Betsy is a yoga and meditation Instructor and a Certified Integrative Health Coach. She began practicing yoga regularly in 1991 and teaching in 2001. Her curiosity as a spiritual seeker, and a deeper search for wisdom that would guide her life, lead her to many teachers who have informed her practice and her teaching. She has had the distinct pleasure of being able to learn and study with such esteemed teachers as David Swenson, Doug Swenson, Larry Schultz, Baron Baptiste, Tias Little, Jason Crandell, Dharma Mittra, Pattabhi Jois, Jim Bennitt, Johnny Kest, Seane Corn, Rusty Wells, and more.
She was introduced to her teacher, YogaRupa Rod Stryker, and ParaYoga, in 2005 and is an initiate in the Sri Vidya tradition. Sri Vidya is part of the greater 5000+ year old Himalayan tradition that includes the lineage of master teachers such as Bengali Baba, Swami Rama, and Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. ParaYoga blends the three streams of Tantra Hatha Yoga, Ayurveda, and sacred texts such as the Yoga Sutras into one comprehensive system of study and techniques. Through these modalities and practices, Betsy creates the foundation to facilitate the client’s ability to tap into their innate power and wisdom. She is often thought of as a teacher’s teacher, and one of her greatest passions is being in the role of mentor and guide to those in the role of leadership.
She holds her 500 hour Yoga Alliance teaching through ParaYoga and is one of only 28 Level II Certified ParaYoga Teachers in the world. She also hold a certification as a Four Desires Trainer. The Four Desires, written by her teacher, Yogarupa Rod Stryker, is the systematic and holistic work of uncovering your Soul’s purpose, what is standing in your way, and how to build a life of heartfelt intention. This deep, powerful and meaningful work has been the foundation of her own personal growth, as well as her sessions with private clients, in workshops, and teacher trainings. Betsy continues to study with and assist her teacher regularly. She travels as a guest teacher offering teacher trainings and workshops in the US and Canada. Betsy has been on faculty as a facilitator, guide and mentor in the 230 and 300 hr teacher training program at the Yoga Center Retreat since 2003. She bows in deepest gratitude to her mentors, Jennifer Gray and Tracee Stanley.
Betsy is a Certified Integrative Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She helps clients to create a bio-individualized approach to health and wellness through practices such as intuitive eating, mindful exercise, yoga, pranayama, meditation and journaling exercises.
Betsy is married to an amazing man and has two teenagers who continue to remind her to live in the moment. She loves to spend time with her family, and encourages community whenever possible. She loves to travel, spend time in nature and in the outdoors as much as possible. She loves to sing, (moonlighting as a back-up singer in a cover band!), dancing, cooking, and laughing with friends. Betsy has a serious appreciation and love for high fashion (what?!) and interior design and feels that these things can live harmoniously in a yogic lifestyle.
Betsy founded Amrita Health and Wellness in 2016 as the culmination of her years of study and practice. She utilizes her knowledge of yoga, Ayurveda, pranayama, meditation, and wellness theory, to assist clients in empowering them to uncover their highest potential and create a life full of meaning, purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
Faculty member: The Yoga Center Retreat, Minneapolis MN. / M. Power Yoga, Baltimore MD.
Contributor: MN Yoga + Life Magazine / Momentum (guest blogger)
Founder: Amrita Health and Wellness
Advisory Board: Literacy Matters – mindfulness expert for Mighty Doodle
You can find Betsy on Instagram at @betsy_amrita.