I always wanted to integrate yoga practice into my life. Yet a being just lethargic enough not start at all and feeling basically uninspired, yoga for me was not more than a 'very good idea'. When Sara came into my life I felt deeply inspired by her dedication to her practice and teaching and with Sara as my instructor, I plunged into yoga practice. I am absolutely delighted in all of this because Sara is a talented and deeply caring person as well as a great yoga teacher. It is easy to be her student and that makes practice very nice indeed. I also found that her keen perception of the person she is working with coupled with a devoted sensitivity creates the perfect series of asana for that particular person's needs. I began my yoga practice at the age of 56 (one month away from 57). I feel now and because of Sara's teaching I will continue yoga practice perhaps for the rest of my life, it is wonderful for me. Thank you, Sara. I am positive that I could not have done it without you! Blessings to you and to all who meet you!

ShantiMayi,  www.shantimayi.com

Even as a small girl, Sara Avant Stover (also known as Shiromani) was a dreamer and an explorer of inner and outer realms. Today she has traveled much of the world and remains committed to living with an open heart and open mind.

After graduating with honors of Phi Beta Kappa and Summa cum Laude from Columbia University's Barnard College in New York City, Sara moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand where she lived from 1999-2008.

While Sara began studying yoga at the age of 18, once in Asia she delved more deeply into self-inquiry.  Since then she has studied and practiced Ayurveda, Thai Yoga Bodywork and Insight meditation extensively, both in Asia and in the United States and has been initiated as a Reiki Master. 

An Anusara-Inspired yoga teacher™ and E-RYT 500, over the past decade Sara has undertaken teacher trainings with Richard Freeman, Shiva Rea, Kripalu and others. From 2004-2007 Sara traveled around the world assisting and co-teaching yoga workshops, retreats and teacher trainings with Anusara Yoga teacher and founder of Thai Yoga Bodywork, Jonas Westring.  Together they direct a 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Certified School.  Sara continues to teach classes, retreats and workshops on her own around the world and presently lives in Boulder, Colorado. 

Sara has also been certified by Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa to teach Pregnancy Yoga and has completed studies in Ayurvedic nutrition and lifestyle practices with Maya Tiwari, founder of the Wise Earth School of Ayurveda. Sara has also assisted some of the today's leading yoga teachers, including Richard Freeman, Shiva Rea, Sarah Powers, David Swenson, and Desirée Rumbaugh.

Also a freelance writer, she has published her work in Yoga Journal, Yogi Times, Yogi Times Business, Fit Yoga and Pilates Style. She is the recipient of a 2008 Maggie Award for "Best Regularly Featured Web Colulmn" with Yoga Journal. 

Sara offers heartfelt gratitude to her spiritual teacher, ShantiMayi, and to those hatha yoga teachers who most inspire her practice, teaching and life: Richard Freeman, Sofia Diaz, John Friend, Sianna Sherman, Desiree Rumbaugh, Amy Ippoliti, Sarah Powers, Jill Satterfield, Gary Kraftsow and Susanna Nicholson.

Students praise Sara for her poetic language and imagery, unwavering devotion, peaceful presence and ability to inspire and guide students to a still and vibrant place within their own bodies, minds and hearts.  

Sara's teachings move across the full spectrum: sometimes dynamic, sometimes contemplative and always soulful. She rejoices in the beauty and vigor of movement, while also appreciating the profound importance of meditation, stillness, and quietude. Only by going within can one step out into life with authentic and persevering wisdom and warm-hearted-ness. When this happens, Yoga returns to its essence—as something that we are, rather something that we do.

Sara endeavors to share the abundant grace, strength and joy that bless us when we learn to both trust and live from our own beautiful hearts.