Meet Our Instructors

Budah, Owner
Ashtanga, Bikram , Vinyasa, Power & Yin Instructor
In 2004, a friend introduced me to a yoga practiced in a hot room. The intensity and discipline of this Bikram class blew me away and I was hooked. My dedication to the practice led me to complete my Bikram Teacher certification in 2008 in Acapulco, MX with Bikram Choudhry – founder of Bikram Yoga College of India. As I continued my yoga journey in practice & teaching, I also explored other styles such as Ashtanga, Power, Vinyasa & Yin. And, after completing a Vinyasa Flow training in Costa Rica with Vidya Jacqueline Heisel of Frog Lotus Yoga in 2011, I decided to pursue the opening of my very own studio, Xplore Yoga. In 2013, I received my 500 Hour Teacher Training certification through the Absolute Yoga Academy in Thailand. It is my hope that practitioners will benefit, both mentally & physically, from the yoga practice as I have. Expect my classes to be tough, challenging & sweaty.

Amanda Ha
Vinyasa Flow Instructor
Amanda’s path to yoga was admittedly not always your typical love story. It began in 2006 upon returning to the bay area from San Diego after college by discovering it at the local gym. What started as a long flirtation with yoga as a fitness form, slowly transformed into a profound appreciation for the art of asana, having then fallen under its spell after noticing its unique ability to help center herself and melt stressors away. Although work, life, and insecurities that she did not seem like the ‘typical’ yogi sometimes put her yoga practice on hold, she eventually felt compelled to pursue a deeper understanding and start teacher training. Amanda completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training certification in 2012 through Frog Lotus Yoga International, guided by the remarkable wisdom and kind spirit of Edna Barr. It was in teacher training that Amanda truly fell in love. Teacher training introduced Patanjali’s eight limbed path of yoga, which finally provided words and definitions to philosophies that had always resonated true—practicing first and foremost the virtues of the yamas, niyamas, and asana have become a way of life ever since. By learning over the years to love and accept herself, yoga has provided the vehicle to Amanda’s ongoing journey of humility, health, happiness, and healing. In her classes, you will find a lighthearted, energetic space to reflect and focus inward, perhaps a sprinkle of Amanda’s fondness for country music, and an invitation to challenge your asana practice in the hopes of helping you realize your own personal journey through yoga.

Anirudh Shastri
Ashtanga Instructor
Anirudh Shastri grew up in a traditional yogic background in India. He went through five year rigorous yogic training under the guidance of his teacher Shri Vishnu Prasadji. He has been teaching for the last 30 years and loved by his many students. He has successfully trained many teachers in the bay area.He lives in Fremont and looks forward to sharing his knowledge with you, his hometown folks.

Annette Iglecia
Dayton Method Instructor
After competing in collegiate gymnastics and earning a Master of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science from Wake Forest University I knew I wanted to start a career in the health and wellness industry. I have been very fortunate to hold many different positions throughout my career as a cardiac rehab specialist, cardiopulmonary stress testing technician, functional fitness personal trainer, and most recently in the medical device industry as a clinical specialist helping to further cutting edge technology. I found Bikram Yoga one year ago when a dear friend of mine encouraged me to try it out after I began suffering from chronic lower back pain. I came for the physical work out in hopes that it would help my back… little did I know how powerful this journey would become. It has changed my life! Yoga means the union of mind body and soul. The greatest lesson for me and one I hope to share with many others is the gift of breathing – it is your 1st aid kit. Just breathe, quiet the mind and stay in your own body. Trust the process and all will come into balance. Words from my teacher, Jason Wilkerson, that have inspired me and continue to each and every day. I received my 200 hour hot yoga teaching certification from Huntington Beach Hot Yoga August 2013 and am excited to participate and share in the yoga experience.

Candace Conley
Power & Vinyasa Instructor
I started my journey into yoga about 6 years ago and right away began to notice the connection I felt to my true self. Always a more quiet and shy person, Yoga has taught me how to be comfortable and confident in my own skin. In my life I find great value in connecting with the present moment. In class I invite you to focus on your breath as we move through the postures; I find it’s the best way to stay present in the mind and body. We will create heat, we will challenge ourselves physically and mentally, and we will enjoy the healing benefits of our practice. Expect the room to be 85 to 90 degrees, filled with music and lots of heart. I welcome you to your mat; to yourself.

Carey Richardson
Power Instructor
Carey got hooked on yoga after attending yoga classes to heal an injured knee. Practicing since the late 90’s, she deepened her experience by training at Los Gatos Yogasource to become a certified power/vinyasa instructor under the direction of Linda McGrath. Carey’s inspiration comes from her love of being with people, enjoyment of physical movement, and a desire to be in peak physical condition. She brings a lighthearted yet strong & challenging approach to a power vinyasa flow series. Her classes focus on breath, core work, lengthening and strengthening. Carey has attended workshops and teacher trainings with Baron Baptiste, Chuck Miller, Maty Ezraty, Kathyrn Budig, and currently mentors under Rebecca Bara at Yogasource. Carey teaches private and group classes.

Daryl Cotton
Power Instructor
I studied under the tutelage of Linda McGrath at YogaSource Los Gatos in Fall 2012. I was a gym rat for several years and then took up running. I was introduced to yoga in late 2010 through the P90X training program and found myself looking forward to the yoga workout each week. When asked to try yoga at a yoga studio, I was initially resistant because I had a lot of misconceptions: yoga was mainly for females, I wouldn’t get a good workout because it was only stretching, and I didn’t want to chant in class. Once I tried it, it quickly became my workout of choice and I became a member of that yoga studio. Nagging injuries sustained from weight training and running have been healed by my yoga practice. The body awareness and focus I’ve gained through my yoga practice is something I hope to bring to others as a yoga instructor.

Ez Yap
Vinyasa & Power Instructor
After having two kids, Ez found herself in a funk. Feeling guilty for needing time for herself, but acknowledging that time on the mat is essential to being a better wife and mother, Ez embraced her practice. At first, her husband and kids were jealous—of yoga—but they soon came to realize it brought harmony and peace to their home. These days, they push Ez out the door in the direction of the studio. No longer plagued by chronic migraines or sciatica, Ez is pain-free, out of her funk, and fully engaged in a passionate love affair with yoga. Her family and friends are supportive, and often join her. Ez received her training and certification from Xplore Yoga under the mentorship of Henry Abuda. She invites you to join her, too. Come find love at first breath, and every breath thereafter.

Gabriela Trujillo
Ashtanga Vinyasa & Vinyasa Flow Instructor
Gabriela has been practicing yoga for at least six times per week for almost four years. After having made a decision to retire from the stressful world of finance and tired of climbing the endless American Corporate ladder, she found relief and a sense of balance return to her life when she begun taking Bikram yoga Classes. After the first class she never stopped practicing.

In a quest of self discovery, physical, as well as emotional healing, yoga and nutrition became key ingredients to her success in finding a new sense of being alive and living the human experience to its maximum. During her years of practicing and extensive learning she discovered that body, mind and spirit are interconnected and one cannot thrive without the other. During a 30 day yoga challenge, she could not attend to her regular studio, so she decided to visit a new yoga studio to make sure she would not miss a day of yoga and that is how she learned of Ashtanga Vinayasa yoga and she fell in love!. Her practice rose to new levels and the benefits of mind, body and spirit drastically improved.

As faith would have it, she transitioned to teaching, to share the love of the practice. She received her 200-hour yoga certification at It’s Yoga in San Francisco California. She is currently studying psychology and physiology at California State University in Hayward. She is very passionate in learning how human emotions affect the physical body. She plans to deepen her training as well as her personal yoga practice. Her main goal is to show her fellow humans that a regular yoga practice can profoundly transform lives and eventually make the world a better place.

Jennifer Donnelly
Power & Vinyasa Instructor
Jennifer’s desire to find her true calling in life led her to various corners of the world at a very young age. Her hunger for spiritual understanding only grew as she learned about ancient Indian scriptures and studied under various Masters who bestowed her with their vast knowledge. She realized that in order to enhance her perception of her surroundings, it wasn’t enough to just read Vedic texts or listen to discourses but to condition her body and calm her mind to fully accept the Yogic way of life. She began practicing yoga with determination and dedication in India and has since made it an integral part of her life. Yoga has given her the ability to live in a calm and holistic manner. For this, she is forever grateful to Paramahamsa Nithyananda for showing her the path to ultimate bliss.

Justin Toland
Crossflow, Vinyasa & Power Instructor
Since he was a boy, Justin has acknowledged an affinity towards healing and an understanding of what pain really is. Born in San Jose, Ca and raised in Union City, Ca, he has always been a Bay Area resident. The journey of yoga began in 2012 with a taste of Bikram. It was a mental and physical challenge which left him in a state of being afterwards that fueled a passion for his current ventures. After diving into Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Hatha, and various offerings of different yoga styles and classes, the fire had been lit. This excitement towards Yoga fueled this student to become a teacher.

Justin is certified under the Frog Lotus Yoga 200 hour program and has been teaching since February 2014. His classes offer a range of yogic philosophy, body alignment, breathing, and nurturing motivation. The goal is to be gentle but firm so all yogis may evolve in their personal practice. The belief is in building the quintessential, prime, or ideal yogi. Strategy, strength, focus, and determination are what drive his classes. His background in weight loss, fitness, and Crossfit are what build the class structure, but it’s always yoga at the foundation. His knowledge of the body has come from eight years of massage therapy as an occupation and he uses this as a tool to modify his classes to accommodate fluctuating diversities. For his personal life, Yoga has been the medicine of balance that keeps Justin primed for life’s ups, downs, and endeavors.

Karen Izzo
Ashtanga & Vinyasa Instructor
Karen believes yoga is for everyone. She teaches yoga from the heart with warmth and humor by inviting students to enjoy a mindful, structurally sound practice with awareness of breath in order to experience yoga as a form of celebration and an opportunity to discover greater joy and freedom within one’s Self.

Karen’s light hearted and compassionate approach to yoga helps to create a supportive and encouraging environment where students may explore their full potential, both on and off the mat. “I have learned that our yoga practice wants to feel really good, and this practice encourages me to balance the sacred with the playful. It permeates my life and touches every aspect of me in a powerfully positive way.”

Karen has studied yoga for over thirteen years and received her 200 hour Teacher Training Certification through San Francisco’s Greenpath Yoga Studio in 2004. Her teacher, Clayton Horton, trained in India directly under Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the living Ashtanga Yoga Master. She is continually studying with new and varied teachers. Karen began her teaching practice in 2004 and enjoyed owning and operating Livermore’s Cosmic Dog Yoga Studio until its closing on July 1st, 2013.

Karen’s classes offer a style of yoga to build physical strength, stamina and flexibility while bringing an awareness of respect, acceptance and love to the many layers of the Self. She encourages healthy alignment to aid in healing and the focus that comes with the fun challenges of the yoga asanas. She has a gentle and encouraging way of coaxing deep awareness and strength out of her students. Her class music is an eclectic mix with mantras and world beats gently playing in the background. Karen is grateful for and receptive to yoga! Her practice is a joyful reflection of the play and radiant beauty to be savored in Life.

Kristen Gage
Pilates, Power & Vinyasa Instructor
Kristen Gage has been practicing Yoga since 2004. She started her journey with Asthanga from a studio based out of San Francisco while going to college. Since then Kristen’s practice has evolved, she now enjoys teaching and taking Power and Vinyasa classes along with many other styles. Kristen is 200 hour certified from YogaSource Los Gatos. She trained under Linda McGrath and Erin Matteucci owner and senior instructor at YogaSource Los Gatos. Besides practicing Yoga, Kristen enjoys Crossfit, running, cooking and being with friends.

Kristin Bibat
Power & Vinyasa Instructor
I fell in love with yoga in 2007, after taking my first Bikram class. I was really fortunate to find yoga. It came into my life at a time when I needed to get back in touch with myself –- with what I wanted out of life & with what makes me happy. I also turned to my practice to get away from the stresses of work and find inner peace. After practicing Bikram for 3 years at studios in Pacifica & Palo Alto, I ventured outside of my yoga box and discovered Power, Vinyasa, Yin & Restorative. I am grateful & humbled by my practice and how it has evolved, and look forward to where it will take me next.

In August 2009, I took the next step and pursued my teacher certification at Yoga Source, Los Gatos under the guidance of Linda McGrath. I have also studied with Rebecca Bara & Daniella Cotreau, two amazing teachers who have so much passion for what they do. In my classes, sequences are gracefully dynamic, and I focus on the balance between effort & ease. The foundation of our movement is strongly based on tuning into the rhythm of our unique breath in the present moment.

Off my mat, I am studying to become a certified Ayurvedic practitioner, eager to share my new passion with my community. Family is very near & dear to my heart, so I spend most free days with my husband, sisters, parents or extended family. We are big on laughter and having a good time together! It’s the simple things in life that make me happy.

Visit me online at http://kristinbibat.wordpress.com/.

Mandy Ansari
Power & Vinyasa Instructor
First introduced to yoga in 2003 as an alternative therapy for back pain, and noticed immediate improvement in her physical body. Mandy fell in love with the practice and has been practicing ever since. She recently finished her 200 hour certification under the guidance of Louis Jackson at Avalon Art & Yoga in Palo Alto. Off the mat she enjoys baking, painting, and spending time with her husband and two kids. She hopes that through yoga, her students will experience a sense of ease, not only on the mat but off the mat as well. Come and practice with her on building strength, balance, and breath awareness and discover freedom in your practice with an open and humble mind and heart.

Monica Lopez
Power & Vinyasa Instructor
I have always been very dedicated to health and fitness. I love to experiment with nutrition and exercise, trying to find out what works best. In 2003 I took my first yoga class and from that one class everything seemed to shift. Practicing yoga helped me to become more fully present in the now. I wanted to share that same feeling and experience; so I decided to become a yoga teacher. In 2007, I received my 200 Hrs. yoga teacher certification with Avalon Art and Yoga in Palo Alto Ca. through Yoga Alliance. I am always seeking ways to expand my knowledge about yoga so I can share this gift. I’m also a certified PiYo (Pilates/Yoga) instructor through Xplore Yoga with Henry Abuda. In my class, you will be challenge to be soft, flexible and surrender to your breath, leaving you with a feeling of having built strength and power with your body and mind.

Natalie Do
Power Instructor
Natalie aims to help her students find mindfulness in her classes, while still providing a physically challenging practice. When taking Natalie’s class, you can expect a strong focus on the breath, awareness of the body, and how to tap into every pose to help you tap into your mind and the present moment. She hopes to create a space that is joyful, and helps students rediscover their love for yoga every time they step onto the mat.

Natalie completed YogaSource’s 200 hour, Yoga Alliance Certified training with Linda McGrath in the Fall of 2011. She has also taken numerous workshops with Bryan Kest, Seane Corn, Rusty Wells, Stephanie Snyder, and Mark Stephens. When Natalie is not doing yoga, you can find her reading, traveling the world, telling dirty jokes, or enjoying a great glass of wine.

Nicole Javier
Vinyasa & Power Instructor
I began my journey in physical yoga during college, and have let it become a part of life until today. While primarily practicing at XploreYoga, I became even more passionate about yoga, and received my 200 HR Teacher Training for Hatha and Vinyasa with School Yoga Institute in Bali, Indonesia in November 2013. With this reawakening of how yoga empowers me to feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually better, I want to help others with their own journey of self awareness. My classes are designed to guide every yogi to achieve any version of a posture through simple direction, breath work, music, and lightness of heart.

When I am not on my mat, I am working as a Bay Area actor and Teaching Artist with surrounding theater companies. I believe one needs spontaneity and discipline to live the fullest life, so you can expect class to awaken the body to achieve relaxation in our gathered energy.

Nitya Chuang
Yin Instructor

Nitya is a passionate and dedicated yoga instructor. Her certifications include 1,500 hours from Ananda Ashram, India in 2005-2006, and 200 hours from Avalon Yoga, Palo Alto, in 2011. Nitya continues to study under the guidance of yoga therapy master, Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. Since relocating to the US, she has been an advanced practitioner under the guidance of her California teachers, Anirudh Shastri and Louis Jackson.

Nitya has been practicing yoga since 1997 and first started to teach yoga in Taiwan in 2002. Spending 7 months in India transformed her life and practice. Through study of the three classical yoga texts, Yoga Sutra, Geranda Samhita and Shiva Samhita, she was exposed to the physical, psychological and physiological effects that yoga can achieve by focusing the mind.

When she is not teaching or practicing yoga, you will find her hiking, gardening, working on her Chinese painting. She likes to study Chinese medicine and is now a lifetime volunteer teacher at Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation. Her goal is to motivate people to practice yoga and to improve one’s health and general well being. Her style is unique, as many of the techniques she uses are not commonly taught in the U.S. Her classes provide holistic solutions to modern stress complaints, imbalance issues and physical pains.

Rachael Simbra
Power & Vinyasa Instructor
Seven years ago, Rachael discovered that yoga is her true passion through an old yoga VHS tape practiced in her living room. She hasn’t stopped living out that passion ever since. A former ballerina and athlete, she finds that yoga brings balance to her body for it is all things she craves: strength, power and fluidity intertwined with controlled grace. After rupturing her Achilles tendon in 2011, and enduring a reconstructive surgery that took 10 months to heal, Rachael returned to her mat once again to find the strength and tonality that she had lost through her time of injury. Instead, she found so much more: patience, humility and a love for self that had remained dormant until that time.

Since then, yoga to Rachael has been more than a way to get fit, but a way of understanding the truth and beauty about herself and human nature. Under the guidance of the brilliant Edna Barr, Rachael completed her 200-hour training in February 2014 with Frog Lotus Yoga as part of the Xplore Yoga’s inaugural teacher training course. Rachael is excited to bring joy and energy through movement, freedom through breath and contentment to her students by helping them meet their true selves on the mat.

Shauna Harrison
Power & Vinyasa Instructor
Shauna is a sweat junkie, a challenge seeker, and an endorphin addict who finds balance on her mat. After playing sports throughout her childhood, she segued into the fitness and yoga world at the age of 18 and hasn’t stopped since. Shauna has taught a wide range of classes including step, hi/lo aerobics, Pi/Yo, indoor and outdoor boot camps, mat Pilates, Hip Hop Cycle™ (which she owns), core, yoga and aerial yoga. She has also taught in a wide range of areas including the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Baltimore and even in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Shauna was originally introduced to yoga as a way of combating stress and anxiety as an undergraduate student and she continued to utilize her time on the mat as a way of keeping her sane throughout almost 8 years of graduate school. Two masters and a PhD later, yoga had secured a permanent place in her life right along with fitness and sports and Shauna finally had time to dedicate to a teacher-training program. In March 2011, Shauna completed her 200-hour training at the renowned White Lotus Foundation, studying under the amazing Ganga White and Tracey Rich. A few months later she also completed the Level 1 Unnata Aerial Yoga Training with Pik Chu Wong. As a perpetual student and teacher, Shauna is always looking for new things to try and new ways to challenge herself and others. She is a “practice what you preach” and “preach what you practice” type of person, so she can often be found taking classes in TRX, SPX, Pilates reformer, and Vinyasa, power and aerial yoga and doing a lot of athletic and interval-based training on her own. Shauna uses her varied background to fuse styles, philosophies and principles into strong, athletic, and fluid classes set to bold (usually hip hop and R&B) beats.