MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS:
Yoga Teachers:
Shannon Thornton, PhD, 200hr RYT
Chi Education Director

Shannon began practicing yoga with Iyengar Instructor Ally David at Dyer Street Yoga in Dallas and continues as a student at Dallas’ Tsada Yoga with Barb Totzke and Chinook Wusdhu. She completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate in October 2007 through the Alpha Omega Yoga School in Dallas, studying with Sheri Cherokee and Rogelio Chapa. Shannon’s teaching style incorporates a strong foundation in the principles of Iyengar yoga, with its emphasis on safe alignment and precision along with heat-building Vinyasa flow sequences. Shannon incorporates pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation in all of her classes, encouraging students to develop an internal awareness that focuses and calms the mind both on and off the mat.

Sheri Cherokee is a registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance at the E-RYT 500 level with 35 years of yoga practice and 25 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Body Science, two degrees in Herbal Medicine and an MBA. Sheri has traveled extensively, and has taught numerous workshops and teacher training programs. She has studied with some of the most respected senior instructors in the world.

Her mission is to inspire, encourage and improve the lives of those who want to elevate their health, awareness and spirituality.

Rogelio Chapa is an E-RYT, and is Co-Founder and Co-Owner of the Alpha-Omega Yoga Shala which certifies yoga teachers in the U.S. and Mexico. He is certified in Ashtanga through Lehigh Valley Yoga Center, Allentown Pennsylvania, and is a certified Neuromuscular Therapist. He has been practicing, teaching, and studying yoga for close to 20 years including various Hathas and body movement and meditation. As a former marathoner and competitive men's soccer player, he understands the importance of focus, flexibility, and stamina partnered with a deep understanding of intention within a practice. He is passionate about the honored Sutras and his delivery of a clear safe practice.

Petri Brill began her practice under Bruce Boyd in Dallas. His unique and beautiful yoga flow sparked her love, passion, and appreciation for yoga. She has also practiced under Barb Totzke and Chinook Wusdhu at the soulful Tsada studio. She completed her 200-hour Alpha-Omega Teacher certification course last year under the guidance of Ro Chapa and Sheri Cherokee. This training was a life altering experience for her and she is ever grateful to Ro and Sheri for sharing their wisdom and spirit. Yoga has impacted her life physically, spiritually, & emotionally and she is honored to be able to guide others in their yoga practice and path. She teaches a variety of classes, including restorative and power vinyasa flow. She brings her passion and humor into the studio to help students relax, grow, find strength, continue their journey, & have fun.

TAI CHI:
Aaron Green has been involved in the complimentary health care field for 12 years. He is licensed to practice massage therapy in three states and is the only certified instructor for the Energy Arts System of Bruce Frantzis, in the DFW area. He is teaching TaiChi classes and ChiGung workshops here at CHI. His classes have the focus of how these techniques can be put into peoples lives to help them gain benefit and enjoy a more stress free life. Aaron is also a resident Massage Therapist here at CHI studio, offering sessions in Craniosacral Therapy, Chigung Tuina and Traditional Massage Therapy.

AIKIDO:
Lynn Fabia is an Aikido teacher and speaker. She carries the rank of 6th degree black belt and has dedicated over twenty-five years to the study and practice of Aikido. Ms. Fabia founded the Society of Aikido Centers in 2002 and in 2004 she was recognized by the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame for her dedication and leadership in the martial arts. Ms. Fabia teaches how to view life from a broader perspective through the principles of Aikido with an emphasis of "going with the flow". She is able to bring to her classes both inspiration and motivation through her philosophical insights.