Supporting Faculty

Megan Zirkelbach

Megan began her yoga journey after having her daughter in 2006. She quickly realized yoga was more than just a physical exercise. It began to help her with the stress and anxiety of life, when she stepped off the mat she had inner peace that she couldn't explain. Megan has been practicing everyday since. During a meditation workshop she heard the instructor say "once you see, you'll eventually know" and from that point on Megan knew teaching yoga would be a part of her path. She received her 200 hours YTT in April of 2014 at Sanctuary, Mind, Body, and Spirit under Tom and Daphne Larkin in Nashville, Tn. Her practice and teaching is a mix of vinyasa flow and the power of ashtanga yoga. She loves handstands and inversions but appreciates the beauty and fundamentals of all poses that are at the core of building strength and balance.

Angie Miller

Angie Miller entered yoga for the first time in 2009 following the birth of her first child, looking to reclaim a relationship with her body and her first savasana, she was hooked. 14 years later, Angie has completed 550 hours of formal yoga training and many more hours of individual learning from coaches and teachers from all over the world. Her style is rooted in Rocket style yoga, with a smattering of Dharma Yoga styles and is known for her playful approach to moving. You can expect to get into topics of yogic philosophy, somatic breathing and movement, a deep love for Japa (recitation) and Nidra (yogic sleep) and some of the anatomy & technique she's learned with her years of experience in the world of fitness, contortion, & circus.

Heather Eicher

 Yoga Teacher Training Modules

April 5th & April 6th: The Roots

In this foundational module, we will discuss the mythological and geographical history of yogic practices. We will uncover the true meaning of YOGA, as a technology for self-actualization & discuss the importance of integrating philosophy into your teaching skills. In The Roots module, we will outline and define the Chakra system and dive into the first energetic center of the subtle body, Muladhara or the root. We will discuss postures and practices that stimulate this center and how to organize a practice around it.

April 26th & April 27th: The Subtle Body & Somatics

In module two, we will dive deep into the dimensions of the subtle body as well as applying a somatic lens to our practice. The Yogis detailed an intelligent network of activity beneath the physical form that affects our mind and body. Somatics refers to a practice that emphasizes internal awareness of the body, often focusing on the sensation and experience of movement rather than on achieving specific physical goals or aesthetics.

May 17th & May 18th: The Engine

In module three, we will introduce yoga’s sister science, Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a yogic approach to diet & lifestyle. Alongside our Ayurveda lecture, we will discuss the transformational power of the navel or Manipura chakra. In The Engine module, we will learn postures, pranayama practices and meditations to stimulate & harmonize the egoic structures that originate in the navel and teach from a place of fortified authenticity. We will address the nuanced anatomy of the core & the diaphragm as it relates to efficient breathing patterns.

May 31st & June 1st: Alignment & Sequencing

In module 4, we will diverge from our journey through the chakra system to cover some foundational alignment principles, review and develop our understanding of the physical anatomy components and introduce intentional sequencing formats.

June 21st & 22nd: Heart & Hands

This module is a journey with a variety of different pranayama techniques and understanding how to intelligently integrate them into a class. We will uncover the wisdom of the energetic heart as it relates to our interpersonal relationships and our role as teacher. The hands are the tools/an extension of the energetic heart. In this module, we will learn the art of hands on assists and adjustments.

July 12th & July 13th: Mantra & The Voice

In Mantra & The Voice, we discuss sound as medicine, the practice of mantra and why it is effective in developing the meditative mind. We will introduce the role of the vagus nerve in nervous system regulation and discuss techniques for encouraging the use of sound in our classes. In addition to applied practice in mantra, we will cover the significance of developing authenticity in our speaking voice and the potent power of the words we choose.  A nourishing sound bath will close out this impactful module.

July 26th & 27th: Meditation & Neurobiology

We will discuss the brain on meditation! We will uncover how the brain processes information and how that impacts healthy, versatile movement. We will have a short lecture on the neuroscience of pain and how yoga can support our students in mitigating painful symptoms. In this module, we also dive into the mechanics of the third eye, Ajna, in relation to yogic mythology. We will learn a number of meditative techniques for stimulating this energetic center.

August 9th & 10th: The Nervous System & Trauma Sensitive Facilitation

In this weekend module, you will learn how trauma is defined and its lasting impact on the function of the nervous system. We will peek into the new paradigm of polyvagal theory and begin to understand how unintegrated trauma disrupts an individual's window of tolerance for stress. We will also discuss the pillars of a trauma sensitive class and how to skillfully apply the knowledge into a general population yoga class. The scope of trauma's impact on our society and communities is so widespread. This is deeply valuable information as movement specialists and as humans. Yoga and other somatic movement practices have become a groundbreaking resource in the field of trauma, because of the synchrony they create between body & mind.

Testimonials

• Rebel Hearts is such an amazing group!!! The knowledge between them all is mind blowing! The learning environment they created for us was relaxed yet focused! Very informative and very accepting to all questions!!! They made learning fun! 100000000/10 would do it again!- Kayla B.

• Yoga is so empowering BUT so is training under the guidance from the women of Rebel Hearts! YTT ended up being so much more than learning and application, YTT is a mind, body, and soul journey - a journey that has been worth the whole humbling trip!- Brandi T.

• Taking the Rebel Hearts Movement YTT was an experience that affirmed my desire to teach yoga, guided me through real healing, and opened my eyes to all that this practice has to offer. I had few expectations going into this in April, and even before our first day I knew I had gotten my money's worth. All of the teachers who helped train us brought unique perspective, convicted wisdom, and practical application to the space. Also, taking this training at North Mass was the perfect experience. Access to the gym, community, and the cafe really made the experience more well-rounded. So very grateful for this opportunity.- Cory C.

• North Mass YTT was a gentle, loving, and highly educational experience that deepened my yoga practice and commitment. I loved the variety of teachers that provided rich viewpoints, perspectives and styles. There were deep and spiritually substantial dharma talks, a wonderful feeling of community, and time very well spent on my 6 month journey of becoming a yoga teacher.- Sarah S.

• Taking my 220 hour yoga teacher training with Rebel Hearts Movement remains one of the best decisions of my life. Alexa, Megan, and the rest of the amazing staff cultivated a space of learning and growth, driven by pure heart. My relationship with yoga deepened, and I've found belonging both in self and with fellow students. Once in a lifetime opportunity. Thank you, RHM.-Madeline E.

• YTT through Rebel Hearts movement was a truly transformative experience. I started the course wanting to go deeper into my own practice but quickly found a joy in teaching as deep as practicing. Dedicated practice teaching time helped me to build the confidence to share my love of yoga with others and the course work equipped me with a wealth the knowledge I am still diving deeper into. I loved being part of a dedicated group of people and the sense of community and friendship was a huge assist in the process of learning to be a teacher.- Daniel B.