teachers at ritual
Ember Speakman aka Luna Moth (Founder of Ritual - CYT500 CTP500)
My teaching reflects my gratitude for life, and creating the awareness to deepen our consciousness and prana bodies. I believe that in all things there is a teacher, in hopes to inspire others to seek the teacher within. I choose to teach yoga because it’s a gift to hold space for people, to experience the benefits of this practice. Yoga became an outlet to quiet my mind and provide greater self-awareness. I believe that yoga practice helps cultivate a deeper connection between the mind, body and the spirit and has the ability to generate new positive energy within. Yoga allows us to confirm what serves us and shed the unnecessary layers that have been stuck onto us from the external world or maybe thoughts that we have created from our perception. I teach Hatha, Flow, Vinyasa, Yin, Kundalini, Meditation and the Spiritual 8 Fold Path.
Corinne O'Connor (RYT200)
From an early age I knew helping others was a passion of mine. Whether it was through giving advice to friends or acts of service I always felt that this was the work that I was good at. Although, at the time, I did not know I would make a career out of it. I spent most of my youth and teen years studying performing arts and used Yoga as a way to warm up my body, but as my practice deepened, so did my knowledge of Yoga. I later realized the transformational and healing benefits of Yoga and how the lessons learned on the mat can be integrated off the mat. I became inspired to awaken people to this message and further my own studies. I decided to leave my home state of Connecticut and put Performing Arts down to ground in Tempe, Arizona where I underwent ‘Unity’ Yoga Teacher Training Program at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. I am also certified in Sound Healing, Yoga for Prenatal, Yoga for PTSD, Thai Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, Reiki III, Hatha Gong, and Restorative Yoga.
Yoga, Guided Meditation, and Sound Healing are how I mainly choose to help individuals. I know and believe that these modalities can help assist in deep healing. They have provided purpose to my life and continue to in many ways. I look forward to expanding my knowledge with new healing modalities and practices as the years go on.
I currently am nomadic and take my modalities with me on the road. In my spare time I spend time in nature often hiking and relaxing by water sources. Making music, dancing to music, and seeing live music are also hobbies of mine. I enjoy quality time with friends, a good book while sipping wine, and all the laughs and corny jokes once could need. I am always down for an adventure.
I really enjoy holding a creative and safe space where others can heal, be vulnerable, explore, play, and step into the best self that they can be through the power of movement, breath, meditation, vibrational healing and self-realization. This is the art of returning home to yourself.
Gianna Vani (RYT200)
Gianna has embodied a love for movement since she started walking. She practiced ballet, tap, hip-hop, and other dance styles throughout her childhood. She then started moving into competitive cheerleading, and learning gymnastics to complement. When she was 14 she found yoga. Practicing at a local gym. Experiencing ah-ha moments during her public practice pushed her to become an instructor. When she was 17 she put herself through her RYT 200 training in Chicago before heading off to college. She attended the University of Missouri for a BA in Audio Engineering and Lyric Writing. She instructed students and staff at MU, and ran their mindfulness program BREATHE. After graduation she moved out west, starting her journey in Santa Cruz. She instructed locally until moving to Silicon Valley to instruct at Canyon Ranch in Woodside, CA. After her time there, she moved to Lake Tahoe. Her love for the mountains and outdoor sports called her home. She now owns an international virtual yoga company, a local interior designing business, instructs weekly classes, and hosts workshops and retreats. Gianna is currently enrolled in her RYT 300 training and the MMTCP program with UC Berkeley.