Why Choose yogaRIOT's Teacher Training? 

•  Holistic Approach: Our program blends asana, philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methodology to provide a comprehensive foundation in yoga.
• Community-Centered: We believe that teaching and learning yoga is best when done in a supportive, inclusive community.
• Expert Instructors: You’ll be taught by passionate, experienced yoga teachers who bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you through your journey.
• Flexible Format: With both in-person and online components, this training is designed to fit into your busy life while still providing the immersion you need to truly transform.

Join us for the Spring 2025 Yoga Teacher Training Open House

This special event is your chance to meet our lead trainers, explore the studio, and get all your questions answered about our program. The open house is scheduled for February 2, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. Can't make it in person? No worries! We're also offering a Zoom session on February 12 at 6:00 PM. Whether in-person or online, don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your yoga teaching journey!

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW 

Our curriculum combines a deep exploration of yoga’s physical, mental, and spiritual practices. You’ll walk away with the knowledge and confidence to teach safely, effectively, and with passion.

Asana & Alignment

• Foundations of safe and effective asana
• Alignment labs for building confidence in teaching poses
• Modifications and use of props for various levels

Anatomy & Physiology

• Musculoskeletal system, injury prevention, and anatomy for yoga
• Fascia, muscle groups, joints, and the nervous system

Yoga Philosophy & History

• The history of yoga from the ancient texts to modern practices
• Key texts: Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Upanishads, and Vedas
• Understanding the deeper meaning of yoga beyond the physical

Pranayama & Meditation

• Basic breathwork techniques, including Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati
• Meditation practices such as Vipassana, Mantra, and Guided Meditations

Sequencing & Teaching Methodology

• Crafting effective, well-rounded class sequences
• Peak posture sequencing and safe adjustments
• Communication skills for effective and clear teaching

Business of Yoga

• Practical advice on teaching yoga professionally
• Marketing, building a client base, and navigating the business side of yoga

Mentorship & Apprenticeship Program

Upon completion of the training, you’ll have access to a 12-week Apprenticeship Program to gain hands-on teaching experience. This mentorship includes:

• Teaching community classes
• Bi-weekly check-ins with your mentor
• Opportunities to observe and practice adjustments

Other trainings teach from a textbook and focus on the lecture. With our training you’ll have hands-on experience teaching from Day 1.

MEET OUR LEAD INSTRUCTORS

At yogaRIOT, we have a team of passionate and experienced teachers who are dedicated to helping you succeed. They’ll be with you every step of the way, guiding you through the curriculum, offering mentorship, and providing feedback on your progress.

EILA GUSTINA

I began practicing yoga in my late teens after years of dancing and struggling with unresolved injuries. What started as a way to reconnect with my body soon became a practice that brought me resilience, clarity, confidence, and stability.

In 2019, I found my teaching mentor, Bryony Giboin, in Athens. Her classes, combining challenge, fun, and deep spiritual context, left me grounded and inspired. In 2022, I completed a 250-hour teacher training with Bryony, which was transformative both mentally and physically, rekindling my love for the practice and deepening my connection to yoga.

Since then, I've earned a 50-hour Yin certification, am working toward my 300-hour training, and continue to study under Bryony. Teaching became a rewarding and joyful challenge after completing an apprenticeship with Annie Ory in Portland, refining my skills and boosting my confidence.

I now teach weekly classes in Vinyasa, Power Vinyasa, Yin, and Slow Flow, offer private sessions, and lead beginner workshops. I’m passionate about creating classes that meet students where they are and help them grow their confidence and practice.

NICK HARRIS

Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from St. Mary’s College of California, where he played Division 1 collegiate rugby and football. His athletic background fuels his passion for movement, which led him to yoga in 2015. By 2018, yoga became a daily practice, profoundly impacting his body, heart, and mind.

In 2021, Nick completed his 200-hour teacher training with Patrick Beach and Carling Harps at Awakening Yoga Academy (AYA). Since then, he’s taught over 1,300 hours of classes, led teacher training, worked with the Portland Trail Blazers, St. Mary’s Rugby Team, and Portland University Men’s Basketball Team, and facilitated 1:1 mentorships and workshops across the U.S.

As a registered Experienced Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Nick is dedicated to expanding his yogic knowledge and teaching skills, currently pursuing his 300-hour YTT with AYA. Since joining yogaRIOT in 2022, Nick has co-led their 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with CEO Caroline Plambeck.

Nick’s teaching style is dynamic and grounded in pranayama, mindfulness, and mindful movement. He encourages students of all levels to connect with their bodies, minds, and spirits, fostering balance, presence, and gratitude in every practice.

VICTORIA SUSANN KEMPTER

Hi, I'm Tori, a German-American yogi and journalist with roots in New York and Germany, now based in Portland. My journey in yoga began over a decade ago, seeking healing and stability. Since then, yoga has been a grounding force in my life. I started teaching informally on a beach, which sparked my desire to guide others in their yoga practice. My teaching style is enriched by various trainings, including a 200-hour certification in Mallorca, Spain, and advanced studies in Jivamukti, Katonah Yoga, and yoga therapy. I also hold certifications in Barre, TRX, indoor cycling, and Pilates, adding versatility to my dynamic teaching approach.

I've taught internationally at studios such as Y7, Alo Yoga, Modo Yoga, and Yoga Riot in the U.S., as well as Jane’s Soulbase and Every Damn Day Yoga in Berlin. Whether leading Hot Power Flows, Yin sessions, or sculpt classes, I strive to create a supportive environment where students can discover strength, balance, and joy. In our training, we'll explore yoga as a tool for personal growth, integrating physical practice, meditation, and yoga philosophy—tailored to modern life. I look forward to joining you on this transformative journey, whether you aim to teach or deepen your practice.

Discover the path to becoming a yoga teacher with our Spring 2025 cohort at yogaRIOT. We’re hosting an open house on February 2, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, featuring our esteemed lead trainers. This is the perfect time to learn more about our comprehensive 200-hour program and what makes yogaRIOT a special place to train. Prefer to join virtually? We've got you covered with a Zoom option on February 12 at 6:00 PM. Connect with us to find out how you can transform your practice into teaching.

Not Looking to Teach? Just Deepen Your Practice?

If teaching yoga isn’t your goal right now, but you want to immerse yourself more deeply in the philosophy, practice, and self-development that yoga provides, this training is perfect for you!

Yoga doesn’t have to be about teaching; it can be about transforming your life. Deepen your practice, cultivate mindfulness, and build confidence in all aspects of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

MEET US IN PERSON!

Interested in teaching yoga? Come to our Teacher Training Open House for the Spring 2025 cohort at yogaRIOT! Meet our lead trainers, see our facilities, and get a feel for our community on February 2, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. For those who prefer to join us remotely, we’re offering a Zoom session on February 12 at 6:00 PM. It's a great opportunity to ask questions, understand the curriculum, and see if our teacher training is the right fit for you.