columbia gorge school of yoga
SPRING 2025 Yoga teacher training
kathy kacena
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
"Knowing Kathy has been one of the most wonderful, life-enhancing experiences. Trying to put it into words is nearly impossible. I could talk at length about what she's done for me and the community.
Kathy has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to the practice and teachings of yoga. She inspires and guides students, teachers, friends, and community members to be their best selves and discover “what lights them up.” Her expertly planned classes touch every part of your mind, body, and spirit through beautiful, well-informed, accessible sequencing, relevant readings, and the occasional dance party! She is a true gift to the Columbia River Gorge community."
- CAROLYN
"Kathy’s yoga classes have been the single most transformative teachings I have ever experienced. Somehow, I always hear just what I need at that moment, on that day. Her breath-centric movement, the carefully chosen readings, information about elements of Chinese medicine, and Kathy’s patient, knowledgeable, good-natured essence all make her classes the best yoga ever!"
- BECKY
"When I first sat down to extol your many virtues, I thought it would be a quick process. However, when I reflect on the years I’ve spent training with you, the task—though a pleasure—of capturing your extraordinary energy, dedication, knowledge, and generosity to the yoga community feels overwhelming. To put it simply, you are the driving force and heart of Yoga Samadhi. You have welcomed, trained, mentored, and befriended so many of the students I still practice with every week. Your classes flow seamlessly, from yin to yang, music to silence, breath by breath. Your joy in teaching, your love of yoga, and your passion for breathwork have touched all of us lucky enough to be in your classes. There's always a sweet sadness when each session ends. Thank you for being you!"
- DEBORAH
"Kathy's warm and inviting welcome to yoga, along with her bright spirit (and Arkansan lilt!), have made me a regular in her class. Her specific guidance has been instrumental in helping me recover from an injury and increase my mobility over time. The reflections Kathy shares during class often seem to hit home for me, arriving at just the right moment. She is truly a community treasure!
Thank you so much for the important role you've played in my journey through the back injury and subsequent re-injuries and hiccups. Your class has been huge for me."
- BENGT
"Kathy’s emphasis on the breath, combined with her guidance in yin, has given me permission to listen deeply to the wisdom of my body. I love that she teaches the asana with a target area rather than a "look like this" pose, allowing for a more personal practice. I’ve learned so much over the years, both from the practice and the wisdom teachings she shares. The experience is life-changing!"
- SANDI
"Kathy has been my guide into deeper yoga practice for many years. As she continues her own deepening and discoveries, she shares these insights with other practitioners, allowing us to explore alongside her and on our own. As she emphasizes again and again, yoga is our individual practice. Kathy offers many ways to explore the physical, emotional, and spiritual paths that make up this way of living. Yoga Samadhi Studio has become a "home base" for me."
- SUZANNE
"Oh my, there is so much to say about Kathy beyond words. The first thing that comes to mind is her wisdom teachings. She intuitively chooses readings for each week's theme, and they are always spot on. Kathy blends her lifetime of various teaching methods into the practice room—Yoga, Egoscue, Qi Gong, and education on our energy systems through acupuncture channels, along with breathwork.
Sometimes in her class, she will bring tears to your heart and soul, and other times she has us rocking out with her music playlist. Mostly, she offers her authentic self, radiating love and joy just by being there with us."
- JULIA
"It may sound cliché, but Kathy was born to teach yoga. It is her true calling, and it's completely evident in the joy she gets from teaching!"
"Kathy is remarkably 'present' when teaching yoga—she's always speaking from the heart with a voice that is clear and calm, never that 'yoga-esque' wispy voice that so many feel the need to adopt during yoga..."
- BRADY
"I had never practiced Yin/Yang yoga until attending Kathy's class and soon became a regular student. Kathy's emphasis on embodying the poses—experiencing them from the inside out—truly speaks to me. Her understanding of Chinese Meridian Theory adds a dimension to yoga that resonates with me. Kathy incorporates many different elements into the class (including qigong, with an emphasis on breath-centric yoga), making it both fun and challenging. Kathy is a truly gifted teacher. I leave each class feeling completely renewed and fortunate to have participated!"
- CLAIRE
"I have been a student of Kathy’s for over 18 years. During that time, I have learned how to deeply listen to my body, respond to its needs, and grow spiritually. Kathy’s depth of knowledge of the body and its energy pathways encourages a complete yoga practice. Kathy’s classes are amazing—from the readings and music selections to the introduction and sequencing of asanas (with helpful ideas about variations and modifications), each class is a true learning experience."
- JONI
"In the era of instagram, yoga can feel intimidating--that you have to look a certain way and have a certain body. Kathy's approach to teaching has always been about the inner experience. Her gentle and disarming approach to teaching yoga, meditation and breath work has given me skills that have helped me navigate several very challenging chapters in life. I love how she weaves in inspirational readings and reflections with joy, humor, and humility. She's become a mentor and friend to me over the 15+ years I've known her. "
- HANNAH
"Warm, welcoming, and deeply knowledgeable about yoga—these are the words that come to mind when I think of the time I've been fortunate enough to share with Kathy Kacena. I've been a student in Kathy's Yin Yoga classes for several years, where she consistently offers a mind/breath/body connection in a peaceful environment. Kathy is fully present for all students, providing clear cues and multiple pose options depending on your body type and how you feel that day. Kathy was also my teacher in the 2024 Samadhi teacher training program, where she made herself available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the sessions. Kathy is a unique gem that has somehow landed in my life, and I am deeply grateful to practice yoga under her guidance"
- STACEY
"From my very first yoga pose, Kathy Kacena changed my life. She has guided me down a wisdom path, so fresh and full of inspiration. It’s a blessing to call her my first teacher and the seed that led me to teach as well."
- MS MICHAEL
"I appreciate your gentle style and flexibility with poses. We perennials have to remain flexible in mind, body, and spirit! Thanks for years of keeping me mobile and curious."