OVERVIEW | SCHEDULE | PROGRAM STRUCTURE | FACULTY | APPLICATION & TUITION | FAQ
A 9-MONTH YOGA STUDIES & APPRENTICESHIP
With Heather Haxo Philips and the Sadhana Studies faculty
STARTS THIS SEPTEMBER
DAILY, DEVOTIONAL, DISCIPLINE = SADHANA
Welcome to our highest level of student support. Sadhana Studies is a 9-month program that provides you with a complete immersion into the practices of Iyengar Yoga, including asana, pranayama, Ayurveda, anatomy, ethics, and practical yoga philosophy. This program is for experienced Iyengar Yoga students who feel ready to deepen their relationship with practice, study, and community. This is a high-impact offering for Iyengar Yoga students who are ready to expand into the fullest expression of themselves. There is no program quite like this in the world.
At its core, the program is built around a clear, three-step learning process that supports students in developing a sustainable and meaningful yoga practice—one that can be returned to with confidence, curiosity, and steadiness over time.
The three pillars of Sadhana Studies:
Establishing a personal home practice
Students learn a practical and supportive approach to developing a home practice. The emphasis is on consistency and knowledge so you have the confidence to roll out the mat—even on days when motivation is low, life feels full or you need a special practice.
Immersive study of Yoga practices
Immerse yourself in the Iyengar approach to asana, pranayama and yoga philosophy. Through weekly classes, weekend immersions, guided home practice sequences, and study prompts, students spend sustained time with both asana and various texts. Study and practice are woven together to support a deeper understanding of body, breath, and mind.
Integration through community & mentorship
Sadhana Studies is intentionally relational. Students practice and study with a committed group of peers, supported by experienced teachers who are invested in their growth. This aspect provides nourishment and perspective. Many participants describe the community container as instrumental in their personal transformation.
WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAM UNIQUE?
- A deep 9-month immersion into the Iyengar Yoga practices of asana and pranayama. Studies in yoga philosophy, Ayurveda and anatomy make it comprehensive experience.
- World class faculty, each with decades of experiences and time spent with the Iyengar family.
- Learn with others live – and also on your own time – through synchronous and asynchronous opportunities that can fit around a busy lifestyle, where ever you live.
- Comprehensive curriculum to address your modern-day experiences and needs.
- Creative learning is emphasized. Small group activities and a special project of your choice make this program incredibly fun. Alumni tell us that the unique opportunities for creative interaction and a final project help to make Sadhana Studies deeply meaningful.
- Some participants utilize Sadhana Studies as training to become Iyengar Yoga teachers. Sadhana Studies offers additional teacher education curriculum to support these aspirations.
- The program offers a distinctive approach to learning: You’ll participate in regular in-person immersions and live online classes, while also building your home practice—both on your own and alongside the group—to create steady momentum. An online program portal supports your learning, giving you access to class recordings and a space to exchange ideas. Each month, you’ll receive curated assignments—readings, videos, and podcasts—that deepen and support your study of the teachings.
THE FORMAT
- Weekend gatherings in person at our world-class Yoga Center: 4 hours on Saturday + 4 hours on Sunday
- Group class every Wednesday night 5:45 – 7:15 pm pst via zoom
- Two 5-morning immersions on zoom to help you establish your personal practice of asana and pranayama
- Led practice + daily practice sequences to get you on the mat with confidence
- Program portal with videos, readings and writing reflections assigned monthly so you work with the program material at your own pace.
TEACHER TRAINING
There is an additional apprenticeship track that introduces you to the art of teaching yoga the Iyengar way.
For those who participate, the first year includes all the general Sadhana Studies program elements plus :
- Additional meetings that introduce you to Iyengar Yoga teacher education
- Participating in beginner classes
- Apprentice manual + special homework
- Practice teaching sessions
- Invites to participate in the community of apprentices and CIYT
- feedback on your teaching
The first year of the program focuses on your knowledge as a practitioner and exposes you to what teaching yoga is all about. For those who want to teach Iyengar Yoga, Sadhana Studies formally continues into years two and three preparing you to be an effective teacher and become a CIYT.
The Commitment
Time
The Sadhana Studies program is a 200-hour time commitment plus a daily home practice and monthly homework assignments. Your home-study assignments will take approximately 10 or more hours to complete each month – they include readings from the Iyengar family and writing assignments which are turned in for feedback. Apprentices should expect an additional time commitment in their first year.
Financial Support
Adeline Yoga is committed to supporting diversity in our community. One full scholarship, two partial scholarships and several work-study opportunities are available. These offerings are an invitation to participate and are not necessarily needs-based. Students of color, those living with disabilities or who identify as LGBTQIA+ are especially encouraged to inquire about this opportunity. Use this link to apply for a scholarship or workstudy opportunity.
Supplies
Participants will receive a list of required books and props for this program. Be prepared to source what you need. Past participants have made use of the library, borrowing and/or purchasing items. Adeline Yoga does have some basic props available through the Yoga Blessings community gift program. And, participants will have the option to purchase specific books and props through Adeline Yoga.
Who is this is for?
Sadhana Studies is designed for students who feel called to deepen their relationship with yoga through sustained study and practice. Participants typically already have an established Iyengar Yoga practice and sense that yoga offers more than what can be experienced in weekly classes alone.
This program may be a good fit for you if:
- You have an established Iyengar Yoga practice and wish to explore yoga in greater depth.
- You are interested in developing your understanding of yoga through study, reflection, and practice.
- You value close relationships with experienced teachers and a supportive learning community.
- You are curious about how yoga can continue to unfold over time.
- You may feel drawn to share yoga with others in the future.
A supple body is not a requirement for this program or for the practice of yoga. What matters most is a sincere interest in learning and a willingness to engage with the work.
Prerequisites
- For the general program: a minimum of one year of consistent study with a CIYT (Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher).
- For the teacher education program: a minimum of two years of consistent study with a CIYT.
- A commitment to the study and practice of yoga within the lineage of B.K.S. Iyengar.
For students entering the teacher education pathway, there is an expectation of commitment to teaching within the Iyengar Yoga tradition once the decision to pursue certification has been made.
Who is this not for?
Sadhana Studies is designed for students who feel ready to engage yoga as an ongoing discipline of practice and study. While the program can be deeply supportive, it is not the right fit for everyone.
This program may not be the best match for individuals who:
Are new to Iyengar Yoga
Students benefit most when they already have at least a year of regular Iyengar Yoga experience and know the names of the poses. That will allow you to become confident and self-reliant in your personal practice.
Prefer casual or drop-in learning experiences.
Sadhana Studies is a nine-month commitment that unfolds over time. It is designed as a structured process rather than a flexible series of classes. The program explores yoga as a complete discipline—including philosophy, ethics, breath, and self-inquiry—not just physical practice.
Are seeking quick certification or a fast track to teaching.
Sadhana Studies emphasizes depth, studentship, and maturation of practice rather than rapid credentials.
Do not currently have the time or capacity to engage with practice and study outside of scheduled sessions.
The program asks students to spend time with home practice, reflection, and study between meetings.
Are not interested in learning within a committed group environment.
Sadhana Studies is intentionally relational and built around shared inquiry, engagement, and community.
“This is what you find out when you join the Sadhana Studies program at Adeline: Your Asana practice is barely the tip of the Yoga iceberg. You thought you were doing Vrksasana (Tree Pose) to give yourself steady balance. But it turns out that training those muscles and tendons to hold you up on one foot, can also open a little window into a brilliant universe of mystery and awareness. The practice of Yoga is nothing less than the path to self discovery; it is a complete guide to personal and interpersonal ethics; and it provides access to the deepest realm of meditation. Sadhana Studies lets you see into that window, and if you have the heart for it, it lets you climb through to the other side. “
-Andy Jamieson
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Am I ready for this program? Do I have the time? What can I really expect?
We know you may want to know more.
Inbal Meron and Natalie Palms are here to answer all your questions. Both are graduates of Sadhana Studies, Certified Iyengar Yoga teachers and on staff at Adeline Yoga.
Get some 1-on-1 time: Click here to book a conversation.
Program Schedule
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The 2024-2025 schedule looks like this:
- An opening weekend in person at our Berkeley Studio: Sept 11 – 13 to introduce you to the program, participants and lineage of Iyengar Yoga
- Every week you will attend the Sadhana Studies asana class on Wednesday 5:45 – 7:15 PST pm via zoom – Sept 16 thru May 19.
- Two early morning intensives which run Monday – Friday from approximately 7 – 8 am PST: aimed to kick-start your asana and pranayama practices.
- Seven weekend immersions covering yoga philosophy discussions, asana, pranayama, anatomy and Ayurveda.
- Optional Peer-lead activities including study sessions and asana practices on Monday and Friday mornings.
Apprentices will have additional meetings plus additional coursework.
The program calendar:
Class every Wednesday at 5:45 pm PST with Heather – Sept 17 thru May 19
This is a tentative calender. A final calendar with timings will be given to participants prior to the program kick-off.
Sept 11 – 13: Program Kick Off
Sept 26 – 27: Apprentice immersion
Oct 10 – 11: General studies
October 26 – 29: 7 – 8 am Home Practice Immersion on zoom
November 7 – 8: General studies
Dec 5: General studies on zoom
Dec 6: Apprentice meeting in person
January 9 – 10, 2027: General studies
Jan 23 – 24: Apprentice immersion
Jan 25 – 29: 7 – 8 am pst Pranayama Immersion on zoom
February 20 – 21: General studies
March 19: Apprentice meeting
March 20 – 21: General studies
April 10 – 11: Apprentice immersion
April 23 – 28: General studies
May 21 – 23: Final Weekend + Graduation
Personal practice sessions are Monday (zoom) and Fridays (in-person). Both are approximately 6:30 – 8:15 am.
“My practice has become so much deeper—yes my poses improved but far beyond that—I gained a huge understanding of my commitment to the spiritual practice, my duty to mentoring and teaching students, and my compassion as a human being. I have more clarity of my own dharma and this helps me cope with the challenges that arise in modern life.”
– Sandy Carmellini,
Sadhana Studies Graduate
and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher
Your Investment
9-MONTH SADHANA STUDIES PROGRAM 2026
Tuition: $2595 early bird rate
This early bird rate is a $300 discount if you register by May 31
This includes:
- All program components: 7 weekends, two 5-morning intensives plus Wednesday night public classes through the duration of the program
- Led practice / Open studio time for group practice
- Sadhana Studies program reader
- Program website and class recordings
SADHANA STUDIES WITH TEACHER EDUCATION
Tuition: $2995 for year one – early bird rate
This early bird rate is a $300 discount if you register by May 31
This includes:
- All general program components for the first year
- Additional programming just for apprentices including three additional weekends and several other sessions
- Participation in beginner level classes
- Program website and class recordings
- Sadhana Studies program reader plus an Apprentice Manual
- Invites to specific gathers with other apprentices and CIYT
- Mentorship throughout the program
2026 Applications are Open
Once accepted, your initial payment of $500 is due within 10 days and holds your space in the program.
A pay-in-full bonus is available for you. Plus, payment plans are available.
FAQ
I live far away, can I still take this program?
Yes! We have many participants that live out of town. If you can travel to our Yoga Center for the weekend immersions, this will be a great program for you.
While the weekend immersions are in person, the weekly Wednesday night classes, weekly led practice and the morning immersions are on zoom.
Those who are in the apprentice program can work with their local CIYT or make other arrangements while in town for the weekend programs.
Where there is a will, there is a way!
I plan to take the teacher education part of Sadhana Studies. What can I expect in year two and three?
Year one focuses on developing your understanding of Iyengar yoga as a practitioner, and gives you the foundational knowledge to consider teaching. You will take coursework with the general studies program, and coursework with the apprentices specifically.
Years 2 and 3 get you ready to teach the Iyengar method safely and confidently in a class setting. In year two you will do more supervised teaching and in year three you will receive preparation for certification.
Years 2 and 3 move beyond your studies as a practitioner and begin to hone your skills as a teacher. These years will help you start and refine your skills as a yoga teacher – whether you want to teach a few classes a week or you want to make this your full-time career.
Years two and three include:
- Developing proficiency in the required asana and pranayama for Level 1
- Monthly immersions to practice your teachings skills. You will study therapeutic approaches, sequencing, modifications and adjustments in more depth.
- Supervised teaching with your mentor providing regular feedback
- Getting more experience through assisting the faculty in beginner classes
- Deeper study into important topics for Iyengar Yoga teachers including physiology and developing your career as an Iyengar Yoga instructor.
- Practicing skills required in the assessment process and getting feedback from your mentor.
- Additional education on the knowledge and skills required of an Iyengar Yoga teacher
What is the best way to prepare for this program?
Consistent study of Iyengar Yoga practice is required before entering the program. If you do not yet consistently attend class a minimum of once a week with a Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher, you must start there. Sadhana Studies would be the next step after that. Let your teachers know you would like to participate in deeper study, and they will provide further guidance. If there is no CIYT in your area, please email our Sadhana Studies program coordinator Tiffany Goss. Email tiffany@adelineyoga.com and we will help.
What if I have schedule conflicts? Can I take some of the classes, but not all of them?
Program Participants should commit to taking full advantage of the program by participating in all the modules. That said, we do understand that not every participant will be able to attend every class. Wednesday night sessions will be recorded, so participants can use those recordings if they are not able to attend live.
Most of the programs components are restricted to Sadhana Studies participants only. However, a few modules will be open for general enrollment as workshops—a good choice for those who are interested in certain topics only or cannot commit to the whole program.
Will I get a certificate of completion?
Yes! Students who complete the entire Sadhana Studies program will get a certificate of completion which demonstrates your commitment to Iyengar Yoga and knowledge of its practices. This is not a professional certificate recognized by Yoga Alliance or the Iyengar Yoga Associations.
I already took an Iyengar Yoga teacher training program. Do I need to take all of the Sadhana Studies program in order to apprentice?
This will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Heather directly to discuss.
Are there scholarships or work-study opportunities?
Adeline Yoga is committed to supporting diversity in our community. A full scholarship, partial scholarships and work-study opportunities are available. They are not based solely on need. We are committed to broadening access to yoga by encouraging practitioners who come from backgrounds that are not well represented in most yoga studios, or who come from communities that might be less familiar with the benefits of a yoga practice. These scholarships are an invitation to participate. Students of color, those living with disabilities or who identify as LGBTQ are especially encouraged to inquire about this opportunity. Here is the application.
Apprentices may be eligible to apply for the Yoga Alliance Scholarship Program when their program opens next.
How will I know if I have been accepted into the program?
We will contact you within one week.
Who do I contact to discuss this program further?
We are here to answer all your questions.
Click here to book a Zoom call with our alumni. You can also call us at (510) 982-1783
FACULTY
Heather Haxo Phillips (she/her) is Director of Adeline Yoga and a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher at the Senior Intermediate level (Level 3). She is a long time mentor to other aspiring teachers and CIYT, serving as an assessor and a member of the IYNAUS Assessment Committee.
Heather’s additional certifications include: Certified Yoga Therapist (c-IAYT), Relax and Renew restorative yoga teacher and Yoga Alliance E-500 level instructor. She has specialized yoga therapy training which includes scoliosis, musculoskeletal injuries and pain management. One of her asana-related specialties is women’s health.
Heather has a deep commitment to the ancient teachings which includes mantra sadhana (chanting) and Sanskrit, pranayama and yoga philosophy. You can expect to find aspects of this in all of Heather’s classes. Heather deepens her own practice by studying regularly with senior Iyengar teachers, Sanskrit and Vedic scholars, and the Iyengar family in Pune. Heather is past President of the Board of Directors for the Iyengar Yoga Association of Northern California and an active volunteer for the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States.
Michael Lucey is a certified Level 3 Iyengar yoga teacher at the Senior 1 level. He stumbled into an Iyengar yoga class in 1982, while he was a student at Oxford University. Since then, he has been fascinated by how yoga can transform your relation to your body, mind, and breath and his classes aim to share that fascination with you. Michael is certified at the Senior Intermediate level; he has had the good fortune to study with many senior teachers from around the United States and Europe, and has also made 11 trips to Pune, India to study with the Iyengar family. His most recent trip was in December 2018. Michael is a professor of Comparative Literature and French at the University of California, Berkeley, and served as President of the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States from 2014-2017.
Cecilia Fernandez (she/her) is the founder of East Bay Ayurveda. She has been a passionate advocate and student of Ayurveda since 2003. Her vision is to introduce Ayurveda to her local community, empowering individuals to self-heal through compassionate self-care.
She is a graduate of the intensive five-year program at the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico, where she trained extensively in herbal medicine, panchakarma, and Ayurvedic yoga therapy. To deepen her understanding of the physical body and therapeutic touch, she also earned her Neuromuscular Massage Therapy certification from the National Holistic Institute in Emeryville.
Since 2009, Cecilia has been offering holistic Ayurvedic therapies throughout the East Bay, supporting students and clients at many stages of their health journeys.
Her experience also extends internationally. Cecilia has developed Ayurvedic therapy programs for the Dhyanyoga Center and Dhyanidham Ashram in Nikora, India, and has trained therapists and designed protocols for private groups both locally and abroad.
She continues her studies with Kerala Ayurveda in both the South Bay and India. Through this ongoing study, she remains committed to deepening her capacity to serve, teach, and care for her community.
At the heart of her work is a deep dedication to her hometown of Oakland, where she offers consultations, therapies, herbal formulations, workshops, and retreats.
Anneke Faas is a certified Level 2 Iyengar yoga instructor. She was inspired by the precision and genius of Mr. Iyengar’s teaching at the age of 14, and started her teacher training in 2002. Since then, Anneke has had two sons. She is especially drawn to working with mothers, helping to reduce the stress and tensions of everyday life. She has specialized training in pre-natal yoga.
Naomi Hiller Reynolds (she/her) is a Level 2 Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) and a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT). She is co-owner of California Yoga Center in Mountain view, and has been teaching continuously since 1993. Her passion is helping each student discover the joy and freedom of yoga.
Whether in general classes or yoga therapy Naomi uses her extensive knowledge of anatomy, mindfulness, and philosophy to develop physical, mental and spiritual balance. She currently co-leads and organizes the Yoga Therapy class at the studio.
Naomi also serves on the board of Iyengar Yoga Therapeutics, a non-profit offering continuing education in yoga therapy for teachers. She is a former member of the Board of Directors for the Iyengar Yoga Association of Northern California.
Kelly Sobanski (she/her) is a Certified Level 3 Iyengar Yoga Teacher and a c-IAYT certified Yoga Therapist. She has studied directly with BKS Iyengar, Geeta Iyengar and Abhijata Shridar including six months of study at the Iyengar Institute in Pune, India. Kelly has deep knowledge of Iyengar Yoga therapeutics and pain management, gleaned from her own practice and eight years assisting in Lois Steinberg’s therapy classes at Iyengar Yoga Champaign-Urbana and her time at the Iyengar Institute in Pune. Kelly has worked with many students with intricate and in-depth physical challenges. Kelly inspires practitioners at all levels to cultivate wisdom, intuition and luminance through the endless learning that yoga unveils. She is also a dedicated volunteer including past President of the Board of Directors for the Iyengar Yoga Association of the Mid-West.
ADMINISTRATION
Inbal Meron (she/her) is Adeline Yoga’s Studio Manager and a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. She discovered Yoga during her studies for a degree in Plant Biology in 2005. Yoga awakened a deep yearning inside to not only understand life but to participate in it fully with deep presence, awareness, openness, and compassion. Since then, Inbal has been studying yoga and meditation in Israel, India and the U.S. She has an extensive background in the yoga industry, both on the administrative side and as a teacher. If you have any questions for her, she would love hearing from you: inbal@adelineyoga.com
Tiffany Goss is the Adeline Yoga’s Administrative Manager and a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. Her first Iyengar yoga class in 2012 was held in a small living room by a friend. She knew then that Iyengar yoga was her path. Today she is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher! Tiffany’s goal is to make yoga accessible and safe for all body types.
In her administration role, Tiffany wears many hats including supporting the Sadhana Studies program. In her free time she likes to go hiking with Mani her Guatemalan rescue pup and plan her next travel destination.
Natalie Palms (she/her) is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. She has been practicing since 2015, almost exclusively with Adeline Yoga. She is a graduate of Sadhana Studies and served on Adeline’s Seva Squad for a decade. Natalie was instantly drawn to the creativity behind asana sequencing and its effects on the mind, body and spirit. Through playful and thoughtful teaching, she wants to bring healing and empowerment to our youth and adults of diverse backgrounds. Today Natalie is on Adeline Yoga’s faculty and serves as the Operations Manager. Natalie is also a multidisciplinary artist and has a small business, Natalie Rose Textiles. She teaches art to youth and adults throughout the Bay Area.. If you have any questions for her, she would love hearing from you: natalie@adelineyoga.comn