MEET YOUR CO-LEAD TEACHERS RACHAEL & TERRY
Rachael O’Brien taught her first yoga class on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City, NJ, back in 2012. For 10 years, yoga was a side passion while she worked as a lifeguard and firefighter. In 2022, she led her first teacher training in Ocean City, and soon after, left her career in emergency services. Following time spent teaching and traveling abroad, she opened the doors of TLY in 2024. Rachael has studied under teachers such as Honza and Claudine Lafond, Matt Giordano, Ari Green, Cailin Callahan, and Sara Kauffman. She holds additional certifications in Acrovinyasa, Ayurveda, Leadership, CrossFit Coaching, Inversion Training, and a BA in Psychology.
Terrence Foster has 10+ years of experience in yoga based movements and philosophies. Certified in 2016 200hr. YTT, 100hr yin and myofascial release, Level 1 and 2 Tai Chi/ Qi Gong, Acro-Yoga and Partner Acrobatics which has lead him to bring his unique blend of somatic expressions into his teaching and classes.
“The core of man’s sprit comes from new experiences.”
-Christopher McCandless
True Light Yoga 200 hour
Yoga Teacher Training Program
If you are someone who has been looking for a yoga teacher training in the South Jersey area that dives into anatomy, and allows you to create your own intelligent sequencing to create a spiritual experience for others straight from your heart…..
This training is just for you.
February 12 - May 2, 2027 Schedule:
Wednesday Evenings 5:30-9pm
Friday Evenings 5:30-9pm
Sundays 9am-7:30pm
Pricing:
$3,777 investment
Early, Early Bird Pricing $3,333 by September 15, 2026
Early Bird Pricing $3,400 by October 1, 2026
$600 deposit to commit to you and your training
Payment plans available
What's Covered?
Energetics of Yoga + Chakra Systems
Somatics + The Nervous System
Ayurveda for Yoga + General Living
Pranayama + Breath work
Mantra + Chanting
Anatomy + Biomechanics
Sequencing and Peak Poses
Dharma Talks + Theming
8 Limbs of Yoga + Dharma
Yin Yoga
Integrating Props into Yoga Class
Meditation + Buddhism
Inversions + Arm Balancing
Karma Yoga + Service
Yamas + Niyamas
Leadership + The Business of Yoga
"Rachael is a reliable teacher who crafted a well-rounded training highlighting the importance of anatomy & physiology, yogic philosophy, and inclusivity. In her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, Rachael supported and guided us to become confident, knowledgeable, and creative teachers. Through Rachael's guidance, each of us could find our true light, our special energy from within that makes us unique teachers." - Maddie W.
"This yoga teacher training was, without question, one of the best investments I have ever made in myself. I initially enrolled simply wanting to deepen my yoga practice, but what I found was so much more. The training became a journey of self-discovery, growth, and continued healing in my recovery.
Rachel and Terry created an environment that felt incredibly safe, supportive, and welcoming. Their ability to hold space allowed me to explore not only the practice of yoga but also parts of myself that still needed attention and compassion. Their knowledge, passion, and authenticity were evident in every training session, and the way they taught made me feel heard, respected, and valued throughout the entire experience.
I am leaving this training with a deeper understanding of yoga, a stronger connection to myself, and immense gratitude for the experience. I would highly recommend this training to anyone looking to grow both as a practitioner and as a person." - Nick G.
"Meeting Rachael and finding True Light Yoga was meant to be for me. Since I was in college I always had this desire to become a yoga teacher, but I was really unsure of myself. Rachael helped me to build my confidence and step into the role of Yoga Teacher. Completing my 200HR training with True Light changed my life and I’m so grateful to continue to have mentorship and guidance from Rachael afterwards here in Ocean City. Her training was so thorough and I left having a strong understanding of anatomy, how to plan and teach a class, and also the philosophy of yoga and how to tie that into theming a class as well. Doing this training not only prepared me for leading a room and creating sequences, but it also really helped me to deepen my own yoga practice and that continues to benefit me in all areas of my life." - Brooke F.
To apply now...
Email: truelightyoga@gmail.com
Tell us about your yoga journey and interest and we will send you a link to sign up!
What our Trainees are saying...
“The core of man’s sprit comes from new experiences.”
-Christopher McCandless
True Light Yoga 300 hour
Yoga Teacher Training Program
First of its kind in the south Jersey area that we have seen…we are so thrilled to be offering an IN PERSON 300 Hour YTT!!!
10 Immersive weekends from February - November 2027 to transform:
Your instruction into teaching,
Your understanding into mastery,
and Your life into your dharma
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
This program helps you develop confidence and also accuracy at conveying the knowledge that you have. It will give you a deeper understanding of this practice to explore more branches of yoga. And they become not just an instructor of classes, but a teacher of Yoga.
This huge project will be a collaboration of ~ Master Teachers ~ from all across the South Jersey area and beyond in their fields including our friends Meg Cautili, Terry Foster, Amy Stephanik, Amy Veneziano, Michelle Whelan, Sally Young, and more.
Dedicate 10 weekends in 2027 to earning your 500 Hour Training. Must already be 200 hours certified.
Each weekend will be an immersive experience on different topics such as:
Advanced Anatomy and Sequencing
Kundalini
Yin and Gentle Yoga
Ayurveda for Yoga Instuction + Living
Business of Yoga + Leadership
Service Projects
History of yoga
The Deities of Yoga
The Yoga Sutras
Elements of Voice
Acrovinyasa
Buddha Boot Camp
Sound Healing
Trauma Awareness
and more
3 mini 20 hour certifications are included to be certified to teach “Every day Kundalini”, “Yin Yoga” and “Buddha Boot Camp.”
You'll have 2 Thursday - Sunday intensives to start and end the program, with 8 weekends of Friday night, Saturday and Sunday, and every other Wednesday night sessions to complete your training.
Schedule:
February 18, 19, 20, 21
March 12, 13, 14, 17, 31
April 4, 9, 10, 11, 28
May 12, 14, 15, 16, 26
June 9, 11, 12, 13, 23
July 7, 9, 10, 11, 21
August 11, 13, 14, 15, 25
September 8, 10, 11, 12, 22
October 6, 8, 9, 10, 20
November 11, 12, 13, 14
Friday sessions: 5:30 - 9pm
Saturday sessions: 11:30am to 7:30pm
Sunday sessions: 9am to 7:30pm
Wednesday & Thursday sessions: 5:30 - 9pm
Does not include TLY membership on non YTT days but does include group class most Friday nights and Sunday mornings.
Pricing:
$5,500 Investment
Early, Early Bird Pricing $4,444 by September 15, 2026
Early Bird Pricing $4,999 by October 1, 2026
Deposit: $600 (then pay remaining balance) or just start the payment plan and deposit is your first payment.
What Does it Mean to be a 500 Hour Level Teacher?
A 500 hour level teacher could be thinking of like getting your masters degree in Yoga. The 200 hour is the basic level or like your bachelors degree, and allows you to teach for most studios. In order to reach a 500 hour level certification, you have to do a 300 hour cert (more in depth learning) and the two combined make you a 500 hour level teacher. 500 hour level teacher carries a certain level of mastery and understanding and has truly dedicated themselves to this practice. This can be felt in a sense through their teaching and their being in the world.
To apply now...
email truelightyoga@gmail.com
tell us about your yoga journey and interest and we will send you a link to sign up!
Why should I do this if I already did a 200 Hour Training?
“A true teacher is not the one that has the most knowledge But the one that causes others to have the most knowledge.”
I’ve hung around a lot of people thinking this person really knows a lot, hoping that I would get smarter but they weren’t actually good at teaching. They were good at showing you that they had knowledge. What I want is for you guys to be able to teach people about their body is because that’s how you’re going to help them get out of pain and get stronger.
Many people come out out of their 200 hour, having had a great experience, but not feeling ready to truly teach. This will sharpen your skills and really have you practice teaching so that you are ready to command a room.
What if I have to miss a class?
We understand life happens. If your concern with signing up is a scheduling conflict message Rachael with the exact dates you will miss. Often hours can be made up free of charge depending on what session you will be missing.
Why True Light YTT?
Our Training program aims to foster a safe supportive environment for transformation as you dive deeper on the path of Yoga and get ready to share it with others confidently. We are sure to have lots of practice teaching experience and an extended 3 months of mentorship after graduation (a $500 worth in itself) so that you come out of your training confidently ready to command a room and share your gift. We believe that you are a gift, and what you have to offer is uniquely special. We encourage you to find your own true light and space to teach from rather than to learn to teach like me or any other teacher. We guide you to find your own authentic teaching voice from the highest version of yourself, because that is what the world needs. This also means an in depth look at sequencing and guidance on creating a anatomically intelligent vinyasa class around different peak poses rather than a set sequence.
- 3 month unlimited TLY membership ($375 value)
- 3 months of on-going mentorship support ($500 value)
- freedom and creativity to teach how you want rather than a specific lineage or sequence
- fun new community and friends
"I am thankful for the opportunity to have been apart of this YTT, having Rachael's voice behind my practice and the knowledge I've gained from her training. I know that her future teacher trainings will prepare other yogis to teach wonderful classes and be able to teach in a safe and secure manner. I was a part of Rachael's first teacher training and it felt like she had done this a hundred times before. Well thought out, inclusive and extensive discussions about everything and anything to do with yoga. The teacher training Rachael curates is more than a teacher training program. It was truly a blissful experience." - Flora S.
What is Vinyasa Yoga?
Your certification will be in Vinyasa Yoga.
Vinyasa roughly translates to “to place in a mindful or special way”. This style of Yoga refers to linking breath to movement and turns static postures into a dynamic flow. Vinyasa follows postures rooted in Ashtanga Yoga but is less rigid and you can structure the class however you like with any focus or peak posture you choose. The breath becomes like the music and the body and movements like a dance interweaving together. This type of yoga is fun, creative, and allows you as the teacher lots of freedom to create the class in anyway you like that is safe and supportive.
While our main focus and cert. is in Vinyasa, we also cover Buddhist Mediation, Chanting and Kirtan, Prenatal Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Kundalini, Yin, Pranayama, Inversion and Arm Balance Training, Hip Hop Yoga and so much more.
We hope to open the eyes of our students to all that yoga is and make this a fun experience as much as transformational and inspiring time of learning. We know that while we honor our knowledge and accomplishments, the learning is also never done and what we can master and learn is only a drop in the large ocean that is 'Yoga'.
Buddha Boot Camp Training
Ready to elevate your teaching?
Want to deepen your knowledge expand your toolkit and lead more powerful classes?
Buddha Bootcamp is a Twenty-hour advanced training designed to help certified yoga teachers grow in confidence creativity and impact
Stay tuned for next scheduled BBC training
"Rachael O’Brien constructed and taught, a comprehensive Yoga Teacher training program with knowledge and reverence for Yoga and it’s origins. Her dedication to learning and sharing her craft were evident in all of her classes. She inspired her students to welcome change and strength and prepared them to teach from their own individual True Light."
-Tricia S.
I had such an incredible experience training with True Light Yoga. Rachael is so genuinely knowledgeable, kind, caring, funny, and doesn’t hesitate to show her humanity in the best kind of ways. As her student, I was never made to feel anything other than her equal while also maintaining a deep respect and reverence for her experience and knowledge. Rachael created such a safe and loving space for us all to connect, explore, ask questions, and truly be ourselves. It is evident how dedicated she is to her students and to her practice. It was also evident how much time and thought went into the True Light curriculum. Excellent and specialized guest teachers and weekly anatomy lessons from a a doctor of physical therapy made the program feel even more well rounded and well supported by the community. I left this experience feeling beyond prepared to guide my students and myself safely and lovingly. I absolutely recommend True Light Yoga to anyone who is interested in deepening their practice, embarking on a journey of self discovery, and becoming a well rounded, compassionate teacher. Thank you.
-Caitlin H.