Faculty
Brett Sculthorp
LCSW LCAS CPS RYT 200
Brett Sculthorp LCSW LCAS CPS RYT 200 is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, a Certified Prevention Specialist and a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200-hour level. He has been a yoga and meditation instructor for over 35 years and has been collaborating with Kristine in creating Subtle Yoga trainings for 20 years. Brett has worked with individuals, couples, and groups and in his private practice and his clinical focus is on trauma. In addition to the physical, psychological, and spiritual practices of the yoga tradition, Brett utilizes the therapeutic modalities of Brainspotting, ego state work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Release Exercises, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Brett’s writing has been featured in Yoga Therapy in Practice. He co-wrote a paper that was presented at the XV World Futures Studies Federation Conference which reflects his interest in strategic thinking, and social systems functioning in the areas of health, education and local economy. Brett’s substance use prevention work has focused on community building including educating about the social determinants of health.
Stacey MacDonagh
C-IAYT, eRYT500, CADC-R
Stacey took her first yoga class in 2010 with Kristine and it changed the course of her life. Learning nervous system regulation through movement, breath, and meditation inspired her to continue to study with Kristine and Subtle Yoga and she completed her RYT500 and Yoga Therapist certification, C-IAYT, in 2014. She brings the healing practices of yoga and mindfulness to clinical settings offering trauma informed tools and support in mental health and substance abuse recovery facilities. A lifelong student, she continues to study the intersection of neuroscience and yoga practices, and the system of yoga to support her personal transformation and others in their journeys.
Marek Sawicki
BA. CAyu. LMBT (NC #7858) eRYT500
Marek Sawicki BA. CAyu. LMBT (NC #7858) eRYT500 is currently co – director of Living Alchemy Healthcare. He is a graduate of the Ayurvedic Institute and has completed a two year clinical internship in Pancha karma and internal medicine under Dr. Alekananda Devi. Marek’s 18 years of combined yoga therapy, bodywork, and Ayurvedic medical experience invoke deeply transformational workshops that touch the true heart of healing and inspire students to carry on the living art of Ayurveda in their daily lives. He is currently the Director and Lead Instructor of Therapeutic Massage at AB-TECH (Asheville campus) for the Associate degree program, and has taught many weekend workshops in Viniyoga therapy and is currently a lead instructor of Therapeutic Yoga Training for Subtle Yoga.
Charles Staubs
Charles Staubs, D.O., is the science adviser for Subtle Yoga. He graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – School of Osteopathic Medicine in 1988. He completed a Residency in Family Medicine at Beaver Medical Center in Beaver, Pennsylvania in 1991, and practiced family medicine for 22 years in Virginia, Maryland, and Wisconsin. In 2013 he became disabled by chronic migraines. Dr. Staubs started practicing yoga in 2011 to cope with his migraine pain, and has found it to be vital to the management of this chronic condition. He believes that a complete yoga practice, which includes postures, breathing, meditation, and philosophy, is an essential self-care toolbox. He has extensively examined the scientific literature which supports this concept, showing that yoga works on multiple body systems to optimize health, increase resilience, reduce stress, and decrease suffering from chronic pain and illness. Dr. Staubs completed the Viniyoga 500 hour Foundations Program for Yoga Therapy led by Gary Kraftsow in 2015. He practices yoga daily.
Helen Machen-Pearce
Helen Machen-Pearce spent 25 years working as a doctor in the NHS before retiring as consultant psychiatrist in 2017 due to health challenges. Navigating her own experiences of illness, pain and fatigue led her to rediscover yoga as a source of strength and healing.
Since then, she has become a yoga teacher and embodiment coach, bringing together her medical background and lived experience to support others. She specialises in working with people living with persistent health issues, pain, fatigue, stress and burnout.
Helen’s teaching blends yoga, meditation, and embodiment practices with accessible education on the nervous system. Her sessions are slow, mindful, and inclusive, designed to help people build resilience, reconnect with themselves, and find greater ease in daily life.
