Awaken 200-hour Fall 2025 Yoga Teacher Training


The Awaken Yoga Teacher Training is a 200-hour program certified by Yoga Alliance and is a transformative program where the journey of self-discovery and empowerment unfolds through a deep exploration of yoga, meditation, breathwork and so much more.

Immerse yourself in a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything needed to awaken the seat of the teacher. And no, you do not need to become a yoga teacher to join this program! It is for all curious yogis who want to learn more about their yoga practice.


ABOUT AWAKEN 200

Our program is crafted to guide you towards a profound understanding of both the ancient wisdom and modern application of yoga. Embark on this enriching path as we empower you to not only master the physical poses but to delve into the spiritual and philosophical depths of yoga that invite you to truly awaken the best version of YOU. 

Lead trainers, Michelle Baldino and Nikki Rowinski, bring over 20 years of combined experience to support you in creating intelligent and creative yoga classes, deepen your personal practice and build your confidence as both a yoga student and teacher. Patty O’Neill, our wonderful facilitator, also brings over a decade of teaching experience. Our experienced team will assist and nurture your growth throughout the training. 

Our preference is for all applicants to have at least one year of yoga practice to ensure that everyone gets the most out of this program. Please reach out directly to Michelle and Nikki if you do not meet this requirement.

CURRICULUM INCLUDES

  • Taking the Seat of a Teacher

  • Yoga Anatomy

  • Philosophy - Yamas and Niyamas 

  • Proper Alignment Techniques

  • Hands-on Assists and Adjustments

  • Meditation and Journaling

  • Pranayama

  • Sequencing and Theming Yoga Classes

  • Class Templates (that will be the foundation of our asana practice)

  • Professional Practice & Ethics

  • Variations, Modifications and Contraindications

  • Teaching Yoga to Beginners

DATES

The program will run from October 10, 2025 through January 17, 2026. The schedule is mindfully staggered to fit your lifestyle. We will meet in-person and virtually via Zoom. Full calendar timeline listed below. 

Meeting Days & Times
Monday and/or Thursday Evenings 5:00pm-9:00pm (VIRTUAL)
Friday Evenings 5:00pm-9:00pm (VIRTUAL)
Saturdays 9:00am-4:30pm and Sundays 9:00am-4:30pm (IN-PERSON)

LOCATION

In-person sessions will be held at Bulldog Yoga Villanova, PA (775 Lancaster Ave #130, Villanova, PA 19085). Virtual sessions will be held via Zoom. Links to be provided after registration. 

FALL 2024 TRAINING INVESTMENT

Early Bird Enrollment - $3500 until September 2, 2025. Must be paid in full.
Full Tuition after 9/2/2024 - $3850.

Payment plans available.
You must submit a $500 non-refundable deposit plus your completed application to hold your spot. Payment can be made via Cash, Check or Venmo @Michelle-Baldino.

Have questions or want more information?
Please email Michelle Baldino at michelle.a.baldino@gmail.com or Nikki Rowinski at nikkirowinskiyoga@gmail.com. 


PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

All requirements below must be completed in order to graduate from this program. Certificates of completion will be delivered once requirements are checked by Michelle and Nikki.


  1. Attend all scheduled program dates. Missing any dates will result in make up hours and/or homework assignments that the trainee is responsible for collecting from lead teachers. 

  2. Submit a reflection paper (one page minimum) after each scheduled weekend. Reflection papers are to be sent to Michelle and Nikki within one week of each weekend. 

  3. Take 20 yoga classes led by Michelle, Nikki, and Patty by January 17, 2026.

  4. Attend two non-vinyasa style classes and submit a class reflection paper (one page minimum). 

  5. Pass the final exam that will be held during the last weekend of our training on January 16, 2026. 

READING REQUIREMENTS (to be purchased by trainees)


  1. The Yamas and The Niyamas by Deborah Adele

  2. Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff

  3. The Yoga Anatomy Coloring Book by Kelly Solloway

  4. The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikacher



RECOMMENDED READING (to be purchased by trainees)

  1. Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar

  2. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Sri Swami Satchidananda

  3. Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach

  4. Journey To The Heart by Melanie Beattie

  5. The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz

FACILITATORS

  • Michelle Baldino, Lead Trainer - E-RYT® 500, YACEP®

  • Nikki Rowinski, Lead Trainer  - RYT® 500, YACEP®

  • Patty O'Neill, Facilitator - RYT® 200

CLASS SCHEDULE

October10/4/24Friday November11/7/24Thursday December12/5/24Thursday January1/3/25Friday
October10/5/24Saturday November11/8/24Friday December12/6/24Friday January1/4/25Saturday
October10/6/24Sunday November11/9/24Saturday December12/7/24Saturday January1/5/25Sunday
October10/10/24Thursday November11/10/24Sunday December12/8/24Sunday January1/16/25Thursday
October10/17/24Thursday November11/18/24Monday December12/13/24Friday January1/17/25Friday
October10/18/24Friday November11/22/24Friday December12/14/24Saturday January1/18/25Saturday
October10/19/24Saturday November11/23/24Saturday December12/15/24Sunday January
October10/20/24Sunday November11/24/24Sunday December12/16/24Monday January

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

  • Michelle joined her mother for her first yoga class when she was a junior in college. It was love at first deep breath. She was amazed at how much stronger she felt in her body and calmer in her mind after just a few classes. Yoga quickly became part of her weekly routine and she hasn’t looked back since!

    Michelle is a well respected yoga teacher in the greater Philadelphia area with over 12 years of teaching experience. She currently teaches yoga full time at bulldog yoga Villanova, PA where she also manages the studio. Michelle brings knowledge from over 800 hours of yoga teacher training plus certifications in Pilates to her classes to ensure her students are safe throughout every part of their practice. She also likes to remind students that while it’s great to take the practice of yoga seriously, it’s not so great to take ourselves too seriously while practicing. You can definitely expect to work hard but have fun when taking her classes.

  • Nikki Rowinski started practicing yoga 20 years ago as an extra fitness element to add to her regular gym routine. She immediately fell in love with the mindful movement aspect of yoga. It became her moving meditation. When she started practicing Power Yoga, especially, it really changed her body. She noticed quick results and got so much stronger. She was using muscles she never worked before and her body was leaner and more toned. Her balance also improved, and she pushed herself past her normal limitations and did things she never thought she could do like inversions and arm balances. And most importantly, she had a ton of fun!

    After discovering her passion to inspire others to find their true self on the mat, she completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program in 2014. Nikki loves to be challenged both on and off the yoga mat. A challenge on the mat might mean learning a new, advanced pose and transition or it could simply be focusing on breath and centering yourself. Inspiring other people's fitness journeys is her passion.

    With over 9 years of experience teaching yoga, she puts her heart and soul into every class. Nikki is Yoga Alliance RYT 500 hour certified.

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