2026/2027
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
& Immersion
August 2026 ~ May 2027 | 10-Month Training
The Vital Oak School
of Yoga Studies
with Deb Buck (Lead Trainer), Lynn Wickersham (Lead Trainer), Sheryl McGourty, Michele Lawrence, Andrew McGonigle, Bhavani Maki & Ruby Jo Walker
Rooted in ancient wisdom & the time-tested science of yoga, this in-depth yogic studies program is designed for students who wish to deepen their personal practice and to illuminate the 8-limbed path of yoga. Established in experiential learning & self-inquiry, we will utilize the tools of yoga to understand one’s self with more clarity, to intelligently lead us into our own transformation and to fortify ourselves at a deeper layer. Whether you are simply interested in immersing yourself in the teachings of Yoga or have the inclination to wholeheartedly share the art and science of yoga as a teacher, this program is for you.
This program is offered as an invitation to a process of transformation. A metamorphosis of becoming more of who you are; remembering one’s self as whole. Yoga is yoking together, integrating all parts of self. The practice lends itself to the exploration of relationship with self, community, Earth & cosmos.. Together as a community of students of yoga, we will cultivate a sacred container to begin/continue unpacking the vast teachings of yoga, honoring where they come from and our place within them.
The Vital Oak School of Yoga Studies Teacher Training & Immersion Program is offered in collaboration with Yogadurango in Durango, Colorado. Yogadurango serves as the home of our training.
Yoga is an endless process – let’s take heart and note that this is a humble beginning. We believe that being a student of yoga is a lifelong process. Sharing the sacred teaching of yoga comes from our authentic, personal experience of the integration of the yogic teachings and thus this training is highly experiential.
What you will receive from this training:
Rich insight through the wisdom of Patanjali Yoga Sutras (20 sutras in total)
Study of the intelligence of the 8-Limbed path of Yoga
An expanded understanding of the nervous system through the PolyVagal theory, post-traumatic growth and resilience and how it intersects with the practice of yoga
Clarity within the practice of functional hatha yogasana (alignment, biomechanics, sequencing, families of postures, modifications, intelligent movement, art of assists)
An introduction to the subtle practices
Embodiment of an effective teacher & space holder
Exploration of voice & utilization of empowering language
Restorative Yoga and Pranayama
Intelligent study of anatomy & physiology as it pertains to yoga
Teaching practicum
Introduction to the subtle practices
Introduction to Samkhya Philosophy
History of yoga & lineage
Ethics of being a yoga student/teacher
Build a community of like-minded practitioners!
Dates:
August 21, 22, 23
September 18, 19, 20
October 9, 10, 11
November 6, 7, 8
December 4, 5, 6
January 8, 9, 10
February 5, 6, 7
March 5, 6, 7
April 2, 3, 4
April 30 – May 2
May 15, 16
Meeting times:
Fridays – 1:30pm-5:30pm
Saturdays 11-5:30pm
Sundays 11-5:30pm
**Please note that Anatomy and Physiology (30 hours) with Andrew McGonigle will be held online. You will automatically be enrolled in this course once you make the commitment to participate in this 200-hour training/immersion. For more information about this aspect of the training, please check out details here:
Investment
$3100 for 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
*A non-refundable deposit of $500 holds your place in this training.
*10-class pack for classes at Yogadurango included in tuition
*Space is limited. We encourage you to make your deposit to hold your space.
*Payment Plans available and must be paid by the first day of training. If you are interested in a payment plan, please contact Deb at deb@thevitaloak.com.
1-2 Partial Scholarships available.
Questions or need more information? Please contact Deb deb@thevitaloak.com.
Deb Buck
Lead Trainer – E-RYT 500, YACEP, Yoga Therapist in Training
Deb weaves devotion, strength, integrity, and grace into her teaching, inspiring students toward enthusiasm, self-inquiry, and connection with nature. She views yoga as a practical and mystical path of transformation that awakens inherent intelligence and supports healing. Deb began practicing at 19 and completed her first teacher training through Yogadurango in 2010. She has studied extensively with Bhavani Maki in Yoga Philosophy and the Yoga Sūtra, and with Eddie Modestini and Kristin Bosteels in Yoga on the Inside. Deb is currently a Yoga Therapist in training with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy and has completed additional education in Polyvagal Theory, resilience, and post-traumatic growth through Southwest Trauma Trainings.
Lynn Wickersham
Lead Trainer – E-RYT 500, YACEP, Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT)
Lynn began practicing yoga in 2001 and found in it a profound sense of peace during a period of grief and transition, eventually leading her to share the practice with others. She completed her teacher training at Yandara Yoga Institute in 2009, and her personal practice draws from Bhakti, Kundalini, and Classical Hatha Yoga. She has taught group and private classes since 2007 and is co-owner of Yogadurango. Lynn plays and teaches harmonium and integrates sound as a healing tool. In 2020 she became a Certified Yoga Therapist through Inner Peace Yoga Therapy, specializing in grief, chronic pain, and neurological conditions, working one-on-one and in small therapeutic groups.
Sheryl McGourty
Sheryl has been a dedicated yoga practitioner for over 20 years and began her formal training in Nasik, India in 2005. With a background in experiential education, she naturally gravitated toward holding space, facilitating healing, and honoring the art of teaching. She is the founder of Yogadurango, a community yoga center established in 2006, and leads retreats locally and internationally. Sheryl has additional training in prenatal, kids, and trauma-sensitive yoga, and she values the common threads among spiritual traditions. She is also an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner, offering seasonal programs and consultations. Sheryl finds inspiration in nature, creativity, community, and time with her son, Cedar.
Michele Lawrence
Michele first came to yoga in 1999 and quickly discovered its capacity to support healing, embodiment, and connection beyond the purely physical. She began teaching in 2005 and has explored many styles, with a primary focus on Yoga Therapy and its relevance to everyday life situations. Michele teaches classes, leads retreats, and offers private yoga therapy sessions including Yoga for Healing. Originally from New Jersey, she moved to Durango in 2006. She also holds an MBA and previously worked in corporate environments, experience she continues to draw on in her current work. Michele is the founder and director of Inner Peace Yoga Therapy, an IAYT-accredited 800-hour yoga therapy certification program.
Andrew McGonigle
ERYT 500, C-IAYT
Andrew has studied anatomy for more than two decades, initially training as a medical doctor before shifting toward yoga, massage therapy, and anatomy education. He now specializes in teaching anatomy and physiology for yoga teachers and runs online applied anatomy courses for practitioners worldwide. Andrew integrates his clinical training, hands-on experience, and yoga background to make complex concepts practical and accessible. He is also a writer, with his first solo book project published in 2021. Andrew teaches internationally and lives in Los Angeles with his husband. More about his work can be found through Doctor Yogi.
Bhavani Maki
E-RYT500, YACEP
Bhavani attended her first yoga class at age nine and has been immersed in Patañjali’s Aṣṭāṅga Yoga since 1987. She founded Aṣṭāṅga Yoga Kaua‘i and opened Kauai’s first yoga shala, Yoga Hanalei, where she offered trainings and classes for two decades. Bhavani has studied extensively in India with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Baba Hari Dass, hosted Jois in Kaua‘i, and trained in Sanskrit and Yoga Sūtra studies with several renowned teachers. She has presented at major yoga festivals, recorded classes, and contributed to publications such as Yoga Journal. Her teaching integrates philosophy, metaphysics, and embodied practice, emphasizing yoga as a path of insight and transformation.
Ruby Jo Walker
Ruby Jo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Post-Traumatic Growth Somatic Therapy™. For over 30 years she has worked at the intersection of psychotherapy, trauma treatment, and education, supporting both clients and helping professionals. She offers trainings and supervision for therapists, healthcare providers, spiritual leaders, educators, bodyworkers, and advocates interested in trauma-informed practice. Her approach integrates interpersonal neurobiology, Polyvagal Theory, attachment work, resilience, and somatic awareness to support deep nervous system healing. Ruby Jo is a Certified Somatic Experiencing™ Practitioner, Hakomi™ Certified Therapist, and Organic Intelligence™ Somatic Therapist, Expert Level, and is committed to fostering sustainable growth and embodied well-being.
Ethics, Lineage & History of Yoga
Yoga in a Modern & western world
Lineage
How Did We Get Here?
Honoring those Who have Come Before
Walking in the Footsteps of “Giants”
Understanding the Types of Yoga (Jnana, Raja, Bhakti, Karma)
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Who was Patanjali?
What is Yoga?
The Invitation
Philosophy vs Embodiment
Overview of Sutras
8-Limbs of Yoga
Integrate 20+ Key Sutras
Asana
Asana Families
Savasana
Anatomy & Physiology of Asanas
Appropriate Modifications & Variations
“Props”
Relationships of Poses
Sanskrit Names of Poses
Alignment
What is Vinyasa?
Restorative Yoga
Effective Cueing
Effective Sequencing
Intelligent & Sensitive Assists
Accessible Asana
Yoga for different bodies
Curriculum:
Subtle Body Anatomy & Practices
Prana & Vayus
Bandhas
Mudras
Intro to Pranayama
Pranayama
What is Pranayama?
Safety in Pranayama
Pranayama Techniques
Intro to Meditation & Mantra
What is Meditation?
Intro to Meditation Practices
Shanti Path
Invocation to Aum
Gayatri Mantra
Chanting Sutra
Anatomy & Physiology
Autonomic Nervous System
Into to Polyvagal Theory
Ayurveda: Yoga’s Sister Science
Neurobiology of Trauma
Neurobiology of Resilience
Muscles & Bones
Anatomy of the Joints
Cardiovascular & Respiratory System A & P
Psychology of Teaching Yoga
Ethics & Responsibility
The Many Hats of Teaching Yoga
Trauma Sensitivity
Cultural Appropriation VS Cultural Appreciation
Authenticity
Yamas & Niyamas of Becoming a Teacher
Business of Teaching Yoga
Professional Development
Relationship to Competition
The Art & Skill of Leadership
Practice Teaching & Finding Your Voice
Intro to Reading Bodies
The Art & Skill of Holding Space
Creating Container & Community
Teaching Methodology
Teaching to a group – find the middle ground
Integration
Group Dialogues
Small Group Exercises
Final written test
Final Project
Final group teaching practicum
Testimonials
“Deb created an incredibly special space for us to come learn, explore and ultimately transform through the teachings of Yoga. She consistently showed up with presence, a caring nature and dedication to the teachings and the practice. It’s rare to find teachers who are so embodied; someone who is really walking the talk! Deb’s sharings on the Yoga Sutras are particularly profound. She is able to transmit the teachings in a way that resonates with each individual and provides them the support they need on their journey. The Asana practice she offers is one that is deeply grounding and nourishing. The group of students that were attracted to this training were heartfelt, compassionate and dedicated. I couldn’t imagine having a better group to learn and grow alongside. It’s impossible not to leave this training without experiencing meaningful transformation and a deeper sense of connectivity to oneself, others and the world around us.”
- Anya
“I came to Deb’s teacher training with very little yoga experience; it was a deep dive into the yogi path. What I found was a whole-hearted program that brought together the eight-limb path and forged a beautiful and powerful community of like-minded individuals that supported each other on the journey. I savored this experience which has changed my life and put me on a path of remembering how to be a human and better manage my nervous system and health. I highly recommend this program to the novice as well as those looking to prepare for teaching; you will love it!”
-Jenn
“The 200-hour YTT with Yoga Durango is amazing! The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and skilled practitioners. They provide a safe, inclusive, supportive environment for students to learn, grow and flourish. Anyone interested in becoming a yoga teacher or who would like to deepen their learning should consider joining this incredible program and group of teachers who care so deeply about sharing yoga with others.“
- Kelly-Jenn
“This was a journey without a known end for me but has given me a roadmap to a greater understanding of myself. I can’t imagine a better teacher than Deb. A vast knowledge given with compassion and heart. She has opened a door that only I can walk through. With love of others and of oneself. Deb is simply the greatest.”
~ Roy
