Words cannot convey the value of yoga—it has to be experienced.

After years in a ballet studio, Tonya came to yoga as a means of finding movement that didn’t feel like “exercise.” It wasn’t long before she came across B.K.S Iyengar’s “Light on Yoga,” with its detailed instructions aimed at a precise alignment of the body. This brought her to seek out Iyengar Yoga teacher, Julie Lawrence. She has been studying and practicing Iyengar Yoga ever since. Although Tonya began yoga for the physical movement it provided, it has deeply touched all aspects of her life.

Based in Portland, Oregon, Tonya is a Level 3 Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience. She has studied with B.K.S. Iyengar, Geeta Iyengar and Abhijata Iyengar on their teaching visits to the US and has traveled several times to India to study directly with the Iyengar family. She studies regularly with Chris Saudek and other senior teachers.

While teaching, Tonya’s clear instructions and methodical sequencing help students move beyond their limitations. She is known for her keen observation and willingness to help students with specific needs. Her classes are challenging and rewarding; taught with friendliness and warmth. She has a deep interest in yoga philosophy and Sanskrit and shares these aspects of yoga with her students as a means of developing a greater awareness of the Self.

Tonya has played an active role in the regional and national Iyengar Yoga community. She served eight years on the board of the Iyengar Yoga Association of the Northwest. She was also an integral member of the steering committee and venue coordinator for the Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers Convention in 2010, which was held in Portland, Oregon. Currently, she is serving as co-chair of the IYNAUS Assessment Committee. 

In addition to being certified to teach Iyengar Yoga, Tonya also holds a certification through the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT) and her experience is recognized by Yoga Alliance as a continuing education provider with the designation E-RYT 500 and YACEP.

Through Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Tonya taught yoga for a study on the benefits of yoga for teenage girls at risk of being overweight. She was instrumental in developing a home-practice guide for use in this study. 

Tonya lives with her partner Peter and enjoys reading, gardening, bird watching and cooking. She shares her love of reading, learning and the value of literacy by volunteering with Multnomah County Library Outreach Services, delivering library materials to people who are underserved by the traditional library.