Robert was introduced to yoga at the age of 7 by his father who began practicing yoga in the 1950's. Robert felt an immediate connection to yoga at that time, and became fully immersed in the practice in 1987 after suffering a back injury while skydiving.

Intensive personal practice and study with some of the finest teachers including Dean Lerner (Senior Iyengar Teacher), Tim Miller (Ashtanga), Kali Ray (Tri-yoga Flow), Yogi Hari (Classical), Andrei Sidersky (Esoteric), Angela Farmer and Victor Van Kooten (Innovative Exploration), turned an obstacle into an opportunity. Robert was certified to teach in 1992 through the Yoga Vedanta, Science and Arts Center under Yogi Hari & Leela Mataji.

Robert established Three Rivers Yoga Institute in 1993 and was the FIRST yoga studio in the Pittsburgh area. Robert brings 20 years of daily practice, a pain free back, and a deep understanding of the therapeutic application of the practice to his classes. His approach is humorous and compassionate helping students to move beyond self perceived limitations.

Robert has many other talents including martial arts for 30 years. Robert is an avid drummer of 41 years and writes a monthly column in Drum Magazine (Yoga for Drummers). Stay tuned for Robert's upcoming DVD. Robert is also trained in the Lotus Palm method of Thai Yoga Massage and is a gifted bodyworker providing a theraputic and transformational healing experience. Robert is certified through Yoga Alliance at the 500 Hour Level.

Cindi began practicing yoga in 1998 to alleviate symptoms of a chronic illness. Cindi completed the Three Rivers Yoga Instititue Teacher Training Program in 2002 under the guidance of Robert Barton. Cindi also recently completed a three week residential Advanced Teacher Training Program with Donna Farhi and Marcia Monroe in New Zealand. Cindi is deeply grateful to have the opportunity to assist Donna Farhi in her workshops locally and nationally. Other influences include Judith Lasater, Angela Farmer, Victor Van Kooten, Paulie Zink and Ana Forrest. Cindi was certified as a Restorative Yoga Relax and Renew Trainer through Judith Lasater in 2006 and completed Advanced Certification in 2008. Cindi is listed on Judith Lasater's website for approved Restorative Yoga Relax and Renew Trainers; http://www.restorativeyogateachers.com/listman/listings/l0110.html

Cindi transitioned from a 23 year corporate career to continue her journey of healing, teaching yoga as well as other healing modalities. Cindi shares her experience through her warm and supportive teaching style, encouraging the student to listen to the inner teacher, inner guide, and inner wisdom (based on the work of Donna Farhi, Marcia Monroe and the Pedagogic Model of teaching). Cindi is deeply grateful for the gift of yoga and is honored to be able to share this gift with others through her life work. Cindi is registered through Yoga Alliance at the 500 Hour Level.

Joe came to Three Rivers Yoga in 2005 to complement his longtime meditation practice with Yoga. Joe studied Transcendental Meditation from 1969-1972 and is associated with the Rochester Zen Center, practicing Buddhist meditation since 1983. Joe holds a first degree black belt, Japanese Shotokan Style and has practiced marital arts in the Japanese/Okinawan/Indoesian styles for nearly 20 years. Joe currently serves as the Medical Director, Occupational Medicine/Employee Health at Mercy Hospital. Joe’s hobbies include gardening, fitness, nutrition, alternative/complementary medicine, spiritual traditions, biking on rails to trails, hiking and spending time with his longtime wife Debbie, and their two canine companions, Iggy and Gabby, rescued from animal shelters. Joe teaches Anatomy for the Three Rivers Yoga Teacher Training Program, and is able to apply the basic anatomy principals and experiential knowledge in a way that is easily understood by students and teachers of yoga.

Sue Brandell came to Three Rivers Yoga in 2003 to deepen her 10 year practice of Yoga. Sue has been involved in public education for over 34 years, teaching high school Math. Sue has always been active physically and taught aerobics for 15 years, however, found yoga to be satisfying on all levels of her being. Sue completed over 500 hours in the Three Rivers Yoga Lifestyle and Teacher Training Program in 2005. Sue is fascinated by the “inner” energy of the practice, the power of this energy and the use of this energy to bring vitality to the practice via the breath. Sue has a friendly, warm and nurturing teaching style and a wealth of experience to share.

Jay began practicing in 2003 when he received a gift of a month of classes at Three Rivers Yoga. Jay was attracted to the practice at the onset, fascinated by the dynamics of the breath and movement as one. Jay completed the Three Rivers Yoga Lifestyle Program in 2004 and Teacher Training Program in 2005. Jay participates regularly in yoga workshops to enhance his knowledge of the practice. Jay deeply enjoys teaching and sharing the practice with others as it has been such a positive influence in his life. Jay believes that if you practice consistently and patiently, the practice brings an opening of the body, mind and spirit. Jay is a wonderful teacher and has embraced the practice fully with his heart, which is reflected in his classes. Jay is currently being registered through Yoga Alliance for 500 Hour RYT.

Mariann began practicing yoga in 1999 at Three Rivers Yoga. Mariann realized the transformational qualities of the practice and decided to deepen her practice. She completed the Lifestyle Program in 2004 and the Teacher Training Program at Three Rivers Yoga in 2005. Mariann currently teaches at CCAC, the Duquesne Club and a local Women's Shelter, in addition to Three Rivers Yoga. Mariann has a very nurturing teaching style and teaches from her experience. Mariann enjoys teaching children and assists in teaching the Kids Yoga and Teens Yoga sessions.

Julie Booth has studied and practiced yoga since the year 2000. Julie recently graduated from the Three Rivers Yoga Institute 500 Hour Teacher Training Program under the instruction of Bob and Cindi. Julie currently teaches several weekly yoga classes at The Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center and The Washington Hospital, in Washington, PA, where she currently resides. As a mother of three children, Julie realizes the need for nurturing and balance for the body, mind, and soul. Her classes reflect this, as well as her dedication and respect to the traditional Hatha Yoga practice. Julie is also certified in Massage Therapy and a Reiki Level 1 Practitioner.

Annie, raised in Beaver County, became interested in yoa during a yoga show in the late 60's. She moved to Washington D.C. to begin a career in Radiology. In D.C. Annie took yoga classes in the Metropolitan area and at a Community College. Since the age of 18, she has been a vegetarian who loves to cook with whole and organic foods. Returning to Beaver County, she changed her career to become a hairstylist, specializing in hair color. She took advantage of professional training at Three Rivers Yoga Institute and has completed the Yoga Lifestyle Program, Teacher Training Program at the 500 Hour Level, and the Reiki Master Level. Annie graduated Teacher Training in December of 2007 with a specialization in Restorative Yoga. For 40 years, Annie has been practicing yoga and will continue her education while teaching others.

New to Yoga but not to fitness on all levels, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual! Edit has been committed to wellness since adolescence. She began teaching fitness classes 27 years ago, in her home town Budapest, Hungary. A little more than 17 years ago, she visited Pittsburgh, PA where she met her husband Fritz, and they now have a son, Raymond.

Edit began her Yoga experience at Three Rivers Yoga with Bob & Cindi more than 4 years ago, where she has since participated in a rigorous 2 year program, including Yoga Lifestyle Training, followed by Yoga Teacher Training Program. Edit participates in ongoing training through workshops and classes. Edit is totally immersed in her commitment to Yoga. Edit's attitude & youthful approach adds an energized element unique to each class whether she participates or teaches. Edit is a member of Yoga Alliance, which is an organization for Yoga instructors, committed to adequate training & experience, as well as a code of ethics which promotes safety & satisfaction for the Yoga student. Edit aspires to share what she learns & have fun, too!

Kathy's teen-age daughter brought her to her first yoga experience at Three Rivers in 2001. Kathy stayed and her passion for yoga grew. Kathy has a daily yoga and meditation practice and applies yoga pricipals and philosophy to patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary illness. Kathy is currently an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Pitt and the Director of Lifestyle Medicine for the UPMC Cardiovascular Institute where she has a busy clinical practice. She is the primary investigator for a study examining the effect of yoga and acupuncture on atrial fibrillation and inflamation in coronary artery disease. Kathy has earned her doctorate in exercise and stress physiology from Pitt. She has completed training at Harvard with Herbert Benson, MD in the Relaxation Response as well as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Professional Training with Jon Kabit-Zinn, Ph.D. Most recently, she earned her certification for Hatha Yoga as well as Restorative Yoga from Three Rivers Yoga Institute Kathy loves to be in nature with her husband and grown children, and her psycho-dog, Angel, a big yellow happy lab. Laughter and yoga are her favorite pastimes.

Kim began practicing yoga in 1999. Gradually through regular dedication & discovering a sense of balance her practice blossomed. Her yoga practice is a daily discipline that transforms every area of her life. She is a huge advocate of horses and in the future hopes to somehow integrate yoga, horses, & teaching. Her classes focus on honoring the body as well as exploring & experiencing yoga as a journey not a destination. Kim was fortunate to complete workshops with Dharma Mittra, Judith Lasater, Kali Ray, & Ana Forrest. She graduated from the Three Rivers Yoga Lifestyle program in 2006. Kim then went on to complete her Teacher Training at Three Rivers Yoga Institute in 2007.

Dr. Anjali has over 18 years experience in the medical field, with a concentration in Ayurveda and Yoga. Dr. Anjali is a recognized teacher for post-graduate students at the University of Pune, India. Dr. Anjali has been the professor and dean of the College of Ayurveda and Research Center in Pune, India since 1999. We are honored to have Dr. Anjali working with us to introduce this ancient healing modality and to promote holistic healing on all levels based on individual constitution.

Three Rivers Yoga Insitute Code of Ethics

1. Uphold the integrity of my vocation by conducting myself in a professional and conscientious manner.

2. Acknowledge the limitations of my skills and scope of practice and where appropriate, refer students to seek alternative instruction, advice, treatment, or direction.

3. Create and maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for the practice of yoga.

4. Encourage diversity actively by respecting all students regardless of age, physical limitations, race, creed, gender, ethnicity, religion affiliation, or sexual orientation.

5. Respect the rights, dignity, and privacy of all students.

6. Avoid words and actions that constitute sexual harassment.

7. Adhere to the traditional yoga principles as written in the Yamas and Niyamas.

8. Follow all local government and national laws that pertain to my yoga teaching and business.