Teachers and Staff
Who We Are
Alphabetical Order
Ananda Devi Om
(Kyung Pak)
Dharma Yoga | Dharma Yoga Wheel
Kyung is a direct disciple of Sri Dharma Mittra, 800hr certified from Dharma Yoga Center NYC and also a practicing attorney in San Diego. Born in Seoul, Kyung grew up in South Korea until she moved to the US at the age of 23. After working at restaurants for years as an immigrant, Kyung started her own law firm at the age of 35.
Kyung met Sri Dharma Mittra by chance in 2016, yet, her heart immediately knew that she had found her spiritual teacher. Her yogic studies under his guidance has been continuing since.
Kyung is also passionate about delicious and creative vegan cooking and enjoys traveling worldwide with her husband Jon and son Sean.
Danielle Fogg
Instructor | Vinyasa
Dani was first introduced to yoga solely as a way to exercise, but was immediately drawn in by the sense of inner peace and connectedness felt during this *seemingly* physical practice. After the buildup of stress came to a head, Dani realized it was time for a change and began to draw her awareness inward to focus on healing trauma stored in the body. She began this healing process by reconnecting and deepening her yoga practice and finding mindfulness meditation. She has since dedicated herself to intensive spiritual self-study and earned her 500 hour yoga teacher certification and master level Reiki certification through the Soul of Yoga. Dani shares these learnings with others through somatic yoga practices, meditation, transformative breathwork, and energy healing.
Dani hopes to empower her students to feel into every aspect of their practice to ultimately connect with every part of themselves. She understands it can be hard to take the time to pause, connect, and FEEL in the present, but believes that in this place of presence and connection, true healing takes place. Yoga was the cure that gave her a sense of peace, hope, grounding and security that she had never felt before and is humbled to be able to now share this "cure" with others.
Dennis Frate
Instructor | Hatha Yoga
Dennis Graduated from UC Berkeley in 1988. Realizing his desire to help people, he promptly became a Massage Therapist. 10 years later, in his first yoga class, he knew he wanted to teach.
A graduate of Nosara Yoga Institute, in 2001, he has an intense passion for the practice of yoga. He has also completed the Anusara Yoga Teacher Training, assisted in teaching the Soul of Yoga Teacher Training, lead kirtan, and become a Sound Therapist.
Currently, Dennis' Hatha classes may include Vinyasa, Somatic Movement, Self-Massage, Body Based Present Moment Awareness, and multiple cues on relaxing your body while engaged in activity. Dennis' classes always include contemplation on kindness to the Self, Body based Awareness, and a short Sound bath during Savasana.
Elizabeth Alvillar
Instructor | Vinyasa Yoga
Elizabeth is a long time student of yoga, meditation, and pranayama. She developed a disciplined physical practice from her youth after experiencing the profound ability to control and shift her own energy through steady focus, breath, and movement. Meditation and pranayama came more naturally with maturity and have proven to be invaluable tools for manifestation.
Elizabeth was called to teach after a decade of practice and has continued to find joy in all of her study and guiding of students over the past 30 plus years. Elizabeth has thousands of hours of training but continues to study at the 300 hour level because of her love for yogic philosophy and the reality that one can never know all there is, one can only be a student.
Her influences and depths of gratitude go to Indra Devi, BKS Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois, T.K.V. Desikachar, and Dr. Vasant Lad, and every single teacher who has held a space of encouragement and depth.
Finding a flow state in life has led to a joy filled experience for Elizabeth naturally flowing where her heart yearns to be. Following instinct alone she has lived up and down the West Coast teaching and raising her two amazing kids from San Diego CA, Santa Cruz, CA, to Portland, Oregon. Elizabeth leads retreats near and far, leads and assists 200 and 300 hour teacher training, mentors and coaches new teachers, offers workshops, private instruction,and is also a Master Sound Healer, Aromatherapist, Reiki Master, and a NLP Empowerment Life Coach. Elizabeth is passionate and enthusiastic in her teaching offering Vinyasa, Rope Wall, Yin,
Restorative, Hatha Yoga, Trapeze Yoga, TRX Yoga, and Nautical (floating) Flow. All levels and abilities are always welcome and wanted in Elizabeth’s classes and she holds each student’s trust in her to guide them safely and empowered in their exploration of yoga as sacred under a watchful and caring eye.
Erin Holmes
Instructor | Dharma Yoga Wheel
Although Erin has loved the art of theatre and dance since childhood, she didn't discover her desire to combine it with her passion for yoga and teaching until her late twenties. Having suffered major injuries from multiple car accidents, she came to realize how important the role of holistic healing was for rehabilitation of the mind, body, and soul.
In 2010, she received her 200-hour teacher training through Core Power Rosecrans in San Diego and from the start, enjoyed her love for linking breath to movement much like a spiritual dance . "Walking into class feels like a hug from your favorite person. Walking out feels like an elevated reset to your external and internal being. I couldn't walk upright without this practice in my life and I'm forever grateful." Sharing her knowledge with her students, to recover and grow through movement, meditation, and healthy living, has been her calling and passion for the last ten years.
When Erin isn't in the yoga classroom you can find her helping a military veteran in the community, cooking yummy vegan dishes, or playing in her band CKB!
Gabby Troconis & Betsy Peila
Instructors | Sound Healing + Reiki
Reiki and Sound sessions offer a combination of a Reiki with intuitive sound healing techniques. Sounds may include crystal sound healing bowls, rattles, voice toning, drumming, tuning forks, and chimes.
Hana Wilcox
Instructor
Hatha Yoga | Vinyasa
Hana is a 2nd generation YT in her family. Her mom became a yoga instructor in 2003, so Hana became familiar with yoga at a young age. However, it wasn’t until her early 20’s when she became an avid practitioner. When Hana started working at a hot yoga studio- she became addicted to the asana practice, which inspired her to go through yoga teacher training. At the time, her community college was offering a 300HR RYT program through yoga alliance. It had a different format than your standard 3-4 month program. She learned so much- from the foundation of yoga, to different forms of meditation, to pranayama techniques, to the body’s anatomy, to how to run a yoga studio, and much more. Hana received her certificate in 2014 and has been teaching on and off since.
Hana’s passion is to help other’s create healthy lifestyles and connect to their inner spirit. Yoga has taught her the importance of self-transformation and creating alignment within. She believes yoga is not about how flexible you are, or what postures you can do- it’s about the journey of self discovery.
Hana teaches primarily Hatha & Vinyasa. She focuses on creating alignment first, then strength, then stretch to avoid any possible injury and help release stored energy.
Outside of yoga- Hana spends most of her time creating artwork, surfing or hanging by the ocean, and educating people about the importance of Kangen water and sustainability.
Heather Hansen-Patella
Instructor | Vinyasa
Heather received her yoga teacher training in 2002 in a yoga studio right here in Carlsbad Village owned by Cindy Gibbons, our very own pioneer of yoga here in North County. Heather leads an inspiring yoga class; she is an E-YRT 200 + hour trained in various movement therapies. She cultivates a comprehensive and joyful atmosphere integrating fun movement, inviting students to move beyond possible limiting beliefs about their bodies. With breath as a constant support in movement and stillness, students are encouraged to trust and explore their own inner process. Experiencing firsthand how yoga is transformational, using the practice to heal from her own injuries, achieving personal health and well-being, and encouraging others to do the same. She invites you to get on your mat and out of your mind.
Justin Blazejewski
Instructor | Dharma | VETOGA | Acro
Justin’s introduction to yoga began in 2007 while he was searching for different exercises that would help with a back injury he sustained while serving in the Marine Corps. Soon after his first class he dove into a daily yoga practice, quickly realizing the physical benefits of yoga when his back pain began to disappear after only a couple of weeks.
Justin was in his 4th year of monthly travel to Afghanistan and Iraq as a government contractor when he devoted himself to a daily yoga practice. After 10 years of constant travel, Justin realized the effects of the war zone were taking their toll, but he also noticed how the benefits of yoga were offsetting these effects.
During the first year of his yoga practice he observed how yoga helped heal the physical, mental and emotional burdens he carried traveling in and out of war zones. In 2008 he attended his first yoga/kirtan retreat in Bali, Indonesia, which proved to be the turning point in his spiritual practice. Soon after, Justin began to find clarity, calmness and intuition in his life. This led him to find his Guru, Sri Dharma Mittra at a small humble yoga studio in the heart of NYC. He immediately enrolled in the "DMY Life of a Yogi" teacher training to solely deepen his practice of yoga and self-healing. After graduating from the 200 hour teacher training program, Justin immediately realized he was given a gift. A gift he could share with those around him, especially those who were carrying similar burdens of war. Since 2008 he has completed his 200, 500, and 800 hour Dharma Mittra Yoga, Amrit Method of Yoga Nidra, and Acro Yoga teacher training.
His mission is to help others and share the powerful healing benefits of yoga and meditation. Through VETOGA, he strives to share yoga to those who need it most in life, especially his brothers and sisters of the armed services and veterans who still carry the encumbrance of war with them every day.
Jeanine Talento
Instructor | Vinyasa
Jeanine Talento, E-RYT 500+, is a Trauma-Informed Educator and Yoga Teacher Trainer currently living in Carlsbad, CA.
Jeanine received her B.S in Psychology and Communications from CUNY Queens College in New York City and has 2000+ hours of Trauma Informed Yoga Training. Jeanine believes in the power of healing through reclaiming the body as the central space through which we experience life. Jeanine believes that through nervous system education and embracing vulnerability, individuals can learn to revere and celebrate all parts of who they are, thus living more full and vibrant lives.
Jeanine is honored to be a part of the Yoga On State community and loves teaching flow classes to a creative playlist where folks can drop into their bodies and express themselves through movement in whatever way they need.
Jeanine currently travels internationally offering 200hr & 300hr Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Trainings, 50hr Continuing Education courses for Mental Health Professionals, Nervous System workshops and Women’s Retreats.
In 2019, Jeanine founded the Trauma-Informed sect of School Yoga Institute. In 2022, Jeanine co-founded the Somatic Arts Facilitator Certification through The Embodied Healing Academy.
Jeanine is committed to her on-going development as a teacher, space holder, and human being.
Jennifer Lovas
Instructor | Power Vinyasa
Jennifer is a Yoga Instructor and Massage Therapist, a giver of good vibes, and a conduit for transformation and healing. She has been practicing yoga, meditation, and other movement modalities for 20 years, teaching yoga for over a decade, and offering bodywork for the past eight years. Her 500 hour advanced teacher training was completed in California under the guidance of Rocky Heron and Noah Maze. She aims to provide mind, body, and spiritual development to all who are interested.
Jennifer is trained in Hatha, Vinyasa, Sculpt, Yin, Power, Restorative, Therapeutics, Gentle, and SUP Yoga. As a teacher, Jen's classes include a mixture of alignment, invigoration, blissful renewal, and light-heartedness. She provides guidance and insight, while holding compassionate space, so that you may choose your journey and experience on your mat.
In her free time, you can find Jen climbing rocks, hiking in the mountains, surfing, sailing, fishing, and diving in the ocean.
Kaitlyn Nelson
Instructor | Hatha | Gentle Vinyasa
Kaitlyn was introduced to yoga at a young age and immediately fell in love with the practice of asana and pranayama as a relief for her own mental health. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach in 2012 with a degree in Psychology and then received a Masters in Social Work from San Diego State University in 2014. She has been working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since and has been incorporating meditation and mindfulness practices with the populations she serves. She currently works with families who care for children in the foster care system. In fall 2020, Kaitlyn attend a 200-hour YTT program at Pilgrimage of the Heart to continue learning how to inspire not only herself, but others in their healing journeys.
Kaitlyn is passionate about empowering others to find their inner peace and self-worth through the practice of yoga. Her classes incorporate a balance of energizing and restorative sequences to inspire confidence, compassion, joy, and self-reflection. She aims to broaden the accessibility of yoga. She enjoys teaching students of all-levels and a variety of styles including Hatha, restorative, and vinyasa classes. Kaitlyn is a native San Diegan who enjoys exploring nature, hiking, watching sunsets, going to live concerts, reading, advocating for social justice, and being with her beloved husband and pets.
Lauren Dabbs
Instructor | Yin
Lauren's first introduction to yoga was in Costa Rica during her early teens, after her first class she immediately felt a deep pull to explore more of what this practice had to offer. Soon after her first class, yoga was part of her everyday life. Eventually leading her to study to be a yoga and aerial instructor in Costa Rica in 2017, and has been teaching both modalities ever since. With her love and fascination for the body, she went on to study massage therapy at Healing Hands School of Holistic Health. In her massage session she blends both eastern and western modalities to create a massage experience that not only works with the physical body but the energetic system, chakras and meridians to create overall balance and healing. In Laurens class you can expect a fun and creative flow that both strengthens and connects you to your body. Lauren is trained in Vinyasa, Yin, Yoga Nidra, Aerial Yoga, Silks and Lyra.
Lauren Zizi
Instructor | Hatha, Vinyasa
Lauren has a double yoga certification through Mira Costa College (200hr) and Yoga on State (200hr). Before becoming a yoga teacher, Lauren served as an educator for middle schoolers in Southern California. Working in middle schools brought her closer to her yoga practice. Yoga, paired with her partner’s unwavering love and support, gave her the ability to view experiences as teachers, as opportunities to learn and grow. She believes that everything is connected and that through our interconnectedness we have the power to create a more compassionate, inclusive, and loving way forward. Lauren also loves to go on long swims in the ocean, hikes in the mountains, and play underwater hockey. She looks forward to breathing and moving with you!
Marta Estellés
Instructor | Hatha yoga
Marta is a 500H Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher, trained in Rishikesh, India, under the guidance of Talia Sutra, Tony Lupinacci, Dr. Keshava Murthy, Samadhi Collective, Dr. Rose Erin Vaughan and Nidhi Pandya.
She discovered yoga at age 19 in the midst of struggles with trauma and mental health. On her mat she found a place where she could experience and realize that she was already everything she wanted to be and to become. Practice became an essential part of her healing journey. With time the revelations found on the mat transferred into daily life, and she knew that she wanted to share the benefits she’d found with others.
Marta understands the physical asana practice itself as the teacher; if we listen and are receptive then everything will be revealed. The practice in itself is the way. Her Hatha classes incorporate pranayama, asana, mantra, and meditation practices, as well as yoga philosophy, in a digestible manner that encourages self-inquiry and openness to new ways of thinking and being.
She believes one must practice with honesty, sincerity, compassion, and selflessness. Practice love and all is coming.
Sarah Borom
Instructor | Vinyasa yoga
Sarah has been practicing yoga since 2016. She fell in love with the practice because it helped her manage her anxiety and brought balance and direction to her life at the time. Eager to learn more, she completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training in 2021 at Yoga One in San Diego. The experience was a turning point in her life as she felt she had finally found her life purpose. Her devotion to the practice, coupled with teaching, has allowed her to find her authenticity, to trust her intuition, and to develop self-confidence - all essential qualities she was lacking. Her classes invite her students to explore their inner landscapes through intuitive and fluid movements while cultivating flexibility, mobility, and strength.
Shab Kamal
Hatha, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Ayurveda
Meet Shabnam (Shab) J Kamal, an Ayurvedic Practitioner and a Yoga teacher from Classical Ashtanga yoga. She studied with Baba Hari Das of Mount Madonna Center in Watsonville, CA. Her style is gentle Hatha Yoga has expanded to Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra. She believes in self-realization with the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and Kriya Yoga. She continues to be a student and a teacher, as her guru recommended to be in life.
She was introduced to Yoga practices as her remedy for her autoimmune disease in 2004. Shab believes strongly in the power of Pranayama and Meditation to overcome her illness. She continues to share her knowledge with spiritual communities to give back what was given to her. Shab uses her medical background as a healthcare professional and as an intuitive healer to connect with her students.
Fun fact: Since her move to So Cal, she became a grandma to a wonderful little girl “Augie” as an added blessing.
Tora Bueno
Iyengar yoga
Tora was introduced to yoga as a teenager and fell instantly in love with the deep calm that stayed with her after class. In 2000 she became a student of the Iyengar tradition under the late Mary Dunn, in New York City. In 2011 she took her first teacher training with Bobbi Goldin in Miami and in 2018 became a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. She continues to be a student of senior teachers including Carolyn Belko here in San Diego. Her favorite yoga prop is a rope wall. And her practice is guided by the concepts of Abhyasa (sustained practice) & Viaragya (detachment). Thanks to the staff at Yoga on State Tora is expanding her knowledge of all things Hanuman.
Trevor Arthur
Instructor
Ashtanga Vinyasa | Hatha yoga
Assistant Director of Operations
Director of Kirtan
A longtime practitioner of Ashtanga vinyasa yoga, Trevor's classes incorporate elements of Ashtanga, traditional Hatha yoga, as well as aspects of Shivananda yoga. In addition to asana, his classes often include pranayama, mantra, mudra, and meditation/concentration practices.
Trevor has been leading kirtan for around 6 or 7 years. He was introduced to the practice by his teacher, Tim Miller, of Encinitas, a great Hanuman devotee, who led small, post-pranayama chanting circles and would religiously sing the Hanuman chalisa together with his students each Tuesday morning.
Trevor relishes any opportunity to chant the Divine names and prayers in communion with fellow spiritual seekers.
Yogi Rāma Om
(Rob Mendez)
Owner | Instructor
Director of Operations
Dharma Yoga | Yoga Nidra | Pranayama
Rob (Yogi Rāma), has undergone extensive training in Dharma Yoga, studying to the 1,000-hour level. This modern adaptation of the classical Hatha-Raja Yoga was directly taught to him by his beloved teacher, Sri Dharma Mittra, an 85-year-old master in the lineage of Swami Kailashananda (Yogi Gupta). Rob's commitment to Hatha-Raja Yoga is not just a practice but a way of life for him. His journey into yoga began in his youth, drawn by the allure of Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, which led him to explore meditation and the disciplines of Raja Yoga. Growing up, Rob was constantly exploring various health and wellness paths, always feeling a profound connection to the deeper exploration of consciousness and self.
At 22, Rob's path took a turn when he joined the United States Navy, serving for five years as a Surgical Technologist and Hospital Corpsman in the OR. His experiences in the Navy, working across various surgical teams, deepened his understanding of the human body, movement, and health. After leaving the Navy, Rob faced health anxieties that steered him back towards yoga and its philosophies. He began to engage more deeply with physical asana practices, finding peace and rehabilitation in yoga postures that helped enhance his overall health. The disciplines of Pranayama and meditation significantly benefited Rob, soothing his nerves and mind, and helped him navigate his anxiety and depression. He is deeply convinced that yoga has and continues to be a lifesaving force in his life.
Rob has since dedicated his time to deepening his knowledge and sharing the transformative power of yoga. He is passionate about teaching Dharma Yoga, Yoga Nidra, breathwork (Pranayama), meditation, and especially enjoys helping others develop their inversion practice. Leading the 200-hour YTT program at Yoga on State, Rob also hosts a variety of trainings, immersions, and retreats throughout California, aiding people from diverse backgrounds in their yoga journey.
A committed vegan, Rob holds a deep respect for all living beings, adhering closely to the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence). Following in his teacher's footsteps, he places a high value on compassion & Karma Yoga, the path of service to others.
Rob is available for consultations, private trainings, and personalized yoga programs. He offers Reiki & individualized Yoga Nidra accompanied by sound healing. If you're interested in learning more or wish to connect, you can reach him at Robmendezyoga@gmail.com or through social media @Robmendezyoga
Instructor
Director of Ayurveda
Dharma Yoga | Kirtan | Ayurveda
Zarah Kravitz
Zarah is a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner from The Ayurveda Institute in New Mexico, under the divine guidance of Dr. Vasant Lad.
Prior to her Ayurvedic studies, she became a Certified Holistic Health Counselor from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. She has spent the past 14 years globally working with clients individually and in group settings, leading cleanse programs, cooking classes, retreats, and private consultations with the aim to help guide others on how to cultivate a healthier and more holistic life.
She is also a Certified Hatha Dharma Yoga Teacher trained by Sri Dharma Mittra in New York City. She has spent the past fourteen years teaching private and group yoga classes, leading special workshops and retreats in the United States, Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador.
She currently offers group and private yoga classes, which include a powerful series of postures, breathing techniques, mantra chanting, and guided relaxation and meditation. She also offers group workshops, seminars, and private Ayurvedic consultations, with an emphasis on finding a personalized, balanced and sustainable approach to diet and lifestyle, seeking an integrated wellness of body, mind, and spirit.
Zoë Sandoval
Instructor | Dharma Yoga | Restorative
Zoe discovered yoga at a young age, 16 when her mom brought her to her first Bikram class. It wasn’t love at first sight, but the practice grew on her throughout the years. At a shallow point during international travels years down the road, she returned to her mat and truly to herSelf. Her practice quickly became the most important thing in her life, her gateway to deep healing and expansion, and it was only a matter of time before diving deeper with a teacher training program was the next step.
She started with a 200-hour training in the Bikram lineage, which she then taught in Oceanside and San Clemente. Inspired by her love and appreciation for rest and soft practices, she moved on to do restorative training through Trilogy. Most recently has studied under Sri Dharma Mittra in his 500 hour Life of a Yogi training, where she has truly found a home in the Dharma lineage. Yoga is one of the, if not the, greatest loves of Zoe’s life, and it is her joy and duty to share these sacred sciences.
Zoe’s approach to teaching is rooted in ancient traditions of pranayama (breathing practices), asana, meditation, mantra, and singing and focused on integrating mind, body, and spirit.
Some of Zoe’s other great loves and passions are nutrition and wellness, all things nature, cooking, music, embodied movement, swimming, group prayer, sustainability and zero waste living, and women’s wellness.