Roots & River 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Directed by Tara Lemerise and Machelle Lee
December 7th - May 18th, 2025

10 Weekends + Some Tuesday and Wednesday Evenings
Weekend Attendance is Mandatory
Weekday Evening Book Clubs are Flexible as We will have Recording Options

You are invited to join us in a transformative experience of studying the self in wholeness. Yoga is a gateway to depth and meaning and we are on a soul’s journey. The Roots & River 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) is an academically and spiritually designed curriculum that promotes and preserves the ancient wisdom and traditions of yoga while honoring and cultivating the application for the modern yogi.

Program directors and lead teachers, Tara Lemerise and Machelle Lee, have more than 50 years of combined yoga teaching experience and have curated a comprehensive program from their decades of personal practice and in-depth study. The Roots and River 200 Hour YTT curriculum meets and exceeds the requirements for yoga teacher certification and registration with the Yoga Alliance.  The learning environment includes lecture, on-the-mat practices, practical teaching experience, group discussion, and interactive activities. Although several yoga asana modalities and lineages will be explored, the emphasis is on well-rounded beginner, gentle and flow based Hatha Yoga with emphasis on Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga practices.

This life-friendly program will meet in-person for 10 weekends (Saturday and Sunday) over 6 months from December 2024 - May 2025, with several Tuesday and Wednesday evening online Book Clubs from 7:30-8:30pm via Zoom, and 6 student-led community classes (dates to be announced).

Through a scientifically informed and spiritually relevant East meets West approach, you will:

  • Increase your knowledge of the elements of a well-rounded yoga practice including yoga poses, fundamental yoga history and philosophy, basic pranayama (breath/energy) and meditation techniques.

  • Explore the subtler energies from the perspectives of the wisdom traditions of Yoga and Chinese Medicine and how to apply their principles through asana, pranayama, and meditation to deepen your experiences and to teach them effectively.

  • Read and discuss translations of ancient texts to understand yoga’s roots and reveal their relevance to the modern yogi.

  • Study musculoskeletal anatomy in order to understand possible variations in people’s structures so you can sequence classes in a bio-mechanically sound and safe way.

  • Familiarize yourself with the functions of the nervous system and basic neuroscience to apply yoga principles for self-regulation and trauma informed approaches to teaching.

  • Discuss applications of yoga through a psychological lens for mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

  • Plan creative, authentic classes that inspire, empower, and educate your personal practice and your students.

  • Learn and become a part of a vibrant community-based studio with passionate teachers and fellow students who inspire and support each other.

  • Discover your ability to take the seat of the teacher with confidence and integrity.

This 200 Hour YTT is for…

  • Dedicated students who wish to deepen their personal practice through immersion.

  • Those who want to broaden their base of yoga tradition, science, and psychology to inform  their personal practice or yoga teaching

  • Those who wish to become certified yoga teachers and eligible to register with Yoga Alliance.

  • Clinicians who want to incorporate yoga, meditation, spirituality, lifestyle practices, or breathwork into their practice.

Faculty  

Tara Lemerise - E-RYT 500, YACEP, Program Co-Director, Primary Faculty

Tara Lemerise began studying yoga asana and yoga philosophy in 1999 while pursuing a degree in philosophy and comparative religion at American University. Registered with Yoga Alliance at E-RYT-200/RYT-500, she has been teaching yoga since 2005 and considers herself as a well-travelled guide on the path, not an authoritarian who promises all of the right answers. She believes there is nothing to "fix" with yoga. Instead, there are only more opportunities to understand and be more fully present to our separate and together experiences of being embodied. From handstands to savasana and everything in between, Tara teaches the time-honored philosophy and practice of yoga in an accessible and joyful way with clear and helpful instructions to students of all levels. Tara's students describe her teaching as offered with dogma-free authenticity in harmony with honor for tradition, inspired by relatable stories rooted in yoga tradition that feel relevant to everyday life. She directs a thriving and welcoming online yoga community with students from all over the US. You will also find her leading in-person Restorative Yoga weekend retreats and workshops, teacher training, and continuing education programs for yoga teachers. Learn more at www.TaraLemeriseYoga.com

Machelle Lee, MA, E-RYT 500, CMT, YACEP: Program Co-Director, Primary Faculty

Founder of Roots & River Yoga, Machelle is a certified and registered yoga instructor and massage therapist who has earned a master’s degree in mythology and depth psychology. Since 1991 Machelle has led therapeutic movement and hatha yoga classes and workshops, demonstrating the complementary intersection of yoga asana and ancient Five Element Chinese Meridian Theory as a form of self acu-pressure/acu-tension. Machelle weaves anatomy, modern psychology, neurobiology, physiology, and poetry through Yin Yoga and flow-based practices in a creative and grounded approach to self-development. Machelle has led thousands of students in yoga classes and workshops both domestically and abroad and believes that the yoga practice is personal and uniquely assessable to enhance the life of anyone. With compassion, humor, and the ability to keenly witness, Machelle is honored to guide students toward reaching their potential - personally and as yoga teachers. 

The Roots & River 200 Hour YTT Dates and Times

This life friendly schedule meets for 10 in-person weekends on Saturdays and Sundays.
There are also five (5) Tuesday night and five (5) Wednesday night online book clubs from 7:30-8:30pm and ten (10) community classes for practice teaching and feedback.

In-Studio/In-Person Training Dates

  • Weekend 1: Sat/Sun, December 7th, 2024 (10:30am-6:00pm) and 8th (12:00pm-5:30pm)

  • Weekend 2: Sat/Sun, January 4th, 2025 (10:30am-6:00pm) and 5th (12:00pm-5:30pm)

  • Weekend 3: Sat/Sun, January 18th, 2025 (10:30am-6:00pm) and 19th (12:00pm-5:30pm)

  • Weekend 4: Sat/Sun, February 8th, 2025 (10:30am-6:00pm) and 9th (12:00pm-5:30pm)

  • Weekend 5: Sat/Sun, March 1st, 2025 (10:30am-6:00pm) and 2nd (12:00pm-5:30pm)

  • Weekend 6: Sat/Sun, March 15th, 2025 (10:30am-6:00pm) and 16th (12:00pm-5:30pm)

  • Weekend 7: Sat/Sun, March 29th, 2025 (10:30am-6:00pm) and 30rd (12:00pm-5:30pm)

  • Weekend 8: Sat/Sun, April 12th, 2025 (10:30am-6:00pm) and 13th (12:00pm-5:30pm)

  • Weekend 9: Sat/Sun, May 3rd, 2025 (10:30am-6:00pm) and 4th (12:00pm-5:30pm)

  • Weekend 10: Sat/Sun, May 17th, 2025 (10:30am-6:00pm) and 18th (12:00pm-5:30pm)

Tuesday and Wednesday Night Virtual Book Clubs

These group will explore relevant themes from the required reading. Participants should plan to attend each week for the livestream discussion. Recordings and a written assignments will be offered as an alternative to attendance on a case-by-case basis.

Book Club will meet LIVE from 7:30-8:30pm on the following Tuesday and Wednesday dates:

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Book Club

  • Wednesday, January 8th (7:30-8:30pm)

  • Wednesday, January 15th (7:30-8:30pm)

  • Wednesday, January 22nd (7:30-8:30pm)

  • Wednesday, January 29th (7:30-8:30pm)

  • Wednesday, February 5th (7:30-8:30pm)

Bhagavad Gita Book Club

  • Tuesday, February 28th (7:30-8:30pm)

  • Tuesday, March 6th (7:30-8:30pm)

  • Tuesday, March 13th (7:30-8:30pm)

  • Tuesday, March 20th (7:30-8:30pm)

  • Tuesday, March 27th (7:30-8:30pm)


Community Classes - Practice Teaching and Feedback

These classes give YTT participants the opportunity to develop a theme, sequence and teach to peers and members of the Roots & River community. The schedule for offering these classes will be created with the Yoga Teacher Traininees once the program starts. In the community classes, the first hour will be for the practice and the second hour for feedback. YTT participants who wish to graduation with a certification will be required to teach one (1) community class and to attend at least six (6) community classes/feedback sessions. Those taking the program for their own personal development can choose to teach a community class or not.

Course Requirements Include:

  • Live attendance at 90% of in-studio training weekends. Missed hours will need to be made by via recordings or private session with teachers at an additional cost.

  • Attendance of online book clubs and community classes/feedback. We encourage as much LIVE attendance as possible. If a session needs to be missed recordings can be provided with assigned written reflections/feedback on a case-by-case basis.

  • Regular yoga practice that includes at least 40 classes in total with lead instructors, Tara and Machelle. Through the course of the program, participants must take 20 yoga classes with Machelle Lee, either in-studio or online, at Roots & River Yoga AND 20 yoga classes with Tara via her virtual yoga platform, Tara Lemerise Yoga. YTT trainees are eligible for a discounted 20 class pass and the link to purchase passes will be shared with registrants.

  • Homework assignments between weekends

  • Teaching practicum

  • Successful completion of a final independent project.

YTT Texts

Required Texts *Tuition does not include books that will be assigned as part of YTT reading assignments

Provided Material

  • Roots & River Yoga 200 YTT Binder

  • Rest for All: Restorative Yoga Manual by Tara Lemerise

  • Science and Psychology of Yin Yoga Manual by Machelle Lee

Suggested Reading Material (not required)

Course Prerequisite

  • We request that all participants have at least one year of consistent yoga practice experience.  

  • Once admitted, you must commit to attend program sessions and complete all reading/reflections homework assignments.  If there are scheduling conflicts, please let us know so we can make suitable make-up arrangements together. 

Tuition 

The Roots & River Yoga 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training is an investment in higher (and deeper) education. We look forward to guiding and sharing this journey with you.

Deposit - There is a $300 non-refundable deposit to be submitted with your application to hold your space. 

Early Bird Tuition (on or before August 31, 2024)
$2700 (minus the $300 deposit) = $2400 due if paid by cash, check or ACH (reach out to studio for this option)
$2700 (minus the $300 deposit) = $2400 due plus 3.9% processing fee if paid by credit card ($2493.60)

Regular Tuition (between September 1, 2024 - November 18, 2024)
$3000 (minus the $300 deposit) = $2700 due if paid by cash, check or ACH (reach out to studio for this option)
$3000 (minus the $300 deposit) = $2700 due plus 3.9% processing fee if paid by credit card ($2805.30)

Flexible Monthly Payment Plan
If covering tuition in full in one payment is not possible, we have an auto-pay that divides tuition (plus $250 credit card, processing and administrative fees) into up to equal installments. - $3250 (minus $300 deposit) = $2950 due (reach out to studio for this option)

Monthly Payments will begin at time of registration and balance must be paid in full March 1, 2025. The equal monthly installments can be set up at a greater or lesser amount depending on the date of registration compared to the March 1st deadline for tuition. For instance, if one registers and begins payment in August 2024, they can divide tuition up into 9 equal payments while someone who registers in November will have 5 payments.

*Please note that once the program begins there are no refunds or studio credits except in the case of medical emergencies. Reassigning of monies into subsequent YTT programs or studio classes/workshops will be offered in exceptional circumstances.

Additional Costs:

  • Required Texts (listed above)

  • Once the program begins, participants are required to take a total of 40 with the lead instructors. Through the course of the program, participants must take 20 yoga classes with Machelle Lee, either in-studio or online, at Roots & River Yoga AND 20 yoga classes with Tara via her virtual yoga platform, Tara Lemerise Yoga. Monthly memberships can be purchased for the lowest rate. Discounted 20 class passes specifically for the YTT-ers ($220 for 20 classes) will be offered. Links to discounted passes will be shared as we get closer to the December start date of the program. For Roots & River Yoga classes, regular priced 5 and 10 class passes can be bought if the 20 class cost needs to be spread out over time.

Have More Questions?

We would be happy to schedule a phone or Zoom meeting. Simply reach out via our contact form and we will reach out to set up a time to talk.

What Students Have to Say About YTT with Machelle & Tara

Jennifer Salaverri 

“I had wanted to do a yoga teacher training for years. Once I met Machelle and Tara, it was immediately clear that I would study under them, so I waited until they offered a  Yoga Teacher Training (YTT).  And I am so glad that I did.  I likely could have learned the physical practice teachings from many others but  the YTT experience and community that Machelle and Tara created was truly amazing.  I really valued diving deep into the philosophy and history of yoga as well as learning how to embody the spirit of yoga on and off of the mat.  We learned, we laughed, we cried and we all grew together. It was beautiful. If you are thinking about doing a YTT with Machelle and Tara, just do it!  I will be forever grateful for the experience.”

Lauren Lang

Machelle and Tara, both highly skilled and experienced, have different, and equally awesome, teaching styles and specialties. This forms the foundation for a YTT that is inspiring, content-rich, and supportive. As a lifelong educator and curriculum developer, I was very impressed with the breadth and diverse components of this YTT learning experience. Tara and Machelle built in routines for building community within our diverse group, and were available to answer questions and provide feedback and support throughout the program and beyond. One of the aspects that struck me the most about this YTT experience, was how Machelle and Tara really believed in every one of us. No matter where we started, despite our sometimes ‘not quite there’ skills, they always projected confidence in our ability to become great yoga instructors, which helped us believe in ourselves, too. Tara and Machelle also encouraged each of us to weave our own personalities, interests, and background skills into our yoga teaching- not creating cookie cutter teachers, but instead guiding each of us to find our own unique style. 

Pamela Shurn

I absolutely love taking classes with Machelle and Tara! They make you feel seen, heard, and valued. They take your body, bone structure, and medical history into consideration when helping you get into poses. They are passionate about the material they’re teaching and they take the time to make sure you understand it. Though their teaching styles differ, they compliment each other in such a way that it makes the experience feel magical. Tara and Machelle created such a safe space for me in YTT, they pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and helped me shine in my own light. They provided me feedback that made me better as teacher and encouraged me when I doubted myself.  What I loved most about taking YTT with Machelle and Tara is they weren’t trying to create yoga clones. They challenged us to connect with the material and create classes that were meaningful to us. I would definitely take another class with them. I look forward signing up for their 300 YTT course. 

rasha alkhatib

I was on the fence about doing the YTT course both because I didn’t have an intention to teach, and because I had just gotten pregnant. I’m so glad I did! It was the most wonderful way to prepare for bringing a new life into the world, deepening my understanding of the way I see myself and others, and providing so much amazing support, camaraderie, and love from a beautiful group of people who I’m sure I will stay connected with for many years to come. Machelle and Tara are wonderful teachers and have a magical way of holding space and engaging with the group. If you’re not sure about making the commitment, do it! You won’t regret it

Roots & River Yoga 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Application 

To reserve your place in the 2024-2025 Roots & River 200 hour YTT program, please complete this short application form below and submit the $300 deposit (non-refundable). Your $300 deposit will be applied towards your tuition once the payment plan has been established.

We would like to get to know you better. All information provided in this short application
will be held in complete confidence by Machelle Lee and Tara Lemerise.  

Yoga Alliance Registration

The Roots & River Yoga YTT curriculum is approved and recognized by Yoga Alliance, the national and international credential registry for yoga teachers.  Upon completion of the the Roots & River Yoga YTT, you will have completed 200+ hours of training and be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance to receive the credentials of Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200).

Cancelation/Refund Policy

  • Cancellations 30 days or more before the training will receive a full refund minus $300 deposit plus 4% to cover credit card refund fees (if you paid tuition by credit card).

  • Cancellations 15-29 days before the training will receive 50% of paid tuition back as refund and 25% in the form of studio credit, minus $300 deposit and 4% to cover credit card refund fees (if you paid tuition by credit card).

  • Cancellations less than 14 days before the training starts will not receive any refund but 50% of paid tuition will go to *studio credit minus $300 deposit.

  • No refunds or studio credits are given if someone drops out after the program begins unless there is a medical emergency. No refunds or studio credits are given for missed days in the training although make-up hours can be arranged.

    *Studio credit can be applied to any weekly class passes/membership, workshops, trainings, CEUs. Studio credit cannot be used for merchandise.