Meet Our Instructors.
Sandy
Owner and Yoga Teacher
My journey with Bikram yoga started over 25 years ago, and it has been a profound and transformative journey. Over the years, I’ve deepened my commitment to this practice, allowing it to guide me in both my personal and professional life.
My teaching philosophy is centered on the pillars of breath, mind-body connection and alignment. Mindful breathing serves as the foundation of the practice, connecting our physical and mental selves, enhancing our self-awareness and mental clarity. I believe that when we prioritize proper alignment in our practice, we create a strong foundation for physical and mental well-being.
Beyond the practice, I’m passionate about creating a sense of community within our yoga community. I believe that coming together as a supportive and welcoming group enriches our yoga experience and strengthens our connections both on and off the mat.
I worked for 20 years in healthcare, using my degrees in business and nutrition to manage the Nutrition Services department, then transitioned into real estate in 2015, assisting clients in buying and selling homes.
I’m the proud mother of two young men. Raising them, balancing the demands of motherhood with my professional and yoga endeavors has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and maintaining a sense of calm amidst life’s challenges.
Whether you’re new to Bikram yoga or a seasoned practitioner, I invite you to be a part of our vibrant community. Together, we’ll explore the transformative power of this practice, focusing on alignment, breath, and mindfulness, all while building connections and supporting each other’s journeys on and off the mat.
Namaste 🙏
Sam
Owner and Pilates instructor
TBD
Kevin
Yoga Teacher
I started practicing regularly in November 1996 and I’ve been teaching regularly since graduating from the Bikram teacher training in June 2000. The emphasis in my classes is to get the form and alignment right, and then to go to whatever depth you feel is appropriate that day. I encourage the students to be aware of the entirety of their physical body in each posture so it becomes a holistic practice, and you can find that place of oneness while holding the posture.
From there, you can do your own yoga therapy while holding each posture, sending energy to areas of the body that need it, expanding your awareness to experience cosmic consciousness, or just visualizing the energy flowing through the channels of your body to clear the energy. All this, while challenging yourself to work to your edge in the postures using a focused, relaxed, effort! At the end of class, feel your body purified, your mind calm, and your awareness clear.
Akiko
Inferno Hot Pilates & Yoga Teacher
I am from Osaka, Japan. I am a mother of two humans and two kittens.
Teaching is my passion, fitness is my focus
Expect a strong class! I will get into your muscles. I want you to feel your body. I want you to discover the essential nature of who you are and what you are capable of.
Certified in Inferno Hot Pilates Level 1&2, Inferno Hells Bells Kettlebell, and Inferno L.A.B, International Yoga Sports Federation Beginner’s class 90’
Pattie
Yoga Teacher
I am a certified RYT 200 hr. hot yoga teacher and I became a teacher because of you. This yoga community has supported and nurtured me through my 20 years of personal practice and now I am excited and grateful to give back to this community.
After a long career in publishing, managing staff and departments, I know how toxic work stress is on the body. As a retired senior, I have witnessed firsthand how the aging process affects the body and mind. As a life-long tomboy with scars and pins in various places in the body, I’ve been humbled by the long way back from injury.
I teach an energetic class, coupled with empathy and compassion, providing a safe and nurturing place to revisit your real self.
Daisy
Yoga Teacher
Yoga is to connect your body and mind. When I started practicing Bikram, I fell in love and I was hooked.…though not from my very first class.
It helped my frequent headaches and back issues from a car accident. It even helped my blood pressure, my doctor was impressed and took me off medication.
In Fall 2016 I attended Bikram Teacher Training to pursue my dream of teaching yoga to others. I truly believe that Bikram yoga is the best exercise for our mind and body.
There is an old Chinese saving, “Healthy is wealthy!” Even with all the money in the world you need a healthy body and healthy mind
Joe
Yoga Teacher
Yogi Joe Garrido embarked on his Bikram Yoga journey on May 4th, 2009, in his hometown of Chicago. Instantly enamored by the practice, he committed to two daily classes, and within his first 30 days, he achieved an astounding 63 classes.
Driven by a desire to make a difference, Joe was approached by the Lupus Foundation to participate in The Chicago Marathon for fundraising. However, he proposed a unique idea – a Yoga Marathon. To his delight, they agreed, and thus, “Yogi Joe’s Yoga for Charity Challenge” was born. Joe pushed his limits, regularly taking on double and triple classes. By May 3rd, 2010, he had completed a remarkable 700 classes, consisting of 10 singles, 287 doubles, 36 triples, and 2 quadruples, all within 365 days. His efforts raised over $2,000 for the Lupus Foundation.
In June of 2010, Joe achieved a significant milestone by graduating from Bikram Yoga Teacher’s Training. Since then, he has been on a whirlwind journey, traveling and sharing his passion for Bikram Yoga across the nation and around the world. With an impressive tally of over four thousand classes taught and guidance from Bikram Yoga’s most esteemed mentors, Joe continues to inspire and uplift through his dedication to yoga.
“I Love My Yoga Life!” – Yogi Joe Garrido
Cary
Yoga Teacher
Before I found yoga, my mind was always full of ideas, looking for inspiration. After my first Bikram class, I knew I found an active way to meditate ~ holding still in balance, not only physically but more importantly in my mind. Through stillness, the benefits of my journey inward have led me to study Yin Yoga and Chakra Meditation with Paul Grilley. By exploring my physical body and universe within, I was able to recognize the importance of quieting my mind and getting in touch with my inner Self. In 2012, I began to share the Bikram and Yin teachings and practices with you, my friends. I hope to instill this ~ discover your own truth and start living a conscious life. With sincerity, I am here to support those in finding peace and their true Self.
Yuqin
yoga Teacher
I have never regretted on yoga mat, from day one in 2010. Occasionally I cry on it, most time I smile.
I will meet you on yoga mat, together we evolve and thrive
Lynda
Front desk
Lynda was born and raised in San Francisco and has two wonderful sons.
Loves to stay active in any way possible and never shies away from trying a new workout. She loves to bring people together in a healthy environment and is loves being part of the ELC team
Kate
Front desk
Jenn
Front desk
I met Sam during a time of my life when I felt lost and confused. She reminded me that it was merely a phase of my life and introduced me to the world of Pilates. She helped me realized who I was as a person and I wouldn’t be here without her. I am excited to share this journey and relationship with you; together, we can do anything!