I cannot express how grateful I am that you listened to God’s prodding to start Yoga Faith 9 years ago. I went to the St. Pete immersion thinking the main focus was yoga and to be surrounded by other believers. But it truly was Jesus first and yoga second. His presence overwhelmed that room, His presence spilled out to the corridors and His presence shone through the light in each and every person there. There was no ego, no power plays, no past hurts to completely take away His presence. There was joy, hope and the fullness of His spirit. I heard His voice often. I liken this experience to being equipped with armor to fight the battles ahead of us. Yes, we are armed with yoga but we are more importantly being armed with His word taking up greater space in our hearts. I love you Michelle for using your gifts for His kingdom and I look forward to doing the same.
Roxana, R-YFT 200
YogaFaith Graduate 2022
I was so incredibly impressed with my immersion training! The trainers, curriculum, and faith element blew me away – I did not expect the depth of faith and Scripture that I experienced in our immersion. Everything about it was so beautifully executed, with excellence, love, and grace. I hope I get a chance to do another one sometime. Thank you to Michelle and your incredible team for providing this avenue of healing for so many. God is very present in it and glorified through it all!
Elizabeth S., R-YFT 200
YogaFaith Graduate 2023
Words cannot describe my gratitude and thankfulness for this 200 hour virtual training. Every word, every moment and every breath made this so special. You love people like Jesus by making people feel so special and just continue to give of yourselves. Thank you for creating a safe and sacred space and a holy atmosphere where Satan could not penetrate. My life is forever changed and I have so much gratitude in my heart for all of you.
Marla M., R-YFT 200 hour
YogaFaith Graduate 2022
Thank you so much for this virtual immersion. This was the most awesome, wonderful, powerful, healing experience I have ever had. Your team and staff have been so helpful and encouraging and I am just blown away by this entire experience. I have truly been transformed by this training!
Amanda C. R-YFT 200
YogaFaith Graduate June, 2022
I was blown away by my immersion experience. Learning to teach others to ground and heal through the power of Christ + Yoga! I know I ve found my purpose and it feels amazing. Thank you YogaFaith for your obedience to God and for creating such a wonderful and thorough program. I feel like I belong and I am so grateful!
Amy Cunningham, R-YFT 200
YogaFaith Asheville 2022 Graduate
YogaFaith is such a blessing to so many people. For me it’s been so much more than yoga poses but the spiritual transformation. Michelle and Derek have a heart of gold following God with passion and helping others find their passion and purpose in life while empowering their hearts desire with great truths of life. Their teachings are spot on to the word of God. For it truly is all about our relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The teachings are all to direct our steps to find this true union with our creator. Life Changing Lessons.
Shannon Doa Henshaw, R-YFMT 500
YogaFaith Graduate 2018
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to use this as a season of opportunity and to continue my education and practice yoga. I was searching for a yoga certification that was Christian based. After much searching and surfing the internet, I was disenchanted with what was out there until I found YogaFaith. Since my life has been centered around Christ and his teachings, I needed a certification that was Christ centered and would be able to help me bring others to know and love Him and how He wonderfully weaves our brokenness into wholeness.
Michelle Thielen and all the Master Instructors at YogaFaith helped me in developing my skills and witnessed how the Holy Spirit worked and weaved my every being; transforming my professional life, my spiritual life and my personal life as a woman, wife, mother and more importantly brought me closer to the Lord.
I started my yoga journey back in 2005 when I became a Master Personal Trainer from NASM. After completing my R-200 YTT through LifePower Yoga I dabbled here and there not being able to find my Why. YogaFaith addressed my Why. In July 2021 I completed the YogaFaith Masters R-500 YFMT/Level 1 Yoga Therapy and YogaFaith Meeting of Ancient Pathways. Currently I am finishing the 12 Step and Recovery, and Trauma Sensitive certifications. My husband and I founded You & Me Fitness Together and You & Me Yoga Together in 2020. The journey continues and I am most grateful to God for teaching me to listen; I am humbled and look forward to serving others.
Andrea T. Attivissimo / R-YFMT-500, Level 1 Yoga Therapy
YogaFaith Graduate, Long Island, NY
As a certified yoga teacher with 10 years’ experience I elected to earn my RYT 200-hour thorough YogaFaith before attending the 300/500 hour Masters level training. It was the best decision I have made regarding my Yoga teacher education and personal life. Not only do I have a well-rounded, but deeper knowledge of yoga philosophy also based on Biblical principles, the care that has gone into each individual’s life as a student of YogaFaith has been simply beyond anything I could have imagined. This training has led to a Holy Spirit revolution in my life and that has given me so many opportunities to bless others through Christian yoga. The education, community, and professional growth has been amazing. If you are considering Yoga teacher training, please consider YogaFaith, it will change your life, and those around you in the best way possible.
Colleen Smallwood, R-YFMT 500
YogaFaith Master Graduate 2018
I walked away knowing how to redeem the things that people use for therapy to glorify God through these very specific techniques. He created all of it and I love that YogaFaith does not shy away from the complex subject matters and philosophies. One of my favorite parts about Masters, and I have many, is the YogaFaith Sutras, it’s the Sutras from a Christ lens. Every chapter of the Sutras redeemed with scripture and the Lord. It’s a WOW and life changing journey, my words do no justice!
Catherine B., Tucson, AZ, R-YFMT, R-TSYF, YF 12SR
Tara Avery
Body, Mind, & Soul
Kim Bernlohr
Amber Thiel, YOGAFAITH Nutrition & Health Instructor, Founder of The Healthy Edge
Chere J., Seattle, WA, R-YFT
Tama F., YOGAFAITH Instructor, Redmond, WA
-Sarah C., R-YFT, RYT
The YogaFaith training was one of the best experiences I have had in my life!”
-Cheryl H, R-YFT, RYT, Grand Lake, CO
-Paul R., RYT, R-YFT, Athens, OH
Sarah A., R-YFT, RYT, Yakima, WA
-Julia Marrocco, R-YFT, RYT, YF-A, Portland, OR
-Bill Austin, RYT, R-YFT, Chicago, IL
Ashlynn Verrett, YF-A, RYT, R-YFT, Louisiana
YogaFaith. It was perfect for me and I couldn’t imagine taking my 200RYT at any other school.”
-Carrie M., R-YFT, RYT, Evanston, WY.
Kathleen K., RYT-R-YFT, Chicago, IL
-Denise Kelly, R-YFT, RYT, YF-A, Chehalis, WA
-Sarah Fazio, Registered YogaFaith Trainer, R-YFT & RYT, Ohio
-Aleida Booker, Tacoma, WA
Yoga means union or to yoke – to be in union with the maker of earth and humanity and to yoke ones body to His word and His worship – prayer in motion, is a beautiful perfect expression of becoming a Yoga teacher. YogaFaith shows up, Jesus shows up, even heavenly peers and new friends show up – come as you are! The greatest calling of my life thus far and I intend to listen!
You will not be disappointed!”
-Sarah W., R-YFT, RYT Seattle, WA
-Kim M., R-YFT, RYT, Georgia, USA
A refreshing approach to yoga training. After completing an intensive Iyengar 200 hour teacher training program I was looking for a program that would compliment my commitment to posture and alignment but would consider the mind and the spirit as equals in a yoga training. Yoga Faith’s book is a comprehensive guide to a mind, body, and spirit connection that honors a commitment to Christ. Michelle incorporates many yoga philosophies without compromising Christian beliefs and honors the yoga tradition by connecting the century old traditions of yoga with a 2000 year old Biblical worldview. She is able to successfully integrate a mind, body, and spirit tradition of yoga fused with Christianity.”
-DiAnne B., RYT, R-YFT
-Nancy Kantz, R-YFT, RYT
-Leanne W., R-YFT, RYT, San Diego, CA
-Belinda Wilkenson, R-YFT, RYT, Yakima, WA
-Holly N., R-YFT, RYT, Atlanta, GA
-Meghan M., WA, USA