Evon Hart (she/her), Founder
2023 was my 20 year Teaching Anniversary!
“Evon’s teaching is heart forward with an intense physical and emotional intelligence.”
In the late 90’s, after working as administrative support in the corporate culture of Manhattan for close to a decade, a roundtrip cross country adventure was the catalyst for change. Upon my return, I enrolled in the Swedish Institute of Massage in NYC and upon completion of my 800-hour certification received my license to practice both eastern and western massage.
In 1999 I found an Iyengar Yoga teacher on Long Island and the practice drew me in. It wasn’t until I relocated to Arizona in 2001, however, that I became fully committed to studying yoga. I found Desert Song Healing Arts center in Phoenix where I joined the massage staff and within a year enrolled in their yoga teacher training program. I’ve been certified since 2003 and taught at Desert Song until the respected studio closed their doors in 2021.
My passions lie in the realization of Yoga, in the deep study and experience of all the teachings. Forever a student and thrilled to be an instructor, I thrive on authentic interactions within the community.
A Community-built studio
With the many shifts we all underwent during the global pandemic of 2020, I taught full-time, virtually, throughout. As soon as we were all comfortable in person again, I found a sweet little affordable location to rent by the class a few times per week. The students were overjoyed to be together again. When that space closed, I was called to find a steady home for my classes, where my students could rely on consistency again. Though I did not have the start up costs for such an endeavor, I did have a commitment to teaching and to raking the risk of starting a small studio.
Students, friends and family rallied through a crowdsourcing campaign. In the first eight days we reached the $30K goal, and by the end had surpassed $35K! Community Yoga was born! I got to work and with the incredible handyman skills of my significant other, Donny, we found and built a studio to call home. Our doors opened September 16th, 2023.
I am excited to grow my offerings through this studio, offering a variety of ways we can explore a yogic life. Additionally, the space hosts classes by other respected instructors who rent the space and manage the registration, payments and marketing of their own classes and events. The rent contribution from these teachers and facilitators is part of how this model for Community Yoga is sustainable.
I live in north central Phoenix near the mountain preserve with my partner Donny and my son Sam, who is undergoing a bachelors degree at NAU in Flagstaff. I enjoy being outdoors for walks, mellow hikes, bike rides and paddleboarding. As often as possible, I get back to NY to be with my family, friends and the ocean. I have been a single mother since Sam was 5, and am applying the principles of yoga as I adjust to his first year away. Community Yoga is my first endeavor into owning my own business, and it seems to be just the right time as I find myself with more space to nurture this vision.
Part of my personality is to plug into the community where I live and now where I serve as an instructor. I am passionate about mobilizing this wonderful group of students for community outreach opportunities. We have accomplished a lot for a humble little community, from raising $2500 in one day for a local shelter, to many water, blanket and clothing drives, to an Earth Day fundraiser to benefit local non-profit Trees Matter.
It would be my sincere pleasure to meet you and to welcome you to this community of dedicated students and talented teachers.