In 2019, 5 yoga community leaders have been chosen for their passion in sharing the message of inspiring people to be their most empowered selves. These 5 Yogis include: Peter Sterios, Faith Hunter, Chelsey Korus, Liz Arch, and Desi Bartlett.
PETER STERIOS: THE VISIONARY
As the founder of Manduka, Peter Sterios is the anchor of the new program. Peter has been part of the global yoga community for over four decades as a teacher, writer, and entrepreneur. His vision for creating the pro mat was the catalyst for the creation of manduka over 20 years ago and he continues to support product innovation, and foster the global yoga community. He has taught yoga at the White House, has spoken to the US Marine Corps at the Pentagon about the therapeutic benefits of yoga. He is the creator of LEVITYoGA™ and he has a new book coming out this fall titled “Gravity and Grace: How to Awaken Your Subtle Body and the Healing Power of Yoga.”
FAITH HUNTER: THE HEALER
Faith is a beautiful, soulful yogini based in Washington, D.C.
Faith’s passion for yoga began as she sought ways to cope with the untimely passing of her brother due to complications from the AIDS virus in the 1990’s. A yoga teacher since 2003, Faith is the creator of Spiritually Fly ®, a life philosophy that celebrates every moment of life and uses the technology of breath, movement, sound, and stillness in a fresh and modern way to encourage students to live an epic life. She is the founder and creator of Embrace Yoga DC, and the soon to launch Embrace OM, a wellness space for all.
When not touring the globe or rocking the main stage, you can find Faith at Embrace teaching, leading and healing a diverse community of yogis.
Faith is the author of, “Shades of the Soul,” and, “Spiritually Fly: Wisdom, Meditations, and Yoga to Elevate Your Soul” (Fall 2020).
CHELSEY KORUS: THE SOUL GUIDE
Chelsey Korus has been teaching yoga since the age of 15 and has been an avid life learner in numerous movement practices, including: Power Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Acro, martial arts, free form dance and ballet. Along with an exceptional depth of practice, Chelsey is a triple major with degrees in dance, theater and vocal performance. A decade of learning and teaching around the world (including at the White House) has led her to design Awake, a total package lifestyle around soul, spirit, and environment. Chelsey is also one of the top presenters for Wanderlust and can often be found leading classes with thousands of participants.
LIZ ARCH: THE ADVOCATE
Liz is an international yoga teacher, martial artist, author, mom, and the creator of Primal Yoga®, a dynamic fusion of yoga and martial arts focused on empowerment and self-healing. Liz has a diverse background in several different martial arts and holds multiple certifications in Yoga including SmartFlow Yoga®, Yoga Tune Up® and a trauma informed yoga certification. Liz is also a certified Domestic Violence Counselor Advocate and currently serves as the West Coast director of the no profit organization Purple Dot Yoga Project. She is the author of “the Courage to Rise: Using Movement, Mindfulness, and Healing Foods to Triumph over Trauma.”
DESI BARTLETT: THE LUMINARY
Originally from Chicago, Desi grew up attending the temple of Kriya Yoga and began a lifelong love of movement and meditation. Desi has her master’s degree in corporate fitness and has led Yoga certification courses for the National Council of Certified Personal Trainers and through Yoga Alliance. She is the creator of Mothers into Living Fit ® and has10 Fitness and Yoga DVDs to her credit. Desi is a pre and postnatal expert and recently released her first book, “Your Strong Sexy Pregnancy.” Desi is also the community director at Manduka and recently co-created the eko eQua round mat. She’s the mom of 2 active boys and is especially passionate about empowering moms with strength, flexibility, and joy.
The global ambassador program is an extension of manduka’s commitment to connecting the community in a meaningful way. For more information, check out the about us section on the homepage of manduka.com or email us at communityteam@manduka.com
