Sandy DeJohn, RYT - Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher, 200 Hour Certified Vinyasa Flow Instructor, Gentle Yoga Certification with Lanita Varshell
Sandy began her yoga journey in 1999 as she was looking for a way to cross train with her love of tennis. Little did she know, she would find so much more. As her practice evolved she decided that she should share with others her new found love, the practice of yoga, through teaching.
In 2008, she received her 200 hour yoga alliance certification through At One Yoga, in Scottsdale, AZ where she trained with John Salisbury and Alex Austin in the Ashtanga style. Although trained in Ashtanga, Sandy enjoys teaching styles ranging from basic and yin to flow and power. She has also had the opportunity to practice and train with other great yogis like, Dharma Mittra, Seane Corn, Jason Crandall, Rod Stryker, Rolf Gates, Kathryn Budig and Wade Morrisette.
Sandy’s teaching style at Lotus 7 incorporates a unique, moving flow series with an upbeat contemporary playlist.
Thoughts on Yoga: The practice of yoga has given me the opportunity to share my passion with others. I have made many new friendships along the way and have enjoyed seeing the difference yoga has made in other’s lives through teaching. On and off the mat, yoga has made me a stronger person and my hope is that I can continue sharing this with others. Namaste.
Bret Gove - Level 1 CrossFit Trainer
As a life-long sports and fitness enthusiast, Bret elected to pursue a profession in physical fitness in early 2007 after a 20 year career as a partner in a small real estate development and investment company based in Irvine, CA. He is now a Level I CrossFit Trainer on his way to obtaining a Level II certification. Bret learned early the importance of maintaining a high-level of overall physical fitness year-round as a multi-sport athlete in high school. Continuing to seek out new sports activities as an adult, he has learned, participated and competed in, tennis, roller-hockey, snow-skiing, running, road biking and triathlons, among other competitive events.
Bret has been an avid participant in CrossFit training (www.crossfit.com) since September of 2006 and believes that it represents the best overall fitness program he has ever experienced. "The CrossFit prescription is constantly varied, high-intensity, functional movement with the goal always being to forge a broad, general, and inclusive fitness by not specializing. The load and degree of intensity of the routines are scaled to the psychological and physical capabilities of the individual, but the program is not changed."
Whether training a client or performing a workout himself, Bret retains a strong preference for a strength and conditioning fitness approach that includes weightlifting (squats, deadlifts, shoulder presses, etc), gymnastics (push-ups, pull-ups, dips, handstand push-ups, etc) and mono-structural movements (performing a single task such as running, cycling, pull-ups, etc), utilized in one or more various combinations or individually. He emphasizes proper technique and form before adding any weight to a movement, as well as, the importance of nutrition and rest/recovery (ie, listen to your body).
Bret also performs yoga on a regular basis to maintain/improve flexibility, recovery and aid in mental relaxation/focus and also benefits from periodic massage therapy and chiropractic care. As well, he is a firm believer in the large role that nutrition plays in maintaining physical fitness and has been a long-time practitioner of the Zone Diet.
A native Californian and graduate of UC Riverside, Bret lives in Rancho Santa Margarita with his wife, Diane, and their two kids, Jackie and Michael.
Amy Harper, RYT – Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher, YogaEd Certified Instructor, Yoga4Teens Certified Instructor, CPR Certified
Amy began studying yoga ten years ago after fracturing her spine in a water sport accident. Her physical therapist introduced her to yoga as a way to build strength, flexibility, and promote healing.
During her recovery she began the healing process through restorative yoga. What became clear to her was that yoga was much more than stretching ...it was a way to heal the body, mind and spirit, which was what she needed at that time. In 2002, she became a certified yoga instructor through Yogamotion in Park City, Utah. She currently teaches yoga for several companies in the area, as well as at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in San Juan Capistrano.
Amy's teaching style incorporates a variety of disciplines. She incorporates the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar which focuses on precise structure and support. She also uses the traditions of Anusara® which blends grace, alignment and energized movement into her classes while incorporating Viniyoga practices which teaches how to honor the person not the pose. As a student furthers their practice, she links postures creating a similar flow to the traditions of Ashtanga and Vinyasa. She enjoys including people of all ages and abilities helping to inspire students to connect with their true essence and potential.
Amy's Thoughts on Yoga: "Yoga, for me, is about finding balance, and developing a relationship with yourself while learning your strengths and realizing your full potential so you can share the peace and harmony with others in your life. Yoga is a blessing for me and has become a true passion in my life. My hope is to pass along the magic of yoga - letting the breath, asana, and your individual practice speak to you."
Michele Heikens – BASI Certified Comprehensive Pilates Instructor – PMA Member
Michele Heikens has studied with world renowned Body Arts and Science International. She has studied under the BASI Pilate founder Rael Isacowitz for her comprehensive Teacher Training Certification Program, in the Pilates Method. Continuing on her journey of advancement in Pilates she trains with Leah Stewart, Senior Faculty of BASI and founder and owner of Live Life Pilates.
Michele's Thoughts on Pilates: Pilates came into my life over 9 years ago. Trying to recover from an injury, conventional rehab helped but I needed more. Pilates gave me strength, movement and balance. It gave me back my life!
My favorite quote from Joseph H. Pilates is "Physical fitness is the first requisite to happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is that attainment and maintenance of uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure."
Jin Lian-Hua (Golden Lotus) became a lineage holder of Shiva Garuda and Yoga of Joy, following a solo journey through Tibet, India & Nepal in 2001. Her foundation lies in Tibetan Vajrayana and esoteric wisdom teachings from her root teacher, Dakini Yuan Miao and Lama Norbu. She is a yoga therapist trained by the Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation, Shiatsu therapist, breath work facilitator, registered Yin Yoga teacher and therapeutic nutrition educator. For more information, please visit: tsomo.com
Diane McAdoo, PMA - AFAA Group Instructor, PMA member, Pilates Allegro Reformer Instructor, Pilates Evolved, Body Art and Science Int'l
A New Jersey native, Diane started taking dance classes at the age of 5. Throughout her childhood she practiced ballet, tap and jazz through Linda Jandoli, a former member of the New York City Rockettes.
In 2001 she moved to Huntington Beach, CA, where she started to take an interest in yoga. She practiced yoga for a few years when she met her husband, who was very involved in the Pilates regimen. She started practicing with him and started to notice the changes in her body. Pilates improved her strength, flexibility and concentration.
After seeing these changes, she decided to pursue her passion and become a Pilates Instructor. In 2005, she received her Group Fitness Instructor Certification through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She began teaching Pilates in 2006, while attending different workshops focusing on the Joseph Pilates Method. She continues her education by attending conferences and seminars sponsored by Pilates Method Alliance, as well as many others.
In 2008 Diane began teaching for Pacific Hills Treatment Center in Dana Point. This has been very fulfilling for her as she sees various bodies go through healing and strengthening through Pilates. In 2009 she received her Mat Certification through Body Arts and Science International (BASI). She continues her education in BASI as well.
Diane's Thoughts on Pilates: "One of the biggest rewards is seeing my students change and grow. When someone new to the practice comes in and puts their mind and body to it, then tells me about the changes going on, that is a great feeling for me. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how heavy or light you are, with Pilates you see many improvements. Be it breathing, concentration, flexibility, or anything of the like, Pilates helps strengthen the core of your life."
"In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20, you will see the difference. And in 30, you will be on your way to a whole new body."
- Joseph Pilates.
Kinga Night, PMA – Certified Pilates Mat and Pilates Reformer Instructor
Kinga was born in Budapest, Hungary, and quickly found her passion in sports. At 11 years old she began competing as a rhythmic gymnast internationally. While attending a high school for professional athletes, Kinga also began a career in dance, and held feature roles in numerous theatrical productions, including CATS.
She majored in Rhythmic Gymnastics at the University of Physical Education in Budapest, and coached her own rhythmic gymnastics team before leaving for the United States in 1990 to further her education and career.
Upon arrival in New York, she immediately auditioned and received a dance scholarship to the renowned STEPS studio in NYC. Her performing career eventually led to appearances on stage and television in more than 30 countries.
In 1998, now making Orange County, California her home, she returned to physical fitness. She became a member of AFAA, and taught numerous fitness formats before falling in love with Pilates. Kinga was accepted for the Pilates Certification program at Aline Studios, a studio that specializes in personalized, one-on-one training. She has been teaching Pilates full-time since 2002.
Kinga's Pilate Mat classes emphasize proper breathing and correct body alignment while focusing on purposeful movement patterns increasing your awareness of how your body moves and feels. Quality over quantity of movement prevails, giving you maximum power and efficiency.
Lama Norbu, Master of Vajrayana and an adept in Supreme Yoga Tantra, was born in a remote village located on the shore of Lugu Lake, in the region of Shangri-La. His father was a Lama in the Tibetan tradition; his mother, from Muli, a decendent of the ancient Guge kingdom. Lama Norbu spent his childhood around Lugu Lake and Muli Monastery, a famous Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Sichuan Province. Throughout childhood, he was nurtured by natural environments and exposed to different teachings from many masters and Lamas who visited Muli Monastery. As a teenager, he followed his master to India to receive his formal education in Tibetan Buddhism and received the title of Geshe Lama (equivalent to a PhD) at Sera Monastery.
Stacey Parker, RYT - Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher; 200 Hour Empowered-Yoga Certified Instructor; Kriya Kundalini Pranayama and Meditation Teacher Training; Power Vinyasa Teacher Training with Rolf Gates; Shambala Meditation Training with David Nichtern; Karma Yoga Training with Charu Rachlis; and Restorative Yoga Teacher Training with Jillian Pransky
Stacey relocated to Southern California in late 2008 after growing up in the South and spending the last six years on the east coast. She started her personal yoga practice in 2003 at Empowered Yoga in Wilmington, Delaware after a lifetime of gym workouts. Stacey quickly discovered yoga was the perfect exercise for aerobic capacity, strength development, balance, increased flexibility and stress reduction. Additionally, she immediately embraced the sense of family and friendly, open environment within the yoga community. In addition to the physical benefits, she found yoga helped to create a sense of balance in her otherwise hectic life.
After almost five years of dedicated personal practice, Stacey decided she wanted to share her love of yoga and the transformative power of a consistent practice with others. She trained with her first yoga instructor, Johnny Gillespie through Empowered Yoga’s 2007-2008 Yoga Alliance 200 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training program, with an influential blend of Anusara, Bikram, Ashtanga, Iyengar and Vinyasa Flow disciplines.
When you walk into one of Stacey’s classes, look for her inviting smile and encouraging, warm voice to guide you through your yoga practice. During class, she will focus on proper alignment and the breath to further guide you deeper into your personal yoga practice. Expect to be inspired to move throughout your day in an open and joyous manner!
Stacey’s Thoughts on Yoga: “Yoga makes me more in tune with the person I strive to be and more comfortable with the person that I am.”
Fay Pastel, RYT – Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher @ 500hrs, Yoga Fit Teacher Certification, Schiffmann Yoga Teacher Training, YogaPlace Iyengar® Teacher Training, YogaWorks Teacher Training, Irvine Valley College P.E. Fitness Specialist, A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer, and A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor.
Fay is a native New Yorker and has been a California girl since 1980. Dance performance has been a joyful “high” for her since she was a child. Her dance background includes Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Ballroom, African, and Hip-Hop. Fay took her first Yoga class in 1971 and was hooked! Like other high-energy people, she appreciates the way Yoga balances and soothes her soul, while satisfying an eternal quest for self-discovery. Fay began teaching Yoga in 1999 to college campuses, hospital and senior centers, drug/alcohol women’s rehab centers, health clubs, and private studios.
Fay’s style of teaching is an eclectic Vinyasa style that caters to all levels, and those suffering from injuries or chronic issues.
Fay’s thoughts on Yoga: “Working with varied populations is a reward in itself. Exchanging ideas, love of Yoga, and bringing freedom from pain is a heart-warming opportunity.”
Tim Senesi, RYT - Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher, 400 Hour Certified Iyengar Instructor
Tim has been teaching yoga for the past seven years. He began his yoga journey as a means of releasing muscle tension and practicing healthy exercise, but he soon began noticing a significant mental and bodily shift in addition. Negative feelings and emotions were being replaced with a sense of calmness and serenity, and a new feeling of bodily strength and ease was becoming apparent. Tim has studied several disciplines of yoga, and spent a number of years teaching Vinyasa flow in San Diego. He became familiar with B.K.S. Iyengar through his book, "Light On Life" and has since devoted his practice to the study of the Iyengar Method. His attention to detail and alignment in Asana is directly inspired by his teachers, Manouso Manos and Megan Bello. He holds a 400 hr certification. Tim’s classes at Lotus7 are a blend of his experience in yoga: a mixture of energetic flow and precision in alignment.
Thoughts on yoga: “Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of consciousness.”
I am thankful for what I have found through my practice of yoga and especially for the teachers who have shed light on the matter. I hope, if anything, that I can accurately pass on what I have been given and continue to cultivate the positive.
“Do not think of yourself as a small compressed, suffering thing. Think of yourself as graceful and expanding, no matter how unlikely it may seem at the time” BKS Iyengar
Robin Ward, BASI Certified Comprehensive Pilates Instructor – PMA Member
Robin began practicing pilates nine years ago and has been an avid student ever since. In 2004 she decided to take her love and passion of pilates to the next level. She entered the Body Arts and Science International certification program and received her mat and apparatus certification under Rael Isacowitz. Robin loves sharing her knowledge of pilates with clients of all levels. Her classes focus on anatomy, proper alignment and technique. She promises and exciting, challenging and fun workout.
Lina Goh-Wu – Certified Yoga Instructor, Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher; 500 RYT
Lina first started practicing yoga 10 years ago as a means to de-stress from her job as a college instructor. Lina teaches yoga at various studios, a woman's gym and the MS Society. She also works with private clients and corporations, and is interested in contributing to her community and making yoga accessible to everybody. She specializes in creating customized sequences and postures that can be easily integrated in one's daily exercise routine. Lina completed her yoga certification with Yogaworks. From her own experience, Lina believes that one is never too busy, too old, too out of shape or too stiff to do yoga. Aside from teaching the practical aspects of yoga, Lina hopes to bring the universal spirit and energy back into yoga. For her personal practice she incorporates mantras, meditation, mudra dance and qigong into her routine to enhance her yoga practice. She also designs and makes her popular line of energetic yoga jewelry, which are available for viewing by emailing her at krystalyoga@yahoo.com.
Lina's Thoughts on Yoga: "Yoga has transformed my life inside and out. Not only has it reshaped my body, it has deepened my mind perception and enlarged my soul. It is like a gift that doesn't stop giving. Yoga never ceases to bring me a new surprise gift at my doorstep every day."
While in Japan, Master Zen Azuma learned Kobudo Karate, Judo and Shaorinji Kempo for 7 years. Master Azuma has developed a technique that combines practical use situations such as, self defense for the street, which he calls PDCT (Physical Defense Combat Technique) or “Touha-Ryuken TM”.
Malaurie Barber – Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher; Forrest Yoga Certified Teacher, Kundalini and Khalsa Way Pregnancy certified Teacher; Energy Healer and Certified Massage Therapist.
Josh Borella
George Carter, RYT – Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher; SilverAge® Yoga Certified Instructor