Founder & Director

Our founder is Eric Walrabenstein, a best-selling author, ordained Yogacharya, and one of the most sought-after authorities on the application of yogic technology for self healing and empowerment in the nation. Eric's work focuses on making the ancient power of yoga practical for use in our everyday lives.

In addition to his work here at Yoga Pura, Eric is also the creator of the BOOTSTRAP Yoga System for troops and veterans and the BOOTSTRAP Recovery program for addiction. When not teaching at Yoga Pura, Eric regularly travels the nation speaking about wellness and self-empowerment.

When Laura took her first yoga class at Yoga Pura in 2006, she knew there was no looking back. Her passion ignited, she then turned to Yoga Pura‛s Advanced Studies and Teacher Training program as a way to deepen her own practice and share the gifts of yoga with others. Laura continues to be amazed by the transformation that has occurred in her life and loves to share her enthusiasm with her students, both young and young-at-heart. Recognizing the power that yoga has had with her own daughter, Laura has become a tireless advocate for yoga for children. When not practicing at Yoga Pura (her second home), Laura dedicates her time to her daughter Alexis and her two dogs, Kona and Baxter.

Michelle considers herself "born and raised" at Yoga Pura. Drawn to the practice 11 years ago, Michelle began with the Intro Series and later completed the 500 hour Advanced Studies and Teacher Training Program. Michelle communicates the authenticity of the teachings and the transformation this practice has had in her own life in her classes with an ease possessed by few.

Heather took her first class at Yoga Pura in 2013 and has been here ever since! After spending three years exploring and deepening her own practice, she completed Yoga Pura’s Advanced Studies and Teacher Training in 2016. Heather's classes highlight the powerful connection between mind and body. She is committed to offering students not only the physical benefits of yoga, but helping them find ways it can transform their lives off the mat.

Nyla is devoted to the continuous experience of her own divine nature as well as the divinity within those around her. With a background in personal training, Nyla has a deep understanding of the body and articulates it easily to her students. She also has the innate ability to connect each student to their own inner divinity. Nyla is a certified teacher who has studied primarily with Kat Puralewski Meyers and Jordan & Martin Kirk.

Bridget’s first-ever yoga class was in 2006, when she took a leap of faith and began experiencing the Intro Series at Yoga Pura – it felt like coming home. From there, in order to deepen her own practice and understanding of Self, Bridget completed the Advanced Yoga Studies and Teacher Training Program in 2008 as well as Yoga Pura’s premier program for Yoga Nidra Facilitator Training in 2009. Since then, she has been committed to her passion of sharing the benefits and experience of Yoga Nidra with groups and individuals in a variety of settings: office, home, and studio.  She is honored to have the opportunity to share the essence of Yoga Nidra with the Yoga Pura community.

Caroline's teaching focuses on awakening the true Self through awareness, truthfulness, and movement of the Divine energy. Her classes embrace a wide range of hatha yoga traditions, including Iyengar, Ashtanga, Viniyoga, and Kundalini. Caroline has completed the Yoga Pura Advanced Studies and Teacher Training program and Level I - II teacher training with Tias Little.

With a background in martial arts as well as military training, Paula was originally drawn to yoga for the physical benefits. Through her yoga journey over the past 7 years, she discovered an amazing transformation in her practice, bringing a stillness and peace to her daily life. As a graduate of our Advanced Studies and Teacher Training program, Paula offers classes that focus on blending the physical and philosophical practice of yoga.

Sue has been practicing yoga since 2011. She knew she wanted to share yoga and its power of life transformation with others and found her way to Yoga Pura’s Teacher Training and Life Mastery Program in 2018. Sue aims for the perfect blend of challenge and encouragement in her classes, so every student can feel safe to explore outside their comfort zone. She brings her knowledge of massage therapy and Reiki to yoga practice, and she loves answering questions. When Sue is not in the yoga studio, you’re likely to find her writing, hiking, or going for a run.

Jen has been practicing yoga for 24 years and is already a teacher (elementary school) by trade. For the past several years, she has taught yoga to children ranging from preschool to eight grade.  Combining her love of teaching with her love of yoga, Jen completed Yoga Pura’s Teacher Training and Life Mastery program in 2018. Since then, she’s taken Mindful Body Therapy training at the Yoga Sedona Festival, learning how to work with students who have PTSD. She also completed Yoga Pura’s Yoga Nidra Facilitator Certification in 2019. Jen’s passion in teaching lies in helping students discover their unique abilities and share them with the world.