Santosha School Staff
Pierre Couvillion
Director, Founder; Ayurveda Practitioner, Yoga + Bodywork Lead Trainer
Pierre began training in natural health care in 1992, working full time in 2000. He has instructed at more than 100 schools in the US, India, Mexico and Canada, including the renowned Ayurvedic Institute of Dr. Vasant Lad.
Pierre continues the luminous work of his incredible teachers (and holds certifications in most of these):: Paramahansa Yogananda (yoga meditation); Dr. Vasant Lad (Ayurveda); Dr. Barry Green (BodyMind therapy, natural health care trainer); Tim Miller (ashtanga yoga); Kathy Green (viniyoga); Bataan Faiago and Chris Luth (t'ai chi ch'uan); Peri Ness (synergy hot yoga); Myriam Machado Baker (anusara yoga); Ray Castellino (birth and prenatal trauma); Edward Spencer (ashiatsu); the Acupressure Institute (oriental bodywork); Marshall Rosenberg (NVC); Kanta Masters and Dennis Holz (spiritual growth Source seminars), the American Sanskrit Institute
Pierre meets the established requirements for education and experience and is registered with the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, the Yoga Alliance (E-RYT500), and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the national organizations for these health disciplines. You can learn more about these organizations at: NAMA , Yoga Alliance , NCBTMB
Pierre is available for video/voice Ayurveda consultations and coaching. He is also in Indy several times a year for in person work. For these consults, schedule directly with him at pcouvy@gmail.com
Kathy Busto Mickel
Lead Yoga Teacher Trainer, Yoga RYT500, E-RYT500, health care organizer
Kathy brings decades of experience in personal development, and a career in the development of others, to her role as the school's academic dean and Teacher Trainer. She is also a devoted student of Paramansa Yogananda and a yoga instructor. She finds joy in the inner practices of yoga and brings those practices to her classes, retreats and life.
Melissa Moran
Yoga Teacher RYT500, mentor teacher, scientist
Melissa first began yoga as a way to relieve the stresses of a hectic life. Following several years of regular practice at Santosha, both levels of the teacher training program, and many years of teaching, she now mentors ours trainees. Melissa enjoys the welcoming community at Santosha, and is a devotee of Self Realization Fellowship and Paramahansa Yogananda.
Christopher Caudill
Yoga Teacher RYT500, mentor teacher, hair stylist
Christopher came to be a spiritual seeker through the physical asana practice of Ashtanga Yoga. He is grateful to have been guided to the practice of yoga which has brought balance and discipline into his life. He enjoys hiking, travel, gardening, drawing and painting.
Kim Dunham
Yoga Teacher RYT200, health care worker, travel agent
I got into yoga for relaxation and it just clicked with me. I love how grounded it helps me feel. Meditation and sound bowls are a daily part of my vibe, woven into both my life and my classes. ✨🕉️. Check out Kim’s monthly Sunday evening relax and restore class for a special treat.
Shiela Dimof
Lead Yoga Teacher Trainer, Massage Therapist, Ayurveda Panchakarma Therapist, Yoga RYT500, E-RYT500, NCBTMB, CMT
Shiela has found a special home at Santosha as a yoga teacher and massage therapist. She draws from her background of living at a meditation retreat center, training in bodywork, and her fascination with Ayurveda. Her classes carry a nurturing, gentle and joyful feeling.
Pedra Sage
Yoga Teacher RYT200, horticulturist, natural landscaper
Pedra Sage - Yoga Teacher RYT200
Pedra has evolved into an encouraging and warm instructor. She has practiced since 2002. Her knowledge of the mind-body-spirit relationship has deepened through her interest in gardening, painting, and devotional meditation. As the owner of Sage Garden Designs, she creates beautiful places in nature to be inspired. Look for her periodic plant walks on the Santosha schedule!
Pedra holds an RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Certification, a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, is a certified arborist and horticulturist, and uses nature to commune with spirit. A devotee of Paramhansa Yogananda and Kriyaban as of 2014, Pedra views yoga as a way of life! She invites you to share peace, joy and exercise with her as you practice this ancient science that is rooted in the divine.
Jonel Thaller
Yoga Teacher RYT200, professor, social worker
Jonel works as an associate professor of social work at Ball State. Teaching a weekly class at Santosha is an intentional act of self care and allows her to share her love of yoga and its life-giving benefits with others.
Theresa Nucciarone
Yoga Teacher RYT200, university guidance counselor
Theresa Nucciarone - Yoga Teacher RYT200
I have been on a deep spiritual journey for the past six years. At the beginning of this journey I was introduced to Ayurveda, which was what brought me to Santosha in 2021. But what made me stay and start the teacher training program was the loving, caring, and deeply supportive community. I look forward to growing with our community as I explore and share the practice of yoga in its many forms.
Blythe Potter - Yoga Teacher RYT500, BAS, LE, CMT, BCTMB - owner Bargersville, IN branch online here
Blythe was first introduced to yoga by her favorite English teacher in high school whom she continues to be inspired by today. She learned to lead a basic yoga flow while studying dance at Ball State University but realized that her previous training and practice was insufficient during her first level one class Santosha. Captivated by the lifestyle and educational opportunities at Santosha School, she needed this curriculum to be a part of her personal and professional life.
Deanna Sapp - Yoga Teacher RYT500 - owner San Miguel de Allende, MX branch
Deanna is a passionate athlete, dancer, and ambassador to the beauty of San Miguel. Come enjoy a sweaty workout with her in Indy or Mexico.
April Couvillion - Yoga Teacher RYT200, LMT
April is a physical therapist by training, and also brings years of dance training to her massage practice and yoga teaching. She loves thai massage, acupressure and playing music.