Rich Ray - director
Rich Ray is a Level II Authorized Ashtanga yoga teacher. He has made numerous trips to Mysore for study under the tutelage of the Jois family, in particular Sri K. Pattbhi Jois and Paramaguru Sharath Jois. He was authorized to teach by Paramaguru Sharath Jois.
Rich began practice in 1996 with David Garrigues. His depth of learning increased under the tutelage or Rolf and Marci Naujokat. Rich has been teaching Ashtanga full time since 2012.
His teaching is also informed by his Zen Buddhist practice which consists of 25+ years of study, four of which constituted full time training at a silent Zen monastery under the guidance of a Zen Roshi.
Mena Richard - assistant
Mena has been a student of yoga since 2019 and a 200 hour certified Vinyasa and Hatha yoga instructor since 2022.
In 2023, she stepped into the Shala of Ashtanga Portland Maine where she developed a greater sense of embodied awareness and purpose within Asana that has been transformative to her practice, yoga instruction, and life overall. She is immensely grateful for the teachings of Rich Ray and the opportunity to assist under his guidance.
In taking on this role she is enthusiastic about deepening her understanding of asana and being an aid for anyone else that is drawn to do the same.