Karen Sprute-Francovich  M.A,. E-RYT-500, Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher,  began Yoga in 1974 as a senior in high school.  She has been practicing ever since and began teaching in 1986. From 1986 – 2001 she also maintained a thriving practice as a Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in East Asian Bodywork and Movement Arts. In 2001 she founded Garden Street School of Yoga. Karen’s earlier study and teaching were primarily Iyengar influenced. In 2001 she earned the level of Certified Anusara Yoga teacher. The Yoga she teaches now has its roots in the ground of these two methods but continues to grow and evolve based on her practice, teaching and study, and includes both form (alignment) and flow (vinyasa). In addition to her studio classes, she teaches Yoga Immersions, Teacher Training Programs, retreats and workshops. Karen is a devoted student of her students. Her teaching and studio work is enlivened, supported and inspired by the amazing community of students, teachers and practitioners at Garden Street Yoga.  She is a writer and a lover of poetry and prose. She is a dedicated meditator and she thrives on stories, nearness to water, swimming and hiking.  She is supported, inspired and renewed by her husband, her 2 grown sons and her cat, all of whom are Yoga practitioners (the cat especially).