Teachers

Heidi Johnsen, CRYT, E-RYT, Certified Zumba Instructor

Co-Owner of True Living Yoga / Senior Rahini Yoga Teacher

Heidi is a Certified Rahini Yoga Teacher, Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200 Hour), and a Certified Zumba Teacher. Additionally, Heidi is continuing her studies with Bon Buddhism and is enrolled in the advanced Rahini Yoga 500 Hour Teacher Training Program with Dr. Dean Telano. Rahini Yoga has changed her life and she loves sharing her passion of Rahini and Bon in her classes with Rahini Methodology, Flows and Pranayama. Heidi teaches with exuberance and joyfulness, and always encourages her students to practice " Ahimsa" (compassion) for themselves and each other.

Meryl Zerwitz

Yoga & PIlates Teacher

I began my interest in sports and physical excercise as a part time instructor in college, have always been a sports enthusiast. More recently I am certified in Pilates and completing my yoga sports certification. Have been teaching for 7 years.

Experienced with teens, men and women, seniors and those with injuries. Yoga style is a Vinyasa flow incorporating Pilates and core strength with emphasis on alignment and symmetry. Thanks, Meryl

Annie Morgan, CRYT, RYT

Senior Rahini Yoga Teacher

I have practiced yoga for over 25 years, but it wasn't until I found Rahini that I experienced the fullness of the practice. The unique approach of Rahini Yoga encourages self discovery and expression, which continues to grow and blossom as you practice.

Completing the 200 hour teacher training program started a brand new chapter in my life. Feeling physically stronger, spiritually awake, and mentally uplifted, I entered the advanced 500 hour training program. It has been a magnificent gift that I am blessed to share through teaching.

Susan Israelian-Barbella, BA, CRYT, RYT

Senior Rahini Yoga Teacher

Susan is deeply grateful for the opportunity to study under Dr.Dean Telano's direct tutelage as a Senior Teacher in the Rahini Yoga 200 Hour Teacher Training Program and as a current student in the 500 Hour Program.

Susan believes that when yoga unites all aspects of ourselves; mind, body, emotions and spirit, Flow is created. Susan's teaching is dedicated to this Flow; utilizing the breath, self-observation, strength, flexibility and compassion. Her Tibetan Yoga training and Buddhist approach is creatively integrated throughout this unique practice.

Ann Marie Savoiardo, RYT 500

Hatha / Vinyasa Yoga Teacher

Ann Marie believes that yoga is for everyone. It is the exploration of the mind, body, and soul, through daily asana practice combined with pranayama and meditation.

Ann Marie's passion to learn and share her love of yoga lead her to pursue her education, completing her 200 hour certification from Yoga Works, NYC, and her 500 hour certification from Yoga Sutra, NYC.

Ann Marie's classes integrate vinyasa, anatomical precision, proper breathing, yoga philosophy, and meditation.

Dr. Dean Telano, ND, PhD, MS, ERYT, RCYT, RPYT

Co-owner of True Living Yoga, Founder of Rahini School of Yoga, President of Bön Buddhism of Long Island

Dr. Telano Teaches the: 200 Hour Rahini Yoga Teacher Training Program, 550 Hour Rahini Yoga Teacher Training Program, Meditation Training Course- Levels 1 and 2, and the Mind-Of-Clear Light Meditation Class. 

Go to "About Us" on the top of the menu and click on "Dr. Dean Telano" to read his bio.

Cecilia Suhovsky, CRYT, RYT

Senior Rahini Yoga Teacher

Cecilia is a dance teacher who has always integrated yoga with her teaching. She wanted to become more knowledgeable and proficient with the yoga poses that she decided to become a yoga teacher. She was fortunate enough to find Dr. Dean Telano and True Living Yoga to help guide her in her quest and thirst for more knowledge. 

She hopes to impart in her yoga students the love, gratitude and humility that she has attained while being a part of this wonderful program.  

Aurora Bonchonsky, CRYT, RYT

Senior Rahini Yoga Teacher

Faith Jenkins, CRYT, RYT

Senior Rahini Yoga Teacher

Faith is CRYT (Certified Rahini Yoga Teacher) and RYT (registered with Yoga Alliance) and a current student in the 550 Hour Program. Her interest in sports and physical exercise didn’t begin until she was 50 years old. 

An impressive testament to the saying, it is never too late. This summer she completed her first duathlon and placed third in her age group.  Her yoga training has helped in every aspect of her life.  She is more physically flexible and stronger, physically, emotionally and spiritually.