Core Instructors

Priscilla Potter, Swami Maha-tarananda, E-RYT 500
Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Priscilla Potter has been training yoga teachers for over 20 years. She is the founder and director of the Yoga Connection, a nonprofit service organization dedicated to service through Yoga. Her inspirational and intuitive teaching style is supported by 30 years of training and over 25 years of teaching. She is a professional astrologer, and a longtime student and teacher of Kriya Yoga.


"Priscilla wears the mantle of her Kriya Yoga lineage with dignity and grace.  She walks her talk... for thirty years she has served, cared for and inspired her students, family and friends."
                                                                                   - Lilias Folan, yoga teacher, author, Lilias! Yoga Gets Better with Age

Priscilla teaches Intermediate, Beginning Yoga, Chair Yoga and Gentle Yoga, Monday night Meditation twice a month and Astrology.

Sue Ferguson, RN, E-RYT 500
Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Sue Ferguson began teaching yoga to preschoolers as a warm-up for creative movement.  She has been teaching and practicing yoga since 1987.  Priscilla Potter was her first formal teacher and mentor.  She completed the Yoga Connection teacher training in 1994 and is now one of the teachers for the program. She has also been influenced by Gary Phelan, Lilias Folan and Christina Davis.  Sue's style of teaching is eclectic and draws from many sources, primarily Kriya Yoga & Kripalu Yoga.  She is a registered nurse and balances teaching basic safe alignment with allowing students to experience the flow of energy. Sue teaches in order to share with her students the experience of yoga as a journey of self-discovery.
"I teach here because the Yoga Connection philosophy creates room for individuality, inner exploration and growth

and has allowed me to experiment with who I am as a student, a teacher, a woman and a spiritual being."

Sue teaches Prenatal Yoga on Thursdays.  She leads many workshops throughout the year, as well as our Prenatal and Kids Teacher Trainings.

Jim Norris
Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor
 

Jim Norris began practicing yoga at 8 years of age, practicing in his living room with Richard Hittleman on TV, and has had a consistent practice for the past 12 years.  He has been teaching yoga for 10 years and considers his primary teachers, and inspirations upon the yogic path, to be Priscilla Potter, Goswami Kriyananda, Swami Satchidananda and B.K.S. Iyengar.  Jim describes his approach to yoga as organic and eclectic characterized by slow but deep movement, lots of breathing; keeping present in mind and body.  His teaching style is meditative.  His personal yoga practice includes mantra and sound.  Jim teaches yoga in order to give back the teaching he has received and says the response from his students helps him continue learning.  Jim has been teaching at the Yoga Connection about 10 years, considering it to be his “yoga home” and his sangha.

Jim leads us in Mantra once a month.

Nancy Bower, E-RYT 200
Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, Certified Integral Yoga Stress Management Teacher

Nancy Bower has been practicing the art of yoga for over 30 years.  Her main teachers are Lilias Folan, Debbie Stevens and Priscilla Potter.  The Yoga Connection has been blessed with her talented teaching since 1998.  Nancy teaches classical Hatha Yoga that both inspires and energizes.  She is a certified stress management teacher.

"I teach because yoga has been the most positive influence for me and I want to share that with others.  I would like to help others be more easeful and peaceful in their bodies and minds."

Nancy teaches Beginning Yoga, Back Care and Gentle Yoga and Meditation once a month.  She also teaches Stress Management workshops.

Gary Phelan, RN, E-RYT 500
Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Gary Phelan has been studying yoga for 15 years. He's been on the HTTI teaching staff for 10 years. Actively teaching since 1992, Gary brings to his teaching a gentleness and humor that makes the learning process easier. He has a thorough understanding and profound insight into the nature of Hatha Yoga. He has worked in nursing since 1976.

Gary is one of the main instructors for our Hatha Yoga Teacher Training program.

Ashley Leal
Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor
 

Ashley is the YC's Studio Manager and Program Coordinator.  She began practicing yoga in 1997.  She completed her yoga teacher training at the Yoga Connection in 2004 and has been an integral part of the studio ever since.  In addition to teaching several classes a week, she also helps to develop new programs and coordinate our mostly volunteer staff.  Her primary teacher, in yoga and in life, is Priscilla Potter. She is also a student and teacher of astrology because of the insight it provides into one's life and spiritual journey.

Ashley encourages her students to find their own way in their practice by creating a comfortable environment for students to explore.  One of the techniques she incorporates into her classes is the use of sound vibration, through chanting and singing bowls.  In this area her inspiration has come directly from Jim Norris, and indirectly from Wah! and Krishna Das.  She occasionally leads the monthly Monday night mantra held near the full moon or on the quarterly Solstice and Equinox Celebrations.  She enjoys the community spirit found at the studio and believes the Yoga Connection’s guiding philosophy creates room for individuality, inner exploration and growth for herself and her students.

Ashley teaches Beginning Yoga on Tuesdays, Gentle on Fridays, Intermediate on Sundays and Astrology workshops.

Ginny Beal, RYT 500

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Ginny has been practicing yoga for 13 years.  She attended her first yoga class at the Yoga Connection with Priscilla Potter.  Ginny completed her yoga teacher training at the Yoga Connection in 1996.  Her primary teachers and inspirations are Priscilla Potter, Rama Jyoti Vernon, Paramahansa Yogananda, and the Desikachar family, with whom she studied in India.  Ginny teaches Hatha yoga, describing her style as gentle with emphasis on breath and alignment.  She teaches because of the joy and healing it brings to others and to her self.  She has been teaching at the Yoga Connection on and off since 1996.  She appreciates the non-profit orientation of the Yoga Connection and respects Priscilla as a teacher.

Ginny teaches Beginning Yoga on Thursdays.

Eva Taylor

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

While Eva's first memories of yoga are as a 5 year old practicing with Lilias Folan on television in the mornings, she didn¹t begin her own practice until the late 90's. A serious athlete, Eva began using yoga (albeit unknowingly at first) as a supplemental training method in college.
She progressed from athlete to coach, and found that yoga was the perfect blend of physical and mental dedication that other rowers, swimmers, and runners needed to get their minds and bodies ready for peak performance.  After teaching yoga in Los Angeles to both those she trained as well as private students, she moved back home to Tucson and got her certification here at the Yoga Connection. Eva believes yoga should be accessible to all people, and that there is no greater underestimation in western science than the mind-body connection. To her class she brings a strong knowledge of body mechanics, a grand belief in human potential, and a hearty sense of humor. Outside of the studio she is a full-time mom, writer, and novice gardener.

Eva teaches Beginning Yoga on Fridays.

Sue Larriva

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Sue Larriva was raised in a small town in Idaho where yoga was simply unheard of.  When she moved to Tucson in the mid 70’s, she picked up Richard Hittleman’s “28 Day Plan,” and she was hooked.  Shortly afterward she discovered “Lilias! Yoga and You” on PBS and soon brought the light of yoga to the salon where she worked.  Sue now teaches the early morning Sunday class at Connection, early morning classes at the Lighthouse YMCA, six classes a week for Edge Charter School and private classes through her own business.  Sue feels blessed to be able to combine two longtime passions: teaching and yoga.  And the journey continues . . .

Sue teaches Yoga & Meditation on Sundays.

Hilda Oropeza Chihak

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Hilda Oropeza Chihak began her journey with yoga in 2001.  Inspired by a passion for centering and stillness she began teaching gentle Hatha yoga with an emphasis on back care in 2006.   Hilda trained at Yoga Connection and her primary teacher is the beautiful Priscilla Potter.  Hilda teaches Back Care and Restorative Yoga at the Yoga Connection.

"I teach the practice of yoga slowly, gently and compassionately. My hope is to offer a nurturing place for students to explore, heal and transform their bodies and their lives."

Hilda teaches Back Care on Saturdays.

Teresa McDonald, LMT

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Teresa McDonald is an enthusiastic teacher and continuing student of yoga. She infuses her classes with her warm personality, making the teachings of yoga applicable to daily life. In her down to earth style she helps relax, center and strengthen students mentally, physically and spiritually.  A mixture of yogic philosophy, strengthening physical postures and breath awareness are what her classes offer. Sharing  philosophy of the Yoga Sutra she makes this ancient text of yoga relevant to the times and accessible to everyone. Teresa is also a licensed massage therapist and brings her knowledge of human anatomy and subtle body energies with her.  Teresa is currently studying social work and philosophy. She offers her love, respect and efforts to her teachers Lisa Schrempp, Lama Sumati Marut, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Priscilla Potter and all her students.

Teresa teaches Intermediate on Mondays and Beginning Yoga on Saturdays.

Tracy Gordon

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Tracy incorporated yoga as a daily practice into her life after the loss of her mother in January 2004.  Practicing alone, and studio hopping, she wandered into the Yoga Connection and truly felt a sense of community between the teachers, student-teachers and students.  Tracy participated in the HTTI 2007 program to expand her own yoga practice and was offered the opportunity to share her love and passion for yoga at the Yoga Connection on Monday mornings.  She teaches a gentle Hatha Yoga class focusing on acceptance, self-nurturing, pranayama, asana and mudras.  She has her mother and especially her husband to thank for lighting her path -- and has immeasurable gratitude for Priscilla Potter for directing her to her path.

Tracy teaches Beginning Yoga and Gentle Yoga on Mondays.

Paul Blanchard

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

After trying several methods to relieve himself of back pain, Paul found his way to the healing powers of yoga. His first Hatha class was with a graduate from the Yoga Connection HTTI who suggested a restorative workshop at the studio. While training, he found inner strength from the second Niyama, Santosha, which is Sanskrit for contentment. Helping others has been a constant theme for Paul, who was also a certified E.M.T. and care giver and now, being a yoga instructor is yet another wonderful way he has found to help others.  Paul is grateful to everyone who has helped him find this path and continue to nurture his journey.

Paul teaches Gentle Yoga on Wednesdays.

David Weeks

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

David Weeks began yoga in 2001 to counteract injuries he was experiencing from climbing. As his practice deepened he became interested in teaching and completed the instructor's training in Spring 2006. David presently enjoys teaching beginning/continuing classes and meditation workshops. Priscilla Potter has been his guiding light to the furthering of my practice. David has great respect and admiration for Priscilla's knowledge, love, and devotion given to her teachers and students alike. "I feel teaching allows me to be of service to the community and in turn, learn from those I teach."

Dave teaches Beginning Yoga on Wednesdays

Sarah Metz, LMT                                                        Bio coming soon...

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Sarah teaches Back Care on Thursdays

Heidi Andres                                                                Bio coming soon...

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Heidi teaches Intermediate on Thursdays

Substitute Teachers

Richard Wood, PhD, LMT
Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor
 

Richard has been practicing yoga since 1982.  Richard trained at the Yoga Connection and began teaching in 1996.  His primary teacher is Priscilla Potter.  His teaching and personal practice style is gentle Hatha yoga.  Richard's teaching style is student-centered.  He  incorporates spiritual/energetic centering and meditation.  Since becoming a licensed massage therapist, Richard has been including aspects of massage for interested and grateful students!  He teaches at the Yoga Connection because it is his “yoga home” and a place of “yoga sanity” that fosters the integration of yoga into life as opposed to rigid adherence to any one style of yoga philosophy.

Jessica Byron, MD, RYT 200

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Jessica Byron has been a student of yoga and meditation for nearly 20 years. She completed her yoga teacher training with Priscilla Potter, Swami Maha Tarananda, in 2006 and teaches classes at the Yoga Connection. She has conducted workshops on Yoga in the Workplace, Yoga for Caregivers, Life Balance and Healthy Lifestyle, and Using Nature as a Setting for Meditative Practice.  She studied meditation with Sri Eknath Easwaran of the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation and has facilitated a meditation satsang group in Tucson since 1995. She is an advocate for and provider of women’s health care services for 25 years and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Her interest areas include yoga and meditation for health, wellness and recovery, walking in nature, and folk music.

Mark Black, MFA

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Mark began teaching yoga in 1983 at Canyon Ranch Resort in Tucson. He became interested in Hatha yoga and the martial art Shintaido soon after finishing graduate school at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Although Mark's initial yoga training was in the Iyengar style, he has since studied with teachers from a wide range of disciplines. Mark received his teaching certification through the Yoga Connection under the guidance of Priscilla Potter and her senior staff. In the fall and winter Mark works at Eric Firestone Gallery in Tucson and in summer guides small groups on trekking adventures in the Alps of western Europe and Iceland.

Becky Thomas, RYT 500

Certified Yoga Instructor

Becky Thomas started practicing yoga in 1992.  She completed her 200 hour level teacher's training at the Yoga Connection in 2002.  In 2005, Becky completed her training at the 500 hour level with the International Yoga College.  Her primary teachers are Priscilla Potter and Rama Jyoti Vernon.  Becky teaches classic Hatha yoga with emphasis on the breath.  Her area of special interest is Ayurveda, the traditional healing syste of India.  She incorporates her knowledge of Ayurveda into her yoga classes helping to balance and ground her students.  Becky's dosha is pitta-vata.  She has studied yoga in India at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram.  She continues to study at the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, NM.  Becky encourages her students to enjoy their own path of yoga, remembering that the journey is equally as important as the destination. 

David Forest

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Although attending some classes at various places on and off for a couple of years, David’s path began upon discovering the Yoga Connection in Summer of 2006.  David returned to yoga after back surgery prevented his return to teaching Step Aerobics (Les Mills Certified Instructor) and other forms of exercise and weight training became too difficult without fear or risk of injury.  The staff and atmosphere at the Yoga Connection soon led to the attendance and completion of the HTTI 2007. He started as only the desire to learn more about yoga yet quickly uncovered the joy of sharing this knowledge with others and being able to share how his practice has aided in his recovery and growth since the surgery.

“Yoga has opened a way to not only help to repair the physical body but also cope with the mental aspects.  I am grateful to all the teachers (instructors, peers and students) at the Yoga Connection whom have guided and walked with me on this path.  My hope is to teach others using the safe and mindful teachings so that they should not have to recover from injury.”