200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Our next training begins in February 2025!
You can participate in the training in person at our studio in Los Angeles, on zoom from anywhere in the world, or a combination of the two - all the trainings are hybrid!
Saturday, February 22 - Sunday, May 4
Weekly Schedule:
Saturdays & Sundays at 12:45-7:30 pm PST - both in studio or zoom (hybrid)
Wednesdays at 7:00-9:30 pm PST - on zoom only
Work trade Scholarship is due Monday, Jan 20
Monday, June 2 - Friday, June 27
Weekly Schedule:
Monday through Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm PST - both in studio or zoom (hybrid)
Work trade Scholarship is due Friday, May 2
Saturday, August 27 - Sunday, December 14
Weekly Schedule:
Saturdays & Sundays at 12:45-7:30 pm PST - both in studio or zoom (hybrid)
Wednesdays at 7:00-9:30 pm PST - on zoom only
Work trade Scholarship is due Friday, Aug 22
The Tree Yoga Co-op's Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program is a diverse, dynamic, and unique training. This training is for all people who are interested in deepening their yoga practice with the option to teach.
We are a Yoga Alliance-approved training offering a level of credibility to attaining work as an instructor. The bedrock of this training is mindfulness, social justice, and self-practice. We seek to diversify yoga by training yogis from underrepresented groups to become yoga instructors. We emphasize yoga as a tool for social justice and community building and we are committed to creating a safe place for people of color. We do our best to ensure that participants are aligned with our mission.
We believe (or teach) Yoga not just as ancient poses, but as an ancient philosophy of the indigenous cultures. The cultures that founded the civility required for civilization. We approach the yoga practice from a holistic place to give a full well-rounded education.
It is deeply encouraged for students to find their own voice and expression of the practice that is rooted in the individual experience. Our approach is bringing the internal to the external, the subtle to the gross. This training is life-changing.
Areas of study
Yogic Philosophy + Mindfulness
Asana: Alignment, Safety, Pose Variations
Self-Practice
Art of Teaching: Sequencing, Cueing, Holding Space
Yoga’s Roots, History, and Diversity
Kemetic Yoga
Toltek Philosophy
Cultural & Trauma-Informed Yoga, Accessibility, and Inclusion
The Subtle Body
Yin Yoga
Restorative Yoga
Pre-Natal Yoga
Business of Yoga & Mindful Marketing
Yoga as Social Justice
Public Health & Healing Justice
What to Expect
To spend each session Present, engaged in practicing, learning, and growing
Taking an additional class per week - virtual or in-person (for the summer intensive, the additional classes can be taken before and/or after training)
Reading
Optional office hours for one-on-one time with the instructors
To be challenged physically, mentally and emotionally
Transformation
Requirement
A minimum of one year of experience with the asana (physical) practice
A commitment to Social Justice and understanding the Self
For Wednesday night sessions and if you are joining virtually, you will need access to use a computer/device with camera and audio and a dedicated space at ‘home’ that can be used privately for sessions.
Yoga props: Yoga Mat, 2 blocks, 1 strap, 1 bolster, 1-2 yoga blankets
When you are in the studio, you are welcome to use the mats and props we have. For your personal equipment, you can easily find props online and there are home substitutes for various props (ex: a belt or leggings in place of a strap, thick textbooks in place of blocks, thick towels or folded blankets instead of a bolster and blankets). If you need assistance getting props, please email us here.
Required Texts:
Note: As a space for social justice, we reserve the right to refuse any person who does not align with the practice of social justice and corresponding responsibility.
Key dates
All 2025 trainings are hybrid meaning you can join us for the training in person at The Tree Yoga Studio in South Central Los Angeles or virtually via Zoom.
The registration forms below include the option to apply for a work trade/scholarship.
Saturday, February 22 - Sunday, May 4
Weekly Schedule:
Saturdays & Sundays at 12:45-7:30 pm PST - both in studio or zoom (hybrid)
Wednesdays at 7:00-9:30 pm PST - on zoom only
Work trade Scholarship is due Monday, Jan 20
Spring ‘25
Monday, June 2 - Friday, June 27
Weekly Schedule:
Monday through Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm PST - both in studio or zoom (hybrid)
Work trade Scholarship is due Friday, May 2
Summer ‘25
Saturday, August 27 - Sunday, December 14
Weekly Schedule:
Saturdays & Sundays at 12:45-7:30 pm PST - both in studio or zoom (hybrid)
Wednesdays at 7:00-9:30 pm PST - on zoom only
Work trade Scholarship is due Friday, Aug 22
Fall ‘25
About the Teachers
Jana Janelle Johnson
Lead Teacher Trainer
Jana Johnson is the lead instructor for The Tree’s 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025. Jana brings her passion for social justice and yoga to fully serve each individual with the opportunity to learn and deepen their practice. Her intention is for each yogi to develop their connection to the practice, and be equipped to guide students safely, mindfully, and with trauma-informed understanding and language. The purpose is to provide students an opportunity to flourish through integrating the practice both on and off the mat. Jana approaches the work with the understanding that the practice is rooted in the internal and that the external is a guide to gaining a deeper awareness of the Self.
Jana’s enthusiasm for yoga has led her to specialize in Meditation, Hatha, Yin, and Ganja Yoga styles of yoga practice in both English & Spanish. Her classes tend to have a relaxing & rejuvenating feel as she sets the tone for authentically & intentionally connecting with one’s true, inner Self. Jana is committed to bringing focus, intention, and value to every class she teaches. She has a lighthearted & friendly attitude as well as a desire to harmoniously connect with students in ways that effectively enhance their personal practice. Her intention is for her students to allow the benefits garnered in the class to extend "off the mat" for positive influence in everyday life that go well beyond the formal practice.
Jana is an E-RYT® 500, YACEP® with Yoga Alliance. She completed her 200-hr teaching training at Green Tree Yoga & Meditation (the origination of The Tree) with Raja Michelle, her 300-hr teaching training with Melanin Yoga Project with Davina Davidson, and her second 300-hr teacher training with SmartFlow Yoga with Annie Carpenter. Her current primary teachers are Jerome Mercier at Power Yoga East, her Inner Self, everyone she meets, and her Life Experiences.
Michael Moses
Co-Lead Teacher Trainer
Michale Moses is the co-lead/assistant instructor for The Tree’s 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training for Spring 2025. Michael came to yoga at the age of 19 during the height of his years playing college soccer. Originally, yoga was a physical practice and opportunity for him to become more flexible and limber to prolong his playing days. Over the years, he has grown in his appreciation of yoga as an extension of his mindfulness practice--a reminder to find ease in the present moment and a tool to sync his mind, body, and soul as one.
Michael completed his 200-hour teacher training at the Tree Yoga Cooperative in 2021. He originally intended to bring his learning back to the university classroom where he is an assistant professor of higher education and qualitative methods at UC Riverside's School of Education. As he neared the end of his 200-hour training, he felt it was only right to continue his study of yoga as an instructor at the Tree and Hot 8 Yoga.
Michael teaches hatha/vinyasa flow and yoga sculpt styles. He enjoys making new playlists for students to vibe and flow to. He aims for his students to, of course, get a good sweat in. More than anything however, he hopes his students walk a way with a greater sense and comfort of what it means to be in their body to find peace of mind amidst the busyness of their daily lives.
Florence Culpepper
Co-Lead Teacher Trainer
Florence Culpepper is the co-lead/assistant instructor for The Tree’s 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training for Summer 2025. Florence’s yoga journey began while in college in Birmingham, Alabama. The physical yoga practice immediately resonated with her and has been a part of her life ever since. You will find Florence either taking or teaching a yoga class almost every day of the week. She completed her first 200 hour certification at Shanti Hot Yoga with Thomas Taubman, Star Rader, and Meredith Meyer. Followed by a 50 hour yin yoga training with Shanti Hot Yoga. Florence experienced her second 200 hour certification through Center for Yoga with Ashley Rideaux, Joe Kara, Clio Manuelian, Olivia Barry, and Jeanne Heileman. Florence guides students in ways that provide the knowledge and freedom to move dynamically and safely through the asana practice.
In Florence’s classes and trainings you can expect a welcoming atmosphere of supportive challenge, mindful sequences, affirmation, and chill beats. Follow her on Instagram @yogiprincipal. Let’s flow!
Guest Teachers
Guest teachers, experts in various fields, offer modules to insure a well-rounded powerful program.
Jennifer Alvarez
Yoga for Seniors
Public Health & Healing Justice
Rita Ortiz Contreras
Yoga en Español
Toltec Philosophy
Lauren Anuwolley Ross
Kemetic Yoga & Ancestral Veneration
Inversions & Arm Balances
Yoga’s Roots, History, & Diversity
Trauma/Culturally-Informed Yoga, Accessibility, & Inclusion
Joey Epinoza
Restorative Yoga
Pre & Post-Natal Yoga
Business of Yoga & Mindful Marketing
Tuition
We do our best for this training to be both sustainable and accessible. The way we do that is by offering the following options:
Full Tuition: $2800
Discounted Tuition: $2500 - for making a one-time flat fee payment OR making a deposit & paying off the balance, in whatever increments, by the first day of training.
Worktrade/Scholarship: $1800 + Work-trade of 40 volunteer hours. This is a needs-based offering. Limited spots are available.
A deposit of $350 OR the flat rate payment of $2500 is required with your registration form in order for your application to be complete & accepted. You’ll see this link at the end of the registration form and the button is also below. The same $350 deposit must be paid in order to complete your registration, even if you are applying for worktrade.
Full tuition is due by the start of the program unless you are on a payment plan. Flexible payment plans are available for the full tuition & worktrade options. All payments are non-refundable however they can be transferred to a future training. If you are interested in applying for the worktrade/scholarship you can indicate this on the registration form and submit the appropriate documentation asked for in the form. All work-trade applicants will be interviewed once the deadline has passed and decisions are based on need, your ability to complete the volunteer hours, and your commitment to your practice. Worktrade positions are limited so requesting worktrade does NOT guarantee you will receive it.
*Work trade/scholarship application deadlines:
Spring ‘25 - January 20th
Summer ‘25 - May 2nd
Fall ‘25 - August 22nd
More About Work-trade:
We host interviews with everyone who applies for the work trade scholarship by the listed deadline. We generally award 3 students per cohort and always get a lot more applicants than that so the interviews allow us to get a better sense of your practice, your financial need, and your ability to complete your 40 volunteer hours. If you are awarded a worktrade scholarship, you will receive a $1000 scholarship bringing your training tuition down to $1800. The worktrade component of this is your commitment to completing 40 volunteer hours of work supporting The Tree. This will consist of cleaning the studio space, possibly working the front desk to check students in for class, and ideally, a use of your skills and interests (ex: photography, graphic design, marketing, writing, etc.) that can be used to support whatever our work is at the time.
The registration forms above include the option to apply for worktrade. It is part of the same form.
YTT perks
During training, you will have the following studio perks:
Free monthly class membership
Free Tree T-shirt
After training, you will have the following studio perks:
Free Tree Hoodie in exchange for a video testimonial
20% off monthly class membership
20% off merch
RELEASE OF LIABILITY WITH VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION: By taking a class, workshop, or training offered by The Tree Yoga Co-op, you acknowledge that you have read the Release of Liability Form and accept the terms for participation. Read the Release of Liability Form.