Teachers

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Two people practicing yoga in a living room, both in downward dog pose on yoga mats.

Meet Our Yoga Teachers

At Dharma Yoga Loft, our teachers are more than just certified instructors — they are passionate guides committed to nurturing your growth on and off the mat. From seasoned practitioners with decades of experience to movement educators who blend breathwork, mindfulness, and strength training, each teacher brings a unique flavor to our vibrant community.

Whether you’re seeking mindful alignment, energetic flows, restorative practices, or breath-centered movement, our diverse team supports all levels with warmth, expertise, and heartfelt guidance. With a focus on inclusivity, personal empowerment, and holistic well-being, our teachers inspire each student to deepen their practice, expand awareness, and embrace transformation.

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A woman practicing yoga in a room with a plant-covered wall, a trampoline, and yoga mats. She is in downward dog pose with her head resting on the mat.
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 Jena Baird - owner 

Jena is the heart behind Dharma Yoga Loft — a yoga instructor, retreat coordinator, and mother of three daughters who truly believes in enjoying life and all it has to offer. Her love for the outdoors and adventure deeply influences her teaching. When she’s not in the studio, you’ll likely find her surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, soaking in mineral hot springs, exploring art and culture, traveling, or spending meaningful time with family and friends.

Although she first sampled yoga in high school, Jena discovered the practice more fully in college in 2001 and was instantly hooked. Through extensive personal study, certifications, and lived experience, yoga became not just a passion but her profession. She is devoted to teaching both the science and ancient wisdom of yoga through classes, wellness programs, and retreats.

As the creator of Adventure Packages, Be Totally Fit Yoga Boot Camp, and Birthing with Yoga education, Jena loves witnessing the real-life transformation yoga brings to her students and community.

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Andrea Klipfel

Andrea is a passionate yoga teacher dedicated to making the practice accessible, grounding, and transformative for every body. As the guiding force behind Inked Fire Yoga, she brings warmth and authenticity to every class, honoring both the strength and the soulful curiosity of her students.

Andrea’s teaching style blends traditional Hatha roots with mindful breathwork, meditation, and adaptive sequencing that welcomes beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. With a focus on alignment, inclusivity, and self-exploration, she creates a space where students can move with intention, compassion, and confidence — whether on the mat for gentle flow, chair yoga, or deeper release.

Known for her supportive guidance and heartfelt presence, Andrea inspires others to reconnect with their bodies, calm the nervous system, and cultivate resilience through yoga. Her classes are more than movement — they’re invitations to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover balance in both body and mind.

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Brandon Faulkner

I enjoy life and all it has to offer.

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Brittany Hammond

Brittany is a dedicated fitness instructor who inspires strength, balance, and confidence in every class she leads. Specializing in Barre, Pilates, and holistic movement, she guides her students through workouts that build functional strength, improve posture, and foster mindful body awareness.

Her teaching blends intentional, low-impact movement with empowering cues and upbeat energy, creating a welcoming environment for all levels — whether someone is just beginning their fitness journey or deepening an established practice. With a focus on sustainable strength and stress management, Brittany helps her clients connect breath to movement, challenge physical limits safely, and embrace progress with patience and joy.

More than just a workout, her classes are spaces where people learn to feel strong in their bodies and confident in themselves. Brittany’s passion for movement and wellness shines through in every session, leaving students feeling uplifted, capable, and eager to return to the barre.

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Carly Frederick

Carly, a California native, discovered her love of dance at an early age and went on to pursue a professional ballet career, performing in Fresno, Seattle, Nashville, and Portland. Following her ballet career, she earned a degree in horticulture in Portland and worked on local farms and in nurseries, cultivating a deep appreciation for nature and sustainable living.

After returning to California to be closer to family, Carly practiced Bikram Yoga for four years before feeling called to teach. She completed her nine-week Bikram Yoga Teacher Training and later expanded her studies in Vinyasa under renowned teachers Briohny Smyth and Dice Iida-Klein in Koh Samui, Thailand, earning certification in BRYCE Yoga Fit, Flow, Fly.

Carly has continued to broaden her teaching portfolio with certifications in Mini Yogis Yoga for Kids, Inferno Hot Pilates, and Buti Yoga. In addition to her yoga career, she continues to perform and teach ballet to children, teens, and adults. She previously served as Director of the Ballet Company at Studio@ Ryan’s American Dance in San Luis Obispo.

Her yoga teaching is rooted in alignment, strength, and the fluidity of dance-inspired movement. Carly is an accomplished instructor of Vinyasa Flow, Power Yoga, Bikram, Hatha, Buti, Pilates, and Yoga Sculpt.

Outside the studio, Carly leads yoga and surf retreats and is available to facilitate events locally and abroad. She enjoys surfing, hiking, cooking, and spending time in the sunshine.

A woman standing in front of a wall with the word 'MOON' written in large letters, wearing a black sports bra and leggings, smiling at the camera.
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Cassidy Moon


A Central Coast native, Casidy Moon returns to Dharma Yoga Loft with a deep love for the land, ocean, and the meaningful connections that unfold when we slow down and move with intention.

Through her partnership with The Summer Moon, she brings a fresh yet grounded perspective rooted in community, adventure, and a deep reverence for the body, breath, and the natural spaces we practice in.

Her classes weave together dynamic flow, breathwork, and functional, organic movement—inviting students to build a more intuitive relationship with body, space, gravity, and breath. Moon’s teaching style is both fluid and intentional, encouraging exploration, presence, and a sense of aliveness within the practice.

Beyond the studio, Moon helps expand Dharma Yoga Loft’s offerings through nature-based experiences, including solstice retreats, SUP yoga teacher trainings, and surf-inspired gatherings—creating opportunities to reconnect with self, community, and the natural world.

https://www.thesummermoon.com/

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Chelcy Johnson

Chelcy is a passionate yoga and movement teacher whose mantra, “strong, steady, stable,” weaves through every class she leads. Her teaching is rooted in the belief that true strength isn’t about perfection — it’s about finding steadiness through challenge, stability within movement, and connection to your foundation: your breath, your posture, your core, and your inner roots.

Blending traditional yoga asana with functional strength training and high-intensity movement, Chelcy creates dynamic classes that are both grounding and empowering. Her unique approach allows students to build muscle, increase cardiovascular endurance, and deepen body awareness — all while staying connected to the mindful essence of yoga. Whether flowing through Warrior III variations, incorporating strength drills, or guiding students back to their breath, she encourages progress over perfection and growth over comparison.

Chelcy teaches with fierce focus and heart, inspiring her community to live intentionally, trust their intuition, and step confidently into their inner warrior — on and off the mat.

instagram @mindfulmvmt.co

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Claudia Villalobos

Claudia is a bilingual Functional Movement Coach, Pilates instructor, Gut Health Apprentice, and entrepreneur based on California’s Central Coast. She helps women build lasting strength from the inside out — improving posture, confidence, metabolism, and overall resilience.

Her work is rooted in foundations: alignment, breath, stability, mechanics, and discipline. Claudia doesn’t follow trends. She teaches women how to move well so they can age well, optimize gut health, and take ownership of their bodies. When women understand how their bodies function, they stop outsourcing their power.

Claudia’s approach blends intelligent movement, metabolic awareness, and personal responsibility. Her coaching style is direct, educational, and supportive — she challenges women to rise while giving them the tools to succeed.

As a proud Latina entrepreneur, she believes strength extends beyond fitness. It shapes leadership, business, and the example we set for the next generation.

Strong is a decision — and she teaches women how to choose it daily.

Instagram Handle is https://www.instagram.com/clauisfit/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/clauisfit/

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Denise Resco

Denise is a vibrant and inspiring movement teacher known for her high-energy approach, infectious positivity, and commitment to helping others feel strong and empowered. Denise proudly teaches Inferno Hot Pilates, Hot Pilates Sculpt, HIIT Pilates, and Yoga Sculpt — classes that blend intense full-body work with mindful movement and strength-building flow.

Denise discovered yoga and hot yoga as transformative practices before falling in love with the life-changing power of Inferno Hot Pilates in 2016. What began as a personal fitness journey has become her mission: to share a low-impact, high-intensity workout experience that improves health and builds confidence for all bodies.

With her upbeat playlists, encouraging cueing, and ability to meet students where they are, Denise creates a welcoming space where every class feels empowering, challenging, and fun. Whether you’re new to Pilates or seeking to deepen your practice, she helps you move with intention, strength, and joy.

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Ester Christopher

I enjoy life and all it has to offer.

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Geneva Brooks

With years of experience in the medical and dental fields, Geneva Brooks has recently embraced her passion for wellness and healing through yoga. Her journey reflects her personal belief that it is never too late to pursue your goals and step fully into your purpose.

Although Geneva has practiced yoga for many years, she recently brought her long-held vision to life by completing her Yoga Teacher Certification through Integrative Shine in partnership with Dharma Yoga Loft.

Geneva loves sharing the gift of yoga with her students and is passionate about supporting them in finding and maintaining balance in their lives. She brings enthusiasm, warmth, and a joyful spirit to every class — encouraging growth, connection, and a little fun along the way.

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Greg Hazelhofer

Greg is a dedicated yoga instructor at Dharma Yoga Loft whose teaching presence brings grounded strength, calm focus, and welcoming energy to every class. With a passion for movement and mindful practice, Greg creates an environment where students of all levels feel supported to explore their own bodies, breath, and awareness on the mat.

Known for his attentive instruction and steady guidance, he encourages students to move with intention and curiosity, helping them build confidence and resilience throughout their practice. Whether leading a flow, grounding alignment work, or supporting students through breath awareness, Greg’s approach emphasizes thoughtful progression and mindful engagement.

His commitment to yoga extends beyond asana — he sees the practice as a way to strengthen not just the physical body, but also the connection between mind and spirit. Greg inspires his students to bring presence, balance, and ease into both their yoga practice and everyday life.

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Ingrid Ralston

My yoga teaching journey began unexpectedly when the studio where I practiced closed its doors. The only other studio in town offered hot classes, so I decided to give it a try. After a few years of dedicated practice, I was invited to complete teacher training and earned my RYT-200 certification in 2013 through Evolation Yoga in Santa Barbara, specializing in the Hot 26 + 2 sequence.

For over ten years, I have continued to deepen my love for this practice. The simplicity of the 26 postures and two breathing exercises—repeated in a heated, humid room—creates both ease and release while building strength and focus. This hatha-based practice emphasizes longer holds and precise alignment. Though the poses are considered foundational, they can be developed to an advanced level with consistent practice.

Most of the classes I teach are 75 minutes long, allowing time to warm up thoroughly and explore the postures with depth and intention. I focus on alignment and precision while encouraging students to modify in ways that best support their individual bodies.

In my free time, I enjoy taking classes from fellow teachers who continue to inspire and enrich my practice. Outside the studio, you’ll find me outdoors hiking or gardening. I love using nature’s abundance to create handmade wreaths, and during the winter months, I enjoy slowing down with a crochet hook and yarn.

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Janet Rhoades

Janet is a certified Baptiste Yoga instructor who has taught at Dharma Yoga Loft for the past three years. Known for her grounded, encouraging presence and thoughtful sequencing, Janet brings strength, clarity, and joy to every class she leads. Rooted in mindful alignment and breath-centered movement, her teaching invites students to explore both physical and mental resilience with curiosity and confidence.

Janet is especially passionate about expanding access to yoga, with a focus on developing programs that support the well-being of children and youth. She is deeply involved with the Boys & Girls Club of the Mid Central Coast, where she serves on the Board of Directors and champions youth-centered wellness initiatives that empower young people to move, breathe, and discover their own strength.

Whether guiding a dynamic Baptiste Vinyasa flow or working with younger students, Janet cultivates a welcoming, supportive environment where every body feels seen, capable, and inspired to grow. Her commitment to community and holistic wellness shines through in all she teaches.

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Jasmine Kosaman

Yoga Teacher & Movement Guide

Jasmine is a dedicated yoga instructor bringing passion, precision, and heart to every class she leads. With years of training and experience rooted in mindful movement, Jasmine teaches with a blend of grace and grounded intention, helping students of all levels cultivate strength, balance, and deeper body awareness.

Her classes emphasize mindful alignment, breath connection, and the joy of authentic movement. Jasmine creates a welcoming space where each student feels seen, supported, and encouraged to explore their practice at their own pace. Whether you’re new to yoga or deepening your journey, she offers thoughtful guidance that invites calm curiosity and meaningful growth.

Jasmine believes yoga is more than physical — it’s a path to inner connection, self-trust, and sustained well-being. Join her to move with intention, breathe with presence, and discover greater resilience on and off the mat.

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Jillian Kueffer

Jillian has been a certified yoga teacher since 2007 and is truly a gift to our community. Rooted in a holistic approach to healing, she supports the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of well-being through her gentle, heart-centered teaching style. Jillian specializes in restorative yoga and gentle flow, offering private sessions designed to help clients release tension, reduce stress, and deeply relax the body and mind.

With the thoughtful use of breathwork, subtle energy awareness, and supportive props such as blankets and bolsters, Jillian creates a nurturing space where each posture feels safe and aligned. Her work supports improved sleep, enhanced flexibility, nervous system regulation, and recovery from injury or chronic pain. She also lovingly serves expectant mothers, offering restorative sessions that soothe both mama and baby.

Each session is tailored to the individual, with encouragement for consistent practice to build flexibility and lasting muscle memory. Clients leave feeling blissful, balanced, and deeply attuned within.

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Kassidy Curtis

Kassidy is a dedicated yoga instructor who brings a grounded, welcoming presence to every class she teaches. With a passion for mindful movement and breath-centered practice, Kassidy guides students through intentional sequences designed to build strength, flexibility, and inner awareness.

Her teaching style emphasizes connection — to the body, to the breath, and to the present moment. Kassidy creates an encouraging space where students of all levels feel supported as they explore their personal practice. Whether leading a steady flow or a more dynamic sequence, she focuses on cultivating balance, resilience, and clarity both on and off the mat.

Kassidy believes yoga is more than movement; it is a tool for self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. Through thoughtful instruction and compassionate guidance, she invites students to deepen their practice and leave feeling stronger, centered, and inspired.

KJ The Rooted Yogi

KJ is a Central Coast–based yoga teacher, retreat leader, and feminine embodiment guide known for creating powerful, heart-centered experiences both on and off the mat. As the founder of The Rooted Yogi and the Return to the Feminine Collective, she leads classes, workshops, and retreats designed to help people reconnect with themselves, their purpose, and their community.

With a background in entrepreneurship and years of teaching experience, KJ blends movement, mindfulness, and meditation to create spaces where students feel safe, seen, and supported. Her approach is grounded yet expansive—encouraging authentic expression, inner strength, and meaningful connection.

KJ’s teaching is deeply inspired by her personal journey of resilience and transformation, and she is passionate about empowering others to step into their fullest, most aligned lives. Whether leading a local class or an international retreat, she invites students of all levels to show up as they are, with an open heart and a willingness to grow.

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Women practicing yoga indoors, sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat, with one hand on her chest and the other on her side.
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Lauren Shannon

Lauren is a yoga and pilates teacher, trainer, and Holistic Health Practitioner on the Central Coast. She has a passion for integrating the wellness mindset into her work, community outreach, and practice in serving others daily, ever since she started teaching in 2003. She provides Nutritional Counseling, Private Training Sessions, Retreats, and Classes with the support of her background as a Wellness Therapist, Western Herbalist, Reiki Master, Yoga/Pilates/Sculpt teacher trainer, and is a legacy athlete and ambassador for Lululemon, working with athletes.

Learn more @laurenshannonwellness.com
and at @laurenshannonwellness on instagram

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Livy Meyer

I enjoy life and all it has to offer.

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Michaela Goorahoo

Breath Coach · Pilates, Yoga + HIIT Instructor · Sound + Energy Healer

Michaela is a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, Certified BREATHE™ Coach, and Pilates, Yoga, and HIIT instructor based in San Luis Obispo. She blends mindful movement, breathwork, and energy healing to help clients build strength, release stress, and restore balance in body, mind, and spirit.

With more than 17 years of experience in movement and integrative wellness, Michaela’s teaching bridges science and spirituality. Her approach unites anatomy, breath mechanics, and nervous system education with intuitive, heart-centered practices. As a published co-author in Frontiers in Physiology for research on diaphragmatic breathing efficiency, she integrates evidence-based tools alongside ancient wisdom in every class and private session.

Through her signature EXPAND+BREATHE method, Michaela empowers students to move with awareness, breathe with intention, and live in alignment—guiding each person toward feeling stronger, calmer, and more deeply connected from the inside out.

Learn more at Expand+Breathe

and at @expandandbreathe on instagram

Nawal Kassir

Nawal is a dynamic fitness coach and cardio kickboxing instructor known for her empowering, high-energy classes that build strength, confidence, and resilience. With a background in kickboxing and functional fitness, she blends technique-driven training with music-fueled workouts that are both challenging and accessible.

Her approach is rooted in the belief that movement supports not only physical results, but mental clarity and emotional strength. Nawal’s classes help students relieve stress, improve coordination and endurance, and feel more connected to their bodies.

Certified in group fitness and kickboxing-based training, Nawal creates an inclusive, motivating space where all levels feel supported and inspired to grow stronger with every class.

Follow Nawal on Instagram @the.visual.knockout

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A woman practicing yoga in a variation of Warrior III pose on a black yoga mat, with a mandala design on the wall behind her.

Shelbi Hunt

Shelbi is a dedicated yoga instructor at Dharma Yoga Loft in Paso Robles, where she brings movement, breath awareness, and mindful practice to students of all levels. With a grounding in thoughtful instruction and a welcoming teaching style, Shelbi focuses on creating a safe and encouraging space for practitioners to explore their bodies, deepen their awareness, and cultivate strength both on and off the mat.

Her classes emphasize connection — between breath and movement, effort and ease — guiding students through accessible sequences that invite presence, balance, and growth. Whether you’re new to yoga or expanding your existing practice, Shelbi’s supportive guidance helps students feel confident, centered, and inspired in their journey

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Suzanne Byron

Suzanne is a Yoga Therapist devoted to helping people reconnect to their core through movement, bodywork, and intentional lifestyle practices. Her philosophy is simple: healing begins when we trust we can heal. In yoga, this is known as Śraddhā — deep inner trust. Suzanne guides her students back to that knowing, reminding them that the body carries wisdom if we are willing to listen.

Her work is an expression of her lived journey. After once experiencing debilitating low back pain and exploring countless holistic paths for relief, the true shift came when she trusted her intuition and allowed her body to lead the way. That experience now informs her grounded, compassionate approach.

Suzanne believes we are here to embody our experiences, not dissect them. Challenges become invitations to grow, to uncover resilience and true potential. In her presence, wisdom is lived, not just learned — and people feel seen, capable, and empowered to trust their bodies again. Because health isn’t outsourced — it’s remembered.

Learn more at Suzanne’s YouTube