kristin quinn
founder/ instructor
Kristin is a highly sensitive and caring teacher who strives to connect with her students
so that she can understand how best to serve their needs and intentions. She is deeply committed to bringing the therapeutic benefits of yoga to the general public in a more modern, "acceptable" way. She intends to make the practice of yoga more relevant in our society by taking away the misunderstandings, including the practice of religion or difficult contortions, and bringing an exercise to the public that is incredibly valuable to the quality of their health and overall enjoyment of life.
Kristin has a creative passion and a high standard for herself, and will always be adding to classes to keep them challenging and thought-provoking for the student. Sometimes she will be taking exercises from traditional yoga and blending them with other disciplines, like pilates, to achieve a more interesting, effective class. She loves to show athletes how yoga can improve their overall performance in any sport, to help them gain that "edge", as well as showing senior citizens the joy of remaining flexible and strong so that they may be better able to enjoy their lives, pain-free.
Beyond the therapeutic effects of yoga, Kristin encourages a deeper understanding of oneself through the practice, and intends that her students might discover their own unique potential.
She strives to assist students in experiencing a positive transformation of body and mind
that may influence their entire experience of life itself. "Life is meant to be respected, appreciated and enjoyed. The condition of our bodies and minds directly influence our ability to perceive and value ourselves and the world around us. I love to help others relieve their stress, aches, and pains so that they can live their lives with more vitality and freedom, see how good it can be, and discover what amazing human beings they are."
Kristin has been involved in the sports, fitness, and wellness industry most of her life. In addition to yoga, she has instructed and choreographed aerobic classes and has worked as an independent contractor with Pharmanex, a health and wellness company devoted to preventative medicine and anti-aging technologies, for the last 17 years.
Kristin has earned her 200hr certification as recognized by the Yoga Alliance.
Over a twelve month period she trained at the Silver Lotus Training Institute and Center for the Healing Arts in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Kristin worked directly with the founder of the institute, Susan Hamodock, who has created her own style of yoga, called Svadhyaya Yoga. "Svadhyaya" literally means "study of the self", and this gentle, therapeutic form was developed from Susan's experience as a psychotherapist. Kristin received the benefit of Susan's vast experience with many different styles of yoga, including studies in Vinyasa, Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Kripalu styles.
Kristin has also worked extensively with another senior member of Silver Lotus, Marianne Walch, who is also a Yoga Therapist. Marianne currently teaches classes for people affected by cancer through the Wellness Community of DE, and is an expert in teaching the use of props to adapt to the individual.
Kristin has received in-depth study of yoga philosophy, anatomy and physiology, the chakra system, meditation, and practical asana and pranayama training and experience. She continues to study at the institute and is currently working to achieve a 500hr Yoga Therapist certification. It is her intention to begin a more therapeutic practice, eventually assisting physicians and psychotherapists, to offer an alternative to patients with health concerns.
Kristin also holds a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and is looking forward to
developing a children's yoga program in 2009.
"Being a mom, myself, I understand the value of teaching a practice like yoga to children,
who are so often caught up in modern technology. The ability to slow down, respect their bodies,
and develop a more calm, focused, and positive mind will be invaluable to them in all future endeavors."
Kristin currently resides with her daughter, Emilee, and Cavalier, "Charlie", in Harford County, MD.
