2026 Festival Teachers
Alec Johnson
Musician
Alec Johnson, MT-BC, NMT, is a board-certified music therapist from Big Bear who integrates neurologic music therapy with agroforestry to promote education, community health, and holistic well-being.
Join Alec for a transformative music therapy session designed to promote wellness and personal growth. Participants will engage in meditations and group music-making with specially crafted musical experiences designed to enhance communication, cognition, and social interaction. No musical ability is required—just a willingness to explore! Participants will leave with practical tools for improving wellness and optimizing learning, allowing them to apply these benefits in everyday life.
Amy Madrid
Teacher
Sunshine & Sound Baths + Energy Seed Yoga Guide
Meet Amy Madrid, a deeply intuitive and heart-centered yoga and meditation teacher, as well as a gifted sound healing practitioner who brings warmth, connection, and soulful presence to every space she holds.
Amy is the founder and owner of Energy Seed Yoga, a soul-nurturing practice based in Tempe, Arizona, where she weaves together yoga, sound medicine, meditation, breathwork, and the wisdom of the five elements to support holistic well-being.
Her classes are known for being gentle yet profound, blending intuition with intention to help students feel seen, heard, and supported both on and off the mat.
Through Yin, breathwork, sound, and mindfulness, Amy invites people to explore their inner landscape and connect more deeply to self, nature, and community.
When she’s not teaching, Amy enjoys running, hiking, reading, baking cookies, and is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and mental health awareness—always bringing her joyful spirit and human connection into the work she does.
Check out her offerings—like private sound healing sessions, lunar yin & sound events, seasonal workshops, and more—at www.energyseedyoga.com .
Arlene Andrade
Teacher
Arlene Andrade, a novice to the yoga community. Through my sisterhood with Lyz I became acquainted with Big Bear.This will be my 2nd year volunteering at the BBYF. This year I am assisting as Volunteer Assistant Manager. I am enrolled in the Yoga Teacher Training program facilitated by Lyz this coming May and excited to be receiving my certification at the festival! There is so much unfolding this year for me.
I hold a B.A. and M.A. in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College and work privately as a caregiver for three families. In my down time I find so much comfort working with my hands from crocheting, gardening, watercolors, cooking and I am looking forward to speaking my truth by opening my vishuddah chakra so I can feel confident in singing out loud.
Ashley Yau
Teacher
We are honored to spotlight Ashley Yau, an international consciousness facilitator and author based in Big Bear Lake, California. Through her classes, creative work, and embodied presence, Ashley invites people to step beyond unconscious roles, rigid structures, and inherited stories, and into a space of choice, awareness, and possibility.
Ashley’s work is not about fixing or improving. It is about remembering who we are when we stop performing and begin listening to our own vibration. Her teachings encourage deep presence, allowing space itself to become creative and responsive.
Teaching globally, Ashley is also a certified Access Consciousness facilitator, offering practices where awareness expands and reality begins to shift in response to presence. We are grateful to welcome Ashley as a teacher at the Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026 and to celebrate the depth and clarity she brings to the community.
Blanca Guevara Wright
Teacher
My call and purpose is to support my community through the practice of Yoga and the embodied breath. I was led to Yoga by my Sunset teacher almost a decade ago- during the pandemic I lost him and was led to follow an inner calling that led me to attain my yoga teacher credentials through Western Yoga College. In the last year I have discovered trauma conscious yoga and was led to receive my certification in the TCYM methodology. I currently lead all my offerings through a trauma informed lense that supports awareness and support to our most vulnerable population and all students. I am here to empower and share this magic elixir with as many people as possible. To share the power or Yoga and the power of our breath.
Cathleen Coombs
Rehabilitation Counselor and Yoga Teacher
Cathleen Coombs is a rehabilitation counselor and yoga teacher who believes yoga should be accessible to everyone. After practicing yoga for over 17 years, she recently completed her 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification and began sharing her knowledge with students.
Cathleen loves teaching beginners who may feel intimidated to try yoga, while also helping experienced yogis deepen their practice. Her classes emphasize the power of breath (pranayama) combined with proper alignment to create a safe, energizing, and empowering yoga experience.
Fun Facts
• Favorite color: red
• Favorite hobby: music, nature, and lifelong learning
• Favorite dessert: anything chocolate
• Pets: three dogs and four cats
“We are all on this earth to help each other.”
Chelsea Cano of Tonal Temple
Teacher & Musician
Chelsea Cano is a yoga and Acro yoga instructor based out of Riverside, CA. With a dance background and a love for movement, Chelsea was naturally drawn to the amazing shapes and freedom that came with her yoga practice. After moving to Riverside in 2016, she stepped inside Western Yoga College and never looked back. Chelsea now teaches Yin, Acro, Power and Flow at L.A. Care, L. A. live, Yoga Six and other locations. This summer Chelsea will be bringing her 3rd annual SummaTime for Your Mind to the community with free classes to the public, featuring various instructors from different yoga back grounds! It is an absolute dream to be a part of the Big Bear Yoga Festival!
Christie Smirl | Kalavati Devi
Teacher & Author
Christie Smirl, also known as Kalavati Devi, is a devoted teacher, author, and guide whose work centers on healing, self-awareness, and conscious living. Through Healthier Vibrations, Christie shares tools that support personal transformation, energetic balance, and embodied well-being.
Her work blends ancient wisdom with accessible practices, inviting people to reconnect with their inner rhythm and cultivate a healthier relationship with themselves and the world around them. Christie’s teachings emphasize mindful living, vibrational awareness, and practical pathways for growth.
We are honored to spotlight Christie as part of the Big Bear Yoga Festival community and to celebrate the depth and intention she brings to her work.
Website: https://www.healthiervibrations.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HealthierVibrations
Amazon: https://a.co/d/j7Pj74l
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristieSmirl/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiesmirl/
Christine O'Hara
Teacher
Christine is passionate about supporting your healing and creative journeying through the practice of yoga nidra. Christine has been practicing yoga for over 15 years, and it has become much more than a hour long practice, but a path of unveiling truth, and a way of being and relating to life. She has taught fun and creative yoga workshops at various Southern California festivals, and Hatha Yoga classes including everything from Vinyasa to Chair yoga for seniors. She currently offers weekly yin and vinyasa yoga, in Running Springs, California. She has been a yoga nidra enthusiast since 2020 for both its simplicity and potency so she creates offerings of free yoga nidra recordings available through YouTube as well as the Insight Timer meditation app.
You can also find free hatha yoga classes available on her YouTube channel. It is a honor and a pleasure to share her favorite tools to support you in living your most aligned and radiant expression.
Debbie Sanders
Teacher
Deb has been dancing since she was 10 years old. She loves to move her body in fun and expressive ways. She became barre certified 11 years ago because she loved using dance and creative choreography to design a fun workout. She fell in love with yoga during the pandemic and decided to pursue certification so she could help others learn about mindfulness and connect deeply to their mind and bodies. Deb works at Mindful Space Yoga studio in Upland and La Forme Fit in Covina. She loves teaching Mindful flow, yin, and restorative. She created Yoga Dance Flow to incorporate her love of dance and yoga.
Debbie Sanders is passionate about wellness, spirituality, and the beauty of the outdoors. Whether she is hiking through the mountains or spending time in nature, she finds inspiration in the peaceful environment of Big Bear.
Her love of community and the welcoming atmosphere of the Big Bear Yoga Festival keeps her connected to the event year after year.
Fun Facts
• Favorite color: blue
• Favorite food: Mediterranean cuisine
• Favorite smell: cinnamon
• Pets: two dogs
Edith Arias
Teacher
Edith Arias is a wellness practitioner. She is dedicated to bringing wellness to the community and individuals in a preventative, healing, and fun way. She is a yoga teacher, wellness coach, and therapist working with children and families for over 15 years. She enjoys sharing yoga with kids, teens, and families with lightheartedness and playfulness to introduce them to the benefits of yoga.
Evelyn Starlight & Dru Ali (Sacred Liiight)
Teachers & Musicians
Evelyn Starlight (of Sacred Healing Sessions) & Dru Ali (of Liiightspace), come together as Sacred Liiight — a compassionate collaborative duo, merging Sacred Sounds + Light Technologies to help evolve Consciousness on the planet. They travel around leading group Light & Sound Meditation Journeys, as well as, collaborate with other Teachers — providing seamless real-time DJ mixes & Sound Healing overtones during Yoga Classes. They also have an Energy Wellness treatment space on Balboa Island, CA called The Liiighthouse where they facilitate Private Sessions, Group Workshops and Trainings.
Georgina Meister
Teacher
✨ About Georgina ✨
Georgina Meister is a 500-hour certified yoga teacher based in Crestline, CA. She completed her teacher training in 2013 at the Sivananda Ashram in Grass Valley, where she was traditionally trained in classical yoga.
Her teaching style leans toward slow, grounding, and restorative practices. She weaves in elements of Ayurveda, including self-massage, fascia release, and lymphatic drainage, to guide students into deeper states of relaxation and renewal.
?♀️ About the Class
This class offers a gentle, detoxifying yoga flow designed to move stagnant energy and restore balance. We’ll explore tools for deep relaxation, incorporating hands-on techniques, Ayurvedic oils for lymphatic drainage, and racquet balls for targeted fascia release.
All equipment is provided—just bring yourself and an open heart. ?
Follow along: @georginajaneyoga
Jeanne Iridescent
Teacher
Jeanne is thrilled to share the Buddhi Yoga practice with the Big Bear Yoga tribe! Buddhi Yoga is its own evolution of Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with elements of hip hop and tribal dancing! Safe and enjoyable for all levels and everyone body with a body is welcome to join in and let their light shine!
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Jeannette Ali with Raising Consciousness Yoga
Teacher
Jeannette first discovered yoga in community college in 2005. Always thinking of herself as inflexible and not being able to touch her toes in forward fold, she became fascinated with yoga’s capabilities to increase flexibility and strength. Jeannette practiced yoga solely as a physical exercise until 2017 when she had a profound heart opening experience in a yoga class. That’s when all the aspects of yoga opened up to her and she enrolled at Western Yoga College for their 7 month long 200 hour teacher training. Described as “one of the most important times of her life” Jeannette knew that yoga needed to be shared with the world. Since her YTT graduation in May of 2019, Jeannette’s classes have evolved to include guided meditation and crystal bowl sound healing. Her yoga style is diverse including yin, chair, restorative, and slow powerful flows. Jeannette is a mom of 3 and started free mommy and me yoga classes for her local community. She is currently developing a free coaching program to help connect women to mindfulness and the self. Jeannette is a nature lover and enjoys outdoor adventures with her family.
Jennifer Leehy
Teacher
We are shining a light on one of Big Bear’s dedicated wellness practitioners, Jennifer Leehy. Jennifer is a 200 hour certified yoga teacher and a 300 hour meditation teacher whose work is rooted in presence, compassion, and the belief that healing is most powerful when shared in community.
Jennifer is currently continuing her studies as she works toward becoming an Ayurvedic Practitioner. Her long-term vision is to collaborate with the women of Big Bear to open a collective wellness center. Her dream is a space where practitioners work side by side, supporting one another and offering referral-based care across complementary healing modalities. This vision of community wellness and cooperation aligns beautifully with the heart of the Big Bear Yoga Festival.
Jennifer will also be supporting our Vendor Village at the festival this year!!!
While she is not currently teaching in studio due to school and work, she continues to offer meditation workshops and special events as time allows. You can follow her on social media for updates.
You can connect with Jennifer here…
Facebook: Jennifer Leehy
Instagram: @lovemylifealways
We are honored to feature her and celebrate the work she is bringing into the world. As the winter season invites us inward, Jennifer’s journey is a reminder of the steady light that grows when we learn, evolve, and serve together.
Jorgelina Chaij
Teacher
Hi there! I am Jorgelina, the founder of Mindful Space Yoga Studio in Upland, California. I was born and raised in Argentina but I have lived in the United States for the past 25 years with my husband and two lovely daughters. I have been practicing yoga for over twenty years. My yoga practice is my overall support system for my mind, body, and spirit. I like to call yoga my ‘biggest companion.” I prefer to practice and teach a variety of classes, I believe each style has its particular health benefits.
Joss Jaffe
Musician
Joss Jaffe is a vocalist, tabla player, multi-instrumentalist, composer and record producer. His critically acclaimed albums include Dub Mantra, Sun Mountain Sea, & Billboard Top-10 new age album Meditation Music. Joss’ music ranges from modern pop, reggae, and world to ambient, soothing and brainwave entraining music for spa, relaxation, yoga and meditation. He is a regular performer and workshop leader at premiere yoga conferences and transformational festivals including Lucidity, Beloved, Wanderlust & Korea Yoga Conference.
Kamini Natarajan
Teacher & Musician
Kamini is a Kirtan and Indian Classical Singer based in LA area. She blends Mantras and Chants with Indian Ragas to create Kirtans that are traditional and extremely meditative. Her Kirtans are composed in specific Ragas that leave the participants feeling serene. She is also the author of Kirtan eBook Indian Ragas for Kirtans. Kamini’s Kirtans bring out her deep spiritual background. They are extremely mystical and magnificently divine. People are left mesmerized by her angelic voice, her intricate improvisations, her odd meter rhythms and most importantly her radiant warm smile. For more information and to stay in touch, visit her website KaminiMusic.com or facebook page KaminisMusic.
Karen Elaine
Teacher
Regular teacher on the mountain and at the BBYF, Karen Elaine brings partner yoga to everybody with a body??♀️
Katie Felt
Teacher
I am a married mother of 5 children who recently left a demanding job as a hairdresser to pursue my calling as a yoga instructor. I completed my 200 hr Teacher Training at WYC in Riverside in 2019. Since then, I have taught students one on one, in a gym setting, and have even volunteered at Hunt Elementary School in San Bernardino, Ca. teaching yoga and yogic theory to 2nd and 3rd grade students. Yoga has been a transformative asset in my life. What began as a desire to teach pregnant women how to practice yoga as they ventured into motherhood, soon became a passionate desire to share yoga at all levels, in all aspects, to anyone who will listen. My personal yogic instructional style usually involves setting an intention that falls within the teachings of the eight limbs of yoga. From there, we breathe, Om, connect, flow, release, surrender, heal. Yoga is such a gift… one thatI hope to share more and more. -Namaste
La'Toya Berthil of Sista Nature Yoga and Sista Nature Teas
Teacher
La’Toya Berthil is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and the founder of Sista Nature Yoga and Sista Nature Teas. A devoted yoga practitioner for over 11 years, she completed her foundational training at The Western Yoga College and has continued deepening her studies to expand her impact as a teacher and community healer.
La’Toya is passionate about increasing access to yoga and holistic wellness in marginalized communities, offering meaningful representation in spaces where Black and Brown practitioners have historically been underrepresented. Her classes are rooted in intention, accessibility, and energetic awareness, with a special love for Yin yoga and practices that cultivate sensitivity to the subtle energies within and around us.
Beyond the mat, La’Toya is a master herbalist, tea alchemist, and county gardener for San Bernardino. She received her herbalist certification from The Center of Excellence in 2015 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness. Through yoga, herbal education, and community outreach, she creates experiences that invite students to slow down, reconnect, and sip deeply from the well of natural healing.
When you step into her class, you are invited to breathe, soften, and experience yoga the way it was intended — grounded, nourishing, and deeply restorative.
Connect with La’Toya:
Instagram: @sistanatureyoga | @soulrootswellness
Facebook: facebook.com/sistanaturet
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Leeza Villagomez of YOGADEN Health Spa
Teacher
Leeza Villagomez was drawn to yoga right out of high school. The next steps in life did not resonate with the expectations of society. After experiencing chakra meditation and the benefits she quickly realized there is another way to balance "this thing called life” she wanted to know more emotionally, mentally and physically. Leeza is no stranger to learning ancient lineages as her Portuguese mother comes from Maui, Hawaii. Leeza grew up on a small farm, showed horses, practiced Hawaiian, Tahitian, Polynesian and Mauri dancing 3 days a week and was part of a “Halau”. Most of her birthdays were Luaus with the Boteilho Kula(family). It was a natural step for her to begin practicing yoga. Over the course of many years Leeza has had the pleasure of studying many different styles of yoga, Ayurveda to Vedanta and she feels as if she just started the journey to self-realization. Having added ancient Shamanic practices she believes this is a tool everyone can benefit from. Join Leeza for an eclectic flow class for all levels.
She invites you to crack open your heart, weave in the 5 senses and 5 elements in this all levels yoga class. Breathing, moving, laughing, stretching, dancing, meditating and healing all included. Lokah, Samastah, Sukhino, Bhavantu… May all beings everywhere be happy and free.
Lily Flordeliza of Flint and Fern
Teacher
I am an yoga instructor, ayurveda coach, also UCCE master gardener, permaculture, regenerative organic landscaping, ucla ext certified in firescaping and defensible spaces.
Brand: Flint and Fern
Partner Devina Horvath
Email: lilynewcomb81@gmail.com
Lyz (Elizabeth Peregrina)
Honoring Lead Facilitator and Teacher, Founder of Unfolding the Lotus
Lyz, also known as Elizabeth Peregrina, is a Yoga and Ayurveda teacher, Reiki practitioner, and founder of Unfolding the Lotus. Her work is rooted in embodied movement, somatic awareness, energetic practices, and deep listening, honoring the inherent wholeness within each person.
Through yoga, meditation, and integrative practices, Lyz supports participants in reconnecting with inner harmony and personal transformation. She holds space for individuals navigating grief, loss, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery.
As a founding member of Big Bear yoga festival leadership Team and volunteer since the festival’s first year, Lyz serves as Volunteer Coordinator and lead teacher for the Big Bear yoga festival Teacher Training beginning in May. Join her in an unfolding journey in Yoga and Ayurveda. Reach out to her for Yoga Teacher Training information and to register:
Connect with Lyz:
• Website: unfoldingthelotus.com
• TikTok: @unfolding.the.lotus
• Instagram: @reiki_the_innerg
• Facebook: Elizabeth Peregrina
Her dedication, presence, and heart centered work inspire our community, and we celebrate the wisdom and light she brings to the Big Bear Yoga Festival. It is a joy to honor her contributions and share her journey with all of you.
Marianne Hamilton
Teacher
I discovered Delores Cannon after a friend introduced me to her first book, Five Lives Remembered. Delores developed QHHT organically. I found her story and her journey remarkable. I was so intrigued by this woman and her passion to ask questions and search out answers that I spent years reading her books and watching endless interviews and listening to her podcasts. When I first learned of Delores, she was still living and travelling the world teaching and practicing QHHT and she was writing many books on what she was learning from The Higher-Self during her sessions. I decided that I would one day travel to meet her in Arkansas, where she lived, and that I would train under her to become a QHHT practitioner. Sadly, Delores passed in 2014. I did however, travel to Ureka Springs Arkansas to receive training, from Delores' daughter, Julia, in May of 2018.
Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique practice is called Higher-self Guidance. It is a kind of alternative therapy that helps the client to move into a deep state of relaxation. The word "hypnosis" may seem to mystify this technique. I have also heard it called "Interactive Guided Meditation" by Practitioner Tiffany Parker. I appreciate this title given to the practice; I feel it explains the process in a way that sounds more approachable.
I love the experience of guiding people on this journey of self-discovery. Through this process, I am able to facilitate an individual's own connection to themselves. I am excited to be able to introduce this remarkable technique, this year at the Big Bear Yoga Festival.
Maya Lambert of Maya's Little Yogis
Teacher
Maya Lambert is the founder of Maya’s Little Yogis, dedicated to offering playful, mindful, and body‑aware yoga experiences for children and families. Passionate about helping young students develop emotional regulation, self‑awareness, and movement confidence, Maya brings joyous energy and deep care to her work.
If you are interested in learning more follow her social media @mayaslittleyogis ! This is the best way to stay updated on her events. You can also visit her website mayaslittleyogis.com. Also, feel free to email her at mayaslittleyogis@gmail.com for any otherquestions or inquiries about private yoga classes and events.
Melissa Warwick
Teacher
Melissa Warwick, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, is a Kundalini and Classical Yoga teacher, Reiki Master, and Sound Healer, and the founder of Golden Vibrations. Teaching since 2017, she blends the science of breathwork with mantra, meditation, and subtle energy practices to create deeply transformational experiences.
Her classes are both grounding and expansive—awakening inner strength, heart coherence, and authentic expression.
A longtime teacher and Marketing Chair for the Big Bear Yoga Festival, Melissa is devoted to cultivating a conscious community in the mountains she loves. She believes yoga is more than movement—it is a path of remembrance, empowerment, and connection.
Connect with Melissa:
Website:https://www.goldenvibrations.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golden_vibrations/
TikTok: @goldenvibrations
X.com: https://x.com/ReikibyMelissaM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaGoldenVibrations/
YouTube: @goldenvibrations444
Substack: https://substack.com/@goldenvibrations
Michael K Garrity
Teacher
Michael Garrity (born 1954) is a yoga meditation teacher, hypnotherapist, and spiritual coach in Redlands, CA. He graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 1978 with a B.A. in English Literature. In 1981 he was certified as a yoga instructor by the International Yoga Fellowship. He travelled to India in 1983 and spent the next two years in ashram life as Swami Turiyananda Saraswati. He and his family came to Redlands, CA in 1985 and he returned to post graduate studies in Transpersonal psychology, earning his master’s degree in 1987. He continued teaching yoga while he worked in the mental health field for the next 30 years. He currently teaches meditation, yoga nidra, and kirtan, leads sound healing sessions, and offers hypnosis and spiritual coaching sessions. He is the author of Inner Yoga: Self-Transformation Through Breath, Meditation, and Hypnosis, available on Amazon.
Michael Taber
Teacher
Michael is an Actor/Storyteller, Astrologer, Ashtanga Yogi, Tai Chi & Reiki Master, and Angel Tarot/Intuitive reader globally & currently in the Los Angeles and Orange County area. Trained in Ashtanga Yoga 500 RYT by Caroline Klebl, Tai Chi by Chungliang Al Huang (Living Tao Foundation & author of Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain The Essence of Tai Ji), Angie Sierra & Tie-Oma Goss, Michael has wonderful experience assisting 200 hour Certifications, as well as teaching groups and individuals locally and at Resorts in Montana, Sedona and South Dakota. Classes taught include: Ashtanga & Vinyasa Flow, Meditation, Astrology, Tai Chi, Reiki Certifications, Yin/Restorative Yoga and Sound Healing. In addition, as an actor, who graduated from San Diego State’s
Bachelor of Arts program in Theater and BADA’s Shakespeare program in Oxford, England, Michael has ten plus years’ experience working with kids in schools and private coaching. His training developed not only the many tools for acting and physical movement, but also for living and teaching a positive, passionate, and motivating life. Recently he has been teaching Arts Teach theater/script writing and Disney Musical’s in Schools with Segerstrom Center for the Arts and art, theater, and Tai Chi Dance fusion with AstroTaber’s Arts in Schools programs. He also is currently
working in the entertainment and theater community and volunteers through CoachArt; teaching children with chronic illnesses yoga and theater. Michael has a true passion for guiding others on their journey within and without. Through his lighthearted humor and calming energy, he has learned to be effective at communicating, organizing, and working with and inspiring both kids and adults to remember their inner child/story within. Feel free to contact Michael for an intuitive reading during the festival or to learn more about upcoming classes & retreats at AstroTaber.com.
Michelle Kearney Lopez
Teacher
Michelle is a yoga and mindfulness coach, an elementary school teacher, a holistic practitioner, and a published author of a children's book called Animal Magic a Yoga-Tale of Love and Unity. She blends her knowledge and love of yoga with social emotional learning in the classroom with her students. She calls it "The Heart Centered Classroom." The Heart Centered Classroom is a heart centered approach to learning that infuses the 8 limbs of yoga into everyday learning. She also teaches after school yoga at her school and in her local community of Redlands. In addition, she is a holistic coach and reiki healer. She utilizes astrology, oracle cards, crystals, reiki, sound tools, as well as Ayurvedic practices to facilitate healing in her clients. She will be teaching children's yoga at the festival this year and will have a vendor booth as well. Stop by and say "hello."
Michelle Soth
Teacher
Michelle is a first generation Filipina-American born and raised in Chicago, IL. She went on to continue her studies at Arizona State University where she earned her degree in Interior design and her journey with Yoga began. After college and several years as a Photo Stylist traveling all over the country for work, she decided to dive deeper into her Yoga practice and went on to become an E-200CYT, Meditation Guide and Reiki Teacher. It’s a sacred part of her life that she honors dearly.
Nancy Rascon
Teacher
Nancy has been practicing yoga for 25 years and teaching yoga since 2006. She incorporates her love for life and adventure into her teachings. As a nature enthusiast, she enjoys many outdoor activities such as hiking, scuba diving, snow skiing, and mountaineering. Other hobbies include world travel, meditation, and intuitive hands-on healing practices such as Reiki.
Nancy is a holistic health practitioner. She is a yoga instructor, a breath work facilitator, a psychic, and a healer.
Nilanjana Banerjee
Teacher & Performer
Nilanjana Banerjee established RDM Studio in 2015. People of different ages, ethnicities and cultural background unite under Nilanjana’s tutelage. They experience cultural immersion and learn authentic lineage based dance.
Nilanjana specializes in teaching adults. A physically fit and conditioned body is the key to learning dance. At RDM Studio we have dancers 5-60 learning with us. Nilanjana bonds with all her students and motivates them to acheive their highest potential.
Over a period of time Nilanjana realized the power of her dance, how she was not only teaching them an ancient art but also healing them with her energy and giving them the power and confidence of a Devi. Scores of women have benefited from her teaching and mentorship. Nilanjana is an excellent teacher blessed with peace and patience in her soul. Within a short span of time her students imbibe her deep rooted love and devotion to practicing Odissi.
At RDM Studio each student undertakes their dance journey at their own pace. Individualized attention to all students makes dance a personal self-fulfilling experience. Different programs are offered keeping in mind the interest and ability of the students.
Paulette Vasconcellos
Teacher
I am a lover of yoga and all things yoga. I am a seasoned yogi whose journey is deeply intertwined with the transformative power of yoga. I LOVE bringing my love of yoga to all! I am also a Reiki Master so like to infuse my classes with reiki, aromatherapy and end in sound. I teach to all levels and really just want to bring peace to everyone and teach everyone how to breathe easier and slow down. My passion for yoga transcends mere exercise, it is a way of life- an embodiment of mindfulness, self-discovery, and holistic wellness. I hope to inspire others to embark on their own transformative path.
Rachel S. Heslin
Author
Rachel S. Heslin has been fascinated by social psychology for over 40 years, exploring how identity influences both our experience and opportunities. She has facilitated training for the Southern California Society for Ericksonian Psychotherapy and Hypnosis (SCSEPH), helped co-host the WBECS (World Business and Executive Coach Summit) pre-summit sessions, and was a WBECS Implementation Mastery Facilitator.
Rachel is currently the author of two books: Navigating Life: 8 Different Strategies to Guide Your Way, and Rituals of Release: How to Make Room for Your New Life.
Her TEDx talk, “A Defense of Victim Mentality,” transforms condemnation to compassion in only 6 minutes, and her work through her company, The Fullness of Your Power, helps people become who the world needs them to be.
Rachel S. Heslin The Fullness of Your Power
rachel@thefullnessofyourpower.com
Website: The Fullness of Your Power
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsheslin/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/rachel.s.heslin
Reina Prado
Teacher
Reina Prado (ellx/they) founded Healing Queen, a wellness practice based in Los Angeles (Tongva territory). Prado is a Spiritual Guide, Love-Conscious Coach, certified practitioner in various holistic energy modalities, Hatha Yoga, author, mystic, and creator of the training Shamanic Elements in Reiki. They invite clients to connect and listen to their hearts' whispers while alchemizing the heart wounds with compassion. They’re also artists who read the stars and tarot, alchemize with the elements, write their visions and dreams, and follow the hummingbirds. They teach workshops based on Indigenous cosmologies and the Grandmothers' teachings. Follow them on Instagram @healinqueen_. Check out their guided experiences and podcast Activating Divine Love on Soundcloud. To access it go to linktr.ee/healingqueen and click on the cloud icon. Their website has more detailed information about the range of services and trainings they offer www.healingqueen.org.
Robbie B. of Carin Yoga
Teacher
Robbie B. is the founder of Carin Yoga and is an E-RYT 500hr yoga teacher that offers classes for both children and adults, including Hatha, restorative, yin, and sound bath. She loves creating spaces where people can slow down, breathe, and reconnect.
Through seva work, she brings yoga to school teachers and children through public library programs. She also has the joy of teaching yoga internationally in Switzerland and Brazil.
Robbie first connected with BBYF a few years ago while volunteering and instantly fell in love with the community and vibe.
Website: https://www.carinyoga.com
IG: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.comCarin Yoga
Facebook: Facebookhttps://www.facebook.comCarin Yoga
Pinterest: Pinteresthttps://in.pinterest.comCarin Yoga
TikTok: TikTok · Carinyogawellness
Dr. Robin Bradley
Teacher
Robin Bradley of Loving Life Legacy
Mentoring, Meditations & Retreats
Contact at LoveDrRobinBradley@gmail.com
Dr. Robin Bradley has dedicated her life journey to intimately exploring the greatest human potential for Unconditional Love & Treasuring of Life. As a Psychologist, Intuitive Actualization Mentor, and Only Love Channel, she has been a collaborative guide to higher possibilities in thousands of hours of therapeutic coaching sessions. She has specialized in maximizing innate, natural healing & enlightening methods of transforming traumas & life challenges into incredible life wisdom gifts. Through meditations and intuitive energy medicine, historically conditioned limitations are exchanged for the excellence that emerges from within. Within great honoring love & gratitude for all intelligence systems, we “fine tune” our capacity to uniquely live our greatest life.
Class Details:
ONLY LOVE IAM - YOGA LOVE IAM - TREASURING YOUR LIFE!
Experience & learn a 5-phase meditation & energy medicine activation that incorporates ancient & modern methods of increasing your Love Intelligence (LQ) for total well-being. Engage freedom and clarity as you release limitations and expand your full-bodied design for incredible life. In this Integrative Actualization Meditation, you intentionally immerse in unconditional love for every aspect of your being. In honoring your unique worth and amazing design, you enliven your valor & passion for living your greatest love story.
Samuel Odiakosa
Teacher
Samuel is a returning yoga teacher to Big Bear Yoga Festival 2023. He is a long time supporter, volunteer and friend. Passion and fun lead Samuel. Join him in amazing Big Bear for an amazing yoga class!
Sandy Steers
Teacher
Sandy Steers has been executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, an environmental educational nonprofit since it was started by local residents in 2001 The group advocates for the amazing special habitats and species that we have the privilege of hosting in Big Bear Valley. Sandy is also an internationally known energy healer, teacher and guide with over 25 years of experience in Shamanic Healing (Inca tradition), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Channeling/Energy Reading, Intuitive Energy Transformation and Past Life Healing
Tara Swoboda
Teacher
Hi there, yogis! I'm a yogi mama from California. I tried yoga for the first time while in college as a way to create some weekly quiet time for my mind. I couldn't touch my toes in a forward fold at my first class, but I fell in love and have been practicing ever since.
That was back in 2003, and since then I've tried various types of yoga, attended yoga retreats, immersed myself in yoga workshops, completed a vegan nutritionist diploma, and finally earned my RYT200 with Big Bear Yoga nearly 20 years after my first yoga class. I'm now working on my RYT500 with Cloud Nine Yoga and love teaching beginners. My yoga classes focus on embracing personal strengths, establishing calm, and appreciating where and who we are in the moment. I hope to bring new yogis the same feelings of Sukha and Sthira that I discovered, bringing them the confidence of everlasting inner strength, comfort and joy.
I offer personalized in-person yoga sessions and yoga hikes in Big Bear as well as gentle weekly online stretching sessions. For our kiddo yogis, I offer online kids yoga camps to build strong foundations and explore yoga in a fun, safe way. Join me in person or online to start or enhance your practice at yogaprayer365.com.
My yoga sessions at the 2023 Big Bear Yoga Festival focus on Sun Salutations -- I hope to see you there, yogis!
Namaste and Blessings,
Tara
Vanessa Poster
Teacher
Vanessa Poster was born and raised in Los Angeles. She received her BA and MA from Stanford University and worked with charitable organizations for more than 35 years, in fundraising and strategic planning.
Vanessa started writing in 1997 to help her cope with the depression brought on by infertility. She came back to writing after her divorce and again after the death of her second husband, Morgan Kramer. After Morgan’s death in 2015, she wrote and healed. Most of the poems in this volume had their inception during that first year. She gained much while writing through her grief process, inspiring her to develop a writing class for people dealing with grief and loss.
Vanessa is a member of the Los Angeles Poets and Writer’s Collective and The Poetry Salon. She has studied Method Writing with Jack Grapes for more than 25 years and has taught creative writing since 2017. In 2020, she expanded her teaching practice into an online writing salon reaching students from all over the world.
She married John Rubiner in 2020 with an international online audience of 250 screens, giving everyone a much-needed boost during some of the darkest days of the pandemic. With their common loss of a spouse to cancer, they share a determination to live fully, as we never know how many moments we will get.
Vanessa’s poems have appeared in Snapdragon: A Journal of Art & Healing, The Thieving Magpie, Fourth & Sycamore, ONTHEBUS, I’ll have Wednesday and Went to Ralphs to Get A Chicken. Her work is also included in a number of anthologies: Grief Dialogues The Book: Stories on Love and Loss; The Best of the Poetry Salon; and Stories from the Muses: How to Become a Better Writer. Her poem, Butterfly Bowls was recognized as a semi-finalist for the Jack Grapes Poetry Prize at Cultural Daily. This is her first collection of poetry.
She lives in Redondo Beach with her husband, John; his (now their) dog, Woody; and her 95-year-old father, David.
