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Teacher Training Bios

Teacher Training Faculty Bios

Donna Rubin

Donna Rubin co-founded bodē NYC, New York’s first hot yoga studio, in 1999. Over two decades, the business grew from its original midtown location to include four locations in New York City. Originally branded Bikram Yoga NYC, bodē NYC has been integral to expanding the visibility and popularity of hot yoga beyond the city’s borders. It was one of the first hot yoga studios to host the USA Yoga Regional Asana Championship Series, for which Donna was one of the first trained judges; it was one of the first yoga studios to be invited to teach at the Summer Solstice: Mind Over Madness in Times Square, where Donna was the headliner several times as well as with bode nyc senior staff. Donna has been responsible for mentoring close to 1,000 teachers who have taught for bodē NYC over the last 24 years, and in recent years, started a new web series called Mat Chat, where she interviews yogis from all different walks of life as they share their yoga journey.

In addition to being a passionate and successful business owner, Donna is a lifelong performer dedicated to supporting others in the arts. As a former professional dancer, she performed with the National Ballet of Canada, Principal role of “Meg Giry” in the original Canadian company of Phantom of the Opera. She later made her Broadway debut in Carousel at Lincoln Center. She also produced the award-winning documentary An Improbable Dream on growing up in Canada’s National Ballet School. She helped produce various documentaries, benefits, and performances for others.

In this next chapter, Donna is excited to lead the Original Hot Yoga Teacher Training at bodē NYC, branch out as a coach for yoga instructors, and develop new training modules for Continuing Education, private instruction, and business coaching for yoga studio owners. As an entrepreneur, Donna also looks forward to exploring new opportunities to share her passion for making a difference in the world.

Certifications:

  • Bikram Yoga College of India (500 hour)
  • Ishta Yoga (200 hour Yoga Alliance)
  • Barkan Yoga (50 hour Yoga Alliance)
  • Yoga Nidra Level 1 with Jennifer Reis (40 hour Yoga Alliance)
  • Yoga Nidra Level 2 with Jennifer Reis- (40 hour Yoga Alliance)
  • Yin Yoga with Barb Leese (40 hour Yoga Alliance)
  • Inferno Hot Pilates
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
  • Bikram’s Advanced Seminar

Barb Leese

Recognition Award for International Achievements, Barb is delighted to be using her experience of over 30 years of performing and teaching dance and yoga to assist people in finding personal wellness and performance excellence.
On faculty at Sheridan College, Barb trains the future generation of Musical Theatre performers in dance and anatomy. Over the last 10 years,
Barb has trained numerous instructors through her 200hr Yoga Alliance registered Yoga Teacher Training program, just outside Toronto, Ontario Canada. Her guest lecturing and workshops on the effects of stress and the benefits of yoga have been enjoyed and appreciated by various groups looking to move towards greater wellness.
Barb holds a Masters degree from York University as well as certifications in various styles of Hatha yoga. In addition, her studies of personal training, mind/body techniques and MFR principles of John J.Barnes further enhance her knowledge and the experience that she brings to her teaching. Barb is delighted to be launching the initial 40hr Yin/Fascial Yoga Training at Bode NYC Fall 2019.