200HR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
GET YOGA ALLIANCE CERTIFIED.
200 HR YOGA
TEACHER TRAINING
10 weekends, Fall/Winter 2026
October 2026 through March 2027
Training is every other weekend + off on Holiday weekends.
Location: Split between the Hoboken & JC Studios.
100% in person
Fridays: 7:00pm -9:30pm | Saturdays: 1:30 - 7:30pm | Sundays: 1:00 - 6:00pm
Want to speak with Celeste before applying? Book a call with our founder and lead teacher here.
Press coverage: "Top 5 things to look for in Yoga training" - by Celeste Cusumano.
Written for Yoga Love Magazine.
TRAINING
SYLLABUS
Asana & Sequencing
Anatomy
Sanskrit & The Yoga Sutras
The History of Yoga
Mantras, Myths and Mudras
Pranayama
Chakras
Ayurveda
Meditation
Intro to Yin
Into to Restorative
Prenatal Modifications
Business of Yoga
YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
We’re honored to invite you into our next 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Asana Soul Practice—led by founder Celeste Cusumano, alongside an exceptional team of teachers: Amanda Valdes, Vikram Hirani, Erin Clyne, OH Prema, and Meagan Woods.
This is more than a training, it’s a transformative experience.
Over the course of 10 immersive weekends, you’ll deepen your personal practice, expand your understanding of yoga, and step confidently into your voice as a teacher. Our program is intentionally designed with a strong emphasis on practice teaching, so you graduate not just certified—but truly prepared to lead.
You’ll learn how to skillfully sequence classes with creativity and purpose, understand alignment and anatomy, and explore the deeper layers of yoga philosophy. We go beyond the physical practice, diving into the heart of yoga; its spiritual, energetic, and lived dimensions. Expect to explore subjects like the chakra system, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, the Yoga Sutras, mythology, mantra, and more.
Each weekend is thoughtfully structured to create balance and integration. You’ll alternate between hands-on, movement-based training—focusing on asana, sequencing, and teaching—and lecture-style weekends dedicated to philosophy, discussion, and self-inquiry. Friday evenings offer a softer, “spa-like” experience, featuring practices such as meditation, yin, restorative yoga, and subtle body exploration.
This training is an invitation inward. It’s a space to grow, to be inspired, and to connect to something deeper within yourself. And from that place, to learn how to share your voice and your practice with others.
At Asana Soul Practice, we don’t just teach yoga, we create experiences rooted in connection, intention, and soul.
This program is for those who feel called to teach, as well as those who are ready to deepen their practice in a meaningful, life-changing way.
We built this training for our community, and we’re so excited to welcome you into it.
Celeste Cusumano
Celeste is an E-RYT 500HR certified yoga teacher and the founder of Asana Soul Practice. After completing her 200HR training at Laughing Lotus and her 300HR in India at Sampoorna Yoga School in Goa, she left a successful corporate career to build Asana Soul Practice from the ground up in 2017 — starting with a shoestring budget and a powerful vision for community, transformation, and meaningful practice.
Known for her dynamic, fluid, and intelligently sequenced classes, Celeste teaches in a way that inspires students to feel, not just do. She weaves together movement, philosophy, and energetic awareness to create experiences that are both empowering and deeply personal. A devoted lifelong learner, Celeste believes in always remaining a student, continually evolving her teaching and leadership.
As a teacher trainer and mentor, she is passionate about helping students find their authentic voice and step into confident leadership. Many graduates of the Asana Soul Practice training program have gone on to become valued members of the teaching team. Whether students choose to teach or simply deepen their practice, Celeste is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive community that lasts far beyond the training room.
Amanda Valdes
Amanda Gloria Valdes is a global yoga educator, full-spectrum doula, and Founder of AV STUDIOS LLC – Gratitude Village, where she leads Yoga Alliance–aligned teacher trainings, retreats, and perinatal wellness education.
With over 14 years of experience teaching yoga, meditation, and Pilates in New York City and internationally, Amanda’s work integrates Vinyasa yoga, functional anatomy, subtle body practices, and trauma-informed methodologies, while honoring the roots and traditions of yoga.
She currently serves as faculty at New York University’s Global Spiritual Life Department, teaching yoga and meditation through the Mindful NYU initiative. She has also led large-scale teacher training programs, mentoring and graduating 700+ yoga teachers and wellness professionals.
Amanda’s teaching is informed by her studies in Jivamukti Yoga, Laughing Lotus, and Katonah Yoga, and she is Mat Pilates–trained by Johanna Ricouz (Jungle Johanna). Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to social equity in yoga and wellness spaces, creating inclusive and accessible environments for diverse communities.
Vikram Hirani
"Vikram Hirani is a yoga teacher and educator who has been profiled in Esalen Journal and taught for Lululemon in Bangalore, India. His classes and teacher training modules are known for being historically informed, philosophically grounded, and relevant to modern practice, designed for students who want to understand not just how to practice but why."
Erin Clyne
Erin Clyne is a 500hr RYT certified yoga teacher and subject matter expert of Anatomy & Physiology through her 10+ years as a clinical licensed massage therapist (LMT) working hands-on with athletes, musicians, and habitual desk-athletes. After 25+ years of practicing yoga, being a professional dancer, and stuntwoman for TV/Film, she uses her practical and clinical experience to guide students towards both physical awareness and self-compassion. She centers her classes around how breath guides and facilitates movement, alignment for healthy joints, and the importance of how the body and mind influence each other.
A lifetime learner, Erin holds a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance from Pacific College of Health & Science as well as a certification as an Ayurveda Yoga Specialist.
Meagan Woods
Meagan Woods received her yoga certification through Sonic Yoga in NYC under the teachings of Lauren Hanna and Johanna Aldrich. She is also a professional dancer and choreographer, with a BFA from Rutgers and an MFA from Simon Fraser University. Meagan treasures experiences that involve movement, healing, and community. She has been with Asana Soul Practice since 2021, where you can find her teaching a variety of class types, including vinyasa, sculpt, stretch, foundational, and restorative. Her classes are rooted in the poetics of movement, where mudras become expressive gestures that connect asanas back to the dharma of class. You'll experience a real sense of flow- like you're a dancer yourself!- in her vinyasa based teaching. Classes that focus on stretching and strengthening call upon her experiences as a dancer. And her approach to restorative yoga leans into her interest in slow culture and the healing power of physical touch. Asana Soul Practice is a second home for Meagan, she values all the care this community has lent her and is devoted to extending that same level of kindness, commitment, and joy back to the students she teaches.
Sudhir Rishi
Sudhir Rishi is the Director of Teacher Trainings at Sthira Yoga. He has been involved in the fields of yoga, meditation, philosophy and Ayurveda for the past 30 years. He lived as a monk for eight years, dedicating himself to intense meditation practices. In the last 11 years, he has taught in more than 150 groups of 200hr yoga teacher training courses (YTTC) and 40 groups of 300hr (YTTC), in addition to pranayama & meditation courses, workshops and silent retreats in Asia and Europe. He is an ERYT-500 with more than 40,000 hours of teaching experience.
Monisa Parekh
Monisa bridges the gap between ancient yogic wisdom and modern scientific inquiry, offering students a rare and comprehensive perspective on the practice. After completing her initial 200hr training, she dedicated herself to the therapeutic applications of yoga, earning an 800hr Yoga Therapy certification from the Paramanand Institute of Yoga Sciences and Research, where she is currently pursuing her PhD in Yoga Therapy.
Her teaching is deeply rooted in both the physical and the philosophical. Anatomically, Monisa brings a scientific precision to the mat, having conducted advanced research on fresh human cadavers to study the intricacies of Human Fascia—knowledge that informs her expertise in Yin Yoga and Myofascial Release.
Beyond the physical body, Monisa is deeply immersed in the classical roots of the tradition. She works closely with her Ashram in India, guiding students through the profound teachings of: Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras & The Bhagavad Gita. Hatha Yoga Pradipika & Gheranda Samhita. Ancient Vedanta Texts
As a certified Sound Therapist and Reiki Healer, Monisa’s approach is truly holistic. Whether she is deconstructing the mechanics of a posture or sharing the subtleties of Vedic philosophy, she inspires the next generation of teachers to practice with precision, purpose, and a deeply awakened heart.
OH Prema
Rooted in a deep love for the philosophy and language of yoga, OH studied neuroscience, behavior, Sanskrit, and Indian philosophy at Columbia University, and has been teaching both yoga and Sanskrit to trainees since 2014 and 2018 respectively. She brings this rich academic and contemplative foundation into her Hatha and Vinyasa Flow classes, weaving the roots and meaning of yoga's ancient language into every layer of her teaching. The name Prema, meaning divine love in Sanskrit, reflects the heart-centered devotion she carries into her work, as does the Niyama of Svadhyaya, traditionally defined as the study of sacred scriptures and religious texts and contemporarily understood as the practice of self-study. OH takes Svadhyaya deeply to heart, honoring it in her own life and in the space she holds for her students, encouraging a profound connection with the body, the breath, and the self. Humbled and profoundly grateful to walk this path, OH guides her students with loving kindness, joyful self-trust, and the living wisdom of yoga philosophy, believing that a true connection with oneself is the key to everything.
WHAT ELSE TO EXPECT?
Mentor Program: You will be supported throughout our training not just by your lead teachers, but also via our mentorship program. Each student will be assigned a mentor, who will review your homework, provide feedback, and attend your community classes. Our mentors are experienced teachers from our teaching team, and create an additional layer of support outside of our weekend sessions.
Buddy Program: Each trainee will be assigned a "buddy," a fellow trainee, to help support one another. Bi-weekly buddy meetings are required. This is another great way to continue your practice and learning experience outside of our weekend sessions, and also hold each other accountable. These are casual meetings meant for friendship, study, and support.
Buddy meetings can be held in person and/or virtually.
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FORMAT AND TRAINING DATES
We're all about balance
We have 10 weekends together. We are off every other weekend, for all major holiday weekends.
Here are all of the training dates and locations:
Week One: October 23, 24, 25 (Jersey City)
**Off Halloween weekend, Oct 30, 31, Nov 1st**
Week Two: November 6, 7, 8 (Hoboken)
**Off November 13, 14, 15**
Week Three: November 20, 21, 22 (Jersey City)
**Off Thanksgiving Weekend, Nov 27, 28, 29**
Week Four: December 4, 5, 6 (Hoboken)
**Off December 11, 12, 13**
Week Five: December 18, 19, 20 (Jersey City)
**Off Christmas: Dec 25, 26, 27 & New Years: Jan 1, 2, 3**
Week Six: January 9, 10, 11 (Hoboken)
**Off MLK Weekend, Jan 15, 16, 17**
Week Seven: January 22, 23, 24 (Jersey City)
**Off January 29, 30, 31**
Week Eight: February 5, 6, 7 (Hoboken)
**Off February 12, 13, 14. Presidents Day Weekend**
Week Nine: February 19, 20, 21 (Jersey City)
**Off February 26, 27, 28**
Week Ten: March 5, 6, 7 (Jersey City)
Required attendance:
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No late entry, two missed sessions are permitted with advanced notice, and must be made up at our private class rate.
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For every 1-4 hours missed you will need to schedule a 1 hour private, at a rate of $100. For every 4-8 hours missed, you will need to schedule a 2 hour private, at a rate of $200.
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Upon completion, must teach one community class at Asana Soul Practice (livestream or in person).
Additional notes/considerations:
Our training is 100% in person. We feel that in person training is invaluable and necessary to your growth as a yoga teacher, the results you achieve, as well as to your connection to the group and the experience. Our training is REAL, and we will be giving you 110%. We expect the same dedication from our students.
We limit our training to 20 students to allow for sufficient space and more personalized attention.
A priceless investment in the way you see and interact in the world.
TUITION
$3,000 - Paid in full by 9/15.
$3,300 there-after and/or with the payment plan option.
Please apply first and await an acceptance letter <3 We take our training seriously, and so should you ;)
Ask about payment plan options and work/study discounts: celeste@asanasoulpractice.com
Price includes 4 months of unlimited membership to both Jersey City and Hoboken studios.
$500 non-refundable deposit is due within 10 days upon acceptance.
All applications and deposit payments are due by October 15th to join.
There is an option to pay via ACH Direct Debit to avoid processing fees.
We have a strict max capacity of 20 people, total. Apply now!
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
"Deciding to do my teacher training at Asana Soul Practice was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Celeste and Meghan are both such talented teachers with a wealth of knowledge about yoga between them. Their emphasis on practice teaching from week one made me feel so much more confident by the end of ten weekends than I ever could have imagined. The training was structured in a really balanced way to create an immersive experience without getting too overwhelming. Perhaps the best part about this teacher training though was the community they fostered. They created a supportive environment where we could really learn and grow together while also having fun. Whether you want to become a full-time yoga teacher or just deepen your practice, I cannot recommend this training enough!"
- Jessica Eng, Asana Soul Practice Graduate. Fall 2018
"The 200-hour teacher training program at Asana Soul Practice is top-notch. The curriculum covers everything from anatomy and alignment to mudras and chakras, giving students a thorough and well-rounded foundation for teaching yoga. We were given the opportunity to start practice teaching on the very first day, so by the end of the training program I felt 100% prepared to teach a full yoga class from start to finish. This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’d highly recommend to anyone interested in teaching yoga or even just deepening their own yoga practice!"
- Diane Wiley, Asana Soul Practice Graduate. Spring 2018
BIPOC SCHOLARSHIP
We realize creating diversity and inclusion requires action. This is one major way we are taking action to create change. We realize there is a lack of diverse yoga teachers in our community, and we want to change that! Our hope is that by having a diverse staff, we can help foster a more diverse community of yoga practitioners at Asana Soul Practice. We are proud to be located in Jersey City, the most diverse city in the country, and we want our yoga home to feel like everyone's yoga home, truly and sincerely.
Three, $500 scholarships will be granted for our Fall 2026 teacher training.
*Discounted off of the full price, making the training $2,800 - and can be paid via the payment plan.*
All applications must be submitted by Sept 1st, 2026. All applicants will be notified by Sept 15th.
We are looking for those who LOVE yoga, have an existing yoga practice, those who are dedicated and feel the spark to learn more, and want to share their love of yoga with others.
Please note, you must fill out BOTH the regular application and the BIPOC scholarship application (please click both apply now buttons, above and below)
JOIN US
Our teaching team will guide you through this life changing experience, allowing you to deepen your practice and come out of this training ready to teach yoga.
Please email any questions to yogis@asanasoulpractice.com.