* Certified Professional Level Kripalu Yoga Teacher, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Lenox, MA

* B.A. Indology, Wilson College and University of Mysore, South India

* Certified Shiatzu Practitioner, The Meridian Shiatzu Institute, Philadelphia, PA

* M.A. Humanities, Pennsylvania State University; emphasized comparative literature and feminist critical studies

* Ph.D candidate Clinical Psychology, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, CA

* Member of Yoga Alliance, providing support, standards and recognition for Yoga professionals

Kait Philbin, RYT, has been teaching yoga since 1991. Along with the Kripalu methodology of self investigation that cultivates discerning inner awareness to feelings, sensations, mind activity and physical balance and natural alignment during practice, she blends the insights acquired from her studies with a number of teachers, most notably Victor van Kooten and Angela Farmer, creating an integrated practice. Kait's study of Shiatsu, 5 Element Theory, and the Taoist system of Yin and Yang with Carolee Parker, and Taoist anatomy with Paul Grilley has inspired her to incorporate both a Yin style of holding relaxed poses to gently work the deeper connective tissue, and a Yang style to strengthen and release muscles and tendons. Most recently, Kait has been studying intensively with Sarah Powers and Paul Grilley and completed a teacher training with them both.

Kait has been a student of Hinduism and Buddhism in both Asia and the U.S. Having spent five years studying and working in India and the Far East, she has some lived experience of the origins of eastern spirituality, and approaches her teaching with a meditative and respectful attitude toward the process. In recent years she has been inspired by such Western teachers as Jack Kornfield, Gil Fronsdal and Thanissaro Bhikkhu in the Theravadin tradition (Vipassana).

Kait has taught in hospitals, corporations, yoga studios, community centers, women's centers and churches. She moved to California from Philadelphia in 1998. After suffering a debilitating injury a few years ago, she drew physical, emotional and spiritual strength through painstakingly practicing yoga and Buddhism through full recovery. Kait lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband Young Il.