Senior Faculty - Shanti Yoga Studio

Debbi Murphy

PhD, E-RYT 500, RPYT, RCYT, YACEP

Shanti Yoga School Director, lead teacher 200 & 300 hour programs

Exploring the mind-body connection is Debbi’s life work. After years in academia researching and teaching subjects that elevated one or the other half of that equation (doctorate in exercise science, master’s degree in counseling psychology), she turned her attention to the study of yoga – a perfect nexus of both.

Debbi studied with yoga masters to deepen her knowledge and hone her practice. Her alignment based, slow flow style evolved from early work with Rodney Yee, Richard Freeman and Shiva Rea. But the heart of her teaching comes from Erich Schiffmann, whose message of self-trust and the transformative power of yoga really resonated with her background.

Through more than 40 years of study and experience, including a decade as director of Shanti Yoga Teacher Training, Debbi found that the best approach to mind-body vitality is informed by both western science and the spirit of eastern yogic philosophy. Whether you’re attending her popular local classes (which won her the title of Boise’s Best), national conferences, or international retreats you can expect an artful blend of sound science, ancient wisdom, and mind-body-spirit integration woven together in the beautiful, juicy flow of the vinyasa tradition.

Debbi shares her teaching throughout Boise and beyond in public classes, workshops and retreats. In addition you can find her videos at Vimeo and YouTube. You can also see more on her website where she shares videos, blogs and her schedule of retreats and workshops.

Kimberly Azzarito

E-RYT 500, YACEP

Lead teacher 200 & 300 hour programs

Kimberly Azzarito teaches yoga in an approachable way to every BODY. She empowers her students by weaving yogic traditions, stories, and myths with dynamic movement and alignment on the mat and opens the narrative between body, breath, and mind through authentic expression. Kimberly believes in the deep power of storytelling. It’s the reason myths are passed down in all traditions and cultures. The telling of a story can bring us into alignment with inspiration, spark creativity, give insight into life’s challenges, touch the heart, and commission the soul.

Being affected by Scoliosis in her early 20’s, Kimberly’s curved spine caused her great pain. In the early 1990s, Kimberly began her yoga journey. She learned that through a consistent practice, her scoliosis could be healed and painful knee injuries are now strengthened and stable. Kimberly received her 500 hr RYT through Shanti Yoga Teacher Training and believes that the key is to stay flexible in body, mind and spirit. She teaches the wisdom of Joseph Campbell, “the privilege of a lifetime is to be who you are.”

She leads group classes at Yoga Tree of Boise. She also incorporates wellness programs for the State of Idaho employees. Kimberly believes a good teacher never stops being a student. The list of teachers that inspire her is long and she is full of gratitude towards each including Dharma Mittra, Shiva Rea, Sianna Sherman, Jason Crandell, Leslie Kaminoff, Debbi Murphy, Max Strom, and Erich Schiffmann.

Everything is connected; when we open to the practice of yoga on the mat, not only do our physical bodies become stronger and more supple but our minds become flexible, our hearts grow in empathic compassion, our creativity inspired and the remembrance that we are beings of light.

Jaclyn Cooperrider

MD, E-RYT200, YACEP
Anatomy, Physiology, Sports Medicine

Jaclyn Cooperrider is a family medicine physician who specializes in sports medicine. She is passionate about preventative health, women’s health, and using exercise and food to nourish our bodies. She completed her RYT-200 via Shanti Yoga School during medical school and residency and found it to be a valuable outlet. She teaches resident physicians as a faculty member at the Family Medicine Residency of Idaho and also works at Idaho Sports Medicine Institute where she treats a variety of sports injuries and works as a team physician for Boise State University. She enjoys the variety that family medicine has to offer and feels that a key component of primary care is meeting an individual where they are. This same concept can be used to transform a yoga class into an opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection. Jaclyn believes that an instructor offering reasons and goals for poses, modifications, prompts and varying types of yoga can create a safe space for the practitioner and instructor understanding of anatomy and physiology is an essential part of the teaching foundation.

Kathleen Romito

MD, E-RYT500, YACEP
Yin Specialization lead teacher

I stumbled into the world of yoga as a runner, who kept getting injured because I wasn’t very flexible. I was initially drawn to the physical challenges that can be found in yoga. But, over time, I discovered the magic in being gentle with my body and appreciating the quiet moments in a slower practice. Life’s been a sprint for me, always on the move. Yoga became my secret hideout—a chance to hit pause and slow down. And you know what I found? It’s not just for the super-flexible or the zen masters. I’m all about creating yoga practices that work for any body, no matter the shape, past injuries, or how many birthdays you’ve celebrated. I received my yoga teacher badge after completing a 500-hour training with Shanti Yoga School. I also have a Yin Teaching Certificate because, well, balance is key. Now, I’m teaching yin and sharing the Yin love by helping new instructors find their zen at the Shanti Yoga Teacher Training Program. I want to make yoga comfy, real, and accessible for everyone.

Angela Young DC, E-RYT200, YACEP Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics Passionate about helping you get well and stay well, Dr. Angela Young gives you the resources you’ll need to make great lifetime health decisions for yourself and your family. She received a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness and Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker University. In addition, she’s been a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) since 2013, Passionate about helping you get well and stay well, Dr. Angela Young gives you the resources you’ll need to make great lifetime health decisions for yourself and your family. She received a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness and Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker University. In addition, she’s been a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) since 2013, bringing all of her education together into perfect harmony and balance. She published her first book Spoiled Milk: 37 Expired Health Beliefs with a Fresh New Perspective in 2013.collapse;">Creating a balanced, more connected life through chiropractic is something Dr. Angela Young is passionate about. When spinal alignment is enhanced, people are renewed thus often experiencing reduced pain, increased energy and more mobility. Her practice specializes in serving families, expectant mothers, children, athletes and those looking to fully optimize their health. Dr. Young makes an impression on anyone wanting to live well as she speaks to groups, classes and organizations about the subjects she devotes her life and time to: health, wellness, nutrition & yoga. all of her education together into perfect harmony and balance. She published her first book Spoiled Milk: 37 Expired Health Beliefs with a Fresh New Perspective in 2013. Creating a balanced, more connected life through chiropractic is something Dr. Angela Young is passionate about. When spinal alignment is enhanced, people are renewed thus often experiencing reduced pain, increased energy and more mobility. Her practice specializes in serving families, expectant mothers, children, athletes and those looking to fully optimize their health. Dr. Young makes an impression on anyone wanting to live well as she speaks to groups, classes and organizations about the subjects she devotes her life and time to: health, wellness, nutrition & yoga.

Kelli Brown

E-RYT500, RCYT

Children’s Specialization lead teacher

Kelli Brown has been a dance and movement instructor for over 32 years in Idaho public schools. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (Minor in Health and Communications) and two masters degrees (MA and MFA) in Dance, Kelli became certified as a YA certified 200 Hour Yoga Teacher with an additional Children’s certification through Shanti Yoga. Later, in 2023, she became a YA certified 500 Hour Yoga Teacher through Shanti Yoga, specializing her study in Teen Yoga. She has taught yoga to high school students for over 4 years as a daily class at Idaho Arts Charter School and loves working with her students. You can see more information about Kelli and her developed curriculum at: https://sites.google.com/view/tranquilteen/home

Angela Young

DC, E-RYT 200, RPYT, YACEP

Anatomy & Prenatal Specialization lead teacher

Passionate about helping you get well and stay well, Dr. Angela Young gives you the resources you’ll need to make great lifetime health decisions for yourself and your family. She received a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness and Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker University. In addition, she’s been a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) since 2013, bringing all of her education together into perfect harmony and balance. She published her first book Spoiled Milk: 37 Expired Health Beliefs with a Fresh New Perspective in 2013.

Creating a balanced, more connected life through chiropractic is something Dr. Angela Young is passionate about. When spinal alignment is enhanced, people are renewed thus often experiencing reduced pain, increased energy and more mobility. Her practice specializes in serving families, expectant mothers, children, athletes and those looking to fully optimize their health. Dr. Young makes an impression on anyone wanting to live well as she speaks to groups, classes and organizations about the subjects she devotes her life and time to: health, wellness, nutrition & yoga.