Gabriel Halpern holds degrees in philosophy and health psychology and is a long time member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. In 1985 he founded the Yoga Circle in Chicago which he still directs. Gabriel knows first hand what it is to live with pain and bounce back with zest for life. Suffering from a broken vertebra at age 15, his life journey has been dedicated to the pursuit of yoga and its therapeutic applications. Owing to the direct influence of BKS Iyengar and 40+ years of personal practice, Gabriel has learned the difference between actual and perceived limitations, knowledge he passes along to those who study with him. Add to that twenty five years of work as a university professor at De Paul's Theater Conservatory and that puts him in touch with the pulse of creative young people.

His is well known as an accomplished vegetarian chef, guitar player, song writer, sacred dance leader, men's group facilitator, and a stand up comic. He teaching is all that is yoga: zeal in practice, art form, science, world view, life style, and mystical mentoring.