Yoga Teacher Training
Rebel Hearts Movement offers an intensive 220-hour yoga teacher training centered around modern scientific theories of the nervous system using yogic philosophies. Graduates leave ready to share their wisdom, knowledge, & practices with those seeking transformation.
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Alexa Halstead — History, Philosophy, Subtle Body Mechanics
Career yoga instructor based in Indianapolis with 10+ years of teaching experience and nearly 1,000 hours of formal training. She’s taught in public schools, addiction treatment centers, corporate settings, and private trauma-integration sessions.
OUR APPROACH
Our approach.
An integrative dive that marries yoga’s rich history & wisdom with modern scientific frameworks of the body, brain & nervous system using a neurobiological approach to anatomy and alignment that honors each practitioner’s unique body. We focus on identifying primary stabilizing muscles, observing your own movement tendencies, and recognizing patterns in students.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
The schedule.
Yoga teacher training takes place on Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, April 14 to September 22. Plus 11 weekend intensives, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:15pm to 8:15pm. A North Mass membership is included during training.
Eight modules, six months.
The curriculum is structured into eight modules, each anchored by a different chakra, philosophical lens, or anatomical focus. Click any module to read the full description.
We start with the mythological and geographical history of yogic practice. Uncover the true meaning of YOGA as a technology for self-actualization. Define the Chakra system and explore Muladhara — the root — through postures, practices, and breath that stimulate this center.
YTT continues with a deep dive into the somatic lens with internal awareness of the body. Rebel Hearts details the intelligent network that affects every mind and body. Together we’ll unlock the sensations and experiences rather than aesthetics.
Yoga has a sister science: Ayurveda. This is the approach to diet, lifestyle, and harmonization. Students will learn about the intricacies of Manipura chakra through a place of fortified authenticity. There is a nuanced anatomy that revolves around both the core & the diaphragm.
Next we diverge further into the chakra system to develop an understanding behind the components of physical anatomy that go beyond intentional sequencing formats. This sets students up for foundational principles when they design their own yoga class.
Consider your hands an extension of your energetic heart. This module explores pranayama techniques, teaching you how to integrate them thoughtfully into your classes. Through the wisdom of the energetic heart, you’ll cultivate essential interpersonal skills needed to teach.
Explore the healing potential of sound as medicine. Gain a deep understanding of the vagus nerve and learn to integrate these techniques seamlessly into your teaching practice. We conclude this module with a restorative, nourishing sound bath.
The connection between the brain, information processing, and movement through meditation is important. Learn how yoga supports pain mitigation and discover practical techniques to stimulate the third eye’s energetic center.
We finish how polyvagal theory and trauma-sensitive pillars help us understand stress tolerance and support students. Mastering somatic practices to create body-mind synchrony is an invaluable resource for every teacher
Learn how trauma impacts the nervous system, stress response, and window of tolerance through the lens of polyvagal theory. Explore the foundations of trauma-sensitive yoga and how to thoughtfully apply these principles in general population classes. Discover how yoga and somatic movement support the connection between body and mind, offering powerful tools for trauma-informed care.
A team of senior teachers.
Two senior teachers join Alexa to share their expertise across alignment, philosophy, and movement traditions.
Heather Eicher — Anatomy, Fundamental Alignment
Heather Eicher is an experienced yoga teacher and trainer based in Indianapolis, Indiana, dedicated to guiding both students and future instructors deeper into their practice. For Heather, yoga has been a deeply fulfilling, lifelong journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation–a passion she naturally translates into her teaching and curriculum design.
Heather’s foundation is rooted in two of the most influential and rigorous traditions of modern yoga: Iyengar and Ashtanga. Her study of Iyengar yoga brings focus to philosophy, anatomical alignment, and the purposeful integration of props to ensure that the practice remains spiritual, safe and sustainable for every body. Complementing this structural framework, her dedicated study of Ashtanga brings breath-movement synchronization, internal heat, and a disciplined, meditative flow to her understanding of movement.
Her path of study has taken her across the US including immersive studies in Hawaii, where the island’s natural rhythms further enriched her approach to breath, presence and somatic awareness.
As an educator of teachers, Heather helps to lead comprehensive teacher training programs. Her passion lies in mentoring trainees not only to master alignment and movement mechanics, but to discover their unique, authentic teaching voices.
Megan Zirkelbach — Sequencing, Hands on Adjustments
Megan has been teaching yoga for over a decade, inspiring students to explore their edge through mindful movement, creative sequencing, and playful inversions. With a strong foundation in Vinyasa and mobility inspired movement, she has a passion for creating thoughtfully layered sequences that build strength, mobility, and confidence while encouraging students to move with curiosity and intention.
Sequencing is one of Megan’s greatest strengths and creative passions. She loves the process of weaving together breath, movement, and purposeful transitions to create classes that feel both challenging and accessible. She is equally passionate about hands-on assists, using intentional, supportive touch to help students deepen their awareness, explore alignment, and experience movement in new ways.
Megan believes yoga is a lifelong practice and a path to resilience, balance, and deeper self-connection. As an educator, she loves helping students develop not only their own practice but also the confidence, creativity, and understanding to become thoughtful, intuitive teachers
