Samadhi Staff

STAFF

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you"
- - Jesus Christ
He did not specify, or say if they were the same gender, nationality, race, or even species. He just said others.

Denise Alick

Director of Samadhi Yoga Center in Flushing Michigan began her yoga practice in 1998 after going to Camp Renora where she was first introduced to yoga every morning at Grace in the Woods and fell in love with the practice. She has trained and studied under the direction of Jonny Kest of the Detroit area and Kathy McNames of Yoga Vermont. Denise has also participated in workshops with Paul Grilly, David Swenson, Ana Forest, and Seane Corn. She began teaching in 2000 in various places in the surrounding area and opened the Samadhi Yoga Center in 2001. She is grateful for the opportunity to teach and to learn from those she practices with on a daily basis. She is honored for all of the teachers that she has had and for her family she gives her heartfelt gratitude for their love and support, and from the bottom of her heart she thanks God.

Susan Hicks

Susan was introduced to yoga by a close friend & fellow runner who is also a yoga instructor. She has been practicing yoga with the guidance of Denise Alick since 2008. No matter the season, she loves the outdoors and is an avid runner, kayaker and stargazer. Desiring to learn more about herself and the yoga experience, Susan completed the Ashtanga based teacher training course with Denise in the spring of 2009. She is inspired by her students and is excited to have the opportunity to help others discover the unlimited benefits of yoga.

Marcia McGee

Marcia Faye McGee (200hrs. KYTA and RYT) has been instructing yoga classes for over 3 years at the Samadhi Yoga Center. She is certified by the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health to instruct Kripalu style yoga. Marcia is also a graduate of the Samadhi Yoga Center Teacher’s Training Program, providing her with a solid Ashtanga /Hatha/Vinyasa foundation. Marcia continues to study with various teachers around the country to learn new ways to help people enjoy the inquiry of yoga. Finding yoga has been unexpected gift in Marcia’s life and she loves sharing this gift with everyone.

Peggy Odette

Peggy was introduced to yoga and meditation in the 70's with Lillias on PBS and transcendental meditation initiation and instruction at MSU. Over the years, she has studied and practiced yoga under the direction of Dorothy Kim, Christopher Baxter, Safi and Rachelle McGary. She has participated in meditation retreats with Jack Kornfield, Sarah Powers and Safi. Peggy is very grateful to Denise Alick for providing the training, encouragement and opportunity to maintain a daily yoga practice and lifestyle since 2003. She completed Denise's ashtanga-based teacher training in May 2006. As Peggy's career with Genesee County Family Court winds down, she hopes to find more time to explore and develop ways to bring yoga to those challenged with mental illness and addiction.

Mary Jane Phillips

Mary Jane Phillips, 200 hour RYT, is certified, in the Ashtanga Practice, by both Denise Alick, of Samadhi Yoga and Katherine Lucas of Karma Yoga in Bloomfield Hills. Mary Jane continues to explore the different aspects of yoga, drawing inspiration from the many teachers she's met. She believes that yoga offers the opportunity to find balance and growth both on and off the mat and thanks her teachers for showing her the importance of "breathing"

Michael Stewart

Michael has been a runner, cyclist and triathlete for over 30 years competing in many races. He came into yoga three years ago hoping to enhance his lifelong sports by gaining flexibility, balance and strength. About two years into his practice he not only realized the physical benefits of yoga but was given insight into the mental and spiritual benefits of a daily practice as well. He looks forward to teaching yoga and sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm of yoga to others. He feels teaching yoga will keep him focused on his life journey of peace and wellness. He particularly enjoys the Ashtanga and Vinyasa practices. Yoga keeps him strong and flexible in body and mind and helps him to understand that life is more than the race.

Rhonda Straley

Rhonda began in the fitness industry in 1989. She began teaching step aerobics and body toning classes. After a knee injury and multiple surgeries later she found Pilates and yoga to help re-build strength and endurance. She loved the core strength she found in Pilates and the mental and physical strength she gained from yoga. She has been practicing yoga and Pilates for the past five years. Yoga has brought peace and joy to her life. She was devastated when the knee injury occurred, but if it wasn't for the injury she may not have discovered yoga.