Director
Mokshapriya Shakti
Mokhapriya is an Ordained Minister and certified Yoga instructor with over 30 years Yoga experience, both teaching and personal practice. She prepares and teaches Yoga and meditation classes and workshops at Yogashakti Yoga Center in Queens, New York. She prepares and gives Yoga retreats, workshops and classes throughout the New York area. Mokshapriya also is responsible for the preparation and layout of books and publications produced by the Yoga Center.
In 1992, Mokshapriya was ordained "Ma Mokshapriya Shakti Saraswati" by Maha Mandeleshwar Ma Yoga Shakti Saraswati at the Ujjain Kumbha Mela in India. She set aside a long professional career in the printing business to dedicate more time to community service and the propagation of Yoga.
Mokshapriya started to teach yoga and meditation classes in 1970 and also acted as a Yoga Instructor in High School in Miami, introducing, designing and teaching an accredited Yoga course for high school students, which was adopted throughout the state. In 1998 she joined with Marianne Mitsinikos and formed the Yoga Teachers Training Institute, where she prepares and teaches the curriculum for Yoga Teachers in the New York area.
She is an active member of MYSIM - Ma Yoga Shakti International Mission and associated sister organizations since 1978. A pupil of Maha Mandaleshwar Ma Yoga Shakti Saraswati, the world-renowned expert and author of many authentic books on Yoga and philosophy.
Mokshapriya received her Ph.D.in Education by researching and writing a "Comprehensive Eclectic Yoga Program: A Strategy for Self-Improvement" Curriculum for College from Warnborough College in U.K.
Teachers
Valerie Nichols
My yoga journey began over 35 years ago starting with the work of Richard Hittleman and Lilias Folan. My attention to yoga was diverted for a few years to dance and teaching aerobics & body toning classes. Yoga was always in the background and especially needed through the many injuries from dance and aerobics. About 20 years ago, I found my way to Mokshapriya and the ashram and returned in earnest to the dharma of my yoga practice. In 2002 I participated in YTTI’s teacher training program.
Now whatever I thought I knew about yoga, I totally surrendered after entering teacher training with Marianne Mitsinikos. I am forever grateful for the excellent foundation Marianne provided. My current teaching schedule as an E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) includes classes in nursing homes, senior centers, yoga studios (including the ashram in Queens), athletic clubs, for corporations and for private clients. In addition to being a storyteller, I am a Reiki & IET practitioner and teacher. To tell a story is a gift from the heart. Teaching yoga is also a gift from the heart. Let our hearts be open to receive from each other!
