Shakti Yoga Shala at La Ventana

Samantha S. Brown (Matthews) is currently the primary yoga teacher at the Shakti Yoga Shala at La Ventana. She teaches what she has termed Balanced Action Yoga that integrates the rich tradition of athletic, flowing hatha yoga with a modern understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Combining classical yoga postures, physical therapeutics, plyometrics, dance, meditation and community building, Balanced Action

To Sam yoga is an invitation to whole self healing through remembering that yoga is more than any one physical posture, but a lens through which one views the world.

Samantha is dedicated to sharing her love and passion for the practice through all areas of her life. She began practicing yoga at the age of twelve and started teaching at the age of seventeen. After more than 25 years of experience, she has become a locally- and internationally-recognized teacher known for her ability to empower people to fully harness their own health and wellness.

Sam is known to be skilled healer who works with people individually and collectively, she also trains health care professionals how to move people out of patterns of pain. Her classes are infused with bio-mechanical precision and spiritual insight that evokes vibrant health and joy. In addition to holding a degree in Far Eastern Religions from Hendrix College and the University of Malta, she is registered with Yoga Alliance at the highest level E-RYT®500 (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and Teacher Trainer).

Samantha is a featured teacher on Gaim TV/My Yoga Online and Grokker. She has spent significant time in India and studied with masters from the major yoga traditions of the world including Ashtanga, Iyengar, the Bihar School and Anusara. She also holds multiple certifications and has extensive training in performance fitness, massage, body work, and Far Eastern and Native American energy therapy.

As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Samantha sees yoga as the ultimate lifestyle synthesis of intentional action, celebration and service. Samantha has dedicated her life to developing local and international service opportunities to build community connection and serve the basic needs of all beings as a basis to foster human connection for the unified awakening of all.

Samantha is the dedicated mother of two sons, Kiran and Lakota, and a God Daughter, Caitlin.
www.samanthashakti.com