Deb Marweg

I loved yoga from the first class I ever did on a DVD at home. After gaining the courage to join a class at a local gym I realized how much I wanted to teach. As I taught more students, I knew I wanted to create a space that all people felt welcome regardless of their age, body type, background, or fitness level… I wanted yoga to be accessible to all.  I opened Now and Zen in September of 2004 and since then we have grown from just a few teachers to a large staff of amazing teachers with a variety of classes and even becoming a 200 Hour and 300 Hour Yoga School. 

What started out as a practice that kept my body healthy turned into life style and a life-long passion of constant learning.  Bill, my husband, and I have been fortunate enough to study with the Mohan family of Svastha Yoga and Ayurveda since 2010. I feel deeply that every person should feel safe in their practice and that poses need to be adapted for students, students should not have to adapt to do a pose. I believe that it is important to create good habits on the yoga mat so that we can have fun doing the other things we love when we aren’t practicing yoga. I want to teach my students that yoga is more that just doing the pose; it is about calming the mind and connecting to the breath. When we have peace in our minds, we can offer peace to those around us. 

I love teaching all levels and styles of classes. I teach everything from Therapeutic and Gentle Yoga to a more rigorous Level 1-2 yoga. Bill and I offer both 200 Hour and 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings, which is a passion of mine. I enjoy putting well- rounded teachers out into the world. I am an E-RYT500 and C-IAYT (certified with International Association of Yoga Therapists). I think it is important for any teacher to give their students the power to create whatever transformation they are looking for. You will find a safe space in my class. I offer modifications as well as enhancements for those who would like them to the meet their individual needs. I want every student to feel safe to do what is best for them so that they can experience what yoga is all about, as our teacher says, “Lightness in the body and brightness in the mind.” 

Deb feels that yoga can be for every body, and enjoys teaching specialty classes to meet the needs of those who traditional classes are not beneficial.

Deb resides in Woodbridge, CA and she is happily married to Bill Marweg and they have two grown children.

Bill Marweg

My yoga journey has evolved through the years. I started yoga in the early 1990s as my wife Deb Marweg’s first student. As my interest in yoga grew I went through the 200-hour teacher training at Now and Zen. I then decided to deepen my practice by studying with Dr. Ganesh Mohan in his Svastha Yoga Therapy program, which I completed in 2014. I am a certified Yoga Therapist with International Association of Yoga Therapists.

I continue to study with Dr. Mohan and am honored to be a part of his teachings in the United States. I enjoy teaching classes that are fundamentally basic so that students can focus on their breath and have the opportunity to find steadiness in their bodies and minds. I love teaching the free Sunrise Yoga class because the early morning is such a great part of the day and yoga is a great way to start the day! I also enjoy being a part of the Now and Zen Teacher Training program because I feel that my philosophy about making yoga accessible and logical is important for teachers to hear and experience.

Annette Mackay

I came to yoga in 2003 with a rich background in both formal and informal personal development training. As a student and facilitator, my focus has consistently been on bringing out each person’s personal power and uniqueness.

I was and continue to be drawn to yoga for its profound integration of the heart, soul, mind and body. The initial appeal of yoga was my desire to “slow the clock.” While I accomplished that, I found so much more. I discovered my calm, my center and the place where I am unique, powerful and “special enough.’

As a yoga instructor my goal is that each person in class experiences their uniqueness and finds the place inside where they are special and powerful – where being who they are is “enough.”

Credentials: Personal practice since 2003 200-hour Teacher Training with Deb Marweg

email: annettemackay@sbcglobal.net

Ashley Quarisa

Fitness has always been a passion of mine whether it be yoga, strength training or dancing in Zumba class. Exercise is fundamental when it comes to total body wellness, physically and mentally. That’s the main reason I started teaching classes, in order to share my passion for fitness and help others on their fitness journey.  In 2019, I completed my 200-hour teacher training at Now and Zen. What I love about yoga is the mind, body and soul connection.

Yoga encourages us to live in the present moment which brings more peace and less stress to daily life.  One of my favorite quotes from Maya Angelou…” I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” My goal for my classes is to create a space where a student at any level can achieve their goals. I want my students to walk out of class feeling confident, strong and mentally at peace.

Cathy Gravish

I have been practicing yoga on & off since the early 80’s with videos and Lilia’s Yoga on PBS!

As a Physical Therapist by profession, making movement and activity safe and accessible to people of all abilities has been a continual goal. In 2001, while undergoing treatment for, and recovery from, breast cancer I developed a regular yoga practice. I found it to be the most accessible form of exercise then, as I do now–not only the asanas (poses) for movement but the practice of turning inward to find awareness and contentment.

I found my way to Now & Zen in 2010. It has been such a welcoming, nurturing environment that I knew it was time to learn more. There is a saying that the right teacher arrives when the student is ready and that has been Deb! I earned my RYT 200 hour certificate as part of the 2012 class and have been enjoying teaching Beginner Yoga. It’s an honor to be helpful in making yoga accessible, in its many forms, to anyone at any age.

Cecelia Crabaugh

Yoga is my way of life! I started practicing 15 years ago to find peace from stress and so my journey began. I wanted to teach the world what I had discovered. I received my teaching certifications from YogaFit and Loyola Marymount University. I started teaching in 2006. I had the privilege of participating in the first Green Yoga Conference in 2005. I had the honor of studying under Dr. Yoga Shwari Laura Cornell.

In 2011 my heart lead me to Now and Zen where I studied under the fabulous Deb Marweg and received my 200hr. certification. I love teaching private clients and classes in Lodi and Stockton! I am most grateful for my 3 sons and loving mate for they inspire me daily!

email: yogarocksceci@yahoo.com

Diane Steen

I have been a Fitness instructor for over 15 years and started to practice yoga as a compliment to my rigorous workout schedule. I originally thought of it as the stretching component to my workouts, but soon found it to be so much more. Mind, body, and breathe became my way of life as I found myself incorporating yoga into all my activities- on and off the mat.

As I became increasingly calmer, more centered, and grounded with my practice I was driven to learn more. I recently completed the 500 hr. Teaching certification and am so blessed to now be able to share my passion for yoga with my students.

Heather Anderson

My practice started 26 years ago while searching for my own self-healing dealing with migraines. I had a new baby and was pledged with constant pain and sickness. Doctors had lots of drugs to try but this didn’t seem like a good path for me. I became a certified yoga teacher 13 years ago through Yoga Fit and recently completed my 200-hour certification at Now and Zen. I am currently in the process of completing my 300-hour training as well.

Yoga is more than exercise; it’s a way of life, no matter who you are, what size, shape or level of flexibility you have; you can benefit immensely in your daily life from turning your focus from the outside world to finding your own peace, calm and balance, taking time with yourself, your body and your breath. I love being part of this beautiful Now and Zen community and I am looking forward to working with all of you. Together we can find our strength, flexibility and balance in this crazy, amazing life! Namaste.

Jill Moran

Yoga landed in my lap the summer of 2012. That June, I took my very first beginner class at Now and Zen as was hooked for life. In the beginning, my yoga practice was purely physical. It turned out to be so much more than that. I didn’t know it then, but in just a few short years, yoga and meditation would prove to be essential tools on my very own healing journey.

Yoga has taught me how to soothe and manage anxiety and panic attacks. Yoga has shown me the value of stillness and calming the mind. My practice has fostered the ability to breathe through hard spaces on my mat, the same hard spaces we so often encounter in everyday life. With time, yoga and meditation enabled me to regain confidence and to better connect with that inner wisdom we all possess.

Having the opportunity to teach yoga at Now and Zen is an absolute dream. I completed my 200-hour teacher training with Deb Marweg in January 2017. She has been a phenomenal mentor from day one. Being able to share yoga with others, especially beginners, brings me so much joy and excites my spirit. I learn so much from the students at Now and Zen. With yoga, we just do life better! For all of this, I am forever grateful.

Kim Mallory

Fitness Philosophy…Showing my clients that fitness can be fun is a passion of mine. I believe that fitness is a way of life and should be a routine just like waking up in the morning. I believe keeping your mind and body in sync is the most important factor in having good health. Physical activity can help clear your mind and improve your ability to tackle everyday challenges. I feel that it is my job in life to encourage people to take those steps necessary to lead a long healthy life.

Education and Qualifications: A.F.A.A Personal trainer certification Pilates Certification Certified Massage Therapy 500 hours A.C.E. Group Exercise Certification

I have been in the fitness industry since 1987, working with all types of people with a variety of goals. Being evolved in the health and fitness is my passion. Within my career I was a swimmer, spring board diver, I taught Hi/low aerobics, step aerobics, cardio kick boxing, water aerobics, body sculpting, TRX training, Pilates on the stability ball and……. I ran my first 1/2 marathon in 2016!

Specialties: Personal training, Educating a healthy lifestyle, body awareness, weight training, mat Pilates, TRX training Massage therapy: deep tissue, sports massage, pregnancy and therapeutic. RELAX- RENEW-REVIVE

True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body…The two are united

Email: kim.mallory@yahoo.com

Liana Terese Roman

Yoga has always been something I have felt drawn to, both to the practice and to the way of life. As a certified herbalist, a vegan and a lover of all things of the earth, yoga fits into my way life; the benefits are immeasurable.

I began my yoga journey back in 2004, practicing on and off for years. My practice deepened when I was living in Miami and began to study Kundalini yoga, although it wasn’t until I began practicing at Now and Zen that I realized I wanted to teach yoga. I completed my training with Deb and have been teaching here at the studio ever since.

My goal for teaching is to help bring yoga to those who need it, with a focus on introducing yoga and it’s benefits to kids of all ages. I believe that kids should be exposed to yoga and all it has to offer at a young age so that they can learn those skills (breathing, calming the mind, body awareness) and continue to develop them as they grow.

The yoga philosophy I believe in wholeheartedly is that yoga is for everybody and every BODY. A yoga student can be any size, color, shape, gender or age to practice. Yoga has the ability to connect us all.

Qualifications:

RYT 200 Yoga Alliance

Trauma Informed Yoga for Youth

Email: lianaterese@gmail.com

Lisa Alfaro

My yoga journey began over 10 years ago as something to add to my exercise program. Having always exercised in the early morning adding yoga a few mornings a week became something that I looked forward to. I loved the way I felt afterwards and for the rest of my day.

I came to Now and Zen to expand my practice and knowledge and the more I practiced the more I wanted to learn and share what I was learning with others. In 2009 I completed my 200 hour RYT training. Over the years my practice has changed but my love of yoga and desire to share that with others has stayed strong. Yoga truly is for everybody and I love sharing that with my students..

500hrRYT - 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance

Email: lisa.alfaro@gmail.com

Monica Martinez

The yoga path is an astonishing journey and I am humbled and grateful to be a part of this community. I am always a student first. My practice has helped me heal over and over again through out the years. So much so it lit a fire in my heart to want to help as many people as I can and share in that experience. It is an honor to be able to support others on their life’s path through yoga, meditation and sound healing. I love how much I continue to learn as a student and as a teacher.

I truly believe yoga is for everyone in every walk of life and should be made accessible for all. That’s why I think it is so important to be able to offer many different styles of classes. I believe introducing these practices to youth will help build a strong foundation for their futures. The children classes that I teach are my favorite. I am a mother of two young boys and seeing life through their loving pure eyes keeps a light in my heart that I’ll forever be grateful for.

It brings me the most joy to witness another human find their own special space on and off their mat and to find home within themselves.

“We’re all just walking each other home. “- Ram Das

Sophie Kobrin

I began my Yoga practice in the late 1990’s. As an athlete Yoga was initially an outlet for resting and stretching my physical body. It was when I strayed away from organized sports that there was room for a broader scope of what it means to practice Yoga, when Yoga was no longer just a physical practice.

With over 20 years of personal practice and divine timing, I was able to secure my 200-hour certification at Now & Zen Yoga Studio. I have also completed the 300-hour YTT with My Vinyasa Practice and am continuing with another 300-hr training with my teacher Deb Marweg during the 2021-2022 training year.

I have completed triathlons up to the Olympic distance, completed multiple half-marathons and couple full marathons as well. I was a collegiate basketball player at the Division level and I have coached basketball from tot-rec-league to high school level play. As I reflect on all my endeavors as an athlete, coach and student of Yoga, the threads or sutras of commonalities among them are clear.

My goal as an instructor is to integrate my experience as an athlete with the philosophy of Yoga to help students achieve a dynamic and sustainable practice.

Other Interests: Spending time with my husband and two children, the outdoors, riding my Peloton #SophieLoCA and learning new things.

QUALIFICATIONS: 500-hr RYT Yoga Alliance
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
NASM Certified Nutrition Coach
Parkinson’s WISE Certified (PANC)
Trauma Informed Yoga for Youth

Wendy Cypert

I discovered yoga in 2011 when I became a student at Now & Zen. I was looking for ways to decompress and manage stress. Once I experienced the benefits, I felt compelled to share them with everyone I could ! I focus on creating a safe, welcoming environment where you can explore your practice and let go of your stress.

Healthy Body, Peaceful Mind, Loving Heart

Wendy 500RYT, Reiki Master Excited about all the benefits yoga brought to her personally Wendy had the opportunity to complete yoga teacher training at Now and Zen with Deb Marweg in 2014. Offering a physical, philosophical and fun practice environment, her passion is making yoga accessible to all regardless of experience or fitness level.

With Wendy’s background as corporate professional she sees the need to find quiet and stillness, bringing your practice off the mat as well as on the mat. As a poet, artist and writer she believes yoga is another way to creatively express ourselves.

I discovered yoga in 2011 when I became a student at Now & Zen. I was looking for ways to decompress and manage stress. Once I experienced the benefits, I felt compelled to share them with everyone I could ! I focus on creating a safe, welcoming environment where you can explore your practice and let go of your stress.

Healthy Body, Peaceful Mind, Loving Heart

Wendy 500RYT, Reiki Master