Rebecca S. Damia, AAS, AS,  E-RYT-500, YACEP, AHC

Rebecca's teaching style is based on the Ashtanga Yoga method holding an interest in Yoga Therapeutics, Restorative Yoga & Ayurveda.  While in any of Rebecca's classes you will learn the beautiful science of Yoga & Ayurveda in a non-dogmatic fashion. Rebecca illustrates the deep lessons of these practices in a respectful and fun-loving way focusing on using the traditions of Ashtanga Yoga to orchestrate ways for you to reveal the beauty, strength, & grace you have innately inside of you.

Rebecca's journey with Yoga began in 1999 with a self study (svadhyaya) of classical yoga through the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the 8 Limb Path, breathing practices (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and yoga postures (asana).  She became interested in Yoga as a teenager to help pacify anxiety & panic attacks.  Ayurveda found its way into her life in 2005 while on a mission towards a happier & healthier lifestyle.  Becoming fascinated by its healing properties, she has used Yoga & Ayurveda in her life helping her through many experiences ranging from anxiety as a teenager and most recently cancer as an adult.

Rebecca's teaching is based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (a text on yogic principles and techniques establishing guidelines for living a meaningful and purposeful life) and the Asthanga Yoga tradition as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois while studying with her teachers Amy Gordon & Christine Hoar.  Ashtanga Yoga is named after the eight limbs yoga as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.  The Ashtanga Yoga practice is comprised of 3 groups or series of yoga postures specifically sequenced in each series. The Primary Series, is called "Yoga Chikitsa" or yoga therapy, and is designed to purify and strengthen the neuro-muscular system.  The Second Series called “Nadi Shodhanna” purifies the nervous system allowing the energy channels to open in the body. The Third Series or “Stira-Bhagah” builds stability and stamina. This system of Yoga uses the Vinyasa method (linking breath with body movement) while following key practices called Tristhana: Asana (Yoga Postures), Ujjayi (Breathing), and Dristhi (Eye Gazing).

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​​​Experience:

Rebecca has been practicing Yoga since 1999 and teaching Yoga since 2002.  She has experience working with a diverse population of people, ranging from: Pre & Post Natal, children as young as 2 years old and adults of all ages.  People who are taking care of themselves with: Anxiety, Athletics, Asperger's, Cancer, Depression, Eating Disorders, MS,  Physical injuries (knees, hips, back, scoliosis), and people who use wheel chairs.  Rebecca teaches Yoga at Fitness Centers, Yoga Studios, privately at ones home and at Delaware County Community College.  She has taught Ayurveda for West Chester University's Trans-cultural Health Class.  She has been a guest speaker on Ayurveda for Philadelphia Day of Yoga 2016.  She is currently educating the public on Ayurveda privately, as group lessons, and workshops.  Most recently Rebecca was a part of a clinical study, using yoga postures to test adhesive strength of medical devices placed on the body.

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​​​Credentials:

• 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training certification from YogaFit® Training Systems

• Yoga Therapy I & II certification from YogaFit® Training Systems

• Restorative Yoga certification from YogaFit® Training Systems

• Principles of Ayurveda from YogaFit® Training Systems

• Kids Yoga from YogaFit® Training Systems

• Introduction to Sanskrit, the Language of Yoga, American Sanskrit Institute Intensive with Vyaas Houston

• Level 1 certified Reiki Energy Healing Practitioner

• Aromatherapy: The Philosophy, Science, and Application of Essential Oils  (Presented by Dr. Marcy Foley, Chiropractor & Naturopathic Physician)

• Pediatric Conference: Homeopathy Presented by Christophe Merville (Director of Medical Education & Pharmacy Development Boiron Pharmaceuticals) at Delaware County Memorial Hospital, Drexel Hill, PA

• Yoga for Eating Disorders through Sprout Yoga

• 100 hour Ayurveda for Self Healing Course with Ed Zadlo

• Pre-Natal Yoga with Sue Elkind at Dig Yoga Studio

• NECTAR Training Part 1 & 2 (Nurturing Energy Cultivates Trauma & Addiction Recovery) through Hummingbird Heals Yoga & Massage w/ Linda Geraghty, LMT, RYT-200

• Accumulated over 500 hours of Self Study (svadhyaya) during Weekend Intensive Workshops with the most sought after yoga teachers in the country; Christine Hoar, Seane Corn, Sue Elkind.

• 30 hour Spirit Speak Teacher Training with Seane Corn

• Associate Degree in Applied Sciences, with a  concentration in Social Sciences/Humanities from Delaware County Community College

• Associate Degree in Behavioral Science Psychology, with a concentration in Public Service/Social Science from Delaware County Community College

• ​500 hour Ayurvedic Healing Course from The American Institute of Vedic Studies, taught by Ed Zadlo D.Ay

• Studied Sanskrit monthly (May 2017 - April 2018) with Zoë Slatoff from Ashtanga Yoga Upper West Side, NYC at Mysore Philadelphia.

• Currently enrolled & studying Sanskrit, the language of Yoga & Ayurveda, taught by Zoë Slatoff of the Continuing Education Department of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, a Recognised Independent Centre of the University of Oxford

• Currently enrolled at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, a Recognized Independent Centre of the University of Oxford, studying various Yogic Texts and Philosophies.

• Currently enrolled and actively completing a 900 hour Yoga Therapy Certification with YogaFit® Training Systems.

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Volunteer Accomplishments:

• Currently volunteers teaching (donation based) Meditation & Yoga classes to benefit MS Society

• Led the Yoga Station for the Girl's Leadership Conference: Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Sponsored by the Women's Resource Center Radnor Middle School Wayne, PA February 23, 2013

• Hosted Donation-Based Class: to benefit Hurricane Sandy/Red Cross 'Restore the Shore' at Havertown Health & Fitness Wednesdays in December 2012.

• 2010-2012 Volunteered for Sprout Yoga teaching (donation based) Monthly Meditation & Yoga classes

• 8 week Yoga Session at Bayada Nurses, Wayne, PA Fall 2002

• Spinal Workshops at Everybody's Chiropractic Center, Upper Darby, PA 2002-2003

• Rebecca was a Guest Speaker on Yoga for The Running Place's running group on April 26th, 2010

• Rebecca led the Yoga Class for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life on Saturday, June 5, 2010 & May 13 & 14, 2011 in Springfield, PA

​Off of her yoga mat & into the world she loves walking, hiking, cooking & baking vegetarian foods, and spending time with her husband, family, her cats; Giada & Nutella, and her beloved best friend, her dog; Luna!