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meet our team !

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Taylor Hwang

YOGA TEACHER 

My yoga journey began at the end of 2022 during a time of significant change. What started as a weekly exercise quickly grew into a cherished and transformative practice that grounded me, both physically and mentally. Wanting to deepen my understanding and practice, I completed the 200-hour yoga teacher training program at Kosha 5. As a certified yoga instructor, I aim to share the benefits of moving meditation with others. I wish to create a safe and welcoming space where students of all levels can explore their practice, connect with their breath, and cultivate a sense of peace and balance. On top of what you are looking for, I hope my classes inspire you to discover the joy, empowerment, and anchoring yoga can bring.

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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! 

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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.

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Joe-Joe

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Born and raised in San Francisco, Joe-Joe was fortunate enough to have various yogāsana classes outside his doorstep. Having been introduced to the practice as a theatre and dance student, Joe-Joe thrived on the spirit of rigor and discipline that he found on the mat. However, the pace of his practice shifted dramatically when, just after his twentieth birthday, an autoimmune flare-up forced Joe-Joe to take a medical leave from his studies and work as a dancer. Since then, Joe-Joe has completed his 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. He is continuing his education by fostering a gentle, slow-moving, and exploratory approach to the Vinyasa Flow style. Additionally, Joe-Joe is influenced by several somatic disciplines, Reiki energy healing, and the performing arts.

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