I was first drawn to yoga for the physical practice, but over time discovered it as a path of deeper connection and purpose. Through yoga, I’ve transformed my relationship with myself and how I move through the world. My classes honor both tradition and the evolving understanding that yoga is about connection—with ourselves, others, and the world we share. I’m inspired by the courage it takes to step onto the mat and strive to create a space where everyone feels welcome and supported.

In my classes, you can expect to be lovingly challenged. I bring a playful energy to hard work and love encouraging students to grow, expand, and surprise themselves. I can’t wait to meet you!

I've been studying yoga since 1990, and what began as a path to strength and balance in my own body has grown into a lifelong devotion to the practice. I still have my copy of the Bhagavad Gita, a gift from my mother to my father and eventually passed down to me, a small reminder of how deeply yoga is woven into my life and heart. That same spirit of care and connection is what I bring into every class. My teaching is rooted in breath, mindfulness, and compassion, and more than anything, I love holding space for the people who show up on their mats.

Hi, I’m Helena! I live in Santa Cruz with my mischievous tomcat, Donkey. In my classes, I invite you to be curious and explore the balance between strength and softness. I believe yoga is a path home to yourself, and I love guiding students toward full-body presence and self-trust. Whether you've been practicing for years or are just starting out, my goal is to create a welcoming, community-driven space where everyone feels at home and can experience a deep sense of belonging.

I believe in building a life with intention, and that philosophy lives at the heart of how I teach. In my classes, every movement has a purpose. I want you to feel the “why” behind each pose, each transition, and each breath. I create a space that is warm, nonjudgmental, and encouraging, where you can explore your edge and discover what you're capable of. I'm so happy to be joining this community and can't wait to meet you on the mat.

I first found yoga back in 2002 and fell in love with how it honors the whole self: body, mind, and spirit. That union of movement, awareness, and philosophy has kept me returning to the practice for over 20 years, and I'm so excited to share that deep love with you. Coming from a background in theater and dance, my classes celebrate play and possibility. From my calm and softening Flow and Restore class to my upbeat, dynamic Vinyasa Flow, I teach with joy and a touch of humor. Come to class prepared to sweat a little, smile a lot, and grow your sense of interconnection with the world around you.

I came to yoga at a moment when I most needed to slow down. I found my deepest connection to the practice through the stillness and surrender of Yin, and that sense of coming home to yourself is at the heart of what I offer my students.

In my classes, you can expect long, unhurried holds and plenty of space to breathe, soften, and surrender. I create a warm space where there is no pressure to be anywhere other than exactly where you are.

I came to yoga initially drawn to its physical benefits, but quickly found that the connection between mind, body, breath, and spirit kept me coming back. I continue to deepen my practice through ongoing study and assisting retreats nationally and internationally.

In my classes, students of all levels are welcome to explore strength, flexibility, and presence. I often weave in harmonium and mantra during savasana, and love inviting students to chant together at the end of class. My hope is that each class offers a space to step away from the day, breathe, and tune inward, exploring yoga not just as a physical practice but as a way of paying attention to the mind, body, and spirit both on and off the mat.