About Our Faculty:
Michael Joel Hall (he/him)
Michael is an experienced Ashtanga Yoga teacher and wellness advocate based out of Washington, DC. With a deep passion for sharing the transformative power of yoga, he serves as the director of DC Ashtanga, a prominent mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga program in the city. Through this program, he guides students in developing a dedicated and self-paced practice that fosters personal growth, strength, and mindfulness.
In addition to his work at DC Ashtanga, Michael is the proud owner of miDCity Yoga, a corporate wellness provider that brings the benefits of yoga directly to offices, workplaces, conferences, and special events. With a commitment to making yoga accessible and convenient, he offers quality instruction tailored to the unique needs and demands of modern professionals, promoting overall well-being and stress reduction in corporate settings.
Michael's journey in wellness and holistic practices began in his upbringing in a rural farming and fishing community, where he cultivated an appreciation for the interconnection between nature, body, and mind. He further pursued his passion through integrative studies at George Mason University's New Century College, where he combined his interests in non-profit work and public relations. This educational background equipped him with valuable skills in community engagement, effective communication, and promoting positive change.
In addition to his yoga career, Michael has also spent many years working in the belly of a renowned comedy club, observing artists honing their live performance art as a vehicle for change on a nightly basis. Drawing from this experience, he brings a unique blend of humor and lightness to his teaching, creating an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere for his students. His ability to infuse joy and laughter into the practice inspires students to find a balance between effort and playfulness.
Outside the realm of yoga and comedy, Michael leads an active lifestyle and enjoys various physical pursuits. As an avid CrossFitter, marathon runner, and paddleboard enthusiast, he recognizes the importance of movement, fitness, and adventure in maintaining a balanced and vibrant life. These experiences enrich his understanding of the human body, resilience, and the joy of embracing new challenges.
Driven by his values of social justice and elevated consciousness, Michael remains dedicated to creating positive change both on and off the mat. He believes in the power of yoga to empower individuals, foster mindfulness, and promote a sense of unity and compassion. With a contagious enthusiasm for life, he encourages his students to explore their potential, embrace personal growth, and find joy in the journey.
When not sharing his passion for yoga or making people laugh, you can find Michael engaging in community service, exploring nature, or immersing himself in creative pursuits. Above all, he cherishes the opportunity to make a positive impact, inspire others, and create meaningful connections through the practice of Ashtanga Yoga.
2008: 200-Hour Training Sivananda
Studied Sivananda Yoga at the Ashram on Paradise Island. Received 200 Hour accreditation. Michael still teaches the yoga of synthesis as taught by Swami Sivananda.
2008: Founded miDCity Yoga
Began working professionally as a corporate wellness facilitator, with clients like HUD, SEC, and the White House.
2009: Iyengar Apprentice
After studying Iyengar Yoga with Kristen Krash, began a formal apprenticeship. Completed in 2010.
2012: 10-day Goenka Vipassana Retreat
Michael attended a silent meditation retreat in North Fork, California, learning to practice vipassana meditation. Michael maintains a regular sitting practice
2013: Ashtanga Apprentice
Apprenticed with Tova Steiner, L2 Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Teacher.
2014: Founded DC Ashtanga
Established an Ashtanga Yoga shala (school) in the Mysore tradition with a mission of inclusivity.
2015: Formally Assisted David Garrigues
After completing many trainings, including specialized immersions into the primary, intermediate, and yoga sutras, Michael began formally assisting David in 2015. Michael proudly modeled for David’s book on the Primary series.
2016: Ashtanga Authorization
Received Level 2 authorization from the KPJ Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India under the direction of Paramaguru Sharath Jois.
2017: Ashtanga Pranayama
4 months of structured practice and education featuring North and South Indian Pranayamas with Rolf Noujkat. Michael began practicing the formal astanga pranayamas with Rolf in 2012. Michael maintains a regular pranayama practice..
2018: Trauma Informed Care Course
Completed the Trauma Informed Care Webinar Series offered by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, proctored by the Trauma Informed Care Center.
2019: Mobility Specialist Certification
Received certification as a Human Movement Specialist by Functional Anatomy Seminars, founded by Dr André Spinoa. Michel teaches Functional Range Conditioning, a scientific approach to strength training and mobility.
Heather Sullivan (she/her)
Heather is co-owner and director of Birmingham Yoga, where she leads and teaches the mysore program. Outside of Birmingham Yoga, she teaches meditation, mindfulness and yoga to those seeking support in recovery from Eating Disorders (ED) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
Heather first came to yoga in her twenties but nothing stuck until she was introduced to Ashtanga Yoga. She immediately fell in love with the meditative qualities and structure of the mysore style method and began to cultivate a daily practice where she continues to uncover layers of information about herself and her practice.
Heather completed her 200 Hour Training with Akasha Ellis, which began an endless pursuit of knowledge in the vast field of yoga. Heather credits Akasha with fostering a deep love and curiosity of yoga and the inspiration and confidence to teach.
Heather was incredibly fortunate to continue her studies with Tim Miller (Encinitas, CA) in 2017 where she completed a 100 hour Primary Series Teacher Training. Heather took regular trips to Encinitas to study with Tim in 2017 and 2018.
In 2020, Heather began a three year mentorship program with Taylor Hunt at Ashtanga Yoga Columbus. Taylor has been instrumental in her work with the recovery community and she credits Taylor with instilling the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive community outside of the yoga room. She continues to work with Taylor assisting with the AYC Mentorship program and co-hosting retreats (see you in Costa Rica!).
In the yoga room, Heather’s teaching style is light-hearted and compassionate. Her goal is to make the practice of yoga accessible to everyone. You can expect to be challenged, supported and directed toward self-inquiry.
“My goal is to provide an open and inviting space where the practice of yoga itself can be the teacher. I have been fortunate to find countless benefits including a more loving and compassionate attitude toward myself and others through my practice and look forward to seeing what the practice uncovers for you.”
Cory Bryant (he/him)
Cory is Founder/Director of Yoga Shala Nashville & The Spiritual Pilgrim. He discovered yoga shortly after 9/11, while living in NYC—initially through a soft introduction at the Integral Hatha Yoga Institute in the West Village and then with the mind-blowing, tapas-inducing experience of Jivamukti Yoga. Since that time, pretty much everything about the way he views the world has been challenged, bringing with it transformation from a goal-oriented, judgmental, high-tempered, career-driven person to the more even-minded, compassionate person he humbly aspires to be today.
Cory began teaching yoga at Flow Yoga Center in Washington, DC, in 2008 after completing teacher training at Flow in 2007 and Jivamukti in 2008. In the years that followed, his commitment to practice and teaching continually deepened, and in December 2015, he resigned from an international food policy position at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to pursue yoga study, practice and teaching full-time. He lives in East Nashville with his husband Richard and their rescue dogs Buddy, Bella & Puja.
Cory’s study and practice has also been supported by Tim Feldmann, Jen René, Michael Joel Hall, Maggie Lively, Tim Miller and David Garrigues. David Life, Sharon Gannon, Ruth Lauer Manenti, Andrea Boyd, Jill Abelson and Alanna Kaivalya of Jivamukti Yoga were his early teachers and mentors and he attributes much of his understanding of yoga to them. Cory practices and teaches the Primary (Yoga Chikitsa) and Intermediate (Nadi Shodana) Series of Ashtanga Yoga.
Cory’s Training:
200hour Certification from Flow Yoga Center, Washington, DC - Feb, 2008
350hour Certification from Jivamukti Yoga School, New York, NY - May 2008
5 trips to India - total of 5 months spent in-country practicing and studying Ashtanga Yoga & Buddhism
10 trips to Nepal - total of 14 months spent in-country practicing and studying Buddhism and meditation
Taught weekly classes at Flow Yoga Center from 2008 through 2019
100hour Ashtanga Second Series Training with Tim Miller, Encintas, CA - Aug 2016
5-day Weekend immersion Second Series Training with David Garrigues, Philadephia, PA - 2017
100hour Ashtanga Teacher Intensive with David Garrigues, Phoenix, AZ - Nov 2017
2 year Apprenticeship with David Garrigues, Philadelphia, PA & Kovalam, India - 2016-2019
200hour Ashtanga Practitioners Intensive with Kino MacGregor & Tim Feldmann - Summer 2020
8 week Mindful Leader Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course - 2021
10-day Goenka Vipassana Retreat - Jessup, GA - 2021
6 month Wakeful Body meditation course with Lama Willa Blythe Baker - 2022
8 week Buddhist Studies course, Rangyung Yeshe Institute, Kathmandu, Nepal - June/July 2022
Tergar Joy of Living Level 1 and 2 completed 2023
Tergar Path of Liberation Level 1 completed May 2023