Christy DeBurton, RYT, is known for her gentle yet encouraging teaching style that includes both the physical and spiritual aspects of the practice. She encourages her yoga students to take what they learn on the mat and apply it in their daily lives: such practices as mindfulness, loving-kindness, self-acceptance, non-reactivity and living in the present moment. Christy's commitment to helping people heal, both on a physical and emotional level, is evident in her teachings. Her yoga classes are known for their creative sequences, clear instruction and hands-on adjustments.

Christy's personal journey has included a career as a cost analyst in the automotive industry, where she came to realize that her highest potential was not being achieved. Taking a leap of faith, she quit her job and spent a season working and studying at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in New York. Upon her return to Michigan, Christy began teaching yoga and t'ai chi classes in her hometown of Howell, where she was largely responsible for popularizing those disciplines. Since moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, she has established her own studio, The Yoga Room, where she holds group yoga classes, private yoga sessions and special yoga workshops. Christy also holds yoga retreats in Michigan and in more exotic locales.

Christy's teachings come from intensive studies with renowned yoga teachers throughout the country. A few of her favorites include Jonny Kest, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Seane Corn and Shiva Rea. Christy is a graduate of Alma College in Michigan, a member of the Yoga Alliance, and a founding member of Yoga Serves, a volunteer group within the Ann Arbor yoga community. She was featured in a story about yoga potlucks in Yoga Journal's December 2008 issue. A certified Interdisciplinary yoga teacher, Christy has completed yoga teacher trainings at both the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in New York and the Center for Yoga in Michigan. She has been teaching since 1998.

Student Testimonials...

"Your yoga classes have turned my life around. After the first few weeks of classes with you, I began noticing that my posture was improving, that I had more energy, and my back and joints felt good for the first time in years. I am developing physical strength that I never had before, and have a much more positive outlook on life. People tell me I look ten years younger than I am, and though I interact closely at work with large numbers of people, I have not developed an illness since starting yoga with you. Equally important, I feel centered, balanced, and at peace for the first time in many years. Thank you for being there for me." -Paul, Ann Arbor



"I have practiced at several studios, and by far yours is the best. I love the workout. I love the mindfulness. I love the solace. As you may recall, your studio was recommended to me by a respiratory therapist. I'm so grateful I heeded her advice. I have noticed significant health improvements. I went for a check up last week with my allergist and my asthma is in check like no other point in my life. I'm even decreasing my medicine--something I've not been able to do in 20 years. I really attribute a lot of the improvement to my yoga practice. I can't even begin to thank you enough." -Dana, Ann Arbor



"Christy, you are a remarkable yoga teacher. You are skillful in guiding me into challenging postures, and helping me find that “place between effort and ease.” Of all the yoga teachers I’ve had, I’ve found your approach to be the most supportive and have recommended you to several friends, who now happily take your classes as well." -Stephen, Ann Arbor



"Just wanted to send out a quick thank you for a phenomenal class last weekend. I can honestly say that I have done yoga with 4 different teachers in my lifetime, and you were definitely my favorite. I have never felt actually at ease during breathing exercises, they usually make me feel very impatient and uncomfortable, but for whatever reason, I felt great with you!" -Melissa, Ann Arbor



"It took me a very long time to find you and the Yoga Room, and I am thrilled that I did. The setting, the people, and the instructor are fantastic. I love having the course choices, and you are so flexible for make-ups. It is nice being able to choose the class that fits my personality best in a given week. Since beginning my practice with you, I have become more toned, more focused on my breathing, more flexible, more at peace with myself, and I feel strong! THANK YOU CHRISTY!!!" -Eileen, Ann Arbor



"I just wanted to say Thank You. Your yoga class has meant so much to me. When I think about how different my life is now than a year ago, I know much is due to the attitude and openness that your class has inspired." -Julie, Howell



"I have finally completed my dissertation. Your classes helped me through the process, and I have included you in my acknowledgements. Thank you for introducing me to the power and joy of yoga." -Jinny, Ann Arbor



"I've been taking yoga classes from you for at least ten years now. Your gentle, clear instructions and vigorous, but easily-modified routines make me feel, always, charged and ready for the rest of my day and the rest of my week." -Dan, Brighton



"I am so glad that I made the drive back to do yoga with you the last 2 years after graduating! You are awesome, Christy!! This summer will be a record-hitting high for stress, but I can always count on a weekly dose of spiritual/physical/mental space. So thank you, thank you, thank you." -Ellen, Ann Arbor



Other teachers at The Yoga Room...

Christina Witter

Christina has completed Level 1 & 2 Teacher Trainings, Prenatal Yoga, and Kids Yoga trainings through Yogafit. She has been teaching since 2006.

Kim Lewis

Registered Yoga Teacher Kim Lewis has been practicing yoga since 2002. She completed her teacher training in 2005 with Hilaire Lockwood in Lansing, MI. Kim also trained with Amy Weintraub, author of "Yoga for Depression."