my own practice before I can teach. I am so grateful that I did not listen to that whiny part of myself. This year has been amazingly impactful, positive and inspiring. The breadth and depth of the learning experience is phenomenal and from the first day of class I have been rejoicing in the decision to go ahead and participate in this training. Among the many ways my life has been enhanced during the past eleven months, I treasure and cherish the bonds forged with the other yogis on this journey with me. To all those who are hesitantly considering signing up, I highly recommend throwing out the excuses and following your heart.” -Betsi Heithaus
"The teacher training was a great gift to me. This training allowed me to go deeper into my personal practice and enhanced my understanding of yoga. I had no idea the profound effect that the training and the people I met would make in my life. It was truly a remarkable experience." -Sharon Tessandori
"Originally, I chose this teacher training based on how comprehensive and organized it appeared to be. It was that and so much more. Upon completion of the time spent in class, I was more than comfortable with facilitating Yoga classes in a variety of styles. The knowledge Anna imparts is prolific and authentic because she lives what she teaches every moment of every day. She is truly inspirational. I was supported throughout the entire course and continue to be through the fellowship created with so many wonderful people surrounding the training. Anna's continuing efforts to raise awareness and promote peace in our communities and in the world is such a blessing.” -Pam Painter
"Anna truly embraces yoga, and her passion for the practice is inspiring. I'm so grateful for her guidance and spirit." -Kathi Kizirnis
"The yoga teacher training program was an enriching and rewarding experience. Anna is very knowledgeable and experienced, and shares her expertise in a supportive and encouraging way. The interaction with other teachers-in-training was fun and energizing, and created a great working network for the future. I completed the training feeling confident and well-prepared to lead my own yoga classes. I would recommend Anna to anyone interested in furthering their teaching skills and personal practice." -Kris Bischoff
"I remember the first time Anna taught me Ardha Chandasana (Half Moon Posture) in a class. We used the wall to support our backs and she mentioned with a smile, that someday we'd attempt the posture on our own. At the time I couldn't imagine ever having enough strength and balance to pull it off. I give her thanks for teaching me to believe in myself and let go of fear. The world looks and feels different since I've been practicing yoga. My perspective has changed forever and for the better. In this teacher training I learned how to share the beauty and power of yoga with others." -Jen Lile
"The teacher training filled gaps in my life. When I began the training I was struggling with life, trying to understand the people and community around me. When it was over I found peace and acceptance in the fact that life is perfectly imperfect. As a side benefit I made friends that I know will be with me for a lifetime." -Katy Stahl
"The teacher training helped me grow as a person, and find out a lot of things about myself. It helped me figure out what direction I want my life to go in, and realize how yoga assisted in the renewal of my body and soul. I was able through this training to create a healthy, lively and balanced approach to my life and others." -Lainie Ipsa
"Joining the yoga teacher training was one of the best experiences I've had. It was an intensive program, but the time and energy spent was well worth it. Since the program was spread out over the course of several months, I felt that I had time to process, apply, and practice what I learned - something that may be missing in a shorter training program. We not only learned the physical aspects of yoga, but we also discussed philosophy, nutrition, the environment, social justice, etc. The program was very holistic, and what I learned continues to be a great influence on my choices and decisions. Anna fosters a nurturing, accepting, and collaborative environment for learning. I really felt a sense of community within my group of fellow TT students. We all learned from, supported, and encouraged each other not only as we practiced dozens of sun salutations, completed posture worksheets, and reviewed for the exams....but also as we shared more personal aspects of our lives beyond yoga. Since the training has ended, we all make an effort to get together periodically. I highly recommend this program." -Mia Gatmaitan
"The teacher training course was an amazing experience for me. I was impressed and surprised at the depth of the mental and physical requirements it presented. I learned much more than I ever imagined and it came at such a time in my life that I was able to experience what a wonderful tool yoga can be in handling life's everyday challenges. It has provided me with confidence in my own ability to teach others and I am grateful for the skill and insight of my instructors. It was much more than just a training course; it was the door to a whole series of new friends and opportunities!" -Linda Richardson
"It is never too late to treat yourself to yoga teacher training! I spent the first 40 years of my working life teaching math and hope to spend the next 40 years teaching yoga! It is a gift to yourself and others." -Joan Jackson
“Before beginning the teacher training program I expected to learn about yoga; I was pleasantly surprised to find that I not only learned about yoga but also about myself. I changed how I looked at myself and others and how to live my life in a more positive way. I would recommend this program to anyone who is open to begin discovering themselves through yoga.” -Jodi Birkofer
A light-hearted testimonial from someone that is always making us smile:
“Anna Ferguson is one of the best headstand teachers I met who can lead you into headstand in a way you enjoy doing it and in no time you may start walking in headstand in Burnet Woods. After taking classes for few months and talking to her few times, her silent enthusiasm for yoga and yogic philosophy caught up on me and I signed up for Yoga Teacher Training. What differentiates her from rest of the ringmasters in the so-called Yoga circus in this region is her philosophy. I call it a circus because as the ringmaster starts with 'Om', everybody transforms into dog, cat, cobra, cow, camel, pigeon etc. sometimes to the amazement of our animal friends, until the final 'Namaste'. She bases her philosophy on one of the most fundamental and personal aspect of human life: Food. After attending her training, I not only learned how to walk in headstand but also to make healthy fruit and vegetable juices. My warning to anybody who reads this is that don't talk to her after class. Without even uttering a word, her composed persuasive demeanor may make you inquisitive about Yoga and as you want to know more about her philosophy, you may experience that your lifestyle changes, for good.” -Kalyan Shencottah
“This teacher training was one of the best experiences in my life. I knew that I loved yoga and how it made me feel and that I wanted to share it with others, but the training really helped me understand why and prepared me to explain this to others. I really do see the world differently after going through the training. Anna and the other teachers were wonderful, patient, caring and very knowledgeable. Their passion for the yogic lifestyle really shone through in their teaching. I am very grateful to have taken my training with the teachers and students at this studio." -Tammy Owens
"The teacher training truly changed the way I live my life. I began to bring ahimsa, non-violence to be the focus of my daily life, thinking and reflecting before every thought, word and action. Throughout the training the teachers were very encouraging. I felt completely comfortable to simply dive deep into my body, mind, and spirit, allowing for a lot of emotions and "old stuff" to come to surface, leaving my body detoxified and at balance. I feel as though I will forever walk a different path activating the spirit within me." -Lauren Barlag
"My teacher training was an awesome experience! I feel like I learned so much about postures, nutrition, and being mindful of differences in flexibility, strengths, and body structure. Because we practice taught a lot on our weekends, I came away feeling confident in teaching a class. I also appreciated the teachers being sensitive to me and my Catholic faith. Again, it was an awesome experience. I am so happy to have my certification, but really miss our weekends together!" -Karen B.
“My teacher training experience was a wonderful time. Anna was very good at guiding the class through the lessons with sincerity while being patient and allowing time for our classmates to crack jokes and then laugh and laugh . . . and laugh. When I was really tired I would think, "Oh I just can't do this." Then I would get into the practice and remember that it was the best thing I've ever done for myself. We were very spoiled with wonderful cooking prepared by Anna, Mark Stroud and other classmates. The healthy cooking portion was a wonderful opportunity to learn about food and cooking and provided a casual setting to discover more about yoga and each other. I definitely found a few new, good friendships that I'm sure will endure through the bond of Yoga. With Thanks, Peace and Love.” -Doug Kreitzer
“I feel very honored and grateful to have been a part of the Yoga Teacher training at Cincinnati State. I was not expecting a program like this to be offered at a state college or any college for that matter. This certification is tough; there is an overwhelming amount of work required for completion. But, honestly I would not have it any other way. I feel completely prepared to go out into the world and begin teaching yoga. Of course there is still more to learn and the beauty of this program is that I was given a very strong solid foundation to begin with and bits of information about the areas where my knowledge could be further explored. I feel as if a whole new world of possibility has been opened for me and all I have to do is step through the door. Anna Ferguson is a very patient, thorough, peaceful, respectful, honest, unafraid, and humble teacher. She is extremely knowledgeable about yoga and welcomes the opportunity to share the teaching experience with others who have a different perspective to offer or additional information about a subject. She is passionate about sharing any and all knowledge that she has with her students and fellow teachers as she wants us all to be at peace, whole and healthy so that we may contribute our individual talents to make the world a peaceful and happy place.” –Rena Becker