200-Hour Teacher Training

Coming February 2026 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training!!

This training will take place at Inspired by Yoga to allow for more space and students to join!

Director / Lead Trainer:
Stacey Hartman, E-RYT500, Owner of Branches of Yoga.

Lead Trainer:
Lisa Thomas, E-RYT500, Owner of Inspired By Yoga.

Guest Speakers:
Machelle Lee of Roots and River Yoga

Our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training offers a wide range of opportunities to satisfy your goals and desires for your yoga practice. Whether you're driven to teach yoga, go deeper in your personal practice, or find solace in a tight-knit community that shares your passion, our program is for you.

Throughout our time together, we'll explore the history, philosophy, and practical applications of yoga, along with meditation, asanas, pranayama, human physiology, and comparative anatomy. This mix of topics and experiences will help you build your teaching abilities and enhance your personal practice. We'll also delve into subjects like Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Trauma Informed Yoga, Study of Subtle Energy (Ex: Chakras), teaching online and teaching special populations.

By the end of this program, you will be fully qualified to register with Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200-hour level.

Join us in this exploration of mind, body, and soul as we uncover the layers of yoga and cultivate a community with a shared love of this transformative discipline

Program Requirements

Branches of Yoga follows and exceeds Yoga Alliance's requirements and regulations.

In-studio Components

Attend all 10 weekends
Missed hours can be made up through approved workshops and written assignments
Attend 20 yoga classes at BOY or IBY

At-Home Study & Practice

Yoga Philosophy book discussions Via Zoom on Friday evenings (except the first Friday which is in studio at Inspired) from 7-9pm
Discuss readings from The Bhagavad Gita, Yamas and Niyamas, and the Yoga Sutras
Daily Meditation and practice journal entries
Complete a community project and provide a written paper on your experience

Retreat

We will spend our last weekend together on a weekend retreat at Three River Otters in Cacapon, WV

Investment & Inclusions

Program Costs

$500 Deposit: required and non-refundable at the time of application
$2,800 (after deposit): Balance MUST be Paid in full by February 1st
Payment plans are available upon request. Contact us to set up a payment plan or when you are ready to pay the balance (email lisa@inspiredbyyogahampstead.com or message at 443-340-7496)
If paid in full at time of registration, receive $200 off

What's Included

Branches of Yoga Teacher Training Binder/Manual
6 Week Apprenticeship with Stacey or Lisa
Branches of Yoga and Inspired By Yoga 20 Class Pack Pass (to use at either studio)
Retreat Weekend

Additional Expenses

Any classes taken outside of BOY or IBY
Workshops for missed time
Required Books (We will send a list at a later date)

Program Dates & Hours

Dates & times subject to change.

Weekly Schedule

Fridays — via Zoom (except the first weekend, which meets in-studio at Inspired): 7:00–9:00 PM
Saturdays: 11:30 AM–6:00 PM
Sundays: 11:30 AM–6:00 PM

Monthly Weekends

February 6–8 — First weekend meets in-studio at Inspired
March 13–15
April 17–19
May 15–17
June 5–7
July 10–12
August 7–9
September 11–13
October 2–4 and October 23–25 — Retreat weekend included (two weekends in October)

Two female yoga practitioners doing acro yoga.

Director & Lead Trainer

Stacey Swierzbinski

E-RYT 200, E-RYT 500, YACEP
Branches of Yoga Founder & Owner

Stacey's yoga journey began a decade ago as a search for relief from depression and anxiety. What started as a personal healing practice quickly blossomed into deep love for yoga's transformative power.

After completing her 200-hour training at Blue Heron Wellness and her 300-hour advanced certification at The Yoga Center of Columbia, Stacey became an RYT-500 with additional training in Kundalini, Yin Yoga, and supportive teaching methods. Her classes blend meditation, slow flow, and strength-building with an emphasis on finding ease and breath awareness. As Branches of Yoga's founder, Stacey creates a welcoming space where students can explore their own healing journey with confidence and support.

As Branches of Yoga's founder, Stacey creates a welcoming space where students can explore their own healing journey with confidence and support.

Lead Trainer

Lisa Thomas

E-RYT 500
Inspired By Yoga Founder and Instructor

Lisa is an ERYT-500 and ERYT-200 Registered Yoga Teacher, 50-hour Aerial Yoga certified, and Barre Above Level 2 Instructor. She also holds certifications in Barre with Pilates Focus, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Foam Rolling. Lisa began her yoga journey in 2013 following a medical diagnosis, completed her 200-hour training through Charm City Yoga in 2018, and her 300-hour training through My Vinyasa Practice in 2020.

She loves inspiring others by using movement as medicine, weaving meaningful themes into practice for better mental and physical health. Lisa specializes in teaching stress management and coping techniques for anxiety and depression.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading fiction and wellness books while spending time with her family and cats, Luna and Karma.

Guest Trainer

Machelle Lee

MA, E-RYT 500, CMT, YACEP,
Roots & River Yoga Founder and Instructor

Machelle brings nearly three decades of experience as a yoga teacher, massage therapist, and wellness educator to her therapeutic approach to yoga.

With a Masters Degree in Mythology and Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and 300-hour advanced training in yoga psychology, she uniquely weaves together ancient yogic teachings with modern scientific research on tissue rehabilitation and traditional medicine. Specializing in fascia and connective tissue health, Machelle utilizes Yin, Gentle, and Vinyasa styles to help students understand their bodymind connection both physically and intellectually.

Her commitment to serving each student's unique anatomical structure and abilities creates a truly personalized healing experience that honors the whole person.

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

Ready to Experience the Healing Power of Yoga in Sykesville?

Take the first step toward transformation with our welcoming community. Whether you're completely new to yoga or returning to practice, our experienced teachers and supportive environment will help you find exactly what you need. Start your journey today.

Get started