Yoga Bob, Owner Robert Barton
Robert was introduced to yoga at the age of 7 by his father who began practicing yoga in the 1950's. Robert felt an immediate connection to yoga and became fully immersed in the practice in 1987
after suffering a back injury while skydiving.
Intensive personal practice and study with some of the finest teachers including Dean Lerner (Senior Iyengar Teacher), Tim Miller (Ashtanga), Kali Ray (Tri-yoga Flow), Yogi Hari (Classical), Andrei
Sidersky (Esoteric), Angela Farmer and Victor Van Kooten (Innovative Exploration), turned an obstacle into an opportunity. Robert was certified to teach in 1992 through the Yoga Vedanta, Science, and
Arts Center under Yogi Hari & Leela Mataji.
Robert established the Three Rivers Yoga Institute in 1993 which was the FIRST yoga studio in the Pittsburgh area. Robert brings 37 years of daily practice, a pain-free back, and a deep
understanding of the therapeutic application of the practice to his classes. His approach is humorous and compassionate in helping students move beyond self-perceived limitations.
Robert has many other talents including martial arts for 30 years. Robert is an avid drummer of 41 years and writes a monthly column in Drum Magazine (Yoga for Drummers). Robert is also trained
in the Lotus Palm method of Thai Yoga Massage and is a gifted bodyworker providing a therapeutic and transformational healing experience. Robert is certified through Yoga Alliance at the 500 Hour
Level.
Joe Lanzarotta, MD
Joe came to Three Rivers Yoga in 2005 to compliment his longtime meditation practice with Yoga. Joe studied Transcendental Meditation from 1969-1972 and is associated with the Rochester Zen Center, practicing Buddhist meditation since 1983. Joe holds a first-degree black belt, Japanese Shotokan Style, and has practiced martial arts in the Japanese/Okinawan/Indonesian styles for nearly 20 years. Joe served as the Medical Director, Occupational Medicine/Employee Health at Mercy Hospital. Joe’s hobbies include gardening, fitness, nutrition, alternative/complementary medicine, spiritual traditions, biking on rails to trails, hiking, and spending time with his longtime wife Debbie, and their two canine companions, Iggy and Gabby, rescued from animal shelters. Joe teaches Anatomy for the Three Rivers Yoga Teacher Training Program and is able to apply the basic anatomy principles and experiential knowledge in a way that is easily understood by students and teachers of yoga.
Cheryl Sorek, Teacher & Reiki Master
Equanimity, energy, poise & loving-kindness are among the numerous gifts Cheryl receives from her yoga practice. She, in turn, infuses as her signature in the classes she teaches at Three Rivers Yoga. Cheryl has personally experienced the transformative impacts of yoga and meditation. She is grateful for all the positive influences yoga has produced in her life. She earned her RYT 200 in 2007 after which she volunteered teaching classes at many venues in the North Hills & Pittsburgh area. In August 2011 Cheryl completed her RYT 500 with Three Rivers Yoga and is certified a certified 500 hours teacher through Yoga Alliance. She received Restorative Yoga training at Three Rivers Yoga in November of 2007. Cheryl is grateful for the friendships yoga has facilitated and to her teachers for helping her deepen her awareness.
NOTE: Cheryl offers Private Reiki Sessions
724-612-4736
Ellen Bufalini, Teacher & Yoga Therapist
"As you think, so you become." (The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 1:28)
The beauty of yoga lies in the personal growth you experience in all aspects of life. Ellen wanted to deepen her understanding of yoga, so she enrolled in the Three Rivers Yoga Lifestyle course in 2011. After completing that program, she continued her journey by enrolling in the 200-Hour Teacher Training course at Three Rivers Yoga in 2012.
Ellen has also completed the Amrit Institute's 800-Hour Yoga Therapy program, which includes 100 hours of IAM Yoga Nidra Teacher Training (Levels 1 and 2), IAM Body Therapy, and Integral Breath Therapy. She holds the designation of C-IAYT (Certified Yoga Therapist) as of 2024.
Her studies have included intensive workshops with renowned teachers such as Kamini Desaix , Donna Fahri, Angela Farmer, and Panditji Tigunait.
Additionally, she has undergone sound practitioner training with Professor Monique Mead of Carnegie Mellon, earning a Level 1 certification in the MEADE METHOD.
Ellen aims to help her students build strength and endurance while incorporating movement with breath. She believes that the teachings of yoga provide valuable lessons in living a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.
Ellen hopes to share her knowledge and teachings with you—come join her!
She offers private yoga classes and private yoga therapy sessions.
Jayne Zawinski Teacher & Reiki Master
As a registered nurse, Jayne has found a sense of calm and serenity in her practice. She completed her training at Three Rivers Yoga.
Jayne's regular meditation practice helps to keep her centered
Her classes are gentle and slow, a great way to relax and feel terrific
Jayne is also a Master Reiki practitioner.
Jayne has studied in intensive workshops with Angela Farmer and is a regular at the Dharma Center in Pittsburgh.
Maggie Harrold, Teacher & Reiki
Maggie enrolled in the Three Rivers Yoga Lifestyle class and continued on with the Teachers Training which she completed in 2023. Her personal practice allows her to share her yoga experiences with you.
Dr. Uma
Ayurveda
Private Consultation
Healing the body through a holistic diet & lifestyle
See the Ayurveda page for more details
Xenia Guthrie
Xenia is an Art Teacher and Yoga Teacher who brings creativity, mindfulness, and intention into
everything she teaches. For her, teaching is more than just a profession;
it is a daily practice of connection and self-expression. Her passion creates a welcoming space where students can explore movement, creativity, and inner balance.
Start your Thursdays by feeling both grounded and energized.
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