Instructors
Drorit Rudin
Drorit started Agoura Power of Yoga because she loves yoga and all that it adds to one's life. It brings peace and harmony, clarity of mind as well as a physically fit body. Her class is geared toward new yogis as well as long time practicing yogis who will enjoy the challenge of power yoga and the music her class has to offer.
Drorit's training was an intensive one in Yoga Therapy by the incredible Gabriela Hansen in Ojai California. Through her training with Gabriela as well her life experience, she combines a very challenging music filled class with the traditional principles of hatha yoga focusing especially on the therapeutic aspects of the breath and the power of the mind.
It is very important to her that she helps guide both old and new into a deep meditation after a tough class that opens the body and prepares the mind to a place of nothingness. This is where the peace comes.
Tracy Sachs
Tracy’s classes are called “Bhakti Vinyasa Flow” – a yogic journey that incorporates a sweet blend of vinyasa flow, breath, sankalpa (intention/dedication/prayer), ancient wisdom, meditation, and sacred sound. Bhakti yoga is often called “yoga of the heart.” It is the spiritual path of devotion, love, service, gratitude and joy!
Since early adolescence, Tracy suffered from periods of debilitating depression and anxiety. For many years she resigned herself to the fact that these would be lifelong conditions. However, this notion was unexpectedly shattered when she began practicing yoga as an undergraduate at UCLA. It was not immediate, but slowly she began to feel different. Tracy’s whole perspective on life started to shift. The seed that was planted at UCLA began to grow and life led Tracy to India where she further explored yoga, and Indian culture and philosophy.
With a beautiful twist of fate, a few months after returning home from India, she stumbled upon Bhakti Yoga Shala, a bhakti based yoga studio in Santa Monica. She has since completed Yoga Teacher Training at the Shala with her teacher, Govindas, to whom she is eternally grateful.
Tracy’s own intention is to provide a nurturing and nourishing space to discover and honor the inner wisdom, creativity, and light that reside in each one of us. She desires nothing more than to share the abundant gifts of yoga. Her greatest hope is to inspire and empower others to make room for health, peace, joy, and grace to enter their lives. She is beyond grateful to serve others on their path to healing and truth.
Yoga is a celebration of life, Spirit, and connectedness! Let’s celebrate! Jai Ma!
Lara Whisman
Lara has been a student of yoga for 12 years and has been teaching private/group instruction for over 6 years. Her yoga journey began after enduring constant back pain due to severe Scoliosis. She took her first yoga class and discovered that there truly was freedom to be found from chronic conditions. After discovering this healing practice, she began to develop a new-found respect for and acceptance of the physical body she embodied and was free from pain for the first time.
The infinite joy and freedom discovered through this amazing practice and through inspiration from her wonderful teachers led her down the path to True Yoga's Teacher Training program in 2006... She continues her love of learning through self-study (svadhaya) and has attended many immersions and workshops with wonderful instructors such as Desiree Rumbaugh, Parusha Hickson, Lauren Peterson, Saul David Raye, Erich Schiffmann, Paul Grilley, Scott Blossom, Elise Miller, Sarah Powers and others. In December of 2007, she completed a teacher training with renowned back care and Scoliosis yoga instructor, Elise Miller. This additional training has allowed her to work in a therapeutic and safe manner with all students and; more specifically, those who have limited mobility, back injuries/misalignment, and scoliosis curvatures. Lara believes that yoga can be a truly healing and therapeutic practice for all, one that allows us to return to our blissful and peaceful natures. Invitation from Lara: "Come down to your knees and rest in child's pose ~ leave your cares on your mat and begin the journey...breathe in deeply...breathe out slowly...welcome to the practice and welcome home to YOU."
Brian Hyman
Brian began practicing yoga as a means to stretch in 2003. He had no desire to develop a spiritual practice or teach. However, when he quickly became quite strong and balanced on his mat, he recognized that yoga was no longer just a way to stretch, but a path to wellness, wholeness, and Inner Peace.
"When I step onto my mat, time and space no longer exist. My mat is a magic carpet upon which I find complete stillness. When I teach, I share these ideas and encourage students to leave the past and future where they belong. Yoga is practiced in the present. We can only honor and respect mind, body, and Spirit by practicing in the now. I love this quote from the Upanishads: 'When the five senses are stilled, when the mind is stilled, when the intellect is stilled, that is called the highest state by the wise. They say yoga is this complete stillness.' "
Brian's classes are taught from a Holistic viewpoint, utilizing elements of Bhakti, Tantra, and Ayurveda to connect mind-body-Spirit.
Hatha-based, these classes flow in a strong Vinyasa style, and include dynamic asana, adjustments, kriyas, mudras, pranayama, and subtle body work to energize and balance the chakras, meridians, and nadis. Yogic philosophy is discussed during classes. Special playlists and live music (guitar, harmonium) are utilized.
Jake Robinson
A native of Ann Arbor, MI, I first got into yoga due to a shoulder injury and immediately got hooked. I came to LA knowing that I wanted to be a teacher. After a 200 hr Yoga Alliance certified program I started teaching in Santa Monica. My goal is to teach Asana to promote the balance of body and mind through effective teaching style, technique, honesty and integrity within the practice. Emphasis will be placed on proper alignment, posture modifications and breath control. Together we will seek to develop inner peace, physical strength, flexibility, balance, and a lean, healthy body. In addition to yoga, I love hiking, backpacking, rock and roll, and baseball.
Tiffany Howard
I am a hatha yoga teacher, passionate and energetic about sharing this practice we call yoga.. I draw from my life experiences as a criminal trial attorney, mediator, wife and mother. I teach because when I found yoga, the seductress that she is, what began as another form of “working out” quickly became a form of “working in” and changed my life. I discovered the road to my SELF. I knew it was a great excuse to spend my days in my favorite space, sharing that journey with others.
My classes are fun! I strive to have you feel like you hit the trifecta of mind, body and spiritual work. There’s breath work, sankulpa (intention setting), and mediation all while moving and grooving and flowing to great tunes. You might even laugh!
All you need is a 5x2 mat, and you can let go, get happy, minimize life’s stresses and find resolution and peace within the smallest of spaces. One thing’s certain, you’ll leave feeling better than when you walked in the door.
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Anita Sarabjeet Condic
Anita Sarabjeet Condic has been attracted to yoga for its brilliant ability to transform moods, balance emotions, and re-inspire love for Life and Self. Her personal relationship with yoga started through exploration of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation. Often called “yoga of awareness”, this ancient technique incorporates breath, postures and meditation to balance our glandular and nervous systems as well as awaken our creativity and grace.
As one of the beautiful outcomes of Kundalini rising is awakened innocence, Anita first started teaching children. Her fascination with world cultures across time and desire to deepen her study of meditative techniques lead Anita’s adventurous spirit to India where she was profoundly moved by the power of sound vibration/mantra. Upon her return to the States, she studied and taught other styles of yoga that both utilize mantra to open the heart and focus on asana to connect with our strength and peace. She is grateful to her teachers: GuruMeher, Golden Bridge family, Govindas, and YogaWorks community who instilled in her appreciation for both meditation and asana as a way to soar through life.
To each of her Kundalini Yoga & Meditation classes, she brings her smile, youthful spirit and open heart to create a warm, melodic, powerful and transformative environment.
Ryan Batiste
Ryan Batiste has been practicing yoga from childhood. His father started taking him to yoga class with Bryan Kest at the age of six. A devoted Power Yoga practitioner, Ryan’s main teachers are Steve Ross, Bryan Kest, Rudy Mettia and Travis Elliot. When Ryan isn’t practicing and teaching yoga, you can find this Santa Monica native surfing.
Jodi Fisher
Jodi fell into yoga when a yoga teacher came to the work place for a free class. Even though she laughed through most of the class, she became hooked. She was so excited to find a 'work out' that worked the body as well as the mind. It became a part of her daily routine and more than a decade later, she began teaching. Jodi brings a light-hearted and compassionate quality to her fun, yet intense classes. Warning…Jodi is an alignment stickler because she has found that finding the proper alignment will bring freedom to your yoga practice. She has a wide range of students of all levels and backgrounds. You can expect a high energy work-out, good music, a few laughs, and fun-loving, positive vibes when you come to her class. Jodi is a RYT with the Yoga Alliance.
Alison Bristow
Alison Bristow has been a Yoga practitioner for over a decade and a spiritual seeker all her life. Her practice began in the sweaty rooms of a Bikram Yoga studio in New York City where she had the first glimpses of how the benefits of yoga extend far beyond the mat. She draws from a variety of Yoga traditions including Iyengar, Anusara, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa. Integrating breath awareness and a mindful asana practice, Alison sees Yoga as a gateway leading each student to a tangible experience of the divinity within. In her classes, she incorporates subtle metaphors that encourage students to take the deeper lessons of their practice beyond the studio door and apply them in everyday life.
Julie Kundert
Julie Kundert has been inspired by the power and grace of yoga sense 1998. She was introduced to the practice during a much needed time for healing and self empowerment. As her journey continued to unfold she discovered a great love for teaching. She has received her 500 hour yoga alliance certification from yoga works. She has studied with some of the finest teachers such as Kia Miller, Lisa Walford and Jennifer Elliott to name a few. Julie is also a trained advocate and public speaker on behalf of the Valley Cares Family Justice Center. She teaches yoga and pranayama breathing techniques to the amazing staff that work there. As one of the ambassadors for Lululemon in Calabasas she has been given the opportunity and privilege to teach for her beloved community as well.
Julie is also the founder and creator of the Ahimsa Foundation seeking peace and healing for all those that suffer in violent homes. The foundation helps to raise funds and awareness towards self empowerment and transformation through the beauty and power of yoga.
Julies classes are led with compassion, humor and great respect for her students. She emphasizes on the power of the breath and fluid movement of the body. She entices her students to discover deep within themselves for their own strength and authenticity. She believes that yoga is a practice that we continue to experience on our mats as well as into the world.
Holly Umann
Holly Umann teaches a style of Hatha Yoga Vinyasa with a blessing of energized peace, and personal rejuvenation to bring the balance of your mind, body, and spirit into a position of attainment.
Through the honor of expert guidance of Paul Grilley and Scott Blossom, she has attained the understanding of the Anatomy of Yoga East-West Physiology. In an effort to always acquire a more in depth balance, and learning, Holly has mastered the Advanced Studies and Freedom Style Yoga with the instruction of Erich Schiffmann (world renown teacher, and author), and has studied The History of Yoga with Paul Muller-Ortega. Her love for Yoga and the personal path it opens to others gave her the calling to become an instructor. She continued in her pursuit of learning, in an effort to bring the transformation of Yoga to others, by training in Iyengar Yoga with Lisa Walford (Studies of Iyengar Yoga in India). Holly continued to further her instruction studies with Heather Tiddens at the Santa Barbara Yoga Center in the Yoga Teacher Training Program Practicum.
Holly comes to you with an open heart, mind, and an amazing energy. Namaste!
Jill Kennedy
A Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified Yoga Therapist, lululemon athletica ambassador and EpicEveryDay Team Leader, Jill truly has a passion for teaching, practicing, and living the Yin (feminine) and the Yang (masculine) of Yoga. An avid yoga practitioner for 15 years, her practice began as a means to restore and regenerate the years of beating her body took in competitive athletics, healing injuries, and calming what she thought was an extremely busy mind. Several years later, the journey continues.
She thrives on living from the inside out...healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy spirit. Jill's daily intention is to align her teachings in the way she strives to live: an honest, balanced, purposeful, and EPIC life. She draws inspiration from the evolution of life off the mat strongly marked by her studies with teachers Erich Schiffmann, Seane Corn, Lisa Walford, and Bradlee Frierott.
Jill teaches Power Yoga and music-infused Vinyasa Flow Classes integrating traditional and non-traditional yoga postures with focus on alignment, strength, balance, and intention. A moving meditation with a dash of humor, heat, and a whole lot of rhythm that is a great way to reconnect with the innate power and peace that resides within all of us. Whether you are new to yoga or an advanced practitioner, Jill's classes will challenge you to meet your potential while diving into the joy available to us each moment.
Get a flavor of Jill by checking out her website.
www.jillkennedyyoga.com
Zach Wagner
Zach’s classes are geared for any student desiring a deep level of physical and mental well-being, while promoting strength, flexibility and relaxation. He creates a safe and inviting environment where the beginning student will feel free to discover their ability, and the advanced yoga practitioner or serious athlete can realize their full potential.
A serious skateboarder since the age of eleven, Zach began his yoga practice in order to improve his physical balance and mental focus. He soon found that yoga had not only transformed his body, but his mind and spirit as well. He began his teacher training at the San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute, living and studying at the ashram. Later, he studied under Swami Asokanda at the Quinta De Calma Yoga Center near Faro, Portugal, expanding his knowledge of yoga philosophy, anatomy and physiology.
Zach teaches a variety of Hatha levels and vinyasa flow, providing students with personal attention and encouragement. He can modify each asana to fit individual needs and skill levels, and also provides instruction in pranayama (breathing practices), deep relaxation and meditation. In each session, Zach attempts to promote the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of his students, allowing each of them to come in touch with deeper and more subtle aspects of their being.
Lisa Carmichael
Lisa Carmichael feels yoga is extraordinarily powerful and an amazing tool for healing and transformation. Yoga can circulate what is stagnant; open what is closed; and surface what is buried...in order to disentangle distortions and dissolve the sense of apparent separation. Moving from inspiration and presence transforms, heals and creates rich new neural pathways of possibilities. We have forgotten the bliss of a stretch, it has become the means to an end, rather than the opening of information that deliciously leads us deeper into the well of wisdom, strength, creativity and cohesive connection.
Lisa is a Registered Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, Prana Flow Certified Yoga teacher, Continuum Practitioner and dancer. She has been in private practice in Agoura Hills since 1996, and offers her gifts and skills as a support for healing. Lisa has also mentored with Anna Forest, Duane Packer, Gabrielle Roth, Marianne Karou, creator of Dance Alive, Emilie Conrad, the founder of Continuum, Cass Phelps, sound and movement specialist and yogini Shiva Rea.
Jessica Anderson
Jessica Anderson, ERYT, found her personal practice of yoga in 1996 and has been a teacher since 2000. Certifications received from Sarah Powers and a 300 hour general and advanced teacher training from The Yoga Tree in her native city Seattle, Washington began her continued commitment as a student of yoga . In 2005, Jessica Co-Directed the first 200 hour yoga alliance registered teacher training held in the Conejo Valley.
As a student, Jessica's practice is rooted in the traditional Buddhist teachings of mindfulness and meditation as well as Patanjali's Ashtanga yoga. Her lifelong investigation of direct experience through svadhaya (self study) is the main support for her path but she continues to draws inspiration from master teachers, a minimum of four retreats a year and her sangha (yoga community). In 2005, Jessica became a second level Reiki energy practitioner to enhance her understanding of the subtle body. To balance the spiritual teachings of the East and develop an understanding of the human mind, she is currently a full-time student of Psychology .
Like a dance, Jessica's group classes blend physical alignment, core strength and mindfulness in a fluid rhythm using breath and intention as the underlying current for the practice. Through metta (loving kindness) and sharing her love of poetry, she encourages and empowers students? inner wisdom to guide them towards the gradual realization of their own inherent nature of body/heart/mind!
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