meet our teachers
NOTE: "RYT" is a designation given by the Yoga Alliance, meaning "Registered Yoga Teacher." These teachers meet certain rigorous standards of 200 or 500 hours of training. An "eRYT" is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, one who has been teaching at least two years and a minimum of 1000 hours since becoming registered at the 200-hour level (eRYT200), or at least four years and a minimum of 2000 hours since becoming registered at the 500-hour level (eRYT500).
Guilherme Alves
Guilherme Dias Alves (also known as William here on Oahu), was born and raised in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. After working four years as a partner and instructor at the prestigious First Brazilian University of Yôga, he moved to Oahu to introduce the tradition of Swásthya Yôga to Hawaii. He has studied with Master DeRose (founder of the First Brazilian University of Yôga, and the International University of Yôga, with schools in Portugal and Argentina), Master Carlos Cardoso, Master Sergio Santos, and many well-respected yoga teachers and specialized authorities. Among his students you will find those with a wide range of occupations and interests: athletes, intellectuals, artists, doctors and lawyers. One of the things he loves about teaching yoga is that it develops happy, cheerful people with open minds. You can read more about Swásthya Yôga under Class Descriptions.
Martin Doluz, eRYT-200
Martin began his journey into yoga in 2001 during an internship in India. The beauty and wisdom of the Indian culture captured his heart. He recognized yoga in everything and everyone and was inspired to deepen his practice. Upon returning home, Martin began a mentorship with Linda Sparrow, the editor of Yoga Journal. In 2003 he participated in a 6 month intensive, 200 hour teacher’s training with Cyndi Lee of OM Yoga. Living in San Francisco, he had the opportunity to study with Senior Yoga Teacher’s David Lawry, Elizabeth Rosser, Doug McGee, Jason Crandell and Rusty Wells. He also was able to attend Pilates classes with Elizabeth Larkham who greatly influenced his knowledge of functional anatomy. Martin moved his practice to Hawaii in 2005 where he was blessed with the friendship of Aiyana Greeley. He continues to study in studios throughout Oahu and recently trained with master yoga teacher’s Rodney Yee and Doug Swenson.
Mi'ilani Yoshiko Cooper, RYT
Mi'ilani was born and raised in Japan and speaks Japanese as her first language. She moved to Hawaii in 1992 to study Hawaiian culture and language. She received her 200-Hour Yoga Alliance teaching certificate at Aloha Yoga Kula with Brigitte and Martin. Under the instruction of Brynne Caleda, she has completed certification in Yoga Ed., Pre K and K-8. She also worked with Brynne as a translator for a Yoga Ed. teacher training workshop in Japan. She has been able to train under such instructors as Bryan Kest, Twee Merrigan and Daniel Aaron. Here locally she has trained under several teachers in different styles of yoga including Iyengar, Ashtanga, Vinyasa flow and Hatha flow. Mi'ilani is currently apprenticing in Iyengar Yoga at BKS Iyengar Yoga Center of Honolulu with Ray Madigan and Shelly Choy in preparation for certification, and also exploring the Anusara tradition through weekend immersions by Skeeter Tichnor. Mi'ilani welcomes everyone to come and share the enjoyment of yoga. She creates a warm and comfortable environment with emphasis on proper alignment.
Laura Dunn, RYT
Laura Dunn has been practicing Ashtanga yoga since 2002. She has studied under the tutelage of Sri K Pattabhi Jois during his 2004 world tour and with his grandson, Sharath Rangaswamy, during his 2005 tour and at his shala in Mysore, India in 2006. Laura has also studied sanskrit for three years with Rama Nath Sharma with the hopes of building some understanding of yoga philosophy and practice. Laura still considers herself to be a student more than a teacher and continues to study ashtanga and sacred yoga scriptures in order to transmit knowledge appropriately.
Rupali, eRYT500
Rupali (aka, Cheryl Embry) knew nothing about hatha yoga when she landed in a yoga ashram in 1985 at the recommendation of a friend. Immediately captivated, she stayed to study the yogic lifestyle and heal a back injury from her youth. Upon departing, she began teaching and eventually returned to Kripalu Center to earn her teaching certificate (1993) and later to assist in the training of other teachers (1994). She continues to study the major traditions of hatha yoga and advanced breathwork techniques, frequently in India with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, master of the Ashtanga Yoga tradition, and his grandson, Sharath Rangaswamy. She also draws from a background in the healing arts of Reiki and rebirthing, and directs the teacher training program at Yoga Hawaii.
Nadia Fairlamb, RYT
Nadia was introduced to yoga after suffering from mono and stress while getting her Bachelors of Fine arts at the University of Texas in 1995. After her first yoga mentorship in East Texas in 1996, she was introduced to the NIA technique. At that point she recognized these practices were a way of life, and since then chose to teach and share the benefits of yoga and dance. She has trained with body–mind movement pioneers in the fitness field, Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas, in Portland, Oregon, to become a certified third level NIA Technique instructor. Along with a two-year yoga teacher training program, she participated in a yearlong Tai Chi and Chi Gong mentorship, and studied Trance, Modern, and Ballet dance. She feels that NIA and yoga are like the Fountain of Youth—they keep our bodies in amazing functional physical shape, emotionally they give us the courage to embrace fear as fully as love, and mentally provide stability from the inside out—all reminding us that we are here to enjoy these moments and our bodies.
Yoko Fleming, RYT
Yoko Fleming hails from Tokyo, Japan. She started studying yoga while working in the IT industry in her hometown. When she moved to Hawaii, she decided to take advantage of the relaxing lifestyle of these beautiful islands. Yoko is an accomplished runner; however, having completed two full marathons she has decided to devote herself to the study of yoga. Yoko brings her bilingual abilities and passion to Yoga Hawaii with the intention of continuing her own studies while assisting others to share in the beauty of Yoga. She has recently graduated from Yoga Hawaii's teacher training with an emphasis in Ashtanga Yoga.
Ana Funes, RYT
Ana Funes began practicing different styles of yoga in 2001 but it was a year later when she discovered that Kundalini Yoga gave her what she really desired. In 2004 she became certified as a Kundalini Yoga instructor by the Kundalini Research Institute. Since then, she has taught in different environments such as the National Autonomous University of Mexico, holistic centers and yoga studios in Mexico City. Ana is always looking to deepen her personal practice and training as a yoga teacher. She was enrolled for two years (2005 -2007) in the Iyengar Teacher Training in Mexico City; then she explored the Universal Hatha Yoga Style and later on, during an extensive trip through India she stayed at the Sivananda Ashram in Neyyar Dam, Kerala, obtaining certification in the Sivananda tradition. She loves to teach Kundalini Yoga with the precision and correct alignement that hatha yoga encourages, without losing the rhythm, flow and introspection that Kundalini allows by itself.
Diane "Padma" Halford, RYT
Padma Halford has been a Registered Nurse since 1986. She discovered yoga at a time of great transition in her life, unaware that it would lead to a new career and life. Padma came to yoga looking for a way to stay physically fit, find peace and relaxation. She became a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance in the Ashtanga tradition in May 2004. She has completed the Certification for Yoga of the Heart ® Cardiac and Cancer Therapy taught by Nischala Joy Devi in 2007, and is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Padma is currently immersing herself in the Anusara tradition with Skeeter Tichnor of Maui. Padma's heart, humor and devotion to her own practice guides her classes which are full of love and laughter.
Diane received her affectionate name "Padma" (or "lotus flower") during her teacher training at Yoga Hawaii.
Heidi Hopkins, eRYT
Heidi's passion for yoga began in 1997. With a background in weight training, she found her way into a vinyasa yoga class and was amazed at the incredible ease, fluidness and peace she experienced. “I want to live in this!,” was her thought. A dedicated yoga practice led her to complete a 200-hour teacher’s training program with Living Yoga in 2001, and she began instructing that same year. Heidi deepened her understanding of yoga by participating in an advanced studies intensive and mentoring with a group of senior yoga teachers in Texas from 2002 to 2004. She has studied with Master yogis including Rodney Yee, Shiva Rea and Ramanan Patel. She recently assisted in Aloha Yoga Kula’s 2008 Advanced Studies/Teacher’s Training Program. Heidi is currently attending an Anusara Yoga 1000 hour immersion with Skeeter Tichnor. Heidi teaches classes of all levels throughout Oahu. Heidi’s genuine exuberant spirit permeates her classes creating a supportive and peaceful environment. Her unique teaching style and skilled adjustments allow students to explore their edge while staying centered in the breath.
Tania Jo Ingrahm, RYT
Tania Jo Ingrahm a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher, was introduced to Kripalu yoga in 1988 by her Yoga Hawaii business partner, Rupali. The breathing and internal exploration of Kripalu Yoga proved to be a beneficial compliment to her years of competitive triathlon and coaching. Now focusing on Ashtanga Yoga and pranayama (breathplay) practice, she's known to be a "detail" person when sharing her passion for yoga and the wide-ranging benefits to body, mind and spirit with her students. Melding her study of life sciences, yoga and sports has given her a unique perspective on the body and its ability to adapt and change. She continues to be a student of yoga, learning from her teachers, as well as her students. She is codirector, along with Rupali, of Yoga Hawaii.
Saraswati Kaur, RYT
Saraswati Kaur arrived in Oahu three years ago and immediately began enhancing her skills as a rainbow chaser. On the constant quest to discover the pot of gold, Saraswati stumbled upon Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan in quite an unexpected way. The practice couldn’t have manifested itself at a better time as Saraswati was in the midst of a myriad of health problems. Having experienced a complete burnout and high levels of stress due to the fear of not recovering, Kundalini Yoga not only provided a path to physical recovery, but it also impacted her spiritual healing as well. The practice allowed Saraswati to realize she did not have to search externally for the pot of gold, and unveiled the awareness of the true treasure that exists within. The ancient yogic techniques of Kundalini Yoga takes the practitioner on a deep journey within, and allows the realization of the infinite potential we all possess as human beings. Kundalini Yoga had such a profound impact on Saraswati; she became certified as a Kundalini Yoga instructor in June 2008 on the Big Island. Saraswati is eager to share the knowledge of Kundalini Yoga to better assist and help everyone on their journey through life.
Jai-Ma Kaur, RYT
Jai-Ma has been practicing yoga for over 10 years, including Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga. After experiencing Kundalini Yoga, she knew immediately that she wanted to teach it and credits it with changing her life. Brought to the west in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan, Kundalini Yoga combines kriya’s, pranayama, mantras, and meditation—which Jai-Ma says “is for everyone and all levels.”
Melanie Lee, RYT
Melanie first found yoga while she was pregnant with her daughter in 2000. The life-changing experience of giving birth naturally made her realize what a wonderful, powerful tool the breath is. This realization brought her back to the studio to delve more deeply into yoga and meditation, and from the very first class, she knew she was right where she was supposed to be. First attending Jivamukti-based Vinyasa classes, Melanie loved the flowing movement linked to the breath that she experienced in class. However, as she grew in her practice, she found herself being drawn to Iyengar Yoga and to the deeper nuances that can be found in the body when it is in correct alignment. Inspired by both the flow and structural elements of these practices, Melanie decided that what she wanted to study and pass on to her students would have to be a balance of both, and so continued on to become a certified yoga teacher through Aloha Yoga Kula's Advanced Studies/Teacher Training Program. In her weekly classes, Melanie offers her students a challenging, yet safe practice, by sharing detailed descriptions of the poses, adjustments to allow the poses to be experienced on a deeper level, meditation, guided breathing practice, flowing music, and most importantly, love. She teaches classes of all levels, offers a Seniors Class twice a week, and is also certified to teach yoga to children. Melanie is continuing her studies this year by attending an Anusara Yoga 1000 hour immersion program, and her goals for the future are to complete her 500 hour Yoga Therapy certification. Her other interests are Wellness/Nutrition for children and adults, Ayurveda, and Asian languages and cooking.
Nicole Lowen, RYT
Nicole recently moved to the Honolulu after living on the Big Island for 12 years. She was first drawn to yoga in 1998 and then after an injury from a car accident in 1999, found that regular practice became a necessity. In 2004, she attended a teacher training with Baron Baptiste (Power Vinyasa Yoga) and began teaching thereafter. More recently, she completed a month-long training in Costa Rica at the Nosara Yoga Institute (Interdisciplinary Yoga) in 2008. Nicole loves yoga of all kinds and believes that each of the different yoga styles has something to offer. Her vinyasa classes bring a focus to listening to your inner voice and honoring your individuality as she encourages each student to discover their own unique yoga style.
Cherie Mar, RYT
Cherie B. Mar began practicing hatha yoga in 1997 while study Art and Psychology at Boston University. Two years later the loss of a close family member deepened her physical practice and opened her heart to Yogic Philosophy and lifestyle. Physical practice and meditation served as a source of solace in her daily life. A decade-long journey led her through a wide variety of yogic traditions, including Iyengar, Ashtanga, Power Vinyasa in the Baptiste studios, Bikram, Siddha and Dahn. Cherie’s specialized training includes initiation into the Siddha Yoga practice through the gift of Shaktipat (2000) from Swami Chidvilasananda, three years as a Dahn energy healer and instructor in Boston, MA (2003-2006), and certification from the Kripalu school of Yoga in Stockbridge, MA (2007). Cherie is currently working on her 500-hour certification in Yoga Therapy through the Integrative Yoga Therapy program, and also exploring the Anusara tradition through weekend immersions. Classes by Cherie offer students the opportunity to deepen their meditative experiences while moving through the physical postures of asana.
Kate Metzger, RYT
Kate has been practicing Ashtanga yoga since 2004, studying under Rupali and Tania Jo Ingrahm at Yoga Hawaii. She received her 200 hour teaching certification at Yoga Hawaii in 2005, under Rupali and certified Ashtanga teacher Anthony ‘Prem’ Carlisi. Kate has also studied under Sharath Rangaswamy, during his 2005 tour. She has been studying the Mysore style of Ashtanga yoga with authorized teacher, Cathy Louise Broda for the past year. Kate has also been influenced by the teachings of Doug Swenson and Bhavani Maki. When Kate is not teaching or practicing yoga, she is as an attorney. She’s been practicing law for four years.
Debra Michels, RYT500
Debra Michels is a certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (2004) and was also certified at the White Lotus Yoga Center in Santa Barbara in 1989. Debra brings wholehearted enthusiasm to her Iyengar-based yoga classes. Her focus is on cultivating self awareness, freedom of movement and developing a calm inner strength though yoga. She explains the "how to" of a yoga pose and correct alignment while encouraging and supporting you to work at your edge. With a wide range of experience in dance, movement, bodywork and healing, Debra's compassion gives a gentle quality to her detailed instructions.
Along with her yoga teaching, Debra has a healing practice in energy medicine and teaches at the Sacred Path Healing School. She has been certified with the Barbara Brennan School of Healing in 2003, as a Reiki Master in 1996, and is a Certified Massage Therapist since 1995. She helps others in personal transformation by working with the chakra system, balancing energy fields, and clearing both outer and inner spaces. She also works with individuals to create positive self images with "wardrobe feng shui."
Jenn Perell, RYT
Jenn started practicing yoga about 8 years ago. Her mind was busy and many of the postures seemed entirely out of reach…but for some reason, she kept going back. Her dedication to yoga waxed and waned for a few years until she realized the space and clarity her practice opened up for her. Yoga has helped Jenn to still her once restless mind and open up her body and soul. Her practice is continually evolving as she taps deeper into herself and the infinite. She has trained under Baron Baptiste and enjoys Baptiste Power Vinyasa because it is challenging yet accessible to everyone. In her energetic vinyasa-style classes Jenn links poses together in a powerful, balanced, flowing sequence—creating a supportive, challenging, and light-hearted class environment where you are encouraged to explore your edge, discover your strength, and awaken your spirit. As a teacher, Jenn strives to help everyone move deeper into their bodies to discover their true potential. She enjoys providing space for her students to awaken their own inner teachers, learn to listen from within, and transform their lives. She recognizes the parallels of our lives on our mat and out in the world and believes that the presence you cultivate on the mat during asana practice can be taken out into the world and make for a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Be prepared to sweat, work your edge, and enJOY!
Jill Peterson, Psy.D.
Dr. Jill Peterson is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Honolulu who specializes in empowering adults who want to improve their relationships, enhance personal and spiritual growth and develop life skills to meet their goals. In working with clients, she utilizes mindfulness practices, yogic breathing, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to address issues such as depression, anxiety, improving relationship skills and identifying and attaining personal and professional goals. She has trained with Amy Weintraub from LifeForce Yoga for Depression, and completed advanced trainings in Energy Medicine with Donna Eden and Richard Miller's iRest Yoga Nidra.
Lara Robinson
Lara Lasher has been teaching Vinyasa Yoga for five years and practicing for over 10 years. She was inspired to teach by the inner peace, vitality and skill of her 70-year-old yoga master, Raghavan, and studied with him in Santa Monica, CA for two years. She is passionate about teaching yoga because it develops harmony, tranquility and mindfulness within, and enhances the natural ability to radiate kindness, love and light. She received a Masters degree in Public Health from UCLA and moved to Hawaii to teach in paradise in 2003.
Gail St. Denis, RYT
When asked about her feelings on yoga and being a teacher, Gail St. Denis replied: "Ashtanga Yoga spoke to me from the first sun salutation I ever did. At the time, I was in triathlon training with Tania as my coach. After an evening run, she led us through a few basic poses and I was hooked. It wasn't until several years later, after getting over the triathlon and marathon bugs, that I was able to focus more on yoga. I attended the teacher training in May 2004 to immerse myself more deeply. Being the poster child for inflexibility, teaching seemed out of the question. Because of my teachers' encouragement, I gave it a try. My limitations give me an understanding that not everyone can put their nose on their toes. I especially enjoy encouraging new students to see that yoga is for everyone, not just human pretzels. Yoga's constant admonition to "keeping breathing!" has helped me immensely through life's more difficult moments, and I hope to share that with others.
Sarah VanDeVanter
Sarah was first exposed to yoga in Cardiff By the Sea, California in the late 1980s and it has been a big part of her life ever since. Her practice is forever evolving as she continues to be influenced by many teachers and different styles. She feels she will always be a student of yoga and continues to "sharpen the stone" of her professional development by attending teacher trainings, workshops and classes of all yoga disciplines in order to bring a unique and diverse perspective to her classes.
Since knowledge of yoga is passed from teacher to student and refined through practice, her teachers have been taught by the teachers of teachers, the width and breadth of understanding traces back through time to the roots of yoga in India. She has been very fortunate to study with Senior Ashtanga Practicioner, David Williams, and mentored by Tracy Keenan, owner of Kihei Community Yoga Center. She was encouraged to begin teaching in 2004. Her studies continue now with Nicki Doane and Eddie Modestini, owners of Maya Yoga.
Sarah's teaching combines the flow of Vinyasa, the strength of Ashtanga, structure of asana, alignment of Iyengar, meditational qualities of pranayama and philosophy of the Yoga Sutras to create an enjoyable, creative practice. You will be supported in a safe, light-hearted way while encouraged to expand your limits, uncover new strenghts and inspired to transform body, mind and spirit. It is her sincere desire to help others in the pursuit of balance, strength and harmony through their own personal journey. Sarah believes yoga meets you where you are; you have only to come to the mat and discover your inner teacher.
Katrina Yoder, RYT
Katrina Yoder started yoga at the young age of 16. Her initial motivations were for fitness, but it was the connection to the breath that made her stay. She completed her yoga teacher training at Yoga Hawaii in 2004. She has continued her yoga studies with Pattabhi Jois in India and on his world tours. She also spent time at Kripalu where she further defined her desire to work with movement. She is currently studying Kineseology at the University of Hawaii and plans to continue to Physical Therapy school.