Founded in 2000 in Austin, Texas, the Texas Yoga Retreat is a collaboration between Ellen B. Smith and Charles MacInerney.
Our focus:
– Creating a warm and welcoming space for all
– Providing exceptional training for all levels, abilities and bodies
– Crafting a retreat experience that surpasses all expectations
– Building and nurturing a lasting, strong and compassionate community
– Creating an environment that fosters the opportunity for participants to have a deeply uplifted experience
We hope you will view the retreat as an opportunity to study with great yoga teachers from a variety of traditions, and also as an opportunity to make new connections and friendships while strengthening and renewing old ones.
In addition to the Texas Yoga, Charles and Ellen trained, mentored, and certified hundreds of yoga teachers from around the globe through the Living Yoga Program, a 200-hour yoga teacher training school. Graduates of the Living Yoga Program currently teach yoga in 45 states and 15 countries around the world.
If you know of other yoga enthusiasts (or those just starting their yoga journey) who might resonate with what we have created with the retreat and our vision, Building a caring and inclusive yoga community, please invite them to join you on this retreat.
Continue reading below to meet some of the many behind-the-scenes faces who are part of our Texas Yoga Retreat Team.
Meet our team
Charles F. MacInerney, E-RYT-500, C-IAYT-1000, has been a fulltime teacher of yoga, meditation and mind/body skills since 1989. He teaches ongoing yoga classes in Austin, Texas, offers yoga workshops at studios around the country, and leads Yoga & Meditation Retreats as well as Yoga & Writing Retreats throughout the US, Mexico, Costa Rica and Guatemala. He is founder of Expanding Paradigms through which he regularly presents at National and International Conferences, and offers training for businesses, hospitals, education and government. He has written articles for numerous magazines including the >Yoga Journal.Charles has created and run two Cardiac Yoga programs, for Seton Hospital and for the Austin Heart Hospital, and been keynote speaker for two Cardiac conferences sponsored by Seton Hospital, along with numerous other conferences around the country, most recently, the International Association of Yoga Therapy conference in 2014. Charles is Co-Founder of the Free Day of Yoga, Living Yoga Teacher Training Program, and the Texas Yoga Retreat. Please visit his primary website at www.yogateacher.com, or contact him by email.
Ellen B. Smith, M.A., E-RYT. Ellen is a certified Ananda™ Meditation Teacher and certified and registered Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative Flow yoga instructor. With a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology and background as a diversity facilitator, she has worked for decades as a mentor to people of all walks of life. Her passions are teaching hatha yoga and Intuitive Mentoring, a name she coined to describe the unique coaching work she does. Ellen uses her own blend of deep listening, intuition, genuine praise, and quality resources to help others recognize and utilize their innately positive qualities. She has a passion for learning, and integrates information about yoga, qigong, health, longevity, disease intervention, nutrition, meditation, and psychology into sessions. She offers compassionate instruction with a touch of humor, honoring each student’s abilities. Ellen is Co-Founder, Director, and faculty member of two Austin, Texas businesses: the Living Yoga Teacher Training Program, a 200-hour Yoga-Alliance and Yoga-Register approved yoga teacher training program and the Texas Yoga Retreat , a bi-annual yoga event. She lives in Austin, Texas. Contact: email or 512-266-7926 (24 hr. voice mail).
Megan Sela, our onsite Retreat Registrar, has been helping at the retreat for over a decade. A native Austinite, she lives in Lakeway with her two lovely daughters and enjoys knitting, travel, cooking and being in the mountains. Megan runs a small marketing firm that caters to yoga and alternative small businesses as well as e-commerce businesses. Visit OmGirlMarketing.com for more information. Megan also provides henna body art at the retreat and events in the Austin area. Learn more and prebook your appointment for the retreat at OmHenna.com.
Lynne Stoltenberg, our onsite Retreat Registrar, grew up in Canada and has been involved with horses her entire life. She first understood the affect of equine therapy 35 years ago while she was working at a group home for First Nation Youth in northern British Columbia. These youth were shut down as a result of the trauma they had experienced in their lives and she found the only way for them to be able to talk about their feelings was when they were on a horse. At that time, she began to practice Yoga and Pranayama understanding how to become present in the body and how to yoke the movement and the breath. Lynne has been teaching eclectic style yoga for 20 years. She teaches beginner, intermediate and advanced yoga, but her favorite is the prenatal yoga. It is a privilege to guide young mothers in breath and bodywork while allowing the unborn babies to experience as little trauma as possible before birth. Lynne is currently working at with Hope Rising as a equine professional, partnering with a LPC in equine assisted psychotherapy. Hope Rising is an organization that rescues young women and children from the sex traffic industry. Her hobbies are tennis, yoga, flying ,touring motorcycles and of course horses.
Jesse (at Sites for All Eyes) is our amazing webmaster. We do not have enough words to express our gratitude.
Donna Belk (co-founder of Texas Yoga) left the program in Charles’ and Ellen’s capable hands at the beginning of 2009 and has been greatly missed. Donna studied hatha yoga and meditation for more than 25 years. She began teaching after becoming certified from Barbara Germenhausen of Yoga House in Austin, Texas, where she also assisted with yoga teacher training there.Meet some of the Ambassadors who will be greeting and assisting you during your time at the retreat.
Winnie Alexander Grateful to again join the Ambassador team to serve the Texas Yoga Retreat community. It’s such a beautiful event that Ellen and Charles have created on the sacred holy grounds of the Ashram. Being of service is one of the tenants that brings me great joy and meeting all of you. If we have met before, I look forward to more great conversations and shared experiences. If we have yet to meet, please let me know how I may help. I look forward to serving you, the TYR team, and the Presenters. Excited for another amazing weekend!
Winnie is a Native Austinite and lover of all things mindful, movement, healing, and supporting people on their spiritual journey.
Monica Bonugli Hello! My name is Monica, and I’m from Spring Branch, TX. I’m an outgoing introvert who loves yoga, creativity, and bringing ideas to life. That’s what led me to help out with the Texas Yoga Retreat! I’m a consultant, coordinator, and enthusiastic participant, ready to lend a hand wherever needed. I’ve been teaching yoga in the hill country for 11 years, along with my best friend Winnie the Poodle, and we run a studio called Hand Craft Yoga. We offer classes, coaching, and retreats! I also work at OroBianco Italian Creamery, selling handcrafted gelato and cheese made from water buffalo milk. You can find me on Instagram at @handcraftyogastudio.
Summer Greenlees Hello my name is Summer Greenlees and I am a Mom of 3, Yoga Instructor, Bodyworker and Watsu Practitioner here in Austin, Tx. I was born and raised in Austin, and grew up in Oak Hill, not far from our retreat location. This Hill Country and it’s beautiful bodies of water are precious to me. I have many fond memories of swimming in the local creeks and streams, crawdad fishing with my brothers, and exploring and playing in the hill country of the area with my friends and on my own. Spending time in the Hill Country and her waters is still my favorite, soul restoring activity. I am very much looking forward to enjoying this beautiful location with you all, seeing old friends, making new friends, and I am happy to be of service and assistance to you all in any way that I can help. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this community!
Joanna Heart (MSW, LCSW-S, LADC) is a registered yoga teacher, hospital program director, and postgraduate mental health clinician specializing in trauma and addiction for close to 2 decades. She incorporates mindful movements and somatic work in her daily practice and with patients she treats for trauma, depression, and anxiety and weaves EMDR, CPT, ACT, Positive Psychology (amongst other modalities) alongside. Her journey towards yoga began personally at age 25 after a serious car accident left her with substantial injuries, and a friend lent her a few yoga DVDs to help. Through her practice, she learned how yoga cultivates awareness and inner peace along with healing her body and mind. As a yoga teacher, she found her true passion, sharing this journey with others and interweaving somatic awareness, breath, mindfulness and evidence based mental health modalities. Joanna fell in love with the Texas Yoga Retreat a handful of years ago and finds purpose in supporting this retreat and its participants.
Kristi Johnson Howdy! My name is Kristi and I’m from Austin, TX. I am a certified yoga instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience, a board-certified health coach, and a licensed massage therapist. I also have a BBA in Marketing and a minor in Merchandising. My journey in the world of yoga began when I discovered the transformative power of yoga when managing my chronic symptoms living with Crohn’s disease.
I am a mama of two beautiful kiddos. I enjoy walking our dogs with my hubby, cuddling with our kitty, and look forward to traveling with my family across America in our travel trailer. Nature and road-tripping are my Zen! What brought me to the Texas Yoga Retreat? As a grad from the Living Yoga Program led by Ellen, Charles, and Donna many moons ago, I was excited to be a part of the first retreats in the early 2000’s and am I still here today! This retreat is a great place to fill your bucket physically, mentally, and spiritually. I always feel welcomed and connected and leave feeling recharged and renewed.
You can find me at www.blueskiestherapy.com or on Instagram at @blueskieswithkristijohnson.
Gary Kanaby As a CEO in the corporate world, I endured a lot of stress and practiced yoga asanas for years which helped me with some relief. I decided to attend the Texas Yoga Retreat not really knowing what to expect. It changed my life, bringing to me a new meaning of yoga. After retiring, I went for my 200hr yoga teacher training at the Living Yoga Program. Soon after, I began teaching in Salado where I now teach chair, beginner and intermediate yoga classes weekly. Last year I went to Bali to further my education with an additional 300 hrs of training. After my first time at the TYR, I became a volunteer. I love to meet new people and introduce them to the retreat or give them a hand if needed. I would like to meet you there. I enjoy gardening and continue as an avid endurance cyclist. I am fortunate to have been married to a wonderful lady for 49 years.
Renee Keeney I’m not sure when I took my first yoga class. Sometime in the late 70s. It was transformative! My practice became a way to find some peace outside the corporate world. It soon became a way of life (thank you Charles MacInerney!) At this time I practice a Bikram style yoga (Thank you Pure Yoga Texas for being epic!) It’s not for everyone (yes it’s HOT) but it calms my mind as soon as I step into the studio. I’ll be doing some type of yoga until I take my last breath. I am lucky enough to be retired so I can spend my time gardening, painting, going to the gym,enjoying my granddaughters and of course YOGA! There are not enough words to describe being a part of this retreat. I feel fortunate that I have been able to work with Charles and Ellen (and all the other amazing yogis). It’s good for the heart, the soul and the mind.
Trisha Leslie I have been an Esthetician specializing in naturally corrective skincare for the last 20 years. I have a diploma in organic skincare formulation and my own CBDA skincare line, Yelō Botanicals. I love seeing the results in and out of the treatment room and working with businesses to create products for them. I offer workshops where I teach people how to make their own products, like perfume and bath bombs. It’s such a fun way to connect with friends and get to know people more intimately.
I have been volunteering at the Texas Yoga Retreat since 2015, as part of my yoga teacher training. This wonderful group has been such an anchor for me. No matter what is going on in my life, every year this event is just what the doctor ordered physically and mentally. I look forward to sharing this experience with you, and answering any skincare and retreat related questions you might have! You can find me on socials @yelobotanicals, yelobotanicals.com or email me at hello@yelobotanicals.com.
Thea Luong What I love about yoga – to slow down and feel my breath, to tune in to the present moment – fully focus, at ease and relax, to cultivate strengths and flexibility, to open and soften the heart that may be closed and tight, to live and respond with presence rather than react out of fear, and habitual patterns. I love connecting with people, the outdoors and yoga. A perfect day would include doing yoga outdoors with a community and that is what Texas Yoga Retreat is all about. When I am not hiking, gardening, reading, and learning to play the guitar, I work as an architect, a project manager at Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Brenda Moore Hi all – my name is Brenda Moore and I live about 30 minutes north of College Station, Texas. I came to the practice of yoga in my mid-50’s and I remember the moment in a yoga class when I thought “this thing that is happening right now is for me.” While in a flow class I truly heard the powerfully rhythmic ujjayi breath, mine and the others around me. This warrior breath had been described to me by my teachers over and over but on this day, I suddenly felt the breath and with it a cocoon of peace and power – effortlessly swimming in still waters. This was my “ah ha”. I believe we all have our story and if you want to tell yours I would be honored to listen. This is my second year to be an Ambassador with TYR – Thank you! You will find me either behind the scenes (I am a data person) or on the periphery of the gathering (I am also an introvert ). See you soon!
Mayank Sanghvi Namaste all, my name is Mayank Sanghvi. I moved to the US last year in March from Tanzania. Moving country and continent is no joke but I am grateful to be in Austin with my sister. I am an accountant for a State agency. Knowing I play with numbers all day, I definitely needed to destress from it and seek balance. Renee, a kind friend of mine suggested Texas Yoga Retreat and here I am. As a south Asian born and brought up in Tanzania, I had to quickly adapt to learning different languages to embrace my surrounding. Through that, I developed a passion to learn new languages. I speak 4, so far in the hopes to add 2 more to the list.
I am truly a morning person – I love waking up early at 5.30AM for meditation, prayer and practicing gratitude routine before I start my day so as to bring peace and harmony within me. During my free time, my boyfriend and I love exploring the beautiful city of Austin and trying out migas tacos and French fries.
Yoga offers infinite wisdom and guidance – I don’t get to practice often so I appreciate all the wonderful yogis around me who can bend, stretch and contort with such ease, grace and passion. Thank you for inspiring me. At TYR, I look forward to being your humble room greeter, and an ambassador.
Debbie Schmidt Attending the Texas Yoga Retreat is a double treat for me! Whether being a participant or a volunteer, I always come away with more “tools” for my toolbox of life. I appreciate the variety of classes and instructors. I am enriched by the people I meet; I find a kinship of the soul. For me, downshifting to a place of increased inner quiet and reflection is vital. I am a 2006 Living Yoga Program graduate, so being here is extra meaningful.
I have a Yoga Therapy certification through Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. For the past 12 years I’ve been with the beloved ACC’s Employee Wellness Program. I am a musician, a hiker, traveler and writer of songs. I treasure spending time with my 3 children, 3 grandchildren, family and friends. I look forward to be in the connecting space this retreat creates, learning and having some great one on one conversations.
www.suitejourney.com
heartworks-yoga.weebly.com
OUR VISION