CARLA OLLA, director
SCHEDULE
“My mission is to create a welcoming space for people of all ages and skill levels to learn the ancient art of yoga. I began practicing yoga in 2000 to heal an injury, was hooked from the first class, and knew I wanted to share what was so helpful and healing with others. I truly believe that yoga is a way to empower our selves, both physically and emotionally. Yoga affects my own life in such profound ways that I want to share my love of practicing and teaching yoga with everyone who wants to learn it.”
Carla is a 200- and 300-hour ERYT Yoga Alliance Certified teacher. She completed her first Yoga Teacher Training at Bliss Yoga Center in Woodstock, NY and has been teaching since 2004. She later became a Jivamukti Certified Yoga Teacher in 2012. Carla has also earned certificates in Ayurveda Yoga, Reiki and Thai Yoga Massage. She co-produced, with Paula Hanke, an informational DVD, “Chair Yoga for a Vital Life.” Carla studies with many teachers in various styles, and has been most powerfully influenced by her teachers Sharon Gannon and David Life, the founders of Jivamukti Yoga.
She served as the founder and owner of Love Yoga Center in Naples, FL from 2010-2017, where she developed her 200- and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training Programs. In early 2018, Carla satisfied a longtime desire to return to the Hudson Valley and became the owner and director of Rhinebeck Yoga Center. Her eclectic teaching style is rooted in the Jivamukti tradition and also draws upon years of study with many teachers. Her classes are upbeat, welcoming, devotional and fun.
Carla has led numerous “Journey to Sacred India” retreats to share her love of the land where yoga was born. Students and teachers have first-hand experiences of cultural landmarks (The Taj Mahal, Arati on the Ganga River, the “Pink City” of Jaipur, palaces, ancient temples), authentic kirtan, inspiring teachings, daily asana class and delicious home-cooked Indian meals.
Before becoming a yoga teacher, Carla worked as a professional musician and was guitarist on a world tour with Deborah Harry, earning her a Gold Record. In her spare time, she studies Sanskrit, is learning to play the Harmonium, and enjoys hiking, as well as sitting and dreaming in the Catskill Mountains.