Yoga University

Yoga Teacher Training: Registered Yoga School in Winston-Salem, NC area Yoga Teacher Training: Registered Yoga School in Winston-Salem, NC area Yoga Teacher Training: Registered Yoga School in Winston-Salem, NC area


Since 2009, Sunrise Yoga Studio has offered in-depth study programs for students who desire to deepen their study of yoga beyond our weekly class offerings. Two of these programs, the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification Program and the 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification Program offer opportunities for registration through our affiliation with Yoga Alliance. Sunrise Yoga Studio is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance.

Four levels of study programs are available within Yoga University:

Independent Study

We open certain classes of the 200-hour Teacher Training and 500-hour Teacher Training to students with at least 6 months of yoga experience. If you are interested in only certain topics or don’t want to make the commitment to one of our certification programs at this time, this choice is for you. Classes may be taught by Valerie Kiser or guest teachers.

Check the Events page of the website for dates, times and fees. All classes meet requirements of Yoga Alliance as continuing education credits.


Enrichment Program

This program typically begins each year in the first or second month of the year. Please check the web site for future dates. The current program began in February, 2013. The next program will begin in early 2014.

Links to Enrichment Program Information:
Application for 2013 Enrichment program

2013 Dates, Fees, & Policies of Enrichment Program




The Enrichment Program consists of three rewarding weekends enrich your life with fresh insight into yoga's foundations. You'll be part of a close-knit group that explores yoga's physical, scientific, and philosophical foundations through asana practice, lecture, discussion, and readings. The Enrichment Program is also excellent preparation for future participation in the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification program.
Am I ready?

You're ready if you've studied yoga for at least six months and want to deepen your practice. Prior mastery of the poses isn't required. This program's designed for everyone regardless of age, size, or fitness level. 		yoga teacher training program
















200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification Program

This program typically begins each year in the first or second month of the year. Please check the web site for future dates. The current program began in February, 2013. The next program will begin in early 2014.

Links to 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification Information:


Brochure for 200-hour Teacher Training

Application for 2013 200-hour Teacher Training

2013 Dates, Fees & Policies of 200-hour Teacher Training


It's time for the next step in your yoga journey ... the Sunrise Yoga In-Depth Studies program Yoga Alliance-registered 200-hour Teacher Training for aspiring yoga teachers and dedicated students.

This program consists of 12 weekends that enrich the rest of your life. Are you an aspiring teacher? Or will you lead by example, through your own personal practice? This program immerses you in the essentials of safe, confident and compassionate yoga practice and the fulfilling yogic lifestyle. And even though you're all meeting each other for the first time, you'll know instantly that you're among friends when you join together with your teacher training group. As Diana, a former student, says, "The weekends always pass so fast - I wish it were every weekend, not just once per month!"

The students ... friends among friends
The faculty ... wise and caring guides
The studio ... restful and inviting 		Kevin Cleary, PT, anatomy teacher


















Am I ready? You're ready if you've studied yoga for at least two years and want to deepen your practice. Prior mastery of the poses isn't required. This program is designed for everyone regardless of age, size, or fitness level.

Each weekend session blends practice, lectures, discussion, reading assignments and homework in six core subjects:

500-hour Teacher Training Certification Program

Links to 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification Information:


Brochure for 500-hour Teacher Training

Application for 500-hour Teacher Training

Policies and Fees of 500-hour Teacher Training


For those who have completed a 200-hour training program from a Yoga Alliance–approved “Registered Yoga School”, this is your next step. Dive deeper into the yoga practice and lifestyle and learn to teach more advanced practices. Explore the history, art and science of yoga.

This program is designed to take a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years to complete. Students are welcome to begin the program at any time. We are a Yoga Alliance 500-hour Registered Yoga School.



Check out photos from prior training programs

See what participants from prior years have to say about their experience:



The 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program at Sunrise Yoga Studio is a tremendous opportunity to delve deeper into the practice of yoga. Whether you want to teach or become more serious about your practice, the teacher training program offers exposure to many aspects of yoga. It’s an invaluable journey!
Cindy Wald, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2013 & current participant in the 500-hour YogaTeacher Training program

The 200-hour yoga training program gave me a greater understanding of the fundamental concepts of yoga. I did not enter the program with any intention of teaching. I wanted a better understanding of Yoga. Through the program, I was able to understand why Yoga works and why I need it.
Kimberly Cruz, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2013
This was the best training I ever went to. Having the course spread over the year allowed for everything to really sink in. It also allowed me to continue all my other responsibilities in life. I was always disappointed with other trainings because I felt they just skimmed the surface on anatomy, philosophy and the spiritual side of yoga. In this training we dug deep, and I felt like I was finally satisfied. I learned so much and can’t wait for the 500 hour program.
Sarah Bulluck, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2012 & current participant in the 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program

The Sunrise Yoga Teacher training program has been a phenomenal experience. The information provided over the last 12 months has not only taken my own practice to a whole new level, but it has also provided me with the knowledge and confidence to teach yoga – and to teach it well. The whole process has been very rewarding and I would highly recommend the program to anyone interested in understanding Yoga on a deeper level.
Leslie Newsome, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2012

Signing up for the Sunrise Teacher Training program was the best thing I ever did. I’d taken other “workshops” and training but none gave me as much information, and practice as this program. Valerie was very encouraging - honoring students individual needs but still guiding them to a better knowledge of yoga. As a teacher, I felt I needed something deeper and more comprehensive. This 200RYS program provided it all – history, philosophy, anatomy and pose breakdown. Plus we gained valuable resources in our books, articles and homework that I can carry into all my future teaching. Highly recommend this program. Plus the format – 12 weekends over the course of a year – allows you to have a “life”.
Michelle Stevens, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2012 & current participant in the 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program

My 200RYT gave me so much more knowledge about the practice, about yoga than I ever expected! Valerie, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and your commitment and dedication to the TT program.
Jennifer Moller, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2012


Teacher Training started out like yoga camp for adults and has deepened into questioning and creative experimentation with my yoga practice. It has challenged me to pay closer attention to the way I am practicing off the yoga mat in the other areas of my daily life. Encouragement is balanced with detailed instruction. Both the teacher training yoginis and Sunrise Yoga community are helpful and supportive of the learning process.
Christy Hamrick, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2011 & current participant in the 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program
A little over a year ago I started looking into Teacher Training programs in the area. I wanted to learn more about yoga to strengthen my at home practice and to eventually start teaching. I was so excited to find Sunrise Yoga and immediately started taking classes. It only took a few classes with Valerie for me to make my decision to sign up for the Teacher Training Program and I have been so grateful ever since. Valerie’s deep understanding of the postures and anatomy is so clear in how she is able to teach proper alignment. Not only does she share her knowledge of the postures, but also yoga philosophy, meditation and pranayama and how to incorporate all of these to create a well-balanced practice. The weekends are well planned out and I am always amazed by how much I learn and how I leave there still excited to learn more. Thanks so much to Valerie for offering this program. It has been a truly positive learning experience for me and I feel like I have grown so much not only by her teachings but also by getting to know the other students in the program.
Melissa Leak, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2011 & current participant in the 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program
When I first heard of Sunrise Yoga and Valerie’s 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training program there was one week left before the registration deadline. I had been looking for a program for about 6 months and had traveled as far as 150 miles away from Winston-Salem in search of the right fit, but nothing clicked. I took one class with Valerie and knew well before savasana that she was the real deal. At the time, it just felt right, but since then, I’ve come to understand why I had that immediate feeling. Valerie’s teaching is grounded in extensive training, practice, and education and is accentuated/enhanced/enriched by her sincere and open heart. These qualities shine though in every class Valerie teaches. Valerie knows her stuff. She has educated herself on yogic philosophy, human anatomy, and teaching methodology. She gives every student (no matter how large the class) individual attention. And she’s funny. OK, she’s short. No one’s perfect. But if you want to learn to teach yoga from an extraordinary teacher who takes both her practice and her classes very seriously, or you’d like to deepen your personal yoga practice, I can’t recommend Valerie’s Teacher Training Program highly enough. Valerie is not only meticulous with her knowledge of alignment and anatomy, she also embraces the philosophy behind why impersonating a warrior or camel truly matters. She teaches from experience, by example, and from her heart. Not to mention she is incredibly well organized and always prepared. Who could ask for more in a teacher?

Reasons to consider Valerie’s Teacher Training Program:

Valerie is meticulous in her knowledge of alignment and anatomy.
Valerie gives every student personalized attention.
Valerie shows genuine concern for and interest in the teaching (and learning) of her students.
Valerie is compassionate.
Valerie has a great sense of humor.
Valerie’s deep personal practice shines through in her teaching.
I don’t have to take vacation time from work to participate in her program.
The program has exposed me to traditions I would never have otherwise pursued on my own. Examples include Ayurvedic medicine and the study of chakras.
Valerie and my fellow students bring interesting and different perspectives to discussions of assigned readings. Many times, ideas are shared that I would never have thought of on my own and that encourage me to think in ways I’m not accustomed.
Valerie is always prepared.
Valerie is an extraordinary teacher.

Valerie’s program has allowed me to deepen my own practice both physically and spiritually. The teacher training program at Sunrise has provided a basis in anatomy that aids in understanding how to correctly practice physical poses. The anatomy study combined with Valerie’s expertise in proper alignment have strongly deepened my asana practice by providing a better sense of how my own body fits together. With regard to spiritual practice, the program has introduced me to a library of new thoughts and ideas. That material at times confuses me, many times inspires me, and often helps provide calm in the proverbial storm. I’ve learned many things I like, some I don’t like, and not to become attached or averse to any of them. (Now if I could only do that!) And I’ve been fortunate enough to share this journey with smart and talented women who each have different perspectives that encourage me to think in new ways. Yes, it’s a lot of work. Yes, it’s a big commitment. But it’s a small investment for the benefits I’ll experience for the rest of my life. Overall, the experience so far has been nothing less than extraordinary.
Elaine Round, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2011 & current participant in the 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program
I originally enrolled in the three-month yoga enrichment program to increase my personal knowledge of yoga. At that time, I had no intention of teaching, and no plans to complete the entire yoga university curriculum. Times change. I quickly become enamored with the program and simply couldn’t give up my weekends at Yoga U. Not only have I learned a lot about yoga – the history, the philosophy, the postures, the physiology – I have learned a lot about myself. And if that weren’t enough, the camaraderie with fellow students has been warm and wonderful since day one. I still don’t know if I will teach in the future, but I do know that Yoga University has already created positive change not just in my yoga practice, but also in my life. Thanks, Valerie, for creating this platform for personal growth.
Cathy Howe, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2011 & current participant in the 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program
Valerie’s breadth of knowledge is exemplary. She has broadened my awareness of so many aspects of yoga. I feel very inspired to continue to experience yoga more deeply and fully.
Gwendolyn McLaughlin, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2011 & current participant in the 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program
My hope was that I could deepen my personal yoga practice and learn some "new tricks" to use in my work as a physical therapist. Now, at 6 months into the training, the program has far surpassed my expectations. I have enjoyed the guest speakers and workshops. Meeting and becoming friends with other participants. What a great group!
Emily Powell, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2010
I would recommend it to anyone - whether they are interested in teaching or just learning more about yoga history, philosophy and postures I'm the type of person who needs a structured environment with a syllabus (and homework!) in order to effectively learn. Thanks to Valerie I am delving so much deeper into my yoga practice than I could ever be able to do own my own. She is a very compassionate teacher and has her student's wellbeing in mind when creating the class schedule, structure and workload - thus making the program accessible for most people. If you are interested in deepening your yoga practice and enriching your life, then this is for you.
Lisa Tate, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2010
I have been practicing Yoga for a few years and have reached a place where I felt a need to go deeper, develop my practice further not only physically, but also spiritually and philosophically. The 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program at Sunrise Yoga has provided the perfect environment to achieve just that. Since enrolling in the program my practice has matured and has become more rich and fulfilling. I have gained a great understanding of each pose studied and its effects on human anatomy, physiology and mind. I feel that I will be exceptionally prepared to teach Yoga confidently and safely. Valerie has created very open and welcoming environment at Sunrise Yoga which attracted students from various walks of life. This unique setting promotes deep and inspiring discussions and allows for self-reflection and self-study. After every weekend spent at the studio I leave an enriched person and feel that I can offer so much more to my community and my future students. The weekends always pass so fast and at the end of each one I always wish Sunrise Yoga was an Ashram where I could study for weeks at a time.
Anna Misior, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2010 & current participant in the 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program

I began the teacher training program hoping that I would become a better teacher. While that has occurred, I have also become a better person in the process. The discovery that takes place during this program goes so much further than postures and alignment. Valerie is an amazing teacher. Her knowledge is wide and deep. Her style is compassionate. Each month one finds oneself wishing that teacher training was every weekend and not just one weekend per month. I encourage anyone interested in self-growth and development to participate in this program. And, by the way. . . it’s a lot of fun!
Diana James, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program graduate of 2010 & current participant in the 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program