Deana Kean,
Founder of The Ananda Life Education Center

Deana is a Conscious Living Facilitator for adults and children. Deana believes that within each of us is all the information that is needed for unfolding into vibrant health, joy, and peace. She believes that she can assist people to consciously heal and develop by exploring their inner space.

Deana was an Operations Manager for five branches at a large financial institution before completely changing her career. She left it all behind to follow her heart down a path to help others. Deana attended Somerset School of Massage Therapy and became Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. During her time at school, Deana realized that the mind and emotions play a large part in the body’s healing abilities. She then went on to become a certified Yoga Instructor. In addition, Deana is a Reiki Master Practitioner; she trained in the Art of Shiatsu and is also certified in Spiritual Psychology. She has been a long time student of meditation, positive affirmation healing and relational presence.

Deana also found a way to combine two other things that bring her joy; children and yoga. Having two little yoginis of her own at home, she decided to become certified to teach yoga to children through Karma Kids Yoga and Itsy Bitsy Yoga. She then created the Budding Lotus Yoga Program by combining her passion for yoga, her playful disposition, and her animated energetic spirit. She believes that giving a child an outlet to explore and discover is a wonderful tool to help them develop a sense of awareness, promote self-confidence and build self esteem. She is also known to be very silly, so giggling is an option!!!!

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Jill Perez views her life as a compilation of rich learning experiences that include various schooling opportunities, travel and unique personal adventures. In her most recent role she is a partner of Ananda Life Education Center, as well as a certified yoga instructor and elementary education teacher. This education afforded Jill the opportunity to teach at Rutgers University as a part-time lecturer and to serve as a supervisor for new teacher interns. When Jill initially began her journey into the education realm she was an anthropology graduate. She did not envision herself as a teacher, but more as an explorer. This prompted her to view the role of a teacher as a “miner” (Gloria Ladson-Bilings), believing every student has knowledge and potential and thus aiding students in their own self discovery. It was in fact anthropological studies that lead Jill towards an educational career path.

Jill has been a public school teacher for over a decade in both urban and suburban schools. She has taught several different grade levels in the subjects of health, math, social studies and yoga. And though she is a highly qualified teacher of academic subjects it was her practice as a yoga teacher that encouraged her to reflect more on her teaching craft. Jill believes that yoga altered her approach to learning and teaching. She understands that yoga encouraged not only her own creativity, but her students as well, allowing for a collective exploration of the human spirit present in the classroom dynamic.

As alum of the Rutgers Graduate School of Education, the works of John Dewey have inspired Jill’s educational outlook. Jill believes that schools should serve as agents of change, reflecting the evolving needs of our democracy. As a parent, she also comprehends the necessity to involve families and communities in school affairs. She feels that if we want our students, our babies, to succeed we need to create learning environments that promote caring, respect, individuality and peace.

Children are vital members of our world. If we want to make positive strides and make a difference we must invest in our youth, our future. We must teach them that people are most important. Schools present a great forum to communicate this message. Jill accepts that it is time for our students to experience schooling rich in humane endeavors and void of institutional atmosphere. Overall, we must encourage our students to love themselves and learning as much as we love to teach them.