Stela Balaban

Stela has been training yoga teachers and therapists at Circle Yoga Shala in the Arkansas Ozarks since 2017. Combining her corporate and academic background with deep respect for yoga’s sacred roots, she is passionate about fostering holistic education that honors both the practical and spiritual aspects of yoga. Outside her professional work, Stela is dedicated to building her homestead and deepening her personal transformation under the mentorship of her teachers. Fun fact: her Romanian accent reflects her origins, where her yoga journey began.

Qualifications

Stela Balaban, C-IAYT, MA, MS

I am a certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) and an experienced yoga teacher with over 1,000 hours of teaching in a variety of settings, including private sessions, retreats, workshops, and teacher training programs. I hold advanced certifications in Yoga Therapy and Yoga Teacher Training from Circle Yoga Shala, where I have also served as a trainer and curriculum developer since 2010. My academic background includes a Master's in Sociology from the University of Amsterdam and a Master's in Politics from New York University, which inform my approach to yoga and wellness with a strong foundation in analytical thinking and cross-cultural understanding.

I am also a published author in both yoga and academic fields, contributing to Yoga in Action Quarterly Magazine and collaborating on journal articles in healthcare. I continue to expand my knowledge through ongoing mentorships and coursework in areas like spiritual sobriety, self-inquiry, and Ayurvedic healing.

My experience as a senior business analyst and project manager allows me to approach yoga education with a highly organized, data-driven mindset, ensuring my students receive both deeply spiritual and practical training. I have contributed to the design of a variety of programs, including specialized yoga therapy and Ayurveda courses, and have led transformative retreats and workshops in the US and abroad.