What Our Yoga Teachers-in-Training Have to Say:

“I took the Svastha Yoga class to deepen my personal yoga experience. I came away with a better understanding of the importance of modifying poses and adapting practices for the individual....a classic yet uncommon approach in the yoga world. My process of preparing to teach a class was an excellent learning tool and the result boosted my self- confidence. UNM-Taos offers a rare and affordable opportunity to study Svastha Yoga with Monique, a very proficient and compassionate instructor.”
— Martha Flanders, Arroyo Hondo, NM

"In the Myofascial Yoga class, Kirstie, gave instructions so clearly and her knowledge of the body is impeccable. I learned a lot about how to open so many lines in my body. The UNM Yoga Teacher Training is wonderful because I am getting in depth learning from knowledgeable and dedicated instructors in classes that are close to home and are affordable..”
—Julia Cortopassi, Taos, NM

“My first introuction to Monique’s Yoga class occured several years ago. I have done Hatha Yoga off and on since I was 22 (I am now 63). But as soon as I took her class I realized something was different about her approach to Yoga and I wanted to learn more. Since then I have taken several classes from her including some classes that will be included in the 200-hour Yoga teacher certification curriculum. With each class, I’m inspired to learn more. I think the difference is the depth to which the classes go. Rather than being just another form of exercise, the classes help balance Body, Mind and Soul - exactly what I’ve been lookingfor and needing in my life. I have started teaching and will pursue completion of the Yoga Teacher Certification.”
— Deborah Halpern, Angel Fire, NM

“I am new to yoga and Myofascial Yoga made it easy to learn the postures and names. It was awesome that I was able to feel confident about building my own practice at home to fulfill my own personal needs not only body, but mind and spirit.”
—Shelli Noble, Taos, NM

“The yoga teachers program at UNM-Taos is an excellent training. I learned more about teaching yoga in one semester than I can tell others have learned throughout their entire yoga teachers training. Many yoga teachers are not adequately informed of the dangers of yoga and as such, the necessary methods of facilitating a yoga class that is safe for all levels. I learned ways of guiding the class to use the breath and careful awareness of the body to keep from hurting oneself. I have studied inner yoga methods for over seven years now, and I was very pleased to find these methods of internal training and mental discipline included in the yoga training at UNM-Taos.”
— Darshan Baba, Taos, NM

“Myofascial Yoga was a great supportive style that is really helping me find my structural alignment.”
—Alex Pumfrey, Taos, NM

“Monique’s class is transformational. I dropped in on a Friday evening class and six months later, I had never missed a class. It is simple and very deep. The practice is a profound blend of breath- based movement which brings one into such a rich relationship to self inside a group setting. She is graceful and powerful in her own demonstrations which are tactfully useful, and the rest of the time the wisdom of yoga permeates the atmosphere through chanting, asana, self-inquiry, and sharing--a sublime experience every single time!”
— Judith Hovetter,
Feldenkrais® Practitioner
Taos, NM

“The Myofascial Yoga and Anatomy Trains class taught by Kirstie Segarra is a great class for massage therapists, as well as potential yoga instructors. The information covered in this class should be a must for anyone interested in teaching Yoga.”
—Rebecca Knight, Taos, NM

"When I came to my first yoga class at UNM I was very hesitant to practice
because of injuries I had received in a car wreck several years earlier.
After the car wreck I took some yoga classes to help my recovery process
and ended up injuring myself further. I vowed not to take another class
again. Because of the therapeutic emphasis I was persuaded to take the
yoga teacher training courses at UNM-Taos, and as a result I have
experienced great benefit. My individual needs were addressed and the
postures were altered accordingly. I highly recommend these classes
because of the knowledge and care the teachers bring to the class. I
especially enjoy and benefit from the therapeutic approach presented at
UNM-Taos."
— Brian Flynn, Taos, NM

“I made the decision to enter the Yoga Teacher Training in order to learn how to incorporate yoga into my acupuncture practice. What I've discovered in Monique's class is that I've discovered a new life path, and in doing so, I'm approaching my future with a new found excitement and curiosity. I've learned how to adapt postures to various physical conditions and how to use the breath to modify postures. I'm leaving this class a different person than I was when I walked in. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to say I've returned to myself .”
—Ruth Hulett, DOM, LMT, Santa Fe, NM

“Monique's commitment to yoga, in general, and her students, specifically, is phenomenal. I felt her complete presence and support throughout the semester. Her generous nature combined with deep practical experience made this class a prayer. From this, I have regained my desire for a daily practice. I have learned to contain the movement within the breath. What a revelation and surprise that no other yoga teacher has shared that. From this I have expanded my acceptance, non-judgment, and patience with myself, believing I have the resources to manage my life.”
— Brook Hemenway, Arroyo Seco, NM

"Svastha Yoga is wonderful because it embraces all who attempt it if they just give it a chance and practice it regularly. The chanting and breathing are so interconnected with the asanas I can't imagine leaving it out.”
—Yolanda Martinez, Taos, NM

"The Svastha class was humbling in the way that we were challenged to do simple postures with the most precision of breathing and movement that I feel most classes don't focus on .”
—Shane Brown, Taos , NM

"I understand now that yoga is not about asanas alone. It is about integration, quieting the monkey mind, and restoring balance in all parts of one's life, on and off the mat. Sometimes you don't know what you're missing until you find it. This has been a rare opportunity, and I know that this yoga program was waiting for me to discover as part of my journey.”
—Christine Wagner, Austin, TX