Corina Benner

Director of Wake Up Yoga, wholeheartedly believes that the ancient practice of yoga perfectly complements our modern pursuit of vibrant health, personal fulfillment, harmonious relationships and spiritual enrichment.
Viewing asana practice as an entry-point to self-study, Corina weaves the tenets of yoga philosophy into her teaching, inspiring students to discover how this age-old practice remains relevant today in their own lives both on and off the mat. Her positive vibrations and contagious optimism empower students of all levels to practice with enthusiasm, while her detailed instruction, poetic language and intelligent sequencing create a safe space for students to explore the landscapes of their body, mind, heart and soul. As a Teacher of Teachers Corina seeks to impart a deep and abiding reverence for the power of yoga, while also affirming her students’ unique experiences which give rise to his/her own authentic voice, and inspiring them to cultivate a sharp and discriminating mind that is softened by an open and receptive heart. In 2002, she opened Wake Up Yoga, inspired to create a warm and nurturing cOMmUNITY-centered yoga studio where people of all ages, stages, colors and flavors could come together with breath and movement, in silence and in laughter, to deeply connect with the underlying current that unites us all. She has been teaching a 200-hour Foundational Training since 2002, and Yin Yoga Teacher Trainings since 2005, and has taught both programs locally, nationally and internationally.

In addition to her initial training, Corina’s teachings and understanding of yoga have been influenced by more than 100 hours of Teacher Training with Rodney Yee; more than 70 hours of Teacher Training with Shiva Rea; and 270 hours of Teacher Training with Paul Grilley. As one of her primary teachers, Paul Grilley has imparted a deep respect for anatomical difference, which is the guiding principle behind alignment instructions in Yin Yoga. Corina’s understanding of chakras has been informed through study with Paul Grilley, and also nearly 50-hours of Training with Anodea Judith, and a 4-day Training with Kristine Kaoverii Weber . She has been a student of Sanskrit under the expert tutelage of Manorama, of Sanskrit Studies, and has been working on memorizing, chanting and writing the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali in Sanskrit with help and guidance from both Manorama and Paul JJ Alix, of Yoga for All. Corina recently completed a 500 hour Yoga Therapeutics Teacher Training at the IHYT in Ontario, Canada, exploring therapeutic applications of yoga to treat; anxiety and depression, cancer and end-of-life care, chronic pain and grief, along with study of structural alignment, and Ayurveda. She has been strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and the teachings of Chogyam Trungpa as imparted largely by her Meditation Teacher, Michael Carroll, and has been fortified by a steady meditation practice since 1999. Her mind and perspectives have also been shaped by the writings of J. Krishnamurti, and her heart has been opened through the beautiful poetry of Rumi, Hafiz, Rilke, and Mary Oliver, just to name a few.