FACILITATORS
Ira Schneider
FOUNDER ZEN DEN
IRA SCHNEIDER founded Zen Den Yoga Studio in 2008 and Zen Den Yoga School in 2009.
Ira started to practice yoga consciously in 2007. He says consciously because, after getting his 200 hour certification he realized there were many parts to yoga besides the physical practice. These other paths of yoga (prana yama, meditation, positive thought) he had already been practicing from the time he was a little boy. This inward feeling of something larger then himself was always present through his years as an entrepreneur, teacher, consultant and individual being.
In 2007 his life took some major shifts and someone recommended trying yoga. He immediately accepted this idea as if he knew this was something he had to do. After his very first class Ira knew that this new practice in his life was not only going to be with him forever, but that it always had been with him and it was just time to start practicing again in this life time. Within three months Ira set out to become 200 hour certified in order to teach Yoga.
Upon completion of his 200 hr certification with School Yoga Institute, Ira immediately started to teach both private and large group classes in Boca Raton, Florida. Hence, the creation of Zen Den Yoga Studio. With an education background in college and always being in a consulting or educating position, Ira soon realized more of his dharma. He was enjoying the classes with his students, however, Ira wanted to get yoga out to more people. After just 11 months from his first certification, he went and got his 500 hour certification with School Yoga Institute in order to prepare to teach people how to teach yoga. This training was followed up with an 800 hour training certification and the opening of Zen Den Yoga School and Studio.
In 2013, Ira opened the Zen Den Yoga Retreats to share a journey of disconnect to reconnect with everybody, students of the 200 hour program and those just looking for a tropical get away. Ira makes sure that guests have everything they need to experience a pampered, yoga retreat no matter where it is located(Guatemala, Mexico, Florida, Nicaragua, Jamaica) including: onsite resort-style amenities, massages, fresh veggies and fruits, and the means to explore the local area and more. Ira invites all of our retreat guests to get the full experience by offering unlimited yoga, and meditation classes.
Ira and the School have continued to grow as the universe shows the way. He shares this light with all those he comes in contact with, including being blessed with his loving wife Valerie Leeds. They have shared the vision and co-created over the last decade together, including raising a beautiful daughter Hali, now 19.
Valerie Leeds
CO-OWNER ZEN DEN
VALERIE LEEDS is a dynamic wellness entrepreneur teaching people to access their best selves in mind, body and spirit for 30 years. Valerie is Certified as a Bodywork & Energy Therapist, Dr. Sears Nutritional Health Coach, and ERYT 500hr. Co-owner and facilitator of Zen Den Yoga School & Quantum Leap Retreats with her husband, Ira, in Boca Raton, Florida, where they guide guests in “disconnecting to reconnect.” Valerie has carefully cultivated a set of tools based on the premise that human potential is limited by our belief systems. She brings a fresh look at how your mind and consciousness can be adapted on a moment-to-moment basis to live life in greater mastery, and she teaches how to deepen our connection to what she calls our “internal barometer.”
Giving the students and retreat guests an opportunity to understand how managing our mindsets can be life altering. She may be found in health and life coaching session with the Retreat guests, or leading yoga, meditation or pranayama classes. You're lucky when you can sit in on one of her specialties: Language of Energy classes or Nutrition classes with the yoga training students. Val also provides one-on-one Energy Therapy Clearing & Coaching to support guests in clearing blocks, stuck-ness or limitations in mind, body and spirit. This is a wonderful way to find greater freedom and flow state in your life, especially in times of transition. If you are lucky to book far enough in advance she will share her “healthy eating always a real treat” cooking class with you.
H.E.A.R.T. Healthy Eating Always a Real Treat
· Want to maintain the joy of eating and get healthy at the same time?
· Having trouble knowing what to eat and how to shop with so many health hacks and dieting trends?
· Overwhelmed by fussy family members, or think you lack time to prepare nutrient dense whole food meals?
If you are suffering from toxin overload and nutritional deficiency, this impacts your hormones, blood sugar, you may hold onto extra weight, have brain fog, and increasing pain levels throughout your body. Toxins and nutrition plays a crucial role in your energy, mood, and sex drive…Come and learn how to detox, metabolic reset and achieve optimal health and performance!
Valerie Leeds developed a Wellness & Food Program called H.E.A.R.T. “Healthy Eating Always a Real Treat” designed to help you improve your eating and well-being. Through personal consultation, detox and cleanse protocols, tailor-made coaching, and fun interactive cooking classes, Valerie guides you out of overwhelm into knowing how to shop with ease, prepare and enjoy healthy food, and best of all feel good again!