Because of severe injuries when I was young I have tried everything to heal myself, through both conventional medicine and the wholistic route. I have found yoga and yoga therapy to be the most effective thing I can do to stay happy, healthy and balanced. As I get older, yoga is no longer optional, but mandatory to prevent headaches, joint pain and depression. I believe it also helps slow the effects of aging and memory loss. I have been a student of yoga for over 40 years and have been exploring yoga teacher training programs for years and the curriculum here is amazing. I have studied under a lot of teachers in many different traditions and I am most impressed with Taos Yoga Therapy, the Svastha Institute and Monique Parker. I will be taking the Wellness Program and Teacher Training and I am so excited. I have a lot of respect for tradition and classical training and this program is quite pure in that regard. It is good that yoga is widespread and being taught in fitness programs. That said, there is also a need to offer the time-honored teachings that form the roots of many modern approaches to health and wellness (which I have also studied). I am excited about the program's focus on yoga therapy as taught in the Krishnamacharya tradition. This place has made a big difference in my life and as a yoga teacher, I hope to make a difference for others, as well. read more

I have been practicing yoga for about 6 years now and I have been teaching yoga in the community for about two and a half years now, but when I heard that Monique, my teacher decided to open Taos Yoga Therapy I was so happy! I have been missing her teachings so much. She is always presenting something new to all of us. The workshops she puts together once a month are just amazing. I am really enjoying the space of Taos Yoga Therapy, she has all the props necessary and she is always showing in a very smart and safe way how to take vantage of them in case you need to adapt some pose. Monique and her teachings keep surprising me, she is an on going student and because of her constant growth we all grow with her. I feel really blessed to have her here in our community! read more

I arrived at the doorstep of Taos Yoga Therapy thoroughly depleted by a long illness. My breathing was constricted by stress. My muscles ached. My stamina was nil. I needed healing for body and soul, and I found it under Monique's gentle, attentive, and learned guidance. This is not 'twist into a pretzel ' yoga or 'hot until you drop' yoga. The studio is a sanctuary of serenity and self care. Every posture is a vessel for meditative breath. After each session, I feel greater strength and flexibility as well as a deep sense of calm, balance, and harmony. I highly recommend Monique and the teachers she has trained at Taos Yoga Therapy. In fact, I don't think I would have found renewed health if I hadn't walked in that door a few months ago. read more

Monique is an excellent Yoga instructor. She is highly experienced and very intuitive. She has studied in India and brings to her Yoga class a great deal of knowledge as a result of many years of practice. Every class is unique and I appreciate the 90 minute sessions which gives my entire mind and body a thorough reintegration. I have a 200 yoga certification and have also studied sound healing. I appreciate the conscious breathing which is a component of every asana plus the sound and meditative aspects to each session. I also love the peaceful setting of the studio and Monique's ability to create a safe Yogic environment for a wide range of age and physical abilities. read more

"I've been taking classes with Monique for six months now, and with the teachers she trained for about a year. I'd quit yoga classes years ago because I didn't like the way they were taught. Monique doesn't just pay lip-service to breathing; breath is intrinsic to the practice. She takes me deep into the asanas without any resistance, struggle, or injury. I think this is the way Yoga is supposed to be - evenness in body and mind, and thoroughly enjoyable. Not once have I looked at the clock and wondered are we done yet. I decided not to anticipate results but just do it, and now I am noticing some profound results in both strength and flexibility." - Hannah Rappaport, El Prado read more

Although I have practiced Hatha Yoga most of my adult life, it was only when Monique introduced me to Svastha Yoga that I realized Yoga is a "Way of Life." I have participated in Monique's classes for years now and am always filled with the depth of her knowledge about all aspects of yoga, the loving, personally supportive feel to her classes, the lovely, safe space where she holds her classes and her ability to constantly be evolving, growing and adapting to the needs and direction students and their Yoga practice need to be going. Monique is a gift to many individuals as well as to the extended Yoga Community of Taos.We 're all so lucky to have Monique in our life! read more

Taos Yoga Therapy offers something unique to the Yoga community in Taos: individualized instruction in a class setting with an emphasis on the whole person. Proper alignment with attention to the body in the asana, as well as focused breathing while moving into and out of the posture are central to Monique's teaching. She is very well versed in normal body physiology and anatomy and able to modify postures for those with physical limitations and needs so that each participant is able to maximize her/his experience in the class. Her instruction culminates in assisting each individual to come into a quiet state of mind where meditation is the natural outcome. read more

The classes at Taos Yoga Therapy are a deep experience that highlights the true meaning of yoga. The breadth and scope of the teachers and how they teach the practice reflect a lineage that honors the full meaning of yoga. What sets these classes apart is linking the breath to each movement, and honoring each student's place within the practice. I can think of no other place I'd rather be taking yoga classes than here. It fills you deeply. read more

Monique brings to yoga and yoga therapy extensive training and self-study in addition to many years of teaching. This is classic yoga with attention to the individual even in a group class and proper breathing techniques creating a safe practice. Body, breath and mind are integrated through all the disciplines of yoga, as if often claimed but not carried out by many teachers. read more

Started Yoga with Monique in August. I was a beginner and Monique made it easy for me to learn comfortable positions that would help the pain in my neck and shoulder. The small classes made it nice for Monique to give personal attention to each student. I leave the class feeling calm, relaxed and balanced. The studio is tucked away in a nice quiet area, very peaceful. read more

Taos Yoga Therapy is a wonderful yoga school with a beautiful, quite landscaped area that is relaxing and meditative. Monique is a very conscientious instructor, understanding the body and its functions. This and her compassion for each individual makes for the perfect instructions. read more

Everyone will feel comfortable at Taos Yoga Therapy, regardless of yoga proficiency. Svastha yoga as taught by Monique and those she has trained delivers great health benefits from even the simplest poses. Proper breathing is emphasized. Private instruction is available, too. read more

Monique is one of the most accomplished yoga teachers I know. Her knowledge of the body through her extensive yoga therapy training makes her an excellent teacher. Also the space is intimate and serene. Take it from a fellow yoga teacher, Monique is the best! I go regularly! read more