Duane Utech, Owner, UpDog Yoga
ERYT200, RYT500
Duane (and his late mom, “Babsee”), began studying yoga with his first teacher, Brij Mohandas Chhabra, at the Bharatiya Temple in Troy, in the mid-90’s. Since then, he has traveled and studied extensively, and is proud to include as his “teachers” Michael Johnson, Stephanie Howarth, David Swenson, David Life, Sharon Gannon, Ana Forest, Jonny Kest and Jenna Aviva Lee, among many others. A “drop-out” of the high-pressure automotive corporate world in 2008, Duane now devotes all his time to practicing, teaching, running UpDog, and caring for his adorable yogi-in-training, Clifford.

Her current favorite practices are viniyoga and kundalini yoga. Viniyoga emphasizes movement following the breath and individual adaptation of yoga postures, and her teaching follows this lineage. Kundalini yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan is called the "yoga of awareness."

Tracy is a certified Yoga Therapist. Working with people individually, she applies yoga tools and lifestyle changes to address health challenges. She sits in awe and wonder as people are empowered to improve their condition. learn more Both her Yoga Therapy certification and 500-hour teacher certification is with the internationally known viniyoga teacher, Gary Kraftsow, with whom she has studied since 2000.

Yvonne Clark, RYT500, has come a long way from her very first yoga class she attended in order to fulfill a gym credit for college. Since those days, Yvonne found herself in a regular yoga practice beginning in 2005. At first, she felt selfish for taking the time out for herself, then realized the immense benefits yoga had for her own life, and consequently to those around her. She began noticing changes such as reduced reaction to stress, better focus, and heightened senses as just a few. Yvonne fell in love with all styles of hatha yoga which included basic classes, slow flow, ashtanga, vinyasa, yin yoga, and yinyasa.

Yvonne trained to be a teacher in order to deepen her understanding of yoga and its philosophy. She received her certification in 2007 and began teaching many different styles where she focuses on building the strong foundations pertinent to a healthy life practice. Yvonne enjoys the discipline it takes to practice and teach all classes because of the true inspiration and physiological, mental, and emotional clarity and beauty the exercise of yoga builds into her life breath by breath. "Through uniting breath and movement in yoga, we can clear ourselves of toxins, and really begin to FEEL our natural rhythm. Living that light is the ultimate goal."

Diana Milne, ERTY200, When I was 16 I worked in a gym teaching women how to work out and obtain their physical goals. I left the company due to not selling enough. I put "too" much emphasis on the members’ needs. This became a pattern in the years following. I found Yoga and was able to give freely. My greatest compliment came recently from a Yogini in a class I was leading. She said "I like myself so much more after having taken your class.”

All beings need to be nurtured, motivated and loved. I provide a fun and safe space for one to Expand, Experience and Explore themselves.

I began listening to Brian Tracey and Anthony Robbins at 19. I knew I wanted to touch people’s lives in the same way. I had no idea then I would be would be leading Yoga classes "when I grew up.”

I began my Yoga Teaching journey in 2000. My personal Yoga journey began in the early 90s. I have had many teachers, read many books and taken many trainings, but my greatest teachers are you. My classes are inspired by my friends, family and everyday beings like you, in real life (relevant) settings and situations. Come Explore, Expand and Experience new ways of being you on your mat.

Natalie Mitoraj, ERYT500, loves yoga. Whether you practice in a modern studio in the States or an Ashram in India, it is always about the journey that you take with your breath. In my classes, you will find much focus on the breath. Balanced with music and humor, you will leave the class walking a little lighter and breathing a bit deeper.

Tessa Benziger, RYT200, has been a yoga practitioner since 1999, and has developed a deep appreciation for the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of yoga both on and off the mat. Tessa is very grateful to be able to share the gift of yoga. Her classes focus on self-awareness. Whether in a calming, restorative class, or an invigorating, strength-building class, the foundation is finding the internal guide that directs our practice and our lives.

Maria Lauinger, RYT200, is a 225hr RYT graduate from Updog Yoga. Maria is also a registered nurse by trade for the past 20 years. She comes into teaching yoga with an extensive medical background most of her career in intensive care. Maria also has teaching background in ballet, tap, and jazz dance. Teaching and choreographing dances for children and adults alike for 5 years. Dancing since the age of 5 she is able to create a beautiful flow throughout her classes with emphasis on proper alignment, technique, and adjustments. As a young adult she worked through Bally's Total Fitness as a seller and trainer. She has been physically active her entire life. At the age of 20 she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and was told she would be in a wheelchair by 50; yoga has changed that prognosis. The joy and love she has for teaching comes through every class and her goal is to allow every student the realization to shine in their own unique and beautiful way. You will truly experience some bliss within her classes and lots of hands on attention.

Erica Hinch E-RYT200, RYT500
Erica’s Yoga Teacher journey started in 2009 with Michael Johnson and has continued to grow through UpDog Yoga ever since. In 2013 she graduated from UpDog’s RYT 500 Program which allowed her to gain a deeper perspective into the philosophy and anatomy of yoga through the guidance of her amazing teachers. The lifestyle that Yoga has unfolded to Erica has changed her life in the most positive and eye-openings ways . She wishes to share with the world the beauty of yoga and the peace and unity that flows from the practice. Erica’s classes will leave you refreshed, peaceful, and ready to share your love with the world.