Andy Totman
Andy Totman, co-creator and owner of Vinyasa Arts with his wife Tamara Lafferty-Totman, first fell in love with yoga in 2005. Since then he has combined his personal yoga practice with his commitment to the Martial Arts. He has been practicing Wushu (KungFu), TiChi and Chi Gong since 2007. With his commitment to excellence, high standards, belief in his students, and great sense of humor, Andy guides his students in a challenging, yet accessible, Vinyasa flow. His classes maximizes every minute building the strength needed to reach your goals. He actively works the room providing adjustments, ensuring safety, and proper alignment. His Vinyasa flow includes fun transitions, arm balances, handstands, flexibility, and mindful meditation. Andy's teaching makes the seemingly "impossible" possible as you'll leave his classes with a strong body and a clear mind.
Marci Kawar
When Marci first found yoga in 1994, she was immediately intrigued by the dichotomy of how something something so physical and challenging, could bring such a sense of calm and peace. After studying many different schools of yoga including Ashtanga, Hatha, Iyengar, Yin, Restorative and Anahata, she discovered her love for SUP (stand up paddleboard) Yoga! Her journey with yoga took her from teaching language in an elementary school, to teaching yoga to kids. Marci teaches kids of all ages - both regularly developing and special needs! She has worked in both public & private schools, preschools, and teaches privately as well. Marci's goal is it to give kids the tools they'll need to lead a healthy and balanced life!
Tamara Totman
Tamara Lafferty-Totman, (ERYT 500), Co-creator and owner of Vinyasa Arts with her husband Andy Totman, has taught yoga in San Diego County for nearly 16 years. Her style of teaching is lighthearted, versatile and creative. Her background is in Ashtanga Yoga and the style she teaches now is Vinyasa Flow yoga level 2/3 and 3/4 (a vinyasa flow that includes arm balances and handstands). Tamara’s classes are a great fusion of powerful Vinyasa Flow with an entrancing mix of contemporary music. Her classes are physically challenging; however, proper alignment, modifications and plenty of hands-on adjustments are essential in her classes. The focal point is exclusively on alignment, movement with breath, core, strength and balance.... and of course a sense of humor!
Kelly Banuelos
Being told from a young age that she was "an old soul", Kelly has demonstrated an inner wisdom and light that is bright enough to feel from within a simple smile and warm hug. Her desire to help others lead her to obtain a bachelor of science degree within the field of physical therapy from CSULB. Upon gaining experience in western medicine, Kelly used her foundation of knowledge, to heal the human body in a more dynamic energetic way, rather the way of yoga. The enriching experience to train under the teachings of Aubrey Hackman solidified that Kelly had found her calling. The yogic lifestyle has been running though her veins since she was a child, whether sitting in lotus, or playing with shoulder stand she demonstrated a natural affinity to movements of that of a yogi. Thriving to enhance everyone's experience of yoga while incorporating proper bio-mechanics, Kelly captivates your energy and gets it flowing through her use of Tibetian singing bowls and her healing touch.
Dylan Jones
Dylan began practicing yoga in 2001 under the guidance of David Romanelli, Aaron King and Ian Lopitan in Phoenix, Arizona. She began yoga as a physical practice but was immediately inspired by the emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits. The transformation from the physical to the spiritual set Dylan on a path of yoga discovery. With a strong desire to share the benefits of yoga with others she completed her RYT 200 teacher training in 2012.Dylan blends fun music, vigorous postures, and the her students to embrace yoga as a vehicle to reduce stress, find happiness, and a clear mind. Her practice is designed to ease her students into a transformative space where she lovingly encourages and guides them through breath and movement.
Jano Galindo
About Jano
From my early childhood as far back as I can remember, I always had a strong spiritual upbringing. When I started studying music in my early teens it enhanced a deep connection to the divine. It was through music my first introduction to meditation began to take shape.
When I would play music, I was completely present, completely lost in the moment.
From music came meditation, and from meditation came the desire to study yoga. My first introduction was found in a small book that had various postures that I would practice daily. It wasn't until a few years later when I took my first "real" yoga class.
After that first class, I had never felt anything like that before.
II went back everyday that week, and by the third class I knew my calling was to teach. I signed up for the very next teacher training program, moved to Los Angeles, and immersed myself in a vigorous nine week schedule that tested every fiber of my being. Upon graduating top of my class I made sure to teach my first class the very next day.
I have been truly blessed to be able to share the gift of yoga to the world.
I am happy to call San Diego my home where my wife Lorraine and I are raising our two beautiful children Azlan and Anaya. I have a regular schedule teaching all throughout San Diego. My amazing journey with yoga has led me all over the world teaching workshops, retreats, and teacher training programs.
Yoga has truly changed my life for the best, and my goal is to serve you in which ever way I can.
Andy and Tamara Totman
Andy and Tamara Totman — Teachers, Founders and Owners at Vinyasa Arts Yoga
Kelli Russell
When you attend a Kelli Russell yoga class, you will discover that you have superpowers. Kelli will inspire you to explore and to push yourself out of your comfort zone; to believe that you can attempt poses you never thought possible. In her class, you will be empowered- you will be encouraged and supported and cared for. As a former counselor, Kelli has the intuition and the sensitivity to make everyone, from the beginning practitioner to the most advanced student, feel comfortable and challenged. Through her YogaBoost business, Kelli inspires companies to offer opportunities for their employees to move and to reduce stress, providing tools to combat the effects of sitting at a desk during the work day.
Kelli has dedicated herself to her training and has achieved the highest level of credential offered by Yoga Alliance (E-RYT 500) and is a designated Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider. Whether you are a beginning yoga student or an experienced yoga teacher in need of CEUs, Kelli has the experience, knowledge and expertise to provide you with what you are seeking on your mat. Come play...
Cheyenne Giesecke
Cheyenne Giesecke is both a local and international yoga instructor who is known for guiding her students through creative, fun, and challenging vinyasa-flow classes. Creating a class environment that encourages and supports living yoga, rather than simply practicing asana, is what is most important to Cheyenne. Her passion for travel has guided her into teaching opportunities abroad in places such as Indonesia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Costa Rica. With deep gratitude for her teachers, students, and community, it is Cheyenne's hope that who she is always remains her greatest teaching.
Janet or Sharon Isherwood
Janet and Sharon Isherwood - 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teachers
Join us for Vinyasa Flow with the affectionately nicknamed "Twinsies"! Sharon and Janet have a passion for yoga and love to share the benefits of that practice with others.
These local Cardiff surfing sisters bring in a special combination of support, community, strong work ethic, energy, humor, and a sense of adventure to take you on your yoga journey. Together they create a high energy and dynamic yoga experience that is full of fun, challenge and support. After focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance you will leave their class feeling empowered and clear minded which you can carry into your daily life on and off the mat. Oh... and you'll likely be smiling and laughing a lot on that journey too!
Jonathan Richard
Jonathan Richard, RYT 500, started his yoga journey in 2007. Drawn not only to the physical challenge and the fun that provided, but also to the sense of calm and the ease of meditation after practice, Jonathan dedicated to a daily practice in 2012. He completed his 200 hour training through Roots and Wings in 2013 and his 500 hour training through Vinyasa Arts in 2015. He enjoys creative flows guided by the breath, balancing strength, flexibility, and personal integrity; on and off the mat. Whether through a strong vinyasa flow or a gentle restorative practice, Jonathan wants every one of his students to feel better leaving their practice than when they walked in; feeling free and open, both empowered and relaxed.
Melissa Gottschalk
Melissa started practicing yoga over 10 years ago and found an even deeper love for yoga after her mom started teaching yoga. She graduated from her 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certification from The Little Yoga Studio and teaches Vinyasa-flow classes throughout San Diego.Melissa has had the pleasure to study under great teachers such as Teresa Austin, Philip Fulton, Dharma Mittra, and Tiffany Cruikshank. Her goal in teaching is to guide her students to find strength and patience in their practice and to laugh and have fun along the way.
Cat Valadez
Cat is an E-RYT who's been practicing yoga since 2006, teaching since 2012, and is inspired by a variety of styles, from Iyengar and Ashtanga, to Yin yoga and mindfulness. She places equal value in traditional yoga methods alongside scientific understandings of anatomy and biomechanics. Cat's teaching style is both detailed and clear, with a focus on cultivating strength and stability. Her mission is to help you connect with your body and give you the space to let the teachings of the practice unfold from there. In addition to completing her 200HR and 300HR certifications with Lisa Salners of Just Yoga, she has attended intensives and workshops with such internationally respected teachers as Maty Ezraty, Gary Kraftsow, Seane Corn, Jason Crandell, Kathryn Budig, Kino MacGregor, Paul Grilley, and Jules Mitchell, all of whom have influenced her teaching and approach to yoga. In her classes, expect to build mindful energy as you journey through a carefully crafted sequence designed to create space and balance in the body, mind, and heart.
Alex Pogeler
Alex is a long-time Yoga student who recently made the transition to teaching. He completed the training program at Vinyasa Arts in October of 2015 and is excited to share his knowledge with the world. As an avid surfer and cyclist, he has seen how Yoga can be a powerful tool to overcome injuries and improve strength and balance. His classes feature upbeat music, creative sequences and a good dose of humor.
Sara Deakin
Sara has been practicing Yoga since 1999. Like so many people Sara began Yoga for physical benefits. With numerous knee and shoulder injuries from competitive tennis and running, she turned to Yoga for rehabilitation. The therapy went far beyond her joints, and started to resonate in her mind and spirit. From surfing, to traveling, to being a student of natural medicine, she has been able to integrate yoga philosophy into all aspects of her life.
Sara received her 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training certification from White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA.
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This stylistically diverse group of teachers has allowed Sara to find her own heart-centered approach to teaching. Her alignment based Vinyasa Flow classes emphasize the synergistic effects of connecting the body and breath. She creates energetic classes by balancing strength, flexibility, and enjoyment and challenges her students with vigorous flow sequences, breath work and core strengthening. Sara enjoys teaching practical uses of pranayama because she believes that breath is a great teacher and a great healer. Her classes leave you strong, calm and ready to deal with daily stress.
In addition to completing her 500-Hour certification through the Professional YogaWorks Program in 2010, Sara also received her Masters in Business Administration.
Ahlia Hoffman
Ahlia Hoffman found yoga in high school and began teaching in 2009. Ahlia's classes are light hearted and joyful, as well as accessible for all levels. Ahlia teaches in a way that both challenges and uplifts you with her intelligent sequences and dynamic transitions. A lover of movement, nature, community, and inspiration - Ahlia infuses her classes with meaning by adding themes and positive affirmations to her teachings. Ahlia is also a professional tandem surfer and loves bridging the gap between the practice on the mat with life and practice off the mat. Please join Ahlia as she is honored to be offering classes for you at Vinyasa Arts in Cardiff.
Raechal Levin
Rooted in gratitude and steeped in compassion Raechal’s passion for the practice of yoga is infectious! As a yoga student, practitioner and guide, Raechal offers thoughtfully sequenced classes to ground and center you in the heart, challenge your body and quiet your mind. Her background in Reiki and Pranic Healing come out in her loving and nurturing hands on adjustments, it doesn’t need to be 100 degrees to melt into this kind of support!Raechal is Registered E-RYT200 through Yoga Alliance. Her first teacher training was through Anahata Yoga, a deeply heart centered practice that transubstantiated her life forever! She has supplemented that instruction with many advanced teaching immersions with Ashton Szabo formerly of Virajati Yoga Thailand, and Shiva Rea and Chris Tompkins’ in their Roots and Evolution of Vinyasa. Raechal is currently participating in a 150 hr Yoga Philosophy teacher training course with Christopher Hareesh Wallis PHD.
“Yoga at its roots is a highly therapeutic tradition, that can enliven, enrich, and transform peoples lives! Grateful am I for the opportunity to be a part of it in some small way! As a practitioner, yoga has helped me in more ways than I can even begin to count, to de-stress, re-energize, and to cope with the obligations of motherhood. As a teacher, yoga has given me the gift of a healthy body and mind that I can count on to support me through this journey of life. When I’m not teaching yoga, I’m usually practicing some form of it, i.e.. meditation, mantra, bhakti, jnana yoga, beach yoga, or trying to get my two beautiful children “play” yoga with me!
Leila Currah
Leila discovered yoga in college in 1998 and has been dedicated to her own practice ever since. In 2011, she pursued teacher training through the Awakened Heart Embodied Mind school of yoga at Exhale in Venice, California, taught by Julian Walker and Hala Khouri, also co-founder of Off the Mat, Into the World.Her own approach as a teacher is rooted in mindfulness, bringing a loving awareness to body and breath. She delivers a gentle, restorative practice for beginners, and a deep vinyasa flow for more experienced yogis, creating space for everyone to find the inner rhythms to guide their practice. She is also an avid dancer and enthusiastic about welcoming ecstatic movement into or after a more structured practice.
Maricela Goodrich
Mari’s yoga journey began in 2012 when she took her first class. In 2013 she completed a teacher’s training course in Hatha Yoga and Meditation in San Juan, Cosa Rica. It was this experience that provided her new direction in life. She moved to California in 2015 and completed a 200 HR Teacher Training Course at Vinyasa Arts.
Mari loves the energy and challenges of yoga, as well as the quiet and introspection that yoga brings her. It is in these qualities that she finds the balance in every practice. She considers herself a passionate person and brings this passion to her teaching. Being a native of Colombia, she can also offer instruction in Spanish.
Her classes are very creative and she always tries to instill mindfulness in her students. As a teacher, she helps everyone in her class to be present, confident and strong, and gives them compassionate, playful and loving nurturance.
Walter Thomas
Walter grew up in North Carolina has been all about participating in sports, of all types for most of his life. Walter's yoga journey started in 2011 while rehabbing a torn achilles. The rehab quickly turned into a passion.
He has made lots of friends and has felt right at home in the welcoming arms of the yoga community. While practicing daily provided tons of joy and fulfillment, Walter craved more and got his 200hr teacher training in fall of 2013. Since then he is enthusiastic about sharing the many joys and benefits, both physical and mental, as well as his experiences both on and off the mat.
Lauren Knuth
Lauren was formally trained in transcendental meditation three years ago and has extensively studied other forms including compassion meditation and mindfulness practice. She currently teaches meditation at San Diego State University, The Little Yoga Studio and for the County of San Diego. Contact Lauren lornbeck@gmail.com / 619-866-5519 / www.meditatewithlauren.com
Malin Hornkvist
Growing up in a little town on the north east coast of Sweden, the outdoors and being active was a natural part of my upbringing and life. During the long, dark and cold winters we skated on frozen lakes or went downhill or cross-country skiing. In the fall we roamed the forests for all kinds of wild berries and other goodies and during the short summer with the wonderful never ending daylight we spent most of the time swimming in the sea.
Being active was second nature and led me to gymnastics, specifically to Rhythmic Gymnastics and an opportunity to represent Team Sweden in my late teens.
Having lost touch with my active upbringing while working in the corporate world and having lived in cities across Sweden and England I found my way back to an active lifestyle after relocating to Chicago and working as a certified personal trainer. Passionate about helping people feel better and a healthier lifestyle there was something still missing.
I had stumbled upon yoga in my early twenties but in 2012 we were re-introduced and I fell head over heels in love with the practice and found the missing link. There is something truly magical about breath to movement. My hope for students who attend my class is to be challenged physically, mentally and surrender to the practice as we dance to the beat of the breath. You will leave the class feeling a little lighter, stronger, more present and hopefully with a smile on your face.
Claire Petretti-Marti
Claire Petretti Marti, E-RYT 500, has been practicing, studying, and teaching yoga since 1999. Like many fitness enthusiasts, she was initially drawn to yoga for its physical benefits of strength, balance, and flexibility. Once Claire realized that serenity, peace of mind, and true happiness were predominant results of the practice, she was hooked.
She teaches a dynamic Vinyasa flow, combined with fun, upbeat music, and loves to encourage students to find the lightness and the joy in their own practice. She’s also a Reiki Level 2 Practitioner and a certified Pilates instructor. Claire beat Stage 2 breast cancer in 2010 and credits yoga and meditation for her return to radiant health and works with others living with cancer on a private basis.
Andrew Currah
Andrew began practicing yoga on his first trip to California in 2004. In 2011, he moved from England to Del Mar with his wife, Leila, and has since focused his practice around the Vinyasa style. He was drawn to Vinyasa by the unique sense of peace and integration that flows from the synchrony of breath and movement. Inspired both by his wife's journey as a yoga teacher, and by the creative sequencing practiced at Vinyasa Arts, Andrew decided to embark on his 200 hour teacher training at the studio - graduating in May 2017. He is excited to grow and learn as a teacher with the Vinyasa Arts community
Andrew Belinsky
Andrew Belinsky is a spiritual mentor and musical catalyst. His primary mediums are yoga, music medicine and circle facilitation. He holds certificates in yoga (RYT-200), Music Medicine Facilitation (MMF) and Health Rhythms Drum Circle Facilitation.Andrew began his journey in music and expression on the high school theater stage. While studying sociology and education at UC Berkeley he continued this work by coordinating community music projects. His passion for people and art propelled him around the world as a signed musician. A variety of music projects and collaborations has landed him shows at the Berkeley Greek Theater, on Korean National TV and earned his music commercial placements.
After a few years as a music producer in Brooklyn, Andrew returned to San Diego determined to explore the capacity of music making as a tool for self-healing and community building. In 2014 he completed his 200-hour yoga teacher training with the Viniyoga Institute and he will earn his 500-hour certificate at the end of 2017. NAMASTAGE came directly out of his passion for music and yoga combined with his love for wellness and expression-based gatherings.
Hana Pepin
Hana Pepin lives her dharma (life purpose) and truth each day through the teachings from the heart. "We are blessed to have this experience of life and in this life we have the ability to transform all our old habits, our beliefs and ancestral DNA from a world of suffering to a world of love. It starts with loving our self." Certified ERYT-500 she integrates all aspects of personal experience into her teachings, these include, yogic philosophy and beliefs, the chakra system, spirituality, science, ancient ancestral traditions, shamanism, Ayurveda, Reiki, plant medicine and a practice based from the heart and center of uncovering the deep truth, thus awakening to our unique individual purpose here on beautiful mother Earth.
Adam Polhemus Shirley
Taking a class with Adam is a unique experience as he bridges the gap between east coast and west coast yoga. Adams class is vinyasa based with roots in ashtanga and Jivamukti. Expect the classics, arm balances, inversions and a good time. Adjustments are given through out class along with alignment through cues. Prepare to learn and be challenged!
