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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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Sara Ashworth

YOGA TEACHER 

I am Sara, and I’m looking forward to sharing my yoga practice with you. I have had a lifelong love for healing through movement. I received my master's degree in movement therapy from UCLA in 1993. I continued on to become a certified massage therapist and yoga teacher. I have taught yoga in yoga studios, fitness centers, and backyard patios. I am also certified in prenatal yoga and massage.  In my spare time, I spend time with my two boys, who are 20 and 22. I love going to the beach, hiking, and trying new restaurants

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Hala Joudi

YOGA TEACHER

Immerse yourself in the world of mindful movement with Hala, a 500 RYT instructor and devoted philosophy lover who graduated in the heart of yoga, India. Boasting a background in psychology, Hala’s yoga journey has been continuous and unwavering since the moment she first stepped onto the mat, enriched by 5 years of teaching experience. Specializing in the seamless fusion of Ashtanga and Iyengar, Hala’s classes also offer the serenity of Yin, encouraging surrender and embracing change.

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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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Jessica Kelly

YOGA TEACHER

Growing up involved in many sports, I found myself to be fast-paced and competitive. After discovering yoga in 2010, my mind was opened to a world of peace and acceptance. It is this fundamental shift in my worldview that inspires me to teach others. I hope that through my instruction students can find this same sense of being and take it with them into their daily lives.

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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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Fann Geoghegan

YOGA TEACHER 

Finding comfort in the body you've been given has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Having been a dancer into my 20's, a certified fitness instructor through NASM, and a musician, I found so many people including myself having little confidence in what their bodies are truly capable of accomplishing. Having all the facts and information to help to teach others, it wasn't until I went to Hawaii on a women's retreat or what I like to call “spiritual rehab” is where I found my souls purpose to become a yoga instructor. Connecting the mind and body through breath and movement, while explaining proper alignment with modifications has been the most fulfilling part of teaching. I look forward to you joining my classes and guiding you back to comfort within yourself and your spirit.

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Madonna Cortez

YOGA TEACHER

I am a registered nurse and a certified yoga teacher. I decided to begin my journey by completing my 200-hour teacher training to deepen my practice and learn more about myself. After graduating from the program, I found my purpose and felt a strong urge to teach and spread the benefits of yoga to the community. Yoga is truly for everyone. There are many benefits to practicing yoga that go beyond the mat. What yoga is to me is giving yourself time to improve your well-being and self-awareness.  It is truly a blessing to be able to share the gift of yoga, and I am excited to teach and share a safe space with you all.

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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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Angelina Dayfallah

YOGA TEACHER 

Angelina Dayfallah is happy to serve as part of the staff at Kosha 5 Yoga Studio! She is a Holistic Life Coach focusing on helping her clients align with their soul's purpose and a certified conflict resolution Mediator.

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Angelina has been teaching yoga since 2018. She teaches Vinyasa, Restorative, Yoga for Trauma Healing, and Yin. Angelina always tries to bring mindfulness and good vibes, on and off the mat. She believes we share an energetic exchange with one another and strives to help cultivate a culture of 'loving awareness.'

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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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Lynette Eusebio

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

I’ve been practicing yoga since 2011, received my 200 hr certification in 2012 and completed an extensions program in 2013. I put a lot of thought into developing sequences that can create a feeling of bliss and strength through words, breath, music, and movement. My goal is for each student to feel a sense of empowerment and confidence in each class. Yoga is where I constantly fall back on; it is my foundation for building strength, flexibility, and clarity. Yoga allows me to feel grounded in my body and mind. I am here to help set you up for success in your yoga journey, and feel empowered. I am extremely grateful to share this space on the mat and go on a journey with you.

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