Yoga Instructors



Lillah Schwartz, RYT
Program Designer
Primary Instructor: Technique of Asanas and Pranayama, Sequencing, Curriculum Design and Teaching Skills

Dedicated to the study and practice of The Iyengar Method since 1979, Lillah continues to guide and inspire students on the path of yoga.Ê She has been training teachers in the Southeast since 1992. Her extensive background includes 20 years as a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor with the National Iyengar Yoga Association, Certified by the National Safety Council, 10 years as a professional massage therapist, Teacher Training Program designer, workshop and retreat leader.Ê Lillah views yoga as a healing art. Her primary strength as a teacher is the clarity and vision she brings to the practice.

Lillah has studied and practiced many different modalities of natural healing and spiritual arts, including her participation as an initiate in the Sufi Order of the West. Lillah's spiritual involvement and knowledge gained as a practicing Sufi has contributed to her understanding, special style, and teaching technique. Lillah has studied with the Iyengars in India and in the US. She continues to train with Senior Iyengar Instructors and is most influenced by Aadil Palkhivala, Felicity Green, Eric Small, Dean Lerner and Patricia Walden.

Lillah believes in yoga as a philosophy, as a science, and as an art. She knows that yoga seeks the betterment of an individual and, in a broader sense, the betterment of humanity.Ê Gifted in the therapeutic applications of yoga, Lillah has helped thousands become pain-free with her two nationally distributed companion videos.

For more information on our founder click here.
Lillah's travel schedule can be found here.



Didier Cuzange, RYT, has actively pursued the study of yoga since 1982. He currently owns and operates The Yoga Practice, a studio on Main Street in Sylva. Didier also offers therapeutic yoga to those confined to a hospital setting. Along with his delightful accent, Didier has a very positive, upbeat attitude and an excellent understanding of the flow of yoga.


Janet Kawaminami, RYT, began her yoga practice in 1999 and completed her certification in 2002. A former dancer trained in classical ballet, Janet brings a grace and gentleness to her classes. She currently teaches yoga at AB-Tech and Lighten Up.

"I practice yoga because I believe it is a way to self-transformation. Through regular practice I become increasingly aware of myself. I feel that teaching yoga is a good way to share the benefits of yoga and at the same time build a stronger foundation and deeper understanding in my personal practice."


Nicole Kintz began yoga in 1995 after 20 years of competitive sports left her with debilitating injuries and a defeated spirit. Through yoga she found a renewed mind, body and spirit and an end to the pain that plagued her life for years. In 2001, she began teaching yoga and tai chi in Colorado. Her yoga studies then brought her to Asheville to study and finally teach with Lillah. Her teaching strength is her insight into injury and ability to assist students beyond their obstacles. Her classes are energizing, informational and fun.


Ellie Kochek holds a Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and works as a naturopathic doctor. She began teaching yoga in 1973 and has offered yoga classes at Lighten Up since 1997.


"Yoga took away my pain and injuries. I wanted to share my joy and freedom with others."


Adam Laufer, RYT, started practicing yoga when he was 16. His teaching has been focusing on the Iyengar style since 1996. Adam is a certified polarity therapist and is trained in Ayurvedic and herbal healing. Adam classes are creative, challenging and fun.


Nina Murrell-Kisner, RYT, began her yoga practice in 1996. After sustaining a spinal injury in a car accident in 2000, Nina's mental and physical identities were shattered. The practices of yoga, in particular the deep introspection of mind and body, have been integral to her healing process.


Ymerli "Mili" Perez is a native of Venezuela, which enables her to offer bilingual classes at Lighten Up. Led to yoga through her education in energetic healing, Mili began practicing yoga in 2000. After experiencing back injury, she decided to deepen her practice and pursued her teacher certification.

"The practice of yoga brings balance to our lives in all levels physically-mentally-spiritually, and I just want to share that gift with others."


April Reidel began dancing at the age of 3 and practicing yoga and meditation at fifteen. After exploring yoga on her own for six years, April enrolled in Lighten Up's Teacher Training Institute. A recent graduate of the program, April is very excited to share her passion for yoga and movement with her students.


Gea Skeens, RYT, began practicing yoga more than 20 years ago and has been teaching Iyengar yoga since 1992. Gea has worked as a raft guide, social worker and is a long distance runner. A gifted storyteller, Gea teaches with warmth, humor, and the wisdom of a dedicated yogi.

"With focus on the breath, I strive to create a joyful and challenging experience that will deepen awareness of our divine existence."


Letitia Walker began her yoga practice with mindful dedication in 2000 and recently graduated from Lighten Up's Teacher Training Institute. As former professor of philosophy, Letitia sees teaching yoga as a way to share practical philosophy for the mind, integrated with physical health and spirituality.

Teacher Training Institute Core Faculty

Eric Larsen
Primary Instructor: Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics

Eric is a mind-body health educator specializing in the timeless healing sciences of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation.

He received his yoga training from the Integral Yoga Institute and at Lighten Up Yoga with Lillah. Eric is personally trained and certified by Deepak Chopra, M.D. as a Health Educator and Meditation Teacher and is certified in ayurvedic nutrition and women's healthcare by the Wise Earth School of Ayurveda.

Eric has taught meditation at several of Dr. Chopra's seminars held worldwide. He is currently teaching Creative Health, Yoga Philosophy and the Magic of Healing as well as courses in Ayurvedic nutrition, stresses reduction, meditation, and does personal consultations and evaluations.

Roger Cole
Primary Instructor: Anatomy and Physiology of Asana

Roger is an internationally recognized yoga teacher. Roger has trained at the Iyengar Institute in San Francisco and in Pune, India.

He is known for his deep understanding of yoga, thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and a clear, gentle teaching style. He is also an accomplished anatomist and research scientist, specializing in the physiology of relaxation, sleep and biological rhythms. Roger is also one of Yoga Journal's "ask an expert" instructors.


Lisa Clark

Primary Instructor: Body-Mind Centering &Yoga: Finding the Fluid Nature of the Asana

Lisa has been teaching Body-Mind Centering and yoga since 1988 with a foundation in the Iyengar tradition. An innovator in the development of the diverse applications of Body-Mind Centering, she teaches and works with clients in the United States, Europe, and South America.


Lisa will assist you in experiencing your body more accurately by exploring the dialogue between the skeletal structure and the full support of the organs, and by becoming aware of how the fluids underlie the asanas. You will enhance and inform your practice and teaching, creating a dynamic embodiment of each asana.




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