Our Instructors
AMBER TANDE
Instructor/Owner
Amber has 15 years of experience and practice with yoga. The very first practice opened the door to many avenues of study of holistic healing practice and methodology. Her teaching style is intuitively inspired by students needs, ranging from a strong vinyasa flow to slow, therapeutic structural work. She teaches with a playful spirit encouraging students to find balance between challenge and a joyful exploration of practice. Her hope is to support students and teachers along this magical path of self-discovery, ecstatic awakening, and deep connection to sat guru, the true teacher within, through the beautiful teachings of yoga, with the hope of each student finding a more heightened awareness of their most true, divine nature. She is honored to be a teaching in a time where students are so selflessly willing to challenge themselves in practice and is eternally grateful for the eclectic mix of teachers in her life and their infinite inspiration.
Her highest hope as a teacher and student is to begin the healing of the collective unconscious to one that is compassionate, whole, and bright.
She is a certified Reiki Master, has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Holistic Health Psychology from Bastyr University and a Master's Degree in Integrative Studies in Psychology with a focus on Holistic Health and Wellness Planning from Antioch University and continues collaborating with others involved in the healing arts to bring students a comprehensive understanding of their own healing potential.
COLIN PATTERSON
Instructor/Owner
Colin received the calling to practice yoga in 1996 while living in Portland. He was searching for an activity that used the body but also created more energetic grounding and spiritual enrichment. With 25 years experience, his first teacher, Diane Wilson was Colin's first inspiration. After many years of practice, he began teaching classes at Crystal Mountain, before a full day of skiing. He slowly began adding community classes and was soon teaching at a local Kauai studio after studying with a former student of Guru G's.
In the fall of 2005 Colin took the Samadhi's teacher training. He was drawn to Samadhi because of its dedication to all the aspects of yoga and because Kathleen was one of the most amazing teacher's he had ever met. This year he's had the pleasure of studying with Shiva Rea, Katerina Wen, and Andrea Lappa. These new influences have greatly enhanced my knowledge and teaching of yoga. He is very open about the flow of his classes depending on the people in the room and the energy of the day. He generally likes to incorporate pranayama, meditation and sometimes mantra into the flow of the class. He really likes a flowing type class that challenges the students while keeping them in touch with the subtleties of the poses.
ANGELA GAYLE
Angela Gayle is a true NW native that gets her inspiration from the Mountains and the Sea. Her favorite place to be in Yoga and to meditate is on the high peeks of Mountaintops, next to Rivers and the open beaches of our beautiful Oceans. Whether you are in a Yoga Studio or practicing with her in the Studio of Nature, you will be led through Meditation, Pranayama and unique flowing classes to open the gates of personal development in the way you are looking for with encouragement and strength.
Angela Gayle has been practicing Yoga since 1997 and teaching in Studios around Seattle, Corporate offices and Privates since 2005. She has been guiding tours around the Northwest and offering Yoga in nature since 2005.
Angela Gayle has studied with a variety of teachers in both Yoga Asana and Yogic and Buddhist Philosophy in Studios and Temples in England, New York and Seattle since 2003. "I teach to learn, to experience and feel the true nature of peace inside my heart for no other reason than I just love sharing what I find with others."
ANNIE PRICE
Annie came to yoga as a way to stay grounded while studying abroad with the University of Washington. She got serious about the practice in open air classes in the parking lot of her teacher's house in Mexico.
She loved learning Spanish through movement and the welcoming, non-competitive atmosphere of yoga class kept her sane while living in a foreign language. She led her first "classes" for her friends on rooftops in Spain, hoping to share the experience. Returning to Seattle in 2005, she found Rain City and Amber who encouraged her to study and teach. She got her first training from Richard Schachtel who, in the Iyengar style, introduced her to the art of alignment, and has since studied with Shiva Rea where she learned to blend and spice the structure of her Iyengar background with the creativity of Vinyasa Flow. Check out Annie's website at yogawithannie.wordpress.com.
JENNA CROUCH
Originally from Seattle, Jenna lived in New York City for six years, where she discovered Jivamukti Yoga, a method founded on the belief that the path to enlightenment is through compassion for all beings. Immediately mesmerized by and awakened to the possibility of Yoga, Jenna was blessed with the opportunity to attend a month-long intensive teacher training with the Jivamukti Yoga founders, Sharon Gannon and David Life. She also completed an additional 500-hour apprenticeship under the guidance of her mentor, Amy Armstrong. From her very first yoga class, Jenna has been privileged to be surrounded by holy teachers and enlightened teachings, and she enjoys sharing what she has learned as well as learning from her students. Jenna’s classes are fun, physically challenging, and emphasize breath awareness and high intention. A firm believer that flexibility starts in the mind, she encourages students to expand their notions about capabilities and limits in a supportive and loving environment.
Jenna would like to thank her courageous and inspiring teachers, Sharon Gannon, David Life, Manorama, and Amy Armstrong who inspire her to be of service, and have given her the tools to do so. She would also like to acknowledge and thank Amber and Colin for their compassion, vision and warm embrace.
JENNIFER ISSACSON
In 1996, I discovered yoga after a college hip hop dance class. I explored different styles and teachers, but Kim King-Zamoff's version of vinyasa truly satisfied my soul. I studied with Kim extensively and received my first teaching certificate from her in 2002. My understanding of Sanskrit, yogic philosophy, mantra, and anatomy was enriched at the Samadhi Yoga Center, under Kathleen Hunt's guidance. I received the RYT 200+hour certificate in 2006 from Samadhi and am now part of their teacher training faculty. Namaskars (salutations) to Kim, Kathleen, Shiva, their teacher's teachers, the world, and the lineage we all share.
JODI WELLMAN
Jodi began practicing yoga in 2002, and soon discovered how it allowed her to dance creatively with breath and movement, as well as engage in self-study with greater curiosity and compassion. Jodi's studies drew her to Southern India where she studied classical yoga and Vedanta philosophy at the Sivananda Ashram in Kerala. She has married this deep respect of yoga's traditional roots to her love of movement and flow through her study with Siva Rea, Anna Forrest, and Tias Little as well as the myriad of talented teachers in Seattle. Additionally, her study of yoga has informed and enhanced her work as a therapist, notably, bringing the wisdom of the body into the conversation.
KT SHORES
KT practices and teaches yoga with an eye toward compassion in spiritual and scientific exploration. As yogini, dancer, martial artist and mom, her classes are informed by a deep appreciation for movement, breath and their relationship to our awareness and fulfillment in the present moment.
LAURA GINOCCHIO
Laura Ginocchio will never forget her first yoga class. It was love at first sight. She began her exploration of yoga ten years ago in Santa Fe , New Mexico. Laura continued to practice and study in various cities around the world while receiving her college education. She graduated in 2005 with a degree in comparative religion and culture. She tried social work but realized she would be more useful to people in an environment that fostered well being through the language of the body. She received her teacher training in 2007 from the yoga alliance and has been teaching ever since. Laura hopes to inspire her students to feel comfortable within their bodies, expressive in spirit and ease withintheir minds. Laura is also certified as a yoga therapist. She supports students in their exploration of movement,ground, stillness and breath as a way of arriving into the present and celebrating life.
MATTHEW COE
Embracing a mind, body, and spirit centered practice throughout most of my adult life, I have a deep rooted respect for the difficult and rewarding path of self-improvement we can all walk. My pilgrimage has taken me through long distance running, Daoist meditation and chi-kung, and several styles of Taiji and kung fu, as both a student and teacher. During a period of evaluation and reflection I began my own yoga practice, was quickly swept up in its current, and eventually led to attend my teacher training at White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, Ca. I owe much gratitude and thanks to my influential teachers: Jon Nielson, Dr. Jian Lin, Master Weidong Zhao, Sara Deakin, Bonnie Jones, Jen Peters, Ganga White, Tracy Rich, and Sven Holcomb. My classes are a non-dogmatic amalgam of my biology education, martial arts foundation, yoga journey, and Jedi inspired philosphy. I strive to make each practice fun and and accessible yet challenging enough to open the door to self-exploration and uplifting success. A better you is a better world. Jai Ho!
MEGAN CARROLL
Megan has been studying yoga for the past 10 years, and teaching yoga since 2005. Her teaching style reflects a deep love and understanding of movement and the human body that has been developed through her extensive studies in yoga, dance, physiology and anatomy. Megan brings joy, humor, compassion and a sense of unconditional acceptance to all of her work. She feels incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to transmit the powerful and transformative teachings of yoga to others.
Megan holds a Bachelors degree in exercise science from Bastyr University and is a certified yoga therapist. She is currently pursing a Master’s Degree in Ayurvedic Medicine at Kerala Ayurvedic Academy.
MEGAN DRAKE
Experience a deeper connection with your own intuitive nature, your beautiful, natural singing voice, and your own, unique creative spark through chanting practice. Learn how to connect with the Guidance available every moment, inspiring and uplifting you while basking in the glow of communal chanting.Ground yourself and allow your heart to open as you connect to your Creative Spirit through Chant. Megan Drake, a professional clairvoyant and classical singer; her students to connect with their own visionary selves while opening up to their own natural singing voices through chanting practice, with a focus on the 5th chakra.
MICHAL LAHAV
I practice, teach, and live with a great enthusiasm for movement. In my classes you will flow dynamically, breath fully, and sweat, all grounded in a foundation of deep listening to your body and a powerful and intelligent breath. My practice of yoga stems from a curiosity about the body. I studied neuroscience and have been teaching movement since 2004. Amongst my many influences-- those I have stolen, borrowed or been heavily inspired by are teachers such as Katerina Wen, Ana Forrest ('07 teacher training), Rusty Wells ('09 teacher training), Edward Clark, and everyone who has ever demonstrated patience and exquisite kindness.
MISHA KELLNER-ROGERS
Misha approaches yoga from a heart centered place and truly believes that yoga is for everyone. Yoga is a mind-state, a choice and a practice that is guided by the wisdom of the body, the breath and the heart.She comes from a diverse background in movement and meditation, from the free flowing, move your body to create new shapes, to the very precise alignment principles offered through Yoga. Misha is a RYT through Yoga Alliance, having studied, worked and certified at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and is certified in Reiki and Journey Dance. In all of her classes, Misha hopes to keep people physically engaged while maintaining compassion and self listening - let's move from and engage the wisdom of the body and the advanceness of the heart. Misha is grateful for her many teachers, friends, injury, family, strangers and nature who inspire her.
ROB LUNDSGAARD
Rob Lundsgaard first started sharing his music with the yoga community about two years ago, after a yoga teacher heard one of his songs, bought a CD and began playing it for her class. Soon after, she asked him to lead a kirtan at her studio, and Rob's music was warmly received by his fellow yoga practitioners. He is grateful to have the opportunity to blend his passion for music with his love of yoga. He sings songs that are positive, sacred and joyful. Rob Lundsgaard...a dash of folk, a spoonful of rock, and a whole lot of love!
SERGE GUBELMAN
A multidisciplinary artist. Studied acting, mime with Etienne Decrous, acrobatic and percussion, in Paris. In 1970 he joined "La Mama" in London. In 1971 acted in "1789" by "Theatre du Soleil". In 1972/3 worked with Peter Brooks' CIRT and Philippe Petit. He was invited to NYC by Ellen Stewart in 1974. The music for his first show in NY was composed by Henry Krieger. In 74/75 he danced with Robert Wilson. He acted on stage opposite Divine in 1976. Made musical instruments for 2 Broadway shows directed by Tom O'Horgan in 77/78. In 1979 he choreographed and was the lead dancer for "Starmania" in Paris. The same year saw a trip to the Pygmies in Cameroon. From 1983 to 85 he toured all sizes and venues in Europe. 1986 marks the birth of son Sean Daye. In 1990 he composed the music for the Yale Rep. production of "Troylus & Cressida". Also performed music for Min Tanaka. He was part of the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit in Seattle's children's hospital & in NYC. Photography work for Michael Apted and EMP. He has enjoyed associations with Tom O'Horgan and Maryse Alberti spanning 3 decades and has been conineously practicing Contact Improvisation since 1975. His latest appearance in film or video is Corrie Befort's "Slip Cadence".
Serge is about to release the music that supports his project "Ark of Sound" under the name "Manna Presence".
TAMI HAFZALLA
Tami has studied extensively with master teachers and scholars in the US, Australia, India, Thailand, and the Middle East. She teaches classical Vinyasa sequences rooted in the Krishnamacharya lineage. Her style is dynamic yet she teaches with tenderness and compassion. Her verbal instructions are concise and her hands on adjustments are both skillful and nurturing. She aims to empower her students, challenging them to safely find their edge and expand themselves physically and spiritually. Tami feels blessed that she has chosen to share the delights of yoga and does so with humility. She teaches community classes, private sessions, speciality workshops, and local and international retreats. Additionally, Tami can be consulted for Ayurveda and serves as a labor support Doula. To learn more about Tami, visit www.bhakti-flow.com.
KATE SISSON
Studio Manager
Kate is blessed to extend her yoga practice beyond the mat and into the office at Sutra Yoga. When she's not shuffling papers or sending emails, she studies Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, rides a bike and brews chai. She is very happy to meet you.