instructors
Meet Our Awesome Instructors
Amanda Cho
I am a certified kundalini yoga and meditation teacher with the Kundalini Research Institute. Originally from upstate NY, I made my way to NYC where I spent over 15 years in the corporate world managing sales and client service teams. Five years ago the Divine intervened and pushed me to the Arizona desert where I began the transition from the masculine driven corporate world to a more feminine embodied lifestyle as a mother, wife, and yoga teacher. I'm an insatiably curious person who loves connecting with individuals and supporting people’s personal and professional growth.
I was drawn to yoga over 20 years ago, finding the practices calming and centering. I practiced vinyasa and Bikram yoga as much as I could, but spent the majority of my time focused on building my career. Over time I realized that there was a tremendous energetic imbalance in my life that was affecting my mind, body, and soul.
Enter kundalini yoga. After my first kundalini class I left feeling both elated and grounded. It was like reconnecting with my true self, which is one of the main goals of kundalini! This was like no other yoga class I had taken and I was hooked. The combination of physical practices, meditation, and mantra opened my heart and my mind and accelerated my journey back to myself.
Kundalini yoga is a technology designed to equip us with techniques that can guard against the chaos and stress of today’s world and to help each of us reach our soul’s full potential. I would be honored to help you on your own journey!
Amanda's Schedule
AMRIT DHARMA
My name is Amrit Dharma Kaur, and teaching Kundalini yoga is one of the greatest honors in my life.
The name Amrit means "divine nectar," a symbol of the eternal divine nectar and nourishing sweetness of the soul, while Dharma represents the fearless path of righteousness. Together, they remind me of the sacredness and courage required to walk this spiritual path.
I am dedicated to living and teaching in alignment with universal truths. Kundalini yoga has brought me immense healing and transformation in my own journey, and I’m deeply grateful to share this powerful practice with others. My teaching style is rooted in love and nurturing awareness, as I aim to create a safe space where each person can explore their own healing and growth. It’s a privilege to guide others as they connect with their inner strength and light.
AMRIT's Schedule
Caitlin Cullipher
RYT200
Caitlin's love and journey with yoga began after experiencing immense burn-out in a high performing sales position. Relentlessly in search of peace, grounding, and wisdom, a little voice in her heart guided her on the yogic path.
Quickly, she fell in love with Yin, Restorative, Meditation, and Sound Healing. The peace and discipline that yoga provided, was just what her nervous system needed.
Each teacher she came into contact with, inspired her more and more to become a teacher herself. She completed her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe, AZ. After completing training she started bringing her passion for yoga into the community!
Caitlin's unique approach to yoga incorporates traditional yogic teachings and sound healing with trauma informed languaging. You can expect to leave each class with a deeper knowledge of not only traditional yoga but also your own internal experience as a participant and observer.
Caitlin's schedule
Carlyn Sikes
Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher Junior II, Certified Yoga Therapist
E-RYT 500, Continuing Education Provider
I began the study and practice of Iyengar yoga almost 30 years ago. I had a lifelong interest in movement my entire life and believe that movement heals when coupled with principles of movement. Iyengar Yoga brought my interest together in a system of yoga that brings transformation. In teaching this method students are guided systematically and progressively in practice of asana, pranayama and meditation. In addition to working with students from beginning to more advanced levels of practice I have an interest in therapeutic application in Yoga and am a Yoga Therapist. Through private work, group classes and the therapy class I am able to show students a way to heal with Yoga. I continue to study with senior Iyengar Yoga teachers, improve my skills through ongoing study in Yoga Therapy and maintain a dedicated home practice.
Carlyn's schedule
Dawn Cooper
Life & Soul Coach, Reiki Master, Trauma Informed Breathwork Practitioner
In 2021, I was at a crossroads searching for a deeper meaning and higher purpose in my life. That's when I began my personal healing journey. I experienced a profound spiritual awakening that led me to pursue my calling.
Life has a whole new meaning for me; one that embodies continuous spiritual growth. Breathwork has been the piece that has allowed the deepest transformation in my life, and I want to share with others the transformational healing our breath can offer.
My mission as a certified Life and Soul Coach, Reiki Master, and a Trauma Informed Breathwork Practitioner is dedicated to working with people through methods of coaching and breath work, leading individuals to live a truly authentic life and reach their full potential.
Dawn's Schedule
Erik Brault
Somatic Breathwork Practitioner | Pranayama, Energy Work & Functional Movement
I’m a somatic breathwork and pranayama practitioner with a background in strength training, trauma-informed bodywork, and energy healing. My own healing journey has included plant medicine, shadow work, and deep nervous system repair—tools that helped me break cycles of addiction, shame, and disconnection. Along the way, I became certified in Reiki, SRT bodywork, fascial stretch therapy, and other modalities that support the release of stuck energy and trauma stored in the body.
In my sessions, we use the breath as a catalyst for release—emotional, energetic, sometimes even psychedelic-like. The goal isn’t to fix you. It’s to create a safe space where you can drop what no longer serves and remember the part of you that’s always been whole. This work is intense, but it’s also deeply human—and I’m honored to walk that path alongside others.
Erik's Schedule
Heather Warneke
CERTIFIED YOGA INSTRUCTOR (RYT-500/RPYT)
It wasn’t love at first class for me. As a former dancer, the idea of moving to feel good—rather than to look good—felt completely foreign. But in 2013, yoga started to take root in my life when a friend needed practice students after completing her teacher training. I was just an occasional yogi back then, but I started taking more and more classes. Over time, the connection between breath and movement became a source of real relief—helping me manage the stress of a corporate job and navigate the grief of losing my mom, along with the end of a long-term relationship.
That same year, I traveled solo to Bali for a yoga retreat, and the experience was nothing short of enlightening. I came home so inspired that I began my own teaching journey. I earned my 200-hour RYT in vinyasa and went on to complete an additional 300 hours in specialties like pre- and postnatal yoga, SUP yoga, chair yoga, Ashtanga, aerial, yoga nidra, and meditation. I’m also a Reiki energy worker trained in the Usui/Holy Fire III System of Natural Healing. No matter what brings you to the mat, my hope is that you leave class feeling more connected, more grounded, and more at home in your body.
Heather's schedule
Kara Johnson
CERTIFIED YOGA INSTRUCTOR
I have been guiding joyous yoga since 2002.
Come celebrate the happiness, freedom, playfulness, compassion and peace of the true self in my challenging and fun classes.
I believe in laughter and a down to earth attitude. I go by the motto "we are all just walking each other home" by Ram Dass. My philosophy toward yoga is similar to yogis Desiree Rumbaugh, Dave Oliver, and Steve Ross. As Steve Ross says, "Without love and humor, yoga is just a lot of hard work". So come have fun.
The time to practice is now!
KARA's schedule
Kelly Gaona
E-RYT 500, YACEP
Kelly has been practicing yoga since 2011. With a background in social work, she was quickly drawn to the healing benefits of the practice. She completed her 200 hour training in 2014 and went on to complete her 300 hour at Dave's Ashtanga Yoga in 2016 under the direction of her teacher, Cheryl Oliver.
Kelly enjoys teaching many different modalities of yoga across the valley, including private sessions and small groups. She is privileged and honored to contribute her time and experience to yoga teacher trainings as well. Kelly’s love of travel led her into a partnership with a retreat business in which she helped establish, plan and host yoga retreats across the world.
Kelly is most passionate about Ashtanga Yoga and has a daily practice in Ashtanga vinyasa. She is continually taking workshops and classes to improve her knowledge of yoga.
Kelly's schedule
Kitty Pope (Jaap Kaur)
- Level 1 200 hr Teacher cert 2002
- 5 Level 2 Teacher modules for cert 2009
- Level 3 Teacher cert 3.5 years 2015-June, 2018
- Teacher Trainer Academy 2007-2014
- Licensing Level 1 Lead Trainer June, 2014
- Licensing Level 2 Lead Trainer Sept, 2017
- Mentoring Lead Trainer for other trainers including leads Levels 1 & 2 in 2018
- Teaching private and group Kundalini Yoga classes and workshops 2003 – current
- Taught teacher training and retreats 2009-current
Approach is Come from the heart and let Universal Consciousness be your guide, walk in light, be the light, and shine the light with grace, gratitude & humility. Support all with unconditional love and non-judgement.
Kitty's schedule
KristEn Angela
E-ryt200
I have been practicing yoga since year 2000, and teaching since 2016. YTT was a life changing experience for me. It not only deepened my knowledge and practice of yoga, but it began my spiritual path. In 2017, I continued learning about energy by completing Reiki level 3 (master level). Now, I Iive my life more connected to my body, more in tune with my soul, and more in harmony with others.
Currently. I am completing my E-RYT 500 and continuing in IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists) certification..
I encourage students to connect with and honor their bodies and spirit. I believe that yoga is for every body, and as Krishnamacharya says, “If you can breathe, you can do yoga.” Come to move, breathe, connect…mind, body, and soul.
kristEn's schedule
Kristina Rich
ryt500
Asha Kristina is a native of the Sonoran Desert whose work spans a diverse range of creative and transformative practices. With over two decades of experience facilitating workshops and hosting events, she weaves her expertise as a yoga teacher, Tarot reader, active imagination meditation guide, artist, dancer, and modern witch to create space that inspires connection, self discovery, and play.
She is the creator of Archetypal Dance Journey, a monthly integrative ecstatic dance experience that combines therapeutic practices such as somatic dance, imaginative play, and introspection.
Her education reflects her boundless curiosity and passion for Esoteric studies, Jungian Psychology, and holistic wellness
Outside of her professional work, Asha is a mother of four and has been married to her partner for 23 years. She finds joy in hiking with her dog, immersing herself in her creative projects, and hosting gatherings for her sisterhood circle. Her passion for crafting intentional experiences reflects her commitment to blending movement, creativity, and connection.
kristina's schedule
LESLIE Pardee
Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT500)
Yoga has been a part of my life for over 20 years, and has helped me to grow stronger and become more flexible… physically and mentally. By practicing yoga, I have been able to cultivate mindfulness and presence in my daily life.
I have over 700 hours of yoga education, which includes training in kundalini, vinyasa, yin, and children's yoga. I hold my RYT-500 through Yoga Alliance, and am a forever student that enjoys everything about yoga, including philosophy, asana, pranayama, and more!
In my classes, I love to combine creative, intentional sequencing with a focus on coordinating breath to movement. I believe that yoga is life and it gives us the tools we need to navigate the ups and downs. I strive to help my students feel empowered in class and to bring their practice off the mat.
Leslie's schedule
Maranda Carmichael
RYT-200
Hello! My name is Maranda Carmichael. I am married and have three kids who keep me super busy. I love volunteering at their school, cooking, being outdoors (when it’s not crazy hot in Arizona) and traveling to see new places or for family and friends.
My yoga journey began in early 2010. It was a very physical practice loving the heat of the room and feeling the strength in the postures. Flash forward to 2020 it became more of a mental practice. Allowing the practice to become a place where I could calm my thoughts and become therapy for me mentally and physically. It made me want to also help others feel this way and to expand my learning for such an amazing practice.
In 2023 I became a certified YTT 200hr Vinyasa yoga teacher, training at exhale yoga in Mesa. It’s one of the hardest and best things I’ve done for myself in a long time. I love learning new practices and teaching them as well. I look forward to creating a balance for you all
Maranda's schedule
Mary St. Clair
Certified Yoga Instructor (E-RYT 200, RYT 500)
My mother introduced me to meditation in elementary school and I knew it was powerful but I didn't fully understand it at the time. I later began practicing yoga in college as a form of exercise. However, it wasn't until my 30's that I realized how valuable the spiritual connection in yoga was to the mind and body. This strengthened my desire to explore yoga at a deeper level.
I knew how great I felt but the reason why remained a mystery until I began studying breathing techniques, poses, the chakras and regularly practicing meditation. There were many books we read during my yoga teacher training but my personal favorite was, "The Power of Now: A Guided to Spiritual Enlightenment", by Eckhart Tolle. It inspired me to focus on the present moment and to flow with life instead of being stuck in the past or worried about the future.
Yoga has raised my confidence and helped me to find strength and boundaries in areas of my life where I was struggling. I live my life on the belief that love is always the answer and that acceptance is key to happiness. This reflects in my yoga practice and I seek to help others thrive by connecting with them through yoga and deepening our practice together.
MARY's schedule
Melissa J. Seil-BUTLER
Co-Owner of ZenLife, Certified Hypnotist, Rapid Eye Technician, Reiki Master Teacher
Melissa has been working in the field of Health and Nutrition for over 20 years, Melissa has dedicated her life to helping others live their very best life. Having a background in Culinary Arts and Nutrition led her to open a food line and restaurant back in 2012 which she developed to help those suffering with diabetes and others looking to live a more plant based lifestyle. But her first love has always been working with individuals to help them maximize their own personal lives.
"I found that as I would teach yoga helped my students get fit from the inside out; and all the nutrition counseling and meal plans couldn't really address why people struggled with their diets.
As I found myself in what felt like "hard times" brought me to the healing of Rapid Eye Technology & Frequency Healing."
Now Melissa works with people helping them rebuild their lives starting from the inside out using Rapid Eye Technology, Sound Frequency Healing, Reiki, Nutrition, Hypnotherapy, Meditation and Yoga; for a full circle of inner healing & wellbeing.
Melissa's schedule
Nancy Trontell
Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT200)
Yoga has served as my life jacket at various times, and I want to share my knowledge and love of yoga with others.
Yoga is for EVERY BODY, and as a yoga teacher, I help my students physically, mentally and spiritually work through physical and emotional issues by exploring mindful breathing, stretching movements, and holding poses a little longer. I believe yoga is the path on which we become the best version of ourselves.
I promote the healing benefits of meditation and sound therapy. I’m certified in Shamatha Meditation, Yoga Nidra, and sound healing, and include these in my classes.
Nancy's schedule
Quinton Webb
Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT200) | Consulting Hypnotist
I was introduced to Yoga as a kid but it didn't really resonate with me until I was an adult and after I was introduced to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. At that point I had one of those cool rare experiences where I felt like I had discovered something that I had always been looking for but never realized that I was looking for.
Since then, I have gone on to receive my RYT 200hr through Authentic Yoga Teacher Training and have been using Yoga as an integral part of my life helping me as a tool to live with more sustenance and joy.
I look forward to seeing you in class :)
Quint's schedule
Sarah Johnson
I have been on a journey of self-discovery for many years now. This eventually led me to ZenLife, sessions with Melissa, and the healing power of sound, vibration, and frequency. I feel so much peace when I play both the crystal and Tibetan bowls—and I wish that same peace for you.
I am certified in Sound Healing, Reiki Master, Hypnotherapy, Quantum Human Design, and EFT. My deepest desire is to allow the Life Force of our Creator to move through me, expanding the love in my heart, and to be a safe space for others on their own life journeys. I wish for everyone to experience the freedom that is possible here and now—and to remember that we are so much more than we’ve been led to believe.
Sarah's Schedule
Sound Healing Practitioner | Reiki Master | Hypnotherapy, EFT & Energy Work
Susie Waterman
Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT200)
My yoga journey began at an early age before I even knew it was yoga. I grew up as a dancer and then when I was 18 I dove head first into the world of group fitness/personal training. I spent 20 years teaching many different types of group fitness classes but unfortunately I had so many injuries that I finally had to take a step back and evaluate exactly what I was doing to my body.
I began taking as many yoga classes as I could while continuing to teach all of my group fitness classes but I just knew I wanted more. November 2016 I made a very difficult choice to quit teaching group fitness due to a chronic hip injury. I became very depressed and was convinced I would never teach again.
I decided to get back into hot yoga and see how it would help my hip. This is where I became completely immersed in the world of yoga and I am so thankful I did. Less than a year passed and I found myself taking my 200 hour YTT and it has changed my life.
I am a better wife, mother and person because of yoga. I love sharing this amazing practice and giving back to people what my teachers gave to me. This is just the beginning of my journey and I am so excited to see where it takes me.
Susie's schedule
Tina Marie Brouwer
I began my yoga journey in 2000 as a college student in Flagstaff, Arizona. At first, I came to yoga for the physical benefits—strength, flexibility, and a more balanced body. While my body grew healthier through a regular practice, I also discovered the powerful effects of meditation and the deep sense of stress relief it brought me.
Over time, my practice became something I felt called to share. I completed my 200-hour training at Gilbert Yoga in 2016 and began teaching shortly after. I now offer a variety of all-level flow classes and restorative yin experiences, often incorporating crystal singing bowls and gong vibrations. Yoga was especially meaningful to me during each of my three pregnancies, which inspired me to continue my education and become a certified prenatal yoga teacher. When I’m not on the mat, you’ll find me with my family or working as a Registered Pediatric Dental Hygienist.
Tina Marie's Schedule
Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT200)
Wendy Davis
Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT200) | Boutique Manager
I work at the front desk as the boutique manager and also teach Yin Yoga here at ZenLife. Back in 2017, I was working as an office manager, sitting at a desk for over eight hours a day—usually with a podcast playing in the background. So many of the guests I listened to credited their physical and mental well-being to meditation and yoga, and I finally decided it was time to give it a try.
That decision led me to ZenLife, and from my very first class, I was hooked. Yoga helped me get present by connecting to my breath and my body—and I’ve been showing up ever since. I completed my 200-hour teacher training through Authentic Yoga in Scottsdale and especially love Yin, Restorative, and Sound classes. I currently teach Yin/Deep Stretch on Friday mornings at 7:30 AM. When I’m not on the mat, you’ll find me visiting my four children and six grandchildren, gardening, spending time with my husband, or enjoying lunch with friends.
Wendy's schedule
