Our Yoga Instructors

Lillah Schwartz, ERYT is a Nationally certified Iyengar instructor, seasoned teacher, and founder/director of Lighten Up Yoga Centers and Teacher Training Institute.  

Lillah teaches weekly yoga classes for novice, therapeutic, intermediate and advanced yoga students.  She is also the director and primary instructor for the 200 Hour and 500 Hour teacher training courses.

For more information on Lillah as well as her reflections on yoga practice, please click here.

If you have specific questions for Lillah you may contact her at Lillah@lightenupyoga.com

"My goal with my students is to help them to get their cellular and endocrine bodies percolating in a healthy way, gain confidence in their ability to heal through understanding proper alignment and action, as well as opening to receive the full potential of their body, mind, and spirit."

Lighten Up Yoga Instructors For Weekly Classes

Deane Giordano, PT, RYT loves to teach yoga! She also loves to study yoga, to learn as much as she can and to share that love and that knowledge with everyone she meets. Deane is currently immersed in a two-year course of study (one down, one to go!) in the College of Purna Yoga, and she studies directly with the founders of Purna Yoga—Aadil Palkhivala and Mirra.

Deane is a licensed physical therapist, a graduate of the Lighten Up Yoga teacher training and a student of yoga for over 17 years. She owns Stillpoint Yoga Therapy, a multifaceted approach to physical rehabilitation that helps people find relief from pain, improved mobility and a greater sense of well-being.

Deane has dedicated herself to helping students learn to practice yoga from the heart and to helping her students truly learn to live their practice. She does this with warmth and humor and all the humility of someone who is learning to love herself as she follows this glorious path of yoga.

If you have specific questions for Deane, you may contact her at 828.285.2222 or via email at deanegiordano@gmail.com.

Fun is a big part of Adam Laufer's life and yoga practice, and he knows that nothing helps people stretch like a good belly laugh. He has been meditating and practicing yoga since he was 16, and he brings his experience and training in anatomy, Iyengar-style asana, and other healing modalities to class to the benefit of his students. A great workout with Adam will make you feel young again, and best of all, you'll learn stretches to tie your shoes, wait in line at the bank, watch a movie, and how to stand on your head while driving your car. Impress your friends!

If you have specific questions for Adam, you may contact him at 828.658.0830.  

Gea Skeens 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. Gea has trained extensively with Lillah Schwartz as part of the Lighten Up Yoga teacher training program, as well as with numerous other certified Iyengar teachers. 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."

Laura Stone is a graduate of the Lighten Up Teacher Training Institute.

I have practiced Yoga for over twenty years. I grew up watching my Mom practise to a record player and recognized how fun it was to go upside down! When I was an adult, my Mom hurt herself in a class and has been reluctant to return. This is why I love the Iyengar method of alignment and the use of props to stay safe while receiving the benefits of the poses. Yoga has strengthened and nurtured me through 3 pregnancies and moving around while my partner receives his medical training. In my classes, I strive to educate the body through movement, quiet the mind and awaken a playful spirit.

If you have specific questions for Laura, you may contact her at 828.281.2212 or via email at cstone138@charter.net.

Emily Heilbraun, RN Emily has spent most of her life being attentive to health and fitness but it was the Iyengar Yoga practice she began in 2004 that brought her the balance she was seeking. " It not only addressed my physical body, but my mental, emotional, and spiritual selves as well. " After her 10+ years as a registered nurse, Emily understands how an individual's health and well being contribute to society as a whole. Emily completed Lighten Up's teacher training in 2006 and has discovered within herself a passion for teaching. She invites her students to both challenge and make peace with themselves in a light-hearted manner. If you have specific questions for Emily, you may contact her at 828.712.7737 or email her at mobileom@bellsouth.net.

 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Training & Guest Instructors

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

He is known for his deep understanding of yoga, thorough knowledge of anatomy andphysiology, 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.

Chaitanya                                                  

Kirtan is a traditional yogic expression of heartfelt love and devotion to the Divine through song. Chaitanya is a group of musicians dedicated to sharing the joy, healing, & blessings of Kirtan with everyone who is drawn to it. Harmonium, guitar, bass, tablas, mridunga, & tamboura are the instruments which create the accompaniment for the chants. Members of Chaitanya have been hosting Kirtan in Asheville since 2001.