Gila Shire

About Gila Shire

With a 14-year background in nursing, I've always loved working with people.  So after moving from Germany to Phoenix in 1997, I became a certified massage therapist working with private clients.  But when I was introduced to yoga, my life gained a dynamic new dimension.  In 2002, I began my training with Martin and Jordan Kirk (www.kirkyoga.com) and registered with the Yoga Alliance.  Since then, I have been teaching in the Valley at several yoga studios along with private students.  In 2007, I completed Inner Vision’s (www.innervisionyoga.com) advanced 500-hour yoga teacher training program with Jeff Martens, Kat Myers, Aaron Goldberg and Michele Dante.  Their dogma-free teaching is a rare approach for which I feel grateful!  I am also certified through Judith Lasater as a ‘Relax and Renew’ teacher, specializing in Restorative yoga.

As a seasoned teacher, my eclectic style was influenced by the teachings of John Friend, Mukunda Stiles, Paul Grilley and Rod Stryker.  Alignment and the healing/therapeutic approach are key elements of my classes, accompanied by thoughtfully chosen themes, music, and readings to enrich and inspire.

A back injury in 2007 challenged my health, yet unexpectedly blessed my life. This experience led me to place an even greater emphasis on the aspects of natural healing I offer in my practice as I love to help people combine the beauty they bring to their mats with the wisdom, knowledge, and inspiration of yoga.

 My classes are designed for all levels to meet the individual needs of the student, providing space for growth, soulful exploration, holistic networking, and community.

 My latest endeavor as a doula (with DONA International) brings everything I learned over more than 2 decades into full circle: my years of hospital & nursing work, the natural birth experience of my daughter Talisa in 1991 (which led me onto the holistic path) and my passion for health & life.  With all these valuable tools, I offer women the support they deserve at their most unforgettable, sacred & natural event: giving birth. An event which is a true celebration and can be embraced as a rite of passage.