Derek Goodwin Photography
Not only is April a yoga teacher, she is also a yoga student. She consciously and constantly places herself in the seat of the student, taking classes daily at Jivamukti, studying Sanskrit and philosophy. Because of this, she has a knack for describing the Jivamukti method in an undiluted way, and is knowledgeable about asana, Sanskrit, yogic scriptures and anatomy.
April’s classes are thoughtfully sequenced and fun, typically building up to a peak pose in a smart, safe, alignment based way. There is an ebb and flow to the class, a pacing that allows you to build heat through movement and breath. April gets the “why” of an asana and it is felt, in a way that is approachable to all levels of student. Everything that happens in the classroom is done with purpose and high intention, from the dharma talk and chanting, music and asana, through to the end of class.
Above all what sets April apart from other teachers is her enthusiasm and love of teaching. She is a seasoned yoga instructor, yet she leads class with the excitement and focus of someone just beginning. She is relatable and approachable, and uses stories and experiences from her own life that motivates students to explore what they are
capable of doing.
April began her yoga practice in 2008 as a preparation for surf camp in Costa Rica, but fell in love with yoga and only fell in-like with surfing. She was drawn to the tenets of Jivamukti Yoga – the emphasis on ahiṃsā (non-harming) and śāstra (scripture). Her yoga practice sustained her through her corporate career. Handstands in hotel rooms helped alleviate the demands of an intense travel/work schedule. After 7 years as a campus recruiter for the financial industry, April attended NYU and earned an MA in School Counseling. She worked in the education world, as well as owned and operated a vegan/gluten free cookie company called Cookie Devi for a few years before becoming a full-time yoga teacher in 2013.
In 2013, April attended the Jivamukti Teacher Training at Omega Institute, thanks to the grace of her teachers, a scholarship from Russell Simmons, and the generous donations of the Jivamukti community.
In April 2014, April completed her 800-hour certification, apprenticing under Gayatri Sandhi Ferreira, and became an Advanced Certified teacher in January 2015.
April is also certified to teach aerial yoga through AerialMukti Yoga, as well as certified to teach kids yoga through Karma Kids Yoga, and has a certificate specific to teaching yoga in K-12 schools.
April feels honored to pass on the teachings of yoga. She gives thanks and reverence to her holy teachers who have endlessly inspired and supported her: Sharon Gannon, David Life, Ruth Lauer-Manenti, Sandhi Gayatri Ferreira, Rima Rabbath, and Monica Jaggi.
Cover Photo by Wari Om Yoga Photography
april dechagas 