Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training Testimonials

Brook Cosby
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

"To be the teacher I wanted to be -- one who could do for others what Lama Kelly Morris had done for me: break down the doors of ignorance in my heart and joyfully usher in the life-saving teachings of emptiness, karma and compassion -- there was no choice but to study in the Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training Program. The blessing of Kelly-hla's fiercely loving guidance has taken my teaching, my practice and my view of the world to new and profound heights. I am forever grateful for her kindness in creating this Program, for assembling a line-up of the greatest guest faculty teaching today, and for providing all the tools necessary to bring myself and every living being to the end goal of Yoga: a state of perfect happiness, or Enlightenment!"

Brook received her BA from Dartmouth College and her MA from University of California, Santa Barbara. She has been teaching yoga full time since 2006. Prior to that, Brook was Assistant Editor, Education/Social Sciences at Routledge/Taylor & Francis Publishing Group in New York.

Brook teaches at The Shala in Manhattan and Bend & Bloom in Brooklyn, as well as privately.

She assists the Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training Program and co-teaches retreats with Lama Kelly around the world. In addition to her Conquering Lion training, Brook is also a graduate of the Yoga Tree San Francisco (200hr) and the Jivamukti Yoga School (300hr) teacher training programs.

Cassie Cosgrove
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

"I enrolled in Kelly Morris's Conquering Lion Teacher Training Program not necessarily with the intention to teach but rather to strengthen my own practice and understanding of it. I quickly realized that in order to do this, I had to meditate, take my practice off the mat and serve others. Otherwise, your yoga won't work.

This training program is rich with philosophy, deep inner and outer methods, incredible practitioners, cherished friends, and some of the highest accomplished teachers in the country. You will be handed tools to create Your perfect world. I'm not saying it will be easy, but how can you pass that knowledge up?!

I now very much enjoy teaching and sharing my practice with others. I am eternally grateful that Kelly Morris has helped me to realize my precious opportunity and ultimate potential."

Cassie received an MA in Media Studies from The New School. She currently works in filmmaking and multimedia and is founder and director of her own company, Atrium Media.

Cassie teaches yoga in Williamsburg and Manhattan. She also teaches privately and enjoys giving in-class privates (ICP’s).

Maria Cutrona
Conquering Lion Class of 2008

"I am deeply honored to be a graduate of Kelly Morris's 2008 Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training Program. This training has brought me to a deeper understanding of the true purpose of yoga: to help transform ourselves and our world completely. In essence, to be kinder and more compassionate towards all beings. The training was a comprehensive instruction on asana sequencing, breath, pranayama and ancient yoga texts. We were extremely fortunate to have authentic and expert instruction by visiting scholars on Sanskrit, meditation, and the yoga classics.

I began this training knowing that it would be greatly important to me as a yogi. I knew when I applied that nowhere else would I receive such powerful instruction from such an esteemed and holy teacher on the union between the Gelukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and the Indian lineage of asana and breath. I knew this would be the most complete training that I could ever be so honored to receive. However, I still held the belief that it was only a means to deepen my practice and not necessarily to become a teacher.

Not only was this training transformative, but I became acutely aware early on that there was no question whether or not to teach; it was imperative. It is my responsibility as a holder of this lineage to make certain that it is passed on. Through this training, I felt this burning desire to pass the torch to make certain that I could reach out to as many individuals as possible to share this extraordinary practice.

In essence, this training completely saved my life! With Kelly's guidance, I have arrived at the most truthful point of my life and because of this training I am motivated on a daily basis to be of service to others. I will always be immensely grateful to Lama Kelly Morris who has held my feet to the fire with love and compassion."

Maria graduated from Bennington College with a BA in Dance and Literature. She danced professionally in NYC for 15 years at which time she devoted her time to her new family. Maria has 2 children who have graced her with the most powerful teachings on infinite compassion and love and yes, patience. She bows down to them each and every day in deepest gratitude.

Since graduating from the Conquering Lion Teacher Training Program in 2008, Maria has been teaching regular classes at Lucky Lotus Yoga in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn and Three Jewels in Manhattan. She also teaches at The Shala (NYC) and Go Yoga (Brooklyn), and teaches yoga and meditation for the Doing More Than Time Prison Project. Maria continues to work representing fashion talent forever grateful for her studies in Buddhism to provide a different and more forgiving perspective.

Susanna Eckblad
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

"I applied for the CLY teacher training in order to deepen my understanding of yoga and, as a social worker, wanted to teach yoga to clients in non-traditional settings (e.g. hospitals, shelters, etc). What I got was not only a top-notch teacher training, but also a total shift in the way that I think about myself, the world and other people.

The CLY teacher training taught an excellent balance of the outer methods of yoga and the inner methods. The training on how to teach asana was fabulous. Kelly is widely known as one of the city's best teachers and in the CLY teacher training, she really shares what she knows. Students left with a high level of knowledge on how to structure a class, how to give physical assists, etcetera. Students were required to begin teaching weekly as a program requirement and by the end of our training, these did not feel like classes taught by new teachers.

The training on yoga philosophy and Tibetan Buddhism not only made me feel solidly grounded in the knowledge I should have as a yoga teacher, but also completely altered my perspective on life. Learning about karma and emptiness has shifted the way I approach my world from constantly looking for what it can give me to looking at what I am giving and the impact this has on others (and how this then ultimately creates my world). For example, who knew yoga teacher training would improve my romantic relationship so much?? I've gone from 'What have you done for me lately?' to 'Wait, what have I done for you lately?' My training in CLY gave me the tools to begin to eliminate things like anger, jealousy, and possessiveness and I feel much more relaxed and also more in control of my life. Meditating daily was also a program requirement. I was not sure I could accomplish but did and I have continued to meditate daily, now for one year. Professionally, this training inspired me to take a job with a more manageable schedule in order to have more time for teaching, spiritual study, and to spend time with people I care about.

The atmosphere of the teacher training was extremely warm and supportive. The other students were incredibly accomplished and talented yet also down-to-earth. In my past experience, there's often a person or two in any group who makes you crazy, but in the CLY training, this wasn't the case. There was also a clear expectation that the way to be a better teacher was to support other teachers, not to compete, and everyone completely embodied this. This was a program where you felt very supported by a community.

The quality of teaching was incredible. Kelly is a phenomenal teacher. She is both extremely supportive and extremely challenging, with a sharp eye and a huge heart. She sees each student so clearly his or her strengths and also what they need to learn and helps them see it too. The way she conveys this vision and also her total respect for the student makes people work extremely hard to be their best. As a teacher, Kelly also has an incredible way with words. She gets to the essentials, whether it is about how to sequence poses or about a certain portion of the Yoga Sutras. If you've taken classes with her, you know that she is extremely funny and relatable but also says these beautiful things that blow your mind.

I couldn't recommend the CLY teacher training program enough. This program will change your worldview and make you a teacher who can help students to make real change in their lives. You will learn to teach asana with the best of them but to never lose sight of the bigger purpose of yoga: that yoga is a spiritual tradition that was developed to help people become enlightened and that has all the tools people need to find happiness. CLY is not messing around with anything less than this. There's no time to waste."

Susanna went to undergrad at the University of Texas-Austin and then got a Masters in Social Work from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before the teacher training and to the current day, Susanna is a social worker. She also teaches yoga and meditation for the Doing More Than Time Prison Project and at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Mental Illness & Chemical Addiction Unit.

James Hall
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

"The Kelly Morris Conquering Lion TT program was more than I could ever have expected. Not only did my own practice deepen to a much greater level, but I emerged qualified to actually teach, which is not the case with most programs. The guest faculty is some of the best in the world, teaching philosophy that will literally blow your mind and world right open. I can honestly say my life has changed drastically from being a part of the program. I understand where my word is coming from and how to begin to create a divine paradise, and I can teach my students to do the same."

James studied costume design/technology at the North Carolina School of the Arts. He is a student of the Yoga Studies Institute, and is working towards accreditation and eventually becoming a staff member.

James supervises wardrobe departments for Broadway musicals. While currently not teaching formally, James is focusing on other aspects of his practice to increase his ability to teach more in the future.

Emily Hicks
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

"My life changed dramatically the moment I entered the CLYTT, and six months after graduating, I have to say that my current life bears almost no resemblance to the one I was living a year ago! I am happily teaching full time, and am constantly receiving praise for my classes, which I owe fully to Kelly for her expert guidance. The change I see in my own life is also reflected in the lives of my dear classmates, who I see flourishing in their own teaching and other various endeavors. Through this program, I received not only all of the tools required to become a good yoga teacher, but also all of the tools necessary to truly practice yoga throughout every aspect of my life. Quite honestly, I don't think there's another program that provides both of these things in such a complete and thorough way. I met teachers and friends who I will value for eternity, and am forever grateful to the unparalleled Kelly Morris for creating this marvelous program!"

Emily graduated from Whitman College with a BA in Theatre. Prior to the Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training Program, she worked as a Compliance Associate at a financial pricing firm. Emily now teaches yoga in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Lisa Jacobson
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

"Thank You Lama Kelly on behalf of myself, the ancestors and the future generations for helping to preserve and protect the true Yogic lineage, the highest of esoteric teachings, intended to replace all of our ignorance and suffering with infinite bliss and eternal life.

Before I attended Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training, these ideas sounded poetic and enticing but completely intangible. Through Your guidance, love and occasional calling me out on my sh*t, they have become a reality and a goal I feel closer to achieving every day.

Through your perfect instruction, requiring me to meditate daily and to maintain constant moral self-evaluation, my entire life and view of the world has shifted. I am happier and less stressed than I believed possible and finally have the tools to provide the quality of help to the world that I've always wanted to.”

Lisa attended Lewis & Clark College, the Oregon School of Massage and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Before attending the Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training Program, she worked as a licensed massage therapist, health counselor and private chef. She currently works as a private chef, doula and yoga teacher. Lisa assists on Kelly Morris' yoga retreats worldwide and teaches at the Three Jewels in NYC.

Melissa Leifer
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

"The world renowned and highly esteemed faculty were astounding and their teachings truly life changing. I am currently teaching throughout Manhattan at some of the best fitness clubs and studios in the city. I am forever grateful to Kelly Morris for this exceptional, once in a lifetime opportunity. If you believe ultimate happiness lies in a Park Avenue penthouse, dinners at Town, and shopping at Bergdorf's, then YOU MUST do this training. You will deconstruct your entire reality, and understanding of happiness and learn how things really work.

This training was everything that I hoped it would be and more. Comprehensive training on the Tibetan tenets of karma and emptiness, mahamudra, and how to become an enlightened being are the main focus of this program. The hands-on experience, the supportive learning environment and the top notch teachers, who are truly incredible individuals with so much to share, make this a once in a life time opportunity."

Melissa attended the NYU Tisch School of the Arts and graduated in 2001. Before attending the Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training, she was a nanny, actress and realtor. Melissa is currently a realtor and yoga teacher. She teaches at the New York Health & Racquet Club, David Barton Gym and the Shala in Manhattan. Melissa has also done teacher training with White Lotus, apprenticed Ashtanga with Greg Tebb, and studied with Kali Ray in Malibu, California.

Geoffrey McDonald
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

"I was blessed to begin working with Kelly Morris in the fall of 2003 and truly honored to participate in the very first Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training Program. Having studied religion and philosophy at university for decades, my work with Kelly, particularly the teacher training, provided the practical dimension that had been missing from my spiritual life. I expected to learn a great deal about Yoga during this program, which I did, but was surprised at how much I learned about myself. Kelly and my fellow students taught me that Yoga is not just something we do on the mat from time to time but rather it is a way of life."

Geoffrey received a Ph.D. in Religion: Ethics and Society from Emory University, 2008; a J.D. from Emory University School of Law, 2000; a M.A.R. in Philosophy of Religion from Yale University, 1995; and a B.A. with honors in Philosophy from Wesleyan University, 1994. He currently works as an Attorney.

Amy McHenry
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

"Through the Kelly Morris Teacher Training Program I have learned how to prepare an asana class, give dharma talks and great assists, speak and chant in front of many people with confidence. All things I never was able to do before and important things to know how to do as a yoga teacher. But Kelly went beyond this and with knowledge directly transmitted through a pure and unbroken lineage, guided us into the transformative world of what yoga really is, how yoga works and how to truly practice it oneself to teach it correctly to others. The training is supposedly over, but Kelly is still in my life supporting and guiding me to the ultimate goal, to become an enlightened being, to end all suffering in this world. To teach others how to create beauty, love, kindness and true joy that stays. A true superhero training program. During the past year, I have found myself teaching in many different forms, some I had envisioned before, like small community yoga studio classes and others I couldn¹t even imagine, like teaching how to develop a good heart to an audience of 70 people. I offer all of this to my kind Teachers, the source of all my good."

Amy graduated from the University of Kansas with a BFA in Visual Communications. Prior to the teacher training, she worked as Associate Creative Director. Amy is currently a Creative Director and a dharma and yoga teacher at Three Jewels in Manhattan.

Lee Schmidt
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

"I feel humble and grateful to Kelly Morris for creating Conquering Lion Teacher Training program with an unwavering one-pointed goal to guide every single one of her students on the steps of the highest yogic path to enlightenment for the sake of every single being.

The Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training has quickly revealed itself to me to be nothing less than a precious heart jewel. It is such a rare opportunity to receive authentic teachings of yoga from living teachers of a purely traceable, thousands of years old lineage. These rare teaching come to us directly from the source of Indian yoga tradition and Tibetan Buddhist masters.

The training has hugely transformed everything in my past present and future. More than becoming a yoga teacher, I gained deep awareness and a warm sense of responsibility to preserve the lineage and the holy teachings and teaching them to others.

I bow low with high respect and deep love to Kelly'hla whose deep devotion, truthfulness, and profound wisdom and compassion continue to always guide me on the path."

Lee graduated from Columbia University in Comparative Literature. She traveled and lived in Europe and East Asia for a period of 7 years, living in Taipei, Taiwan and Hong Kong where she studied Mandarin Chinese and Literature at the National Taiwan University and University of Hong Kong. Lee also taught English as second language to children and adults.

Lee is a student of Tibetan Buddhism and meditation. She is inspired to use her formal studies of languages, literature and philosophy to reaching out to as many beings as possible.

Lee currently teaches yoga at Greenhouse Holistic in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Lucky Lotus in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn.

Shana Whang
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

"The Conquering Lion Teacher Training Program, through its Founder and Director, Kelly Morris, lights the path to true happiness and bliss. Through CLY, I learned that the true source of happiness is to think and serve others first. This simple teaching, a main tenet of CLY, drastically improved my life and outlook. With the loving support and guidance of Kelly Morris and my fellow classmates, I had the courage to change my career and lifestyle, graduate the program, and become a full-time yoga teacher. I am now in the best position to serve others by teaching them what I was so blessed to have learned.

I whole-heartedly recommend the CLY Teacher Training Program to anyone- a person interested in becoming a yoga teacher, a long-time practitioner, or a novice simply interested in learning about yoga. With a faculty of esteemed experts, the CLY student will enrich his/her practice with knowledge of yoga philosophy, Tibetan Buddhism, Sanskrit, meditation, anatomy, and more. No price or value can be placed on the immeasurable wealth of knowledge and wisdom one will gain from participating in this wonderful program."

Shana attended New York University and received a BA in Economics in 2005. Right after college and for over 3 years, she worked in Economics/Business Consulting, and then quit to teach yoga. Shana is a full time yoga instructor and teaches at Equinox Fitness in Manhattan and Greenhouse Holistic in Brooklyn. She subs at the Shala (Manhattan), New York Health & Racquet Club (Manhattan), Area Yoga (Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn), Go Yoga (Williamsburg, Brooklyn), and Lucky Lotus (Ft. Greene, Brooklyn).

Annie Wong
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

The CLY Teacher Training Program gave me the confidence to go out and begin teaching immediately, with complete faith that we are passing on pure teachings from an unbroken lineage. Kelly Morris not only has over 12 years of teaching experience under her belt, she also continues to deepen her studies with preeminent teachers—some of whom are guest teachers in the teacher training.

I have always wanted to be a yoga teacher and I can honestly say that this program is the best investment I could have made towards that future. Through practical hands-on learning about the physical aspect of yoga and lessons on the philosophy that underpins a yoga practice, I now feel that I have a deep understanding of yoga as an inner and outer practice. Because the program unfolds over several months and we are encouraged to begin teaching the other teacher trainees right away, by graduation I was ready to teach the public. As a result, I am now living a life that is very much aligned with my mission to serve and help others.

Another beautiful aspect of the program is the community and support. I appreciate that we had an intimate group of 14 beautiful practitioners and we truly helped one other throughout the program. We were encouraged to attend each other's classes and provide constructive criticism that proved invaluable. There was no sense of competition, but rather a shared desire to take care of each other. I developed some of my most meaningful relationships through the program. Even now, after graduation, we continue to stay close.

I absolutely recommend this teacher training program. CLY is an extremely powerful system that integrates the physical, spiritual and intellectual aspects of yoga and inspires us to have the highest motivation of all: to transform our body speech and mind for the benefit of all beings. The depth of these teachings is limitless.

Annie received a BA from Harvard University and a certificate in health counseling from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has been teaching yoga part time since 2008. Before attending teacher training, Annie worked in marketing.

Annie now works as Marketing and Outreach Manager at Bend & Bloom in Park Slope, Brooklyn, as well as privately. She also teaches at Yoga High (Lower East Side, Manhattan), Prenatal Yoga Center (Upper West Side, Manhattan) and Lucky Lotus (Ft. Greene, Brooklyn).

Jelena Zaric
Conquering Lion, Class of 2008

"The CLY Teacher Training has offered me more then I could hope for. Since the very first day, I felt blessed to finally come to a real teacher and dive into the miracles of Yoga.

Covering the all Eight Limbs of Master Patanjali's Yoga System, The CLYTT is based firmly on the correct world view of karma and emptiness. With the foremost leading scholars of Sanskrit, Raja Yoga and Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelupka Lineage, this Teacher Training offers prospective yoga teachers a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the best in the world!

Most sincerely, I hold firmly the responsibility to continue teaching what my teachers have passed down to me. I humbly bow to the lotus feet of dear Lama Kelly for teaching the Truth."

Jelena attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and majored in Illustration and Photography. Prior to the Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training Program, Jelena was a Restaurant Manager. Now she is a mother and teaches prenatal yoga at Greenhouse Holistic in Brooklyn.