Mark Nelson
Mark was first drawn to yoga as a way of bringing balance to a busy career as a creative director. He soon discovered that it was transforming his mind as well as his body.
That combination of mindfulness and movement drew Mark deeper into the practice, studying Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga and Yin Yoga along with the philosophy and anatomy that inform these practices. Mark completed his 200-hr. teacher training at Wake Up Yoga in Philadelphia, and his 500-hr. training through the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA. Since beginning his teaching career in 2008, Mark has taught well over 10,000 hours of classes, led hundreds of workshops in the US and abroad, and has directed more than a dozen teacher trainings.
As a life-long artist, Mark hopes to spark the creative process within his students. His classes unite breath with movement in a dynamic blend of physical challenge, inner focus and real-life philosophy. Mark has operated the Yoga Garden since 2010 and enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active and pursuing creative endeavors of all sorts.
Nikki Robinson
Nikki began her love affair with yoga as a respite from a high intensity job on a trading floor in New York City. She was immediately attracted to the combination of restoration that yoga provides the heart and mind and the invigorating and empowering effect on the body the physical practice provides.
Nikki completed her 200-hr. Anusara Teacher Training with Sue Elkind and Naime Jezzeny. She has also completed her Pre- and Post Natal training with Sue Elkind and Levels 1 & 2 Restorative Yoga Teacher Training with Jillian Pransky. She has supplemented her teacher training with extensive philosophy training with Susanna Harwood-Rubin. Nikki holds a Master’s of Anatomical Sciences degree from Rowan University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine, where she serves as Instructor and Lecturer of Gross Anatomy while pursuing a Doctor’s of Education. She also teaches anatomy at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA.
Nikki uses precise alignment in every class she teaches to empower and encourage students of all levels in the most supportive, safe and loving environment. While she seeks to physically challenge her students during class, her classes are designed to be playful, bright and light-hearted so as to foster the very best in each student. Nikki enjoys spending time with her family who continue to be her most inspiring and loving yoga teachers.
