​Kirsten Askins is the heart and soul behind Hanu Yoga & Holistic Arts Studio. After a special education teacher position ended with a reduction in force in 2010, Kirsten followed her lifelong passion for the spiritually metaphysical and opened Hanu Yoga in 2011—creating a welcoming sanctuary that blends ancient wisdom with modern accessibility.

Her journey into yoga began in the bustling streets of New York City, where she discovered the practice through the legendary Dharma Mittra,  while navigating the demands of advertising. Disillusioned by corporate life, she left NYC in 1996 for the healing shores of Maui, Hawaii—her "paradise" for seven transformative years. There, she immersed herself in intensive one-on-one training at Maui Yoga Shala and studied directly with Nancy Gilgoff, one of the first women authorized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois to teach Ashtanga Yoga in his lineage. In an era before formal teacher training, permission to teach came through deep, dedicated practice and direct guidance from masters.

Over more than 30 years of continuous study and practice—including registered teacher trainings—Kirsten has woven a rich tapestry of styles: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Kundalini, restorative, gentle, chair yoga, and beyond. She infuses every class with her deep knowledge of Ayurveda, Sowa Rigpa, Reiki (as a Master Teacher), Healing Touch, aromatherapy, herbalism, world religions, astrology, tarot, and her current devotion to Kriya Yoga.

What to expect in Kirsten's classes is a moving meditation that transcends the physical: a harmonious blend designed to link mind, body, and soul, guiding you toward divine consciousness, inner peace, love, and bliss. Whether you're building strength and flexibility, seeking deep relaxation, or exploring subtle energy work, her classes meet you exactly where you are—warm, intuitive, and infused with spiritual mysticism.

Kirsten has cultivated a community space for all levels, offering not only yoga but also Reiki sessions, sound healing, guided meditation, astrology readings, tarot consultations, and holistic workshops. It's a place to recharge, reconnect, and rediscover the joy of being fully present.​ Come practice, breathe, and awaken with us. Kirsten invites you ​to experience the magic for yourself.

Her favorite Mantra is "Om Namah Shivaya-Adoration to Pure Existence, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether."

Jane Grode is a dedicated and experienced yoga teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience, blending traditional yoga practices with a deeply faith-based approach.

Her yoga journey began in the early 1970s at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in New York City, and at the same time Jane completed a one-on-one training in  Transcendental Meditation. She spent many years studying and practicing Iyengar-style yoga under her mentor, Jyoti Crystal, at Starseed Yoga in Montclair, NJ. In 2002, she completed her RYT 200-hour yoga teacher training with Raji Thron at Yoga Synthesis, a program that integrates various styles of yoga.

In addition to her yoga practice, Jane is a long-time practitioner of meditation, Centering Prayer, and Reiki. She is an active member of the Christians Practicing Yoga international network, which supports Christians who incorporate yoga into their spiritual lives. She has led faith-based, Christ-centered yoga classes, retreats, and workshops.

Jane taught the first class at Hanu Yoga when it opened on October 1st 2011, and has been a main pillar of keeping Hanu Yoga present in the community. She offers yoga sessions often described as making life a prayer.

Jane's favorite mantra/quote:  Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

Jamey Brooks Stofko is a licensed occupational therapist and yoga teacher with a Master's in Integrative Health and Wellness from Georgian Court University. As a Usui Holy Fire Reiki Master Teacher, shamanic student, and member of the International Association of Sound Therapists, she weaves the medicine wheel, energy medicine, and sound healing into her classes. Her therapeutic background shines through in gentle, adaptive yoga practices designed for all levels—especially those who thrive with a compassionate, slower-paced approach.

Her Favorite Mantra is " Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu-May all beings everywhere be happy and free."

Anne is an environmental professional who loves gardening, kayaking, and fishing. She calls Hanu Yoga her home. It was there that she first practiced and was encouraged to deepen her knowledge of yoga.

While Anne was reluctant to become a yoga teacher, it chased her down in 2017. She found herself working in corporate America for a not so good boss. She had just returned to work from a three-day yoga retreat and felt that she just couldn’t hold onto her Bhava. She took a spontaneous vacation day and yoga class to  breathing, in Sanskrit and Kirtan, in showing up consistently, and in serving others through seva at home, at work, and in the studio. 

Teaching yoga is part of this devotion, not something outside of it. Her classes allow joy, humor, and humanity to coexist with structure and tradition. She believes that the practice becomes an offering when we give it our effort, breath, and attention and release the need to perfect the pose.

Favorite Mantra/Quote "Practice and all is coming." Sri Pattabhi Jois

AJ stumbled into yoga during college, signing up for what he thought would be an easy credit. Instead, it became a life-changing revelation that quietly reshaped how he saw the world.

While building a career in science, he kept a steady (if sometimes on-again, off-again) yoga practice. Then life took a sharp turn: he became a full-time stay-at-home dad to three young children. For seven grounding years, yoga was his daily lifeline—helping him stay present, calm, and resilient through the beautiful chaos of parenthood.

After more than two decades of personal practice, AJ felt ready to share what yoga had given him. He now teaches with one core belief: yoga is for everyone—no matter your age, body, mobility, or experience.

His classes focus on breath, mindfulness, and inner connection rather than chasing perfect poses. Every posture comes with multiple options and modifications so students can meet themselves exactly where they are on that day. Warm, knowledgeable, and deeply compassionate, AJ guides people of all levels to discover greater ease, awareness, and self-acceptance—on the mat and beyond.

Favorite Mantra or Quote "We're all just walking each other home." Ram Dass

“If you open your heart and become like a child, you will always be blissful, always content.”-Sri Dharma Mittra

Amy's teaching is rooted in devotion, curiosity, and the subtle energy that unfolds when breath, movement, and awareness unite. She is a 500 E-RYT, having completed her advanced training under Sri Dharma Mittra, whose teachings continue to guide her toward compassion, humility, and living yoga as a sacred path.

Her classes weave together mindful asana, pranayama, and moments of stillness, inviting students to explore not only the physical body, but the subtle layers of energy beneath. Through conscious breathing, and intentional movement, we cultivate steadiness, clarity, and space for inner listening. You come to your practice for you, so expect permission to move with your body, breathe deeply, and soften into the wisdom already within.

For Amy, yoga is a living ritual, a remembering of our true Self, a tuning-in to prana, and an invitation to meet life with presence and an open heart. She is honored to hold space for this practice and to walk the path together, breath by breath.  

Om Namo Narayanaya- May we have world peace