Kirti Khalsa, RYT, ARPF CEO
Kirti is originally from Rome, Italy, and is the Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, and Secretary of the Board of the ARPF. Before moving to the USA, Kirti worked for a multinational pharmaceutical company in the export, marketing and Regulatory Affairs departments in their offices in Italy, USA, and Switzerland. She is involved in supporting her community by fighting illiteracy through her Rotary Club and supporting other non-profits. Kirti has been a yoga practitioner for over 40 years and a yoga teacher to seniors and people with disabilities for over 30 years.
Kirti will be teaching on Monday, March 17th
Tisha Downing, RYT-200, CMT-200, BLS
Tisha Downing is a certified trauma-conscious yoga instructor, (through Connected Warriors), and CMT- 200. Her journey into brain health advocacy with the Alzheimer’s Prevention & Research Foundation began after losing her grandfather to Alzheimer’s and now witnessing her beloved grandmother, who raised her, in the late stages of the disease. This inspired her to become a certified Brain Longevity Specialist, dedicated to promoting cognitive wellness.
Tisha lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rarely diagnosed genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue throughout her body. This condition has led to chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, POTS, and other invisible illnesses. Despite these challenges, she remains passionate about helping others with similar conditions. Through trauma-conscious yoga, Tisha empowers those with EDS and other chronic illnesses to practice yoga safely, honoring their bodies unique needs. Her mission is to help as many people as possible live longer, fuller, and more vibrant lives.
Tisha will be teaching on Tuesday, March 18th
Fletcher Wilkins, BSE, RYT
Fletcher lives in Wilmington, North Carolina and has a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan. He has been working in the nuclear industry for almost 30 years. Having a daily Kundalini Yoga and Meditation practice allows him to work in a highly stressful environment and remain calm.
Fletcher has been a Yoga practitioner since 1995 and became a certified Level 1 Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Teacher in 2004. He is currently finishing up his Level 2 Certification. He is a member of the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation Board. Fletcher enjoys traveling, the beach, good food, and spending time with friends and family. He enjoys sharing the lifestyle-based concepts of the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation.
Fletcher will be teaching on Wednesday, March 19th
Vera Rodriguez Mancera, LCPC, RYT, BLS
Vera Rodriguez Mancera is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) with a passion for helping others find wellness and peace. Since 2022, she has been teaching chair yoga and cognitive wellness classes to Holocaust survivors in Russian. She graduated from Orot Compassion Project: Jewish Mindfulness Training for Social Service Professionals in 2018 and from a local community college’s yoga certification program in 2021. In addition to her yoga practice, Vera is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, using a person-centered, trauma-informed approach for clinical case management and counseling. Recently, she became a certified Brain Longevity® Specialist after completing the Brain Longevity Therapy Training (BLTT) in January 2025. Originally from Belarus, Vera moved to the U.S. in 2002, and has called Chicago home since. Her hobbies include photography, traveling, and growing fancy orchids.
Vera will be teaching on Thursday, March 20th
Barbara Lowes, E-RYT 500, YACEP, Reiki Master, BLS
Barb was inspired to study the practice of Brain Longevity after her father passed away from Alzheimer’s. She uses this passion to teach others the empowering yoga strategies found in ancient wisdom teachings. These studies are proven to relieve tension and anxiety, improve mood, boost focus and concentration – plus build a strong memory to keep the brain active, robust, and healthy.
“I’ve been practicing Kirtan Kriya every day since I took BLTT a few years ago and I don’t forget a thing. So, thank you. I have also been enjoying all of the ARPF webinars and programs– I have learned so much. I am thrilled to be a part of this unbelievable experience and to share it with all of my students. I’m also thinking about having a one-week Meditation Challenge, too. I loved the one we did with ARPF. I am forever grateful.” – Barbara
Barb will be teaching on Friday, March 21st
|
