Tantra & Ayurveda
Yoga Teacher, Practitioner and Student
Candace has been practicing yoga since 2005 when she was an art student in Philadelphia. Initially drawn to yoga for fitness’ sake, it quickly became clear to her that the power of movement, mindfulness and breath were affecting her beyond physiologically. She has studied Tantric Hatha in the Sri Vidya tradition since 2008, and completed both her 200 hour certification and 500 hour advanced study through then-San Francisco-based Sri Yoga, with Jean Mazzei and Brenna Geehan.
Sri Yoga focuses on both yoga asana and Tantric philosophy, with emphases on energy management and resplendence. Candace has also studied with grand teacher Pandit Rajmani Tigunait at the Himalayan Institute, YogaRupa Rod Stryker, and the Viniyoga Institute’s Gary Kraftsow, as well as with Brooke Sullivan’s Wild Temple school of Herbalism and Tantra. Candace completed an additional 300 hour Ayurveda coaching certificate with Shakti School in 2019.
Since 2014, Candace has had the opportunity to offer weekly and serial Hatha yoga classes, as well as yoga for retreats at art & education institutions such as; the deYoung Museum, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the Vermont Studio Center, Ruth Stone House, In Situ Polyculture Commons, and The Putney School. She taught public classes at Putney Moves in Putney, VT from 2019-2020, and offered community classes on a sliding scale from 2020-2024. She now teaches at Ground Movement Studio and the Putney School in Putney, Vermont.
About Her Yoga Classes
TANTRIC HATHA YOGA & YOGA NIDRA
Tantric yoga focuses on linking dynamic movement and stillness with the breath, inviting an experience of strength and ease through unification of the physical and energetic bodies. An “all-in” and “yes, and” approach, Tantric yoga incorporates asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra and else. She is also very passionate about Yoga Nidra, a deep relaxation technique and restorative practice through guided savasana meditation.
Candace’s class is taught to all ages, levels of experience and bodies. Modifications are always offered to help support access for aging, injured or differently abled bodies. Requests and questions about the yoga practice are always welcome.
Tantra is a huge umbrella term for a variety of practices, philosophy, beliefs and world-view. It is one of the most holistic approaches to understanding and practicing life, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and more.
“I really loved, (and miss!), taking yoga classes with Candace whilst at the Vermont studio centre. Candace has a very peaceful but warm demeanor when teaching, and explains moves really well, so I was able to make progress with certain moves I haven’t understood before in other classes!”
Marielle H.
Visual Artist & Educator, London, UK
“I had the pleasure of working with Candace as a yoga instructor at PAFA during the 2017-2018 school year. I cannot say enough good things about her as an instructor. She was knowledgeable, helpful, kind, warm and friendly. She always made the students feel comfortable. Her yoga classes were accessible for the beginner as well as the more seasoned student. I especially liked how she would ask at the beginning of class how everyone was feeling and if there was any particular part of the body that was feeling stressed or tension filled. She would then tailor the class to target this area of the body. I found Candace’s Yoga Nidra classes extremely beneficial to my stress level as a graduate student. Taking this class with her made me feel calmer and more centered. She fostered a sense of community by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. We started each Yoga Nidra session in a calm slow pace with lots of warm herbal teas and no rushing. Candace leads with grace, poetry and a voice that is soothing and confident. Her guidance was thoughtful, spiritual and tranquil. I benefited from these sessions greatly. I always left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Candace is a very good teacher who gives clear direction in a welcoming and friendly manner.”
Bernadette C.
MFA student, Philadelphia, PA
“Candace is a patient, nurturing and generous teacher who inspired me to explore myself and new forms of Yoga. No matter what class she’s teaching, Yoga Nidra or Tantra Flow, she maintains a consistent and high level of spirit and attention to her teaching that makes each student in her class feel as though she were speaking directly and only to them. I loved every class Candace taught!”
Jessalyn H.
Visual Artist, Portland, OR
“As a non-practitioner of yoga for many years despite years of hearing how wonderful it is, I took the plunge with Candace’s Yoga Nidra class as a resident at the Vermont Studio Center approximately two months ago. Being the high-strung and very anxious couch potato that I am, Yoga Nidra seemed to be the natural first step in my attempt at yoga. Candace made me feel very comfortable and welcome in the yoga studio, as I had to learn to set up my yoga space with my mat and blankets. Her gentle guidance and instruction throughout the process from the beginning to the end was able to help me relax even though I was worried that I was doing it incorrectly. The initial worry seemed to fade with her soothing and kind voice. Afterwards, I felt more rested, less stressed, and refreshed. Candace is an excellent and compassionate teacher, and I would highly recommend taking Yoga Nidra with her. I think I am going to have a hard time finding a teacher like Candace back here at home. She is just so wonderful!!”
Yoshie S.
Visual Artist, Los Angeles, CA
2023 Main Street Arts, Saxtons River, VT
2019-2020 Putney Moves, Putney, VT
2019 The Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT
2016-18 The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2016 Yoga Tree, San Francisco, CA
2015-16 Trulia Headquarters, San Francisco, CA
2015-16 AKQA, San Francisco, CA
2015 deYoung Museum, San Francisco, CA