Mary Strong

Founder, The Green Yogi + Instructor

I first fell in love with yoga when I was in college. I needed ONE credit to graduate and decided to take a yoga class. I thought….lying on a floor for an hour? How hard could it be? That yoga class not only sealed my diploma, it changed my life forever.

Yoga helped me repair and prevent injuries while playing collegiate volleyball at LMU and then later as a professional beach volleyball player on the AVP tour. Although I pursued a career in Broadcast Journalism, traveling the country working for CNN, NBC, FOX Sports and NFL, I have never lost my passion for yoga. I became a certified power yoga instructor and began to teach what I love.

Yoga has been my grounding force throughout my career as a journalist and an athlete, and has now inspired me to open The Green Yogi, an eco-chic power yoga studio in North Manhattan Beach, designed to inspire conscious living and quality yoga.

My yoga philosophy is simple: Listen to your body….it will tell you exactly what you need at every moment. Some days you need to sweat and go hard, other days you need to nurture and care for your body. Learn to hear what your body is asking for….and honor what you need. Yoga is all about self-exploration. Enjoy it!

My classes are a combination of:    power yoga (strength)

vinyasa flow (sweat)

yin relaxation (ahhhhh….)

all set to music to inspire a creative, healing, stress-free, fun environment. I look forward to seeing you in class. Until then, be inspired. And remember, you don’t have to bend yourself into a pretzel to enjoy yoga.

Much Happiness!
Mary

*Mary is also a Manduka Ambassador

Julie Rader

Instructor

www.juliesyoga.com

Julie Rader’s teaching style includes a blend of vinyasa flow, tantric meditations, tai chi, and solid alignment. She has BA degrees in Psychology and Exercise Science and a MS in Physiology of Exercise.  Julie found yoga and meditation gave her the edge to become a collegiate All-American springboard diver and a collegiate All-Region MVP soccer player.  Julie has been teaching yoga in the South Bay for over 10 years.  She has studied under Shakti from the Prana Yoga and Zen Center, Shiva Rea, Anna Forrest, Sianna Sherman, and Swami Janakananda.  Julie continues to attend trainings annually learning from master teachers all around the world.  She spent three months at an ashram in Sweden learning Kriya yoga, deep tantric meditations, and yoga nidra meditation under Swami Janakanada.  During this time 33 days were spent without talking, reading or writing.  Julie continued studying Kriya Yoga in India at the Bihar School of Yoga where she attended a 10-day Seva celebration with Swami Satyanada.  Julie owned and managed Mukti Yoga Studio in Manhattan Beach, California for 3 years.  She is now focusing on leading yoga teacher trainings, and retreats as well as teaching yoga to professional athletes and celebrities. A truly balanced person has their feet firmly grounded and their head up in the clouds.

Tamal Dodge

Instructor

www.tamalyoga.com

Tamal has been practicing yoga his whole life. Born and raised in his family’s yoga ashram in Hawaii and California, he has been teaching for the last 10 years. Tamal has developed a strong following nation wide. His vigorous vinyasa classes are filled with humor, music, and meditation. His yearly retreats, workshop, and teacher trainings are a way into the life and times of being a modern yogi. Tamal’s goal is to help you be in the world but not of the world, to be truly peaceful and happy. We look forward to seeing you…

Aloha and Namaste

Heather Archer

Instructor

Heather Archer is a native Californian; growing up in Manhattan Beach she was always active as a child.  Not only keeping busy with activities like dance, volleyball and swimming, Heather also enjoyed her monthly family surf trips.  Camping up and down the coast of California she found herself most comfortable in these natural settings, just going with the flow.  Her parents encouraged her to be a free spirited child and explore her imagination and spirituality.  After graduating college she pursued a creative career in the fashion industry.  She thrived in this industry for a successful 4 years.  In 2006 she found herself yearning to get back to her roots.  She was in need of an outlet from her fast pace life, that’s when a friend suggested yoga.

After practicing consistently for a year, Heather had found her flow.  She realized she had a strong personal passion for yoga, and the desire to share this passion with others as well. After experiencing, the positive physical, mental, and spiritual effects of her practice, it was clear that her path would lead her to becoming a teacher. The gift of light and self awareness, that her teachers have shared, is the most vital aspect of her yoga journey, and the most cherished.  In 2007 Heather became a certified yoga instructor through the Mukti Teacher Training Program with Julie Rader.  She has been teaching all levels of Vinyasa Flow classes locally for the past two years.  The practice of yoga transformed Heather’s life and allowed her to achieve her goals of balance, strength, and tranquility.  She continues to expand her practice through advanced yoga studies and her private yoga practice. In her classes, Heather encourages the potential for healing and growth (physically, mentally, and spiritually).  The practice of Asanas not only supports increased mental, spiritual, and emotional peace, but physical strength as well. These are qualities which we can all use in our day to day lives. Heathers goal is to help lead her students down their path of personal growth, strength and understanding.

Amy Beausang

Instructor

www.shapeyoga.com

Amy is an energetic being that has been studying life balance and healing techniques for the past decade. Her expansive course studies including 400 hours of Yoga Teacher Training, Arhatic Yoga, Pranic Healing Levels I, II, III, Higher Clairvoyance, and Advance Pranic Psychotherapy provides Amy with a holistic background in Yogic practices.  In 2008 Amy spent a month in India learning Kriya Yoga at the Bihar School of Yoga propelling her practice to the next level.

After years of physical weight training, Amy was introduced into the Power Yoga family at Brian Kest studio in Santa Monica where she fell in love with the amazing benefits that a solid yoga practice has brought her.  Amy has since studied and received her Yoga teacher certification through The Brian Kest’s Power Yoga under Tamal Dodge with continued education through Julie Radar’s Mukti Yoga  and a month long trip to India. Amy expand’s her practice through advanced yoga studies and her private yoga practice.  Amy teaches using, Ashtanga and Hatha styles of yoga providing a well-balanced yoga experience for her clients and students.

Jamie Horgan

Instructor

www.jamielovesyoga.com

Jamie was first introduced to yoga in college and fell in love with it immediately.   Many years later in 2006, Jamie signed up for Mukti Yoga’s 200-hour teacher training certification program and has been teaching and continuing her education ever since.

To date, Jamie has taken several different teacher trainings specializing in the areas of vinyasa flow, advanced asana, and meditation.  In addition to completing her 500-hour certification, she continues her education through classes, workshops, assisting in teacher trainings and plans on leading teacher trainings in the near future.  

Christine Kane

Instructor

Christine developed a passion for yoga more than 10 years ago, while trying to balance the demands of a hectic career in the music industry.  Christine fell in love with yoga and eventually decided to become an instructor. She studied with New York-based teacher Greg Gumucio of Yoga to the People, and later earned her certification with Tamal Dodge (Yoga Alliance registered) in Santa Monica, CA. Today she teaches Vinyasa Flow classes.

Christine is thrilled to bring her warm and accessible teaching style to the Green Yogi.  "I want people to love yoga as much as I do. You don’t have to have a perfect practice to gain all the benefits of yoga, which can enhance every other aspect of life, all you have to do is practice."

Jaclyn Hinds

Instructor

Jaclyn fell in love with yoga while attending the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.  It wasn't until moving to California in 2007 that she deepened her practice and decided to ultimately share her passion through teaching. Certified under Julie Rader, she teaches a fun and upbeat Vinyasa flow. Through creative sequences linked by breath and movement, along with the combination of strength and grace, you will enjoy a blissful, strong, well-rounded flow. She continues to study with various teachers around the Los Angeles area. Her classes encourage playfulness, enthusiasm, and developing your own unique practice at every level. Jaclyn learns more each day from the wonderful mentors and students surrounding her.  She is so excited to join the Green Yogi team,  and she brings her heartfelt appreciation to each and every class!

Wendy Garafalo

Instructor

www.wendyjyoga.com

Wendy danced professionally in Los Angeles and taught a variety of dance styles for 10 years.  During her time as a professional dancer, Wendy discovered the amazing benefits of yoga.  She has been practicing for eight years and received her teacher certification under Julie Rader.  Wendy’s classes focus on alignment to build strength.  She also empowers students with different flow sequences to encourage creativity and movement while focusing on the breath.  Wendy is constantly increasing her knowledge of yoga thru workshops and trainings.  She is excited to share her passion and energy for yoga with students of all levels.  

Dan Ward

Instructor

www.danwardyoga.com

First off, you should know that Dan is very into yoga.  He likes it quite a lot.. and even though he can't put his foot behind his head, he's found a nice practice of his very own.  It all started when he walked into Gabriel Halpern's Iyengar class on his first day of college.  Intrigued and overwhelmed, Dan spent half the time loving it and the other half wishing he could roll up his mat and head for the hills.  After graduating, Dan moved to Santa Monica Californina with his then girlfriend, now wife, Lesley.  It wasn't but a few weeks into residing oceanside that Dan discovered Bryan Kest's poweryoga class.  It was what he likes to call a lifequake.  Bryan's intense style of vinyasa yoga freaking blew his mind.  Somewhere in there, an idea sprouted: maybe he could spread his love for yoga through teaching.  Dan hooked up with a long haired Hawaiian maniac named Tamal Dodge and received his teaching certification from the Tamal Yoga School not too long ago.  His classes are nurturing, challenging, fast moving, and hopefully, a little fun.  

Matt Rothert

Instructor

Matt fell in love with yoga several years ago when he began practicing regularly to enhance his surfing performance. He quickly discovered it improved everything in his life and decided to pursue it with all his heart.  Matt became a certified instructor through Julie Rader and the Mukti School of Yoga. He currently has 300 hours and in constantly learning more ways to deepen his own practice and expand his teaching.

Matt blends his love for yoga with his passion for music to create a relaxing, meditative yet challenging yin class so that we may bring a better balance to our yang life style.
Matt uses his knowledge as a massage therapist to assist his students to open and relax deeper into the poses physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  He brings encouragement, peace, serenity, and a sense of calm to his class.

You can find Matt Sunday night at The Green Yogi…teaching our fast paced, high tech, low touch culture; to slow down… breath… open up and push the reset button once again for a brand new week…. or life depending on how deep you want to go!

Mary Fanto

Instructor

I still am and always will be a student first and a teacher second when it comes Yoga.  I'm just here to show you what I've learned along the way from some pretty phenomenal people in the Yoga world.

I come from a sports background and had no idea what I was in for when I arrogantly walked into a Power Yoga class 10 years ago with Bryan Kest. I can bet that he has no idea how much he inspired me since that first class...especially the next day when I found it hard to walk down stairs and couldn't lift my arms to blow dry my hair. Since then I have been inspired by many other's, namely...Andrea Marcum of U Studio YOGA, Tamal Dodge, and Greg Gumucio of Yoga to the People in NYC.

Who knew that lifting a leg here and there, twisting to the right or left and a push up or two would be considered such a powerful "work out"? Basically yoga makes you feel good, delivers great benefits and is the perfect combination of strength and flexibility. Challenge yourself and come see what I'm talking about!

From my end I promise to deliver a fun, challenging practice that is for everyone. Hopefully you walk away a little less stressed, a little more stretched and stronger in body and in mind.

Anne Spinner

Instructor

www.annesyogaflow.com

Anne has been enjoying the powerful benefits of practicing yoga since 2004.  Growing up being a competitive gymnast, yoga came naturally to her.  After graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in Fine Arts, Anne moved to Vail skiing in the winter months and competing in triathlons in the summer months.  Integrating yoga into her active lifestyle she felt more balance then ever before.  It wasn’t until she moved to California that Anne decided to share her passion through teaching.

Trained under Julie Rader, Anne’s instruction is based on the Vinyasa Flow technique that creates a union between breath, movement, and strength building with a playful edge.  Encouraging her students to find peace and acceptance in their minds and body. Come with an open mind and an open heart.

Linda Baffa

Instructor

www.yoganani.com

Linda Baffa began practicing yoga in 1997 as part of her drama training at New York University 's Tisch School of the Arts.  From here, it was love at first down dog.  Not only was she fascinated that one could move their body in such a beautiful, open, and healing way, she was also instantly hooked on the mental release yoga provided and the invaluable power of living in the present moment.  She has since explored all different schools of yoga throughout NYC and Los Angeles, however most of her teaching inspiration comes from Julie Radar (Mukti Yoga), Sherry Brourman (Yoga Therapy), Jennifer Webster (Anusara Yoga), and Jo Tastula  (Vinyasa Flow Yoga).   Through the Yoga Alliance, Linda has earned over 500 certified training hours from Julie Radar and Sherry Brourman.  She teaches a vinyasa flow style that is challenging yet gentle, balanced yet freeing, and safe yet playful.  Linda is also an accomplished singer-songwriter and enjoys connecting the beauty of music with the beauty of yoga. 

Laurel Brooke Erilane

Instructor + Studio Manager

Laurel Brooke Erilane grew up in Manhattan Beach, CA, as a competitive athlete who constantly pushed her physical body to its limit. While in high school, she found yoga as an alternative therapy when several injuries prevented her from paying sports with the intensity she had in the past.  She soon found that beyond the physical conditioning, the calming affects of her practice on the mind allowed her to find more mental freedom and balance.

Laurel has a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Parsons The New School for Design in NY. It was college in the city where she found the need for harmony between the art of the body and the art of the mind, as yoga became an increasingly important part of her life.

Laurel is trained under Julie Rader and the Mukti School of Yoga.  She is currently working toward her 500-hour certification having completed the Vinyasa, Advanced Asana, and Living Yoga Modules. She believes that every time you step on to the mat, it’s an opportunity to deepen your own practice and learn more about finding your inner strength. As every day presents new challenges, we must first do the work on ourselves in order to uplift others around us. 

Bethany Eanes

Studio Marketing + Guest Relations

www.bethanyeanes.com

Bethany is The Green Yogi's marketing guru! You will often find her updating students on the studio happenings on Twitter, Facebook and our Daily Greens blog, as well as greeting and helping clients from behind the reception desk during our morning and evening classes. When she's not at The Green Yogi, Bethany owns and operates Fourteen Beanes, a freelance marketing and writing consulting company. Bethany was raised in Pittsburgh, schooled at Washington University in St Louis, and finally settled into a life of sun and yoga out West. She is now a Manhattan Beach local, recently (and happily) married and adores her two cats, Jerome and Sebastian. She feels honored to call the team at The Green Yogi her colleagues, teachers and friends.

Samantha Beech

Instructor + Guest Relations

It did not take long for Samantha to realize that she loved yoga. As she began to cultivate her own personal practice it was clear that she would stumble upon a path that would lead her to teaching. The courage she found on the mat began to manifest itself in her life and there was nothing like it! Born and (still being) raised in Southern California Samantha spends her time outdoors climbing trees, stand up paddleboarding, teaching Spinning and practicing LOTS of yoga.

Trained through the Mukti School of Yoga with Julie Rader and Shelley Williams, Samantha is inspired by liberating and fluid sequences that open the heart, stimulate the core and produce a nice sweat. In the karmic sense of yoga, her teachers have given her a priceless gift. It only seems fit to give that gift back to others. It is true that she inspires her students to be filled with love and courage, because through courage we do not eliminate fear, we surpass it. She places a big emphasis on the "vinyasa krama", in other words the steps on the ladder to a specific asana (pose) or state of being. If we were to skip too many steps on that ladder, we may not be able to embody the end result as fully. However, if we take the time to climb to the top together, we can do anything! Be happy. Be filled with love.