Who is Gioconda Parker?

“My experience with teacher training was above and beyond what I thought it would or could be; in hindsight I had no idea the true investment I was making in myself. Besides learning a plethora about yoga and the inner workings of teaching it, Gia’s training facilitated an inquiry within myself that changed my life path for the better. If you are looking for a safe, authentic, loving and honest place to go through teacher training, this is THE one.”

Kara Pendl

“Gia, I love how naturally you facilitated our classes and how you tailored your comments to fit exactly what the group, and each person in it, wanted to learn. I feel so enormously lucky to have been part of this experience! I am so thrilled to have been a part of this teacher training. Much gratitude to you and every teacher who worked with us, and I hope to be able to share what I learned as eloquently as beautifully as it was taught to me.”

Laura Martin

Gioconda Yoga Teacher Training is a professional, organized, dedicated, insightful, and inspiring program of study. You will learn the basics of how to teach yoga, as well as journey in to who you are and want to be as a yoga teacher. I cannot recommend this program highly enough. Gioconda is a phenomenal senior teacher, and I am so fortunate to have learned to teach in her program.

Corrinne Reczek

"Thank you for all of the incredible information, support and light you provided. You are truly a blessing and your selflessness is extraordinary. You taught me more than you'll ever know and I am grateful for everything"

Christina Grozik

"Thank you for being such an amazing example of love, compassion, light and peace to all of us. You have such an amazing way of communicating your wisdom and I feel so privileged and honored to be able to learn from you."

Emily Farr

Gioconda brings an amazing energy to her practice (on and off the mat!) that she generously shares with her students. Her classes are filled with a sense of joy and exploration that encourage you to stay on the path and be patient with yourself (Yoga is a practice!). Her dedication to yoga and to her students is inspiring. I have truly enjoyed getting to know Gioconda and myself through her classes.

Sabia Siddiqi

Thank you for a very good workshop Gia. I really enjoyed the subject, the asana sessions, the sequencing & you as a teacher. I truly hope to attend more of your classes & workshops.

Jyothi Panicker

"I want to thank you for helping to guide my yoga practice to the next level. You have helped take it beyond just the physical practice to something deeper. You are such a passionate and joyful teacher and your class has often been a bright point that buoys me through tougher times."

Brian Phillips

“I’ve learned so much from you and from the experiences I’ve had these last years. I’m always seeing things through the lens of the sutras and I find again and again that every opportunity and challenge is a wonderful teacher if I can allow it to be. The good and joyful have blossomed in my life as a result of this patient listening and reflection and you taught me how to be still and listen, for which I am so grateful.”

Liz Butler

Gia exudes a joyful wisdom in her teaching and mentorship. Her presence is the embodiment of lightness and grace, and being around her makes me feel a deep trust in the unfolding of life. Gia offers her heart with warmth and inspired action in all that she does. Studying with Gia awakened my path of transformation, and I am deeply grateful for her support encouragement, compassion, and generous spirit.

Marissa Knox

Taking Gioconda’s 200 hour teacher training program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. In addition to learning history, asana, anatomy and Sanskrit, Gioconda provides the proper environment and activities to dive deeper into yourself. This program connected me to a larger yoga community and individuals who I treasure. I look forward to my next lessons from my dear teacher.”

Julie Westervelt, 200 RYT

"You were helpful throughout my training--managing to be supportive without holding our hands You have such fire & honesty & I really admire that is a teacher, seeing how this balance with nurturing.”

Molly Kenedy

I know we are only just beginning, but you have devoted so much time and energy and I hope you know how much you are appreciated. You are such a smart, inspiring teacher and I feel so grateful to be led on this journey by you.

Kristin Waeiss

"Your class has provided me a solid foundation for my practice and has added much needed structure and focus to everything I do. Yoga has mad a huge impact on my life.”

Brian Donoghue

"I believe you are an incredibly gifted and beautiful person and I count my blessings to be sharing this journey with you and thank you for being so generous with your love and light–it shines mighty bright!"

Stevie Lake

Gioconda is a passionate, intelligent and wise teacher. She is a disciplined and gracious student of yoga, and her students receive yoga sutras, asana and philosophy in a beautifully distilled way. Additionally, Gioconda has assembled a strong cohort of teachers, each of whom brings their own expertise and rounds out the brilliant, experienced and wonderful training team students can expect with Gioconda's Teacher Training.

Meghan DeWees-Kern