Founder, Jenny Tanis:
Jenny has worked with children since her participation in her high school’s child development course. It was here that she learned that working with children served her spirit. After studying psychology, education and working as a preschool teacher, Jenny combined her love of children with her love of yoga to open Happy Elephant Yoga School. Jenny continues to direct the school and serves as its senior teacher. Read more about Miss Jenny here.
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Miss Jenny and 6 year-old yoga student Kavya.
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Teacher, Margaret Ricciardone:
Margaret Ricciardone has been working with children since 2004. As a new mother, she participated in mommy and me classes with her two boys and worked as a co-op mom in their preschool, making her realize that working with children is her heart's desire.
She has taught yoga in several preschools in the Bergen County area, as well as storytime, art, and cooking classes for the Saddle River Cultural Center. She is a certified children's yoga teacher with Naturally Yoga of Glenrock. She has also completed the Yoga Kids Tools for Schools program, Storytime Yoga e-courses and is a member of the League of Yogic Storytellers. Margaret will complete the Radiant Child Yoga teacher training in January, 2010 with Jenny Tanis.
Yoga at an early age encourages self-esteem and body awareness, while enhancing flexibility, strength and coordination. In addition, children improve their ability to focus and concentrate and become calmer and more relaxed. Storytelling is an integral part of Margaret's curriculum as it creates a strong bond with the children, encourages them to use their imagination, and fosters original thinking. In yoga, children use mind and body to become an active participant in the story or central theme. In Margaret's class, a child can take a hot air balloon ride to a magical forest, become a brave warrior or lion, and even paint the night sky.
It is Margaret's goal to share her love of yoga with children in a warm, fun, non-competitive environment. |
Miss Margaret.
Miss Margaret and her two boys.
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