Maia delights in sharing the joyful and empowering practice of yoga with others! Maia loves yoga and believes that at its core it is a tool to explore with curiosity, compassion and a sense of wonder the entirety of our human experience. As an "anatomy geek" Maia is currently embarked on a year-long mentorship study with her anatomy and biomechanics teacher, Jules Mitchell, exploring the state of scientific research in mindfulness, stretching, movement science, the neurology of movement, facia and healthy aging. Maia brings this heart-felt blending of mindfulness, loving kindness and an active study of the evidence-based research to her classes: meeting each student where they are. Her classes include a mindful and accessible approach to strength-building and an exploration of our unique embodiment so that students learn how to move in their unique bodies in healthy ways. Maia found her first class through the University of Washington extension program while she was completing her undergraduate degree. The class was nothing she expected; very gentle and slow and she did not break a sweat at all, but it made her feel good inside and out, and helped with the stresses of the last few quarters at the U. Immediately, the practice helped Maia to feel more at home; not only in her "skin", but also in her mind and emotions, it was revolutionary! Maia has been practicing yoga since her mid 20’s, teaching since her early 30’s and is now approaching 50 feeling ready to explore what healthy aging looks like thanks in large part to the tools gathered from mindfulness and yoga practices. Contact Maia at maia@lotusyoga.biz

Sheri is an Assistant Trainer in the Feldenkrais Method®, choreographer, dance teacher, and yoga instructor. She has been teaching movement arts to diverse students since 1992. Sheri's precise alignment instructions support ease and self-awareness while moving: “I prefer to think of the yoga asana as movements, rather than postures, so we experience them as constantly changing landscapes for the journey of our attention, rather than as destinations. This may imply to some that my classes are vinyasa; or flow, style, which is not the case. I do include flow sequences most days, but my classes also include stillness. In stillness, we have the time to develop awareness and tune into subtler sensations and the movements of the breath.” Sheri also teachers Feldenkrais at Lotus and beyond. Feldenkrais is not yoga, but a unique movement practice and philosophy that is a great complement to yoga, or to practice on its own. The movements in Feldenkrais are small & slow, to help you develop more awareness, fluency, and ease in your movements. This is a great practice for those who have movement challenges while at work or play (including yoga!), and would like to ensure that they are moving wisely and performing optimally. It is also appropriate for anyone who would like to sense themselves more clearly, enjoy more efficient breathing, calm their nerves, and feel more at home in their bodies. For more information about Sheri and the Feldenkrais Method, please contact Sheri through her website: SheriCohenMovement.com Sheri was featured in the Seattle Times for her incredible Feldenkrais classes! Check it out! http://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/listen-to-your-body-in-a-new-way-with-feldenkrais/