top of page

meet our team !

image_6483441 (3)_edited.jpg

Zarfeen Samani

OWNER / YOGA THERAPIST / INSTRUCTOR

Yoga has given purpose to my life, and I am honored to share the true essence of Yoga through Kosha 5 Yoga Studio with my community. Born and raised in India, after completing my double Bachelors in Education and Literature from my home country,  I got my diploma in the Paralegal program from UCI. I am a 1200-hour Yoga Therapist(IAYT) and Instructor(RYT) and have completed subsequent certifications in Trauma-informed teacher training, Grovvy Kids yoga teacher training, and Meditation teacher training. What I enjoy most is being a mother to a 15-year-old boy and feeling fully alive with his presence in my life. For me, traveling is euphoric and necessary, and, much like Yoga, allows exploration of diverse cultures, food, and people.

image_50418177.JPG

Artis Smith

YOGA TEACHER 

Artis began his yoga journey June the 6th 2013 at 12:00p.m when he took his first class. After that experience he was hooked! He began taking multiple classes daily. Within a year he was doing his teacher training and received his 200hr teaching certification at Atma Bodha Yoga in Virginia Beach VA in 2014. He taught for about five years in Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas. He teaches Vinyasa, Beginner yoga, meditation, pranayama and yogic philosophy.  Artis believes the true path to happiness is through service to others.

IMG_4516.JPEG

Jennifer Ryan

YOGA TEACHER 

In my quest to deal with stress, I began taking the practice of yoga seriously in 2018 and fell in love with how it made me feel. In 2021, I completed 200 hours of teacher training. As I immersed myself in the practice and philosophy of yoga, I realized that its holistic approach had the potential to alleviate stress and anxiety. In class, I attempt to weave together the elements of breath, movement, meditation, and mindfulness, encouraging students to foster a deeper connection with their inner selves, release stress from the body, and embrace a state of profound relaxation. I believe that by nurturing the seeds of tranquility within each individual, we can collectively cultivate a more peaceful and balanced world, one breath at a time.

IMG_3526.jpg

Shelley Rae Davis

YOGA TEACHER 

I'm Shelley, a certified barre instructor passionate about health and wellness. My journey into the fitness world has been shaped by my love for ballet, which I've studied for years. This passion for movement, grace, and strength led me to pursue certification as a barre instructor. I blend ballet, Pilates, and yoga elements to create dynamic and effective workouts.

I focus my efforts on understanding anatomy and am committed to helping others reach their goals. I strive to create inclusive and empowering fitness experiences for all levels of participants. I'm dedicated to helping people discover the joy of movement and unlock their full potential, both on and off the mat.

IMG_8900_edited.jpg

Zahra Zaidi

YOGA TEACHER 

I initially started my yoga journey for movement. However, through the years, I started seeing the positive impact of not only my physical body but also my mental health. Yoga can help with stress relief, increased energy levels, better sleep, and more. When Kosha5 introduced their teacher training, I felt that was my calling. I wanted to deepen my knowledge and practice to share this beautiful gift of yoga with others. As a recently certified yoga instructor, I am excited to share my wealth of knowledge with all of you.

IMG_0036_edited_edited.jpg

Maite Sandoval

YOGA TEACHER 

With over 8 years of personal practice, I am honored to share the transformative power of yoga with students of all levels. My journey led me to become a certified yoga instructor, turning my passion into purpose. 

Yoga, to me, is not just about the poses—it's about discovering how to move through life with more ease, resilience, and mindfulness. I believe true growth happens when we begin to handle life's challenges with greater calm and clarity, both on and off the mat. My mission is to guide others in tuning into their bodies, cultivating deeper awareness, and embracing the healing and strength yoga offers. Whether you're just starting or deepening your practice, yoga is for everyone, and I'm here to help you unlock its benefits and beauty.

IMG_0887_edited.jpg

Paisid Aramphongphan

YOGA TEACHER 

Paisid grew up in Bangkok and from a young age was introduced to meditation. However, it was not until graduate school in the United States, while studying art history, that he first stepped into a yoga studio in 2010, seeking a body-centered practice to balance what felt like a disembodied, intellectual life at the time. From his very first class, Paisid was hooked. Since then, he has continued to practice yoga and explore its broader frameworks within Eastern philosophy, as well as related contemporary modalities, including somatic movement, breathwork, and mindfulness. Based in Los Angeles, Paisid teaches yoga in the area and is pursuing IAYT certification as a yoga therapist.

image0_edited.jpg

Sandy Jones

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Yoga has been part of my fitness routine since 2012. Over the last year, however, it has become more than just fitness. I believe that exchanging energy is a significant part of life and communication. Yoga has brought me abundant positive energy on and off the mat. I look forward to sharing this vibrant energy with you in class. 

 

I have a bachelor’s degree in professional business and a personal training certification. After spending a few years in the UK, I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training at Kosha 5. I am equally fond of cats and rock music! 

IMG_7105.HEIC

Johnna Cho

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

I came to yoga in 2018 while recovering from surgeries for breast and lung cancer. Yoga was the medicine I needed to heal and regain strength and confidence in my body. It also gave me the clarity to see that I was burned out from my career as a corporate attorney and needed a life change. In 2021, I decided to retire and switch gears to become a certified yoga instructor (RYT 500) and yoga therapist (C-IAYT). Yoga has helped me to live each day with more peace, joy, and purpose. My hope is to guide others in their yoga practice to find the same and to make yoga accessible for all bodies and abilities.

Joy.jpeg

Johanna Solomon

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Johanna is a compassionate and grounded yoga teacher with a background in Hatha and strength-based practices. She offers classes that emphasize alignment, breath awareness, and inner stillness, supporting students in building both physical resilience and mental clarity. With a deep respect for the traditional roots of yoga, Johanna teaches with the belief that yoga is a way of life — one that nurtures self-awareness, discipline, and connection. Her approach is welcoming to all bodies and abilities, and she is committed to creating a supportive space where students can grow in their practice with integrity and intention. After receiving her first 200-hour certificate in 2017, she has continued her education in her Yoga studies, with the passion of being a forever student.

IMG_0201.jpeg

Anthony Vu

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

I’m a yoga instructor with a breaking, calisthenics, and plyometrics background. I discovered yoga in 2019 through a CSUF class, which completely reshaped how I move and connect to my body and mind.

 

Before yoga, I often pushed myself too hard, leading to injuries and burnout. Yoga taught me to move with intention, listen to my body, and stay present. It’s become an essential part of my physical training and mental recovery. Even on rest days, it grounds me through breath and mindful movement.

Subscribe Form

Thanks for submitting!

©2021 by kosha 5 yoga studio

bottom of page