Yoga Teacher Biographies

Carol Bowman, ERYT 200/RYT 500, is director of the Yoga Teacher Certification Program. She holds an Ed.D. from Teacher’s College, Columbia University in applied linguistics and is a professor of education at Ramapo college of New Jersey. She is an ERYT 200, RYT500 who has studied Yoga for most of her life and began teaching Yoga in 2008. A former dancer, her interests include the study of Sanskrit and yoga research, and she has published articles in Yoga Therapy Today. Professor Bowman teaches Vinyasa style Yoga and the Contemplative Practices of in Education required for the 200 hour program.

James Morley, RYT 200, is co-director, Yoga Teacher Certification Program. He holds a Ph.D. from Duquesue University and is a professor of clinical psychology at Ramapo College. He has spent a great deal of time studying, teaching, and traveling across India and is actively engaged in research and scholarship on the philosophy and psychology of yoga. He teaches the Psychology of Yoga course required for the 100-hour program.

Fran Ubertini, ERYT 500, is a certified Krishnamacharya Healing Yoga Foundation teacher trainer and she also holds a diploma from the American Viniyoga Institute as a yoga therapist. Fran is director of Yoga for Well-Being and has a private yoga therapy practice. She studies with Sonia Nelson of the Vedic Chant Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Fran also presents workshops at Kripalu and other yoga schools both locally and nationally. She teaches workshops in the 200-hour program. Nancy Smith, ERYT 200, C.A.S., owner and director of Essence of Self, Ayurveda Spa and Yoga Center. Nancy graduated from Ramapo College with a degree in Business, and received her Yoga and Ayurveda Certification at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. She has been teaching yoga at the college for 11 years and presents workshops nationally.

Raji Thron, RYT 200, owner and director of the Yoga Synthesis TM, Yoga and Wellness Studio. Initiated into Yoga at the age of 12, Raji has practiced in all the major schools and styles of Hatha Yoga. He’s been teaching Yoga since 1983 and is an experienced Vinyasa and Ashtanga instructor. The inspiration for the Yoga Synthesis™ style is a culmination and integration of all that he has learned and explored. Raji has produced several DVDs and hosts workshops throughout the area. Betsey Ceva, ERYT 500, director of Birchwood Yoga Center. Betsey applies her experience as a professional dancer, choreographer and dance instructor since 1970 to shape her unique style of yoga. She has taught Hatha Yoga, meditation and mantra chanting to all levels since 1992.