Our Instructors

"As stereotypical as it seems to say, my yoga practice healed me. Through it I found I am more than the traumas of my past. I discovered I have the strength to endure. I began practicing in 2014 and fell in love. What started as a simple physical practice has grown into a building a healthy relationship with myself. I love immersing myself in my breath and the accomplishment of achieving something I thought was out of my reach. I became certified in 2017 to share the practice in which I found so much healing and joy. Breath and mindfulness can be our greatest tool and my goal is to show that anyone can use it."

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“I began practicing yoga about 10 years ago while living in Pasadena California. After moving back north, I began practicing at Amador Yoga as a student. Last year I was teaching yoga for fellow employees and practicing at home, where I mainly focus on stretching and maintaining my strength. I have developed some variation to poses and often spend the entire time on the floor. Often at other classes I no sooner get settled into a pose and want to stay there for a few more breaths and the teacher is moving us to the next pose. As an older person, I like to take it a little shower and hold some poses a little longer. Expect slow movement in my classes or, yoga for the older folks!”

Bianca strives to lead classes that are for a wide range of ability levels. She likes to keep the mood light and fun. Expect to explore anatomy and alignment and leave feeling like part of our Amador Yoga family! Bianca completed her Yoga Teacher Training at The Expanding Light in Grass Valley and is registered as a professional yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance. When she’s not teaching yoga, you can catch her running around with her doggo and best bud Red, scrambling up boulders out on the high-country trails, or catching turns on the winter slopes.

“For 18 years, I've taught yoga, drawn to its blend of physical and spiritual elements after a dance background. Yoga unexpectedly became a tool for healing deep wounds, offering a holistic understanding of human functioning. Meeting my influential teacher, Maritza, in 2010, transformed my practice, teaching me to navigate challenges with presence and resilience. Under Maritza's guidance, I completed over 800 hours of practice in asana, pranayama, and meditation, deepening my understanding. Continuing my education with Noah Maze, I've taught extensively across the Bay Area, including at Yoga Studio, The Mindful Body, and Yoga Works. I teach private lessons, group classes, workshops, and teacher trainings, sharing the transformative power of yoga with passion and joy.”

“Are you interested in learning to meditate? I have over 30 years of experience teaching meditation and 45 years of personal practice. I offer a non-religious blend of traditional meditation techniques that will help you develop a practice of your own. I have a BA degree and a Graduate School Certificate in Organizational Psychology from JFK University in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m a retired general building contractor and consultant. I specialized in high end kitchen remodeling and managing larger remodels for private homeowners. I have a single engine pilots license and enjoy playing guitar and singing with my friends.”

“Yoga has been something that I’ve kept close to my heart for many years. It’s seen me through so many different phases of my life and it continues to be there for me as I learn and grow. I got my 200 hour yoga certification in Spokane WA, through Beyoutiful Hot Yoga. I also have my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and minor in Communications from Eastern Washington University. Movement means the world to me, it’s a way I found health and healing, physically and mentally. I strive to hold space and safely challenge those who show up, to help you learn something about yourself or leave you feeling strong and empowered!”

“The first time I saw my instructor perform the 24 Form I fell in love with Tai Chi. That love began my journey with this beautiful ancient Chinese art form. My Tai Chi training started in October of 2019, and a year later with an additional instructor, I learned Qigong concurrently. I train weekly with two trainers, one Tai Chi and one Qigong. (Tai Chi is slow, flowing movements, typically in set forms like the 10, 24, or 76 and are difficult to learn. Qigong positions are the basis of Tai Chi. They are slow, stationary movements and easily learned. Both practices can lead to improved balance, better posture, and overall strength building.)

Originally from the Bay Area, my career was in Human Resources. I hold a BA in Sociology and a Master's Degree in Public Administration with a focus in Human Resources. I retired in 2015 and moved to Fiddletown, which allows time to study Philosophy, Vipassana Buddhism and Tai Chi/Qigong. I am very fortunate to study with two wonderful Tai Chi/Qigong teachers. My diligence in practice lead to my 2022 Tai Chi/Qigong Certification. I have to recertify every two years, so I must keep up my instruction and practice!”

Michail became a Pilates instructor in order to help as many people of all ages understand the benefits of safely practiced exercise and help radically enhance their mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness, which is a lesson he understood during his 20 year semi professional soccer and all around athletic lifestyle-- which also includes aerial acrobatics, basketball, and yoga among others. In his classes, you will have the chance to experience a difference in just a few classes!