meet our team !
Zarfeen Samani
STUDIO OWNER / YOGA TEACHER
I teach Yoga to live my 'dharma,' my higher purpose in life. Yoga has given meaning to my existence, and I am honored to be sharing the true essence of Yoga through Kosha 5 Yoga Studio with my community. We are students for life, and there's so much to learn and grow in wisdom. I am looking forwards to graduating from my 850 HR Yoga Therapy training in 2022 and helping others heal. I enjoy teaching mixed levels 'Bliss' classes as it allows me to see the growth of my students in their yoga practice. I teach my classes in a trauma-informed way with a mission to empower my students to find the embodiment of their practice. What I enjoy the most in life is being a mother to a 12-year-old boy and feel fully alive when we engage in moments of laughter and affection together. For leisure, I like solo traveling and relish being on trips. Jetskiing gives me an adrenaline rush each time and a sense of euphoria. Last but not least, I love being around luminous humans and see the divinity in every person.
Eleni Lotakis
YOGA TEACHER
I started practicing Yoga as a balance to my love of distance running developed from playing Lacrosse throughout highschool and college at UCLA. Though my love of running has not faded, I have come to appreciate the need for balance within the mind, body, and spirit, and that exercise can move beyond more than just physical movement. My love of the practice of yoga eventually led me to teacher training and to the decision to leave my former career as a fashion designer. The fashion industry is very hard on the planet, and often hard on those who work tirelessly to keep it running. I am so glad my love of the planet and yoga won out and influenced me to leave the industry to channel my creativity towards a path of health, wellness, and sustainability that I can share with others. 200RYT 300YTT
Emily Pruitt
YOGA TEACHER
I took my very first yoga class in 2010 out of curiosity and had no idea how it would transform my life. I immediately fell in love with yoga. This was a particularly chaotic time in my life, and my time on the mat became a place of solace where I was able to find calmness, balance, awareness, and so much more. The lessons I learned in yoga transcended the four corners of that mat and helped me through some difficult times. I decided to pursue my 200hr RYT training to have the ability to share yoga with others so they too can experience the many benefits it holds. I enjoy teaching yoga in different settings and to different populations. For example, I have taught “yoga for peace” during the summer of 2020 and “yoga for professionals” at California State University, Fullerton. It is my hope to share my knowledge of yoga with others so they too may find some solace or whatever it is they may be looking for.
Maloney Simone Sturm
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Maloney has been an athlete all of her life; her love for running at a young age led to her lifelong dedication to fitness. She is committed to the idea that fitness is for everyone and in her teaching she thrives to give her clients an experience that is fun, motivating, and at the end of the day, the best workout they have ever had. Maloney is a certified personal trainer, spin instructor, Barre certified instructor and is constantly learning new tools to ensure that her clients are never bored. In her spare time, you can find her surfing at San Elijo State Beach, riding her horse (Bailey) or volunteering with Tara's Chance Equine therapy
Stephanie Arriaga
YOGA TEACHER
My name is Stephanie and I have been practicing yoga since 2015 in my native California. I was introduced to yoga by a good friend and I’ve been hooked on it ever since. Yoga has allowed me to be more present in my life and helped me move in ways I never thought I could. In 2019, I moved to Portland, Oregon, and had the opportunity to teach yoga to Jiu-Jitsu students out there as well as explore the beautiful outdoors. I truly believe yoga is beneficial for all bodies and love sharing the gift of yoga in a safe, non-judging environment. I love traveling, listening to music, eating good food, and spending time with my husband and puppies. I’m very happy to be back in my home state and look forward to sharing space with you all!
Nozomi Kobayashi
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
My journey through yoga has helped transform my life for the better, guiding me towards a new outlook on life which has improved my physical and mental well-being. Growing up, I always saw myself as weak and tired so I naturally shied away from any physical activity and my perception towards working out was very negative. I was drawn to take my first yoga class after hearing so much about how the classes make you feel and all the benefits of yoga. Through my journey, yoga has helped me listen to my body and truly celebrate all the transformations it undergoes as I become a healthier and stronger version of myself. I am excited to be a part of this community that encourages growth in every aspect and I can't wait to get stronger with everyone!
YOGA TEACHER
I started taking yoga a little over a decade ago looking for physical healing from a very active and injurious youth. I became enthralled with the mental and spiritual aspects of the practice and went even deeper upon recognizing the body/mind aspect of a strong daily practice. At the prodding of a teacher I took teacher training initially just to deepen my practice but after teaching just once really appreciated the deep connection between teacher and student and how it is possible to bring about enormous positive energy and intention. I have been trying ever since to be the best teacher I possibly can be.