My interest in yoga blossomed towards the end of 2012, during a particularly stressful time in my life. A friend brought me to an informal yoga class held at a small, out of the way gym. I was told that the teacher was quite good, and she was. I felt inspired. I began coming to Brandi’s classes weekly and shortly thereafter, I joined a studio. My love of yoga was immediate and has been consistent. The effect yoga has on my psyche as well as my physical being is like none other. It brings me peace, strength and contentment. In the Spring of 2018, I decided to deepen my practice and went through Red Lotus Teacher Training with Brian Granader who I’ve known for decades. This was a life changing experience. Now, I am honored to be able to pass on my knowledge and inspiration to my yoga students, hoping they find a similar sense of well being as a result of their practice.

The most humbling aspect of practicing yoga, is that it is indeed a practice. The shape our bodies make and the space that our mind takes up is never settled, changing every time we practice, on and off our mats. My first introduction to yoga began in 2011, the beginning of a very long, challenging, humbling, rewarding, and soul opening journey. At the beginning, yoga was just a way for me to move my body and experience a sense of community. In 2017 I enrolled in Red Lotus Yoga’s Teacher Training program, guided by Brian Granader. This is the moment that my world was turned upside down. I was taught so much about myself, things hidden so deeply I don’t think I would’ve ever found them had it not been for truly awakening my practice through training. Yoga has enriched my relationships, empowered my confidence, steadied my anger & judgement, and invited limitless possibilities to my life. I love to hold space in my classes to welcome students into vulnerable and uncharted territories in their mind & spirit, while welcoming comfort and challenge to their physical bodies by offering modifications, props, and knowledge of safe alignment. Yoga is not something that we just move our bodies through, the practice of yoga is the way we love ourselves, nature, and our community. Always choosing to lead with love.

Brian Granader ERYT 500

Owner Red Lotus Yoga

Director of the Red Lotus School of Yoga

Husband, Father, Yoga Teacher

 

My first yoga class came during a time in my life when I was working seven days a week as a residential Realtor. I was in the top 1% of all Realtors in the Century 21 System and in the top 1.5% of the Realtors locally.

 

I was helping a lot of people purchase and sell homes and felt like I was killing myself without knowing how to stop.

 

After practicing yoga for about a year, I took a teacher training program to deepen my practice and knowledge.

 

I enjoyed it so much I began teaching part time and selling real estate full time.

 

One day I asked myself, “If I had only six months left to live would I rather be a Realtor or a Yoga instructor?”

 

That day I decided to teach yoga full time and transition out of real estate....I never looked back!

 

I have owned Red Lotus Yoga since 2003 and have been leading teacher training programs since 2007.

 

My wife, Kate, and I run Red Lotus Yoga while caring for our daughter born in 2010.

 

We have a full life and if I asked myself today, the same question I asked in 2002, my answer is still, to be a Yoga Teacher...and I’d add husband and father too:)

Yoga, means to “yoke” or the union of the body, mind, and soul, has become such a beautiful word to Christie. When she first started practicing yoga it was all about sweating, the poses, and getting a better body. Those benefits are wonderful, but she found herself
enjoying the time on her mat to get to know “herself” a little more. As a result, she feels more calm, happy, and very much alive. Taking this practice she started to incorporate this mind- body connection with her career as a personal trainer and then decided to become a full time yoga teacher because of the lasting benefits of peace in the mind.

She completed her 200 RYT with Michael Johnson in 2007. In December 2011, she had
taught over 1000 yoga classes and qualified for E-RYT under the Yoga Alliance and is now an RYT 500.

Her lineage includes teachings under Michael Johnson, Alan Haras, Brian Granader, Geshe Michael Roach, and countless other teachers and friends.

She wants her classes to provide a space where someone can come in and just "breathe" and enjoy the present moment. Whether it be for the physical benefits of the postures or for the positive messages for your mind and personal growth, she is honored to help others improve the quality of their lives. 

Amanda Kirksey graduated from Oakland University and spent four years in the elementary classroom before staying home to raise three children. When her youngest was in school, the timing aligned for her to get her yoga teaching certification.

Amanda has spent the last 15 years practicing many different types of yoga, and believes wholeheartedly that combining breath and movement brings peace, health, and joy to life. About seven years ago, she started Little Bird Soul-handcrafting mala beads and simple jewelry. Through this adventure, she met all the wonderful people in the Red Lotus family.

Amanda has been a local Lululemon ambassador since 2018 and loves the opportunity Lululemon has given for personal growth, connection, and community. She can’t wait to spread love and peace to you through this beautiful practice.

From the first seed of yoga planted over 10 years ago this practice has opened the doors to all aspects of my being. Through daily practice the desire to share this gift lead me to become a yoga teacher in 2007 and Kids yoga certification in 2008. Since then I have blended my knowledge and experience as a nurse with the healing techniques of pranayama, meditation, and movement to share with others. Since the birth of my children I've enjoyed working with children 18 months to 11 yrs. old and adults from an Ashtanga foundation to slow flow and vinyasa as well as prenatal. I encourage an environment where students have the opportunity to explore their bodies and edge safely at their own pace, simultaneously learning to breath and relax the nervous system while having fun with this playful pracitce of yoga. Not only a lover of this practice, but of the outdoors, nature, mountain biking, serving the community, traveling and spending time with my growing family. Spread loving kindness... Metta

My journey with yoga began during my college years, where I discovered the impact of the practice on both my physical and mental health. This experience ignited a lifelong passion, leading me to complete my teacher training in 2020 with Brian at Red Lotus Yoga.
As a teacher, I am committed to making yoga accessible to all. My teaching philosophy centers on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for students of every level and background. In my classes, you can expect an emphasis on breathwork and somatic awareness, as I guide you to connect more fully with the present moment. Yoga is a powerful tool for uniting the mind, body, and spirit, bringing us a sense of inner peace that extends beyond the mat. I invite you to join me in class to explore the transformative power of yoga in a welcoming and empowering space!