Purna Yoga East

Catharine began her study of yoga in 1996 as a way to reduce the effects of stress in her life. Through her practice and teaching she found yoga to be a guiding force for her physical, mental and spiritual well-being. She feels better, is stronger, laughs more and enjoys the gifts of each and every day. She studies regularly with the founders of Purna Yoga, Aadil Palkhivala and Savitri, with whom she has travelled to India. She is on faculty at the Purna Yoga College at Alive and Shine Centers in Bellevue, WA where she teaches a Yoga Alliance 500 hour teacher training course, she also teaches the 200 hour Yoga Alliance teacher training course in Clayton, NC at Purna Yoga Eas...

Shari earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology in 1990 and started her career in the mental health field. In 2007 she shifted her focus from mental health to physical health and healing and completed her licensure in massage and bodywork.

Once she started classes at Purna Yoga East in 2018 she found that yoga was a perfect natural progression for bringing the mental, physical and spiritual together. In an ongoing quest to go deeper, Shari completed her 200 hour teacher training in 2019.

Shari currently lives with her husband and youngest son in Garner and lives spending time in the mountains!

With over 35 years of formal exercise experience, Martha's extensive knowledge of a variety of fitness disciplines has provided a strong foundation as she has pursed formal yoga training. Originally from Pennsylvania, Martha moved to North Carolina in 1984 where she taught aerobics for several years. Martha then became interested in Tai Chi after being introduced to the practice by her mother in law. Martha has practiced Tai Chi for over 15 years; her Tai Chi journey includes a teaching certification received in 2014. In 2016, Martha moved to Clayton to be closer to her daughter and grandson; Martha joined Purna Yoga shortly after moving and has developed a love for both the people and the practice. Focusing on physical, mental, and emotional wellness through the practice of yoga and Tai Chi is Martha's passion.

April began studying yoga out of an interest in fitness. She was taking a break from “boot camp” and the gym mentality, and after finding Purna Yoga East, she never went back. From the first class, she felt she had found the perfect solution to an integration of health, fitness and overall well-being. By the end of the beginner sessions, Purna Yoga East felt like her home away from home. She couldn’t get enough. Bob would jokingly tell Catharine that she needed her own key since she was always there.”She enrolled in the 200-hour Purna Yoga teacher training to deepen her own practice, not intending to teach. Since graduating she has felt called to share with others the deep love an...

Bob began his study of yoga in 2001 out of an interest in athletics and health. Living an active life-style for over 60 years, he appreciated the positive energy and welcoming community in his yoga classes. While studying regularly with Catharine at Purna Yoga East (formerly East Second Street Yoga and Massage), he also attends Purna Yoga Workshops with Aadil Palkhivala and Savitri and with Bryan Legere, one of the inventors of the Great Yoga Wall. In June 2009 Bob graduated from the Purna Yoga College 200 hour Yoga Alliance teacher training intensive at Yoga Centers in Bellevue, WA. In September 2010 he completed the 500 hour level of training at the College of Purna Yoga. Bob is now a 500 Hour Yo...

Cathy has been studying yoga at Purna Yoga East (formerly East Second Street Yoga) since 2006. She began to learn more about yoga after interviewing Catharine Eberhart (PYE director) for an article for the local newspaper, The Clayton News-Star, back in 2002. Although her busy work schedule as news editor at the newspaper and an even busier family life initially kept her from pursuing a yoga practice, once she attended her first yoga class she was hooked! Over the years, Cathy has experienced the many benefits of yoga, including increased strength and flexibility and a greater sense of well-being that comes with taking time to care for oneself. However, she believes the greatest gift of studying yoga at ...

Cindy began taking Purna Yoga classes in 2010 and has been a dedicated student ever since. She has enjoyed workshops with Aadil Palkhivala, co-founder of Purna Yoga, and Bryan Legere,co- inventor of The Great Yoga Wall. Cindy is eager to share her yoga experience with others, as she finds yoga a necessary part of her life. Keeping one’s body toned and healthy is crucial to the aging process.Cindy is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Dean.They have two grown sons who are always close at heart. In her free time Cindy enjoys painting, decorating, shopping, going to the beach, playing with her retrievers, McKenzie, Stella and Libbie and cheering for the Wolfpack. Cindy is a graduate ...

Through her yoga practice Gayle has discovered another aspect of her deep calling. “I knew at age 12 I would be a teacher….” Having taught in Wake County Schools for 30 years she is excited to expand her teaching into the wonderful world of Yoga. “When I walk in to Purna Yoga East I get such a feeling of being home. My wish is to help others feel welcomed and at home as they too, discover the joy I have found practicing Purna Yoga." Gayle is an avid cat fan and lives in Clayton with her 2 furry friends Gracie and P’nut. She enjoys reading, and cooking. All of her activities have been brought to a more enjoyable level by the teachings at Purna Yoga East. “Being mo...

Leslie Waugh, RYT 200, started exploring yoga in high school. Herrelationship with the practice took a meandering path, but she hasbeen a dedicated student for 12 years. After studying with JaneBarrett at Raleigh Yoga Center for five years, she moved toWashington, D.C., where she studied at John Schumacher’s Unity WoodsCenter and other studios and gyms. Leslie completed her firstteacher-training program in 2008 with Iyengar-certified instructorBobbi Goldin in Miami. In 2010, while working full-time as ajournalist, she completed a 200-hour course and received hercertification from Boundless Yoga in Washington, D.C., where shetaught bef...

Megan was introduced to yoga on the recommendation of a physical therapist to help alleviate pain caused by ice skating. Megan loved yoga from her very first class. She practiced yoga off and on for many years before finding a home-base studio. After finding Purna Yoga East in September 2017, she began a regular practice. Megan graduated from the Purna Yoga College 200 hour teacher training in August 2018. In her free time, Megan enjoys going on adventures with her husband and their two fur babies.

Rebecca Sprowl began her study of yoga in 2010 as part of her exercise routine. She came to Purna Yoga East in 2016 in search of a teacher training course and fell in love with it. “It is so different than any other yoga I have practiced and incorporates all of the things I am passionate about...spirituality, wellness, nutrition, and mindfulness.” Rebecca has discovered the benefits of Purna Yoga in all aspects of her life. “It has greatly reduced my stress level and allowed me to be present and efficient in the many roles I have in life...wife, mother, teacher, etc.”
Active all her life, Rebecca played competitive soccer growing up. She has run two marathons and several half marathons. She has also ...

Teressa has been active all of her life, enjoying sports, fitness programs, martial arts and scuba diving. Scuba diving excursions to exotic locations brings the family together, her husband and daughter share her love of the ocean and all the creatures that call it home. As a Marine Scientist, her daughter is traveling the world to bring awareness to the conservation needs of our oceans. Teressa has been working with elementary school students for the past twenty years. “My students make my heart smile every day.” An invitation to Purna Yoga East began an awakening that has brought a beautiful calming peace to her spirit, mind and body. As a life-long learner with a desire to acquire a deepe...