Meet our Teachers
We look forward to meeting you!
Cori Martinez
Cori is the owner of Yoga Centered. Her vision is to offer a space that inspires students to grow as individuals and then to positively impact their families and communities through the practice of yoga. Although after 7 years of living on the Big Island she has recently relocated with her daughter and husband to California, Cori remains fully committed to this vision. She travels frequently to the island to teach and remains connected to the Yoga Centered community.
Be sure to attend her classes when she's here-- a vinyasa class that has it all: peaceful silence, powerful energy, inspirational and thoughtful messages and an eclectic mix of music. Cori believes, and has experienced first-hand, that yoga teaches us to discover peace and happiness inside of ourselves. In her class, you are invited to work deeply with your body, breath and intention to journey inward, to smile, laugh, joke and also get very focused. She will openly share her own experiences and the things that inspire and challenge her -which ultimately creates a feeling of connection and support between us all.
Cori has practiced yoga since 1994. While earning her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Sonoma State University, she also studied biofeedback and the somatics of yoga with Elenor Crisswell, author of "How Yoga Works." She has since completed 4 teacher trainings, attended over 30 workshops and continuing education courses in yoga and studied with many senior yoga masters.
"Fun Facts" about Cori...
Things that make her smile: My daughter (especially naked or sleeping), my husband, Gardenias, cuddling, getting a massage, eating mangos, teaching yoga, practicing yoga.
Favorite yoga book: Heart of Yoga by TKV Desikachar
Favorite book: Eat. Pray. Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Favorite food: Mangos and sticky rice, Vosges Bacon Chocolate Bar (yes, deliciously sweet milk chocolate with bits of salty bacon.)
Favorite yoga pose: One legged King Pigeon. I LOVE deep hip openers.
Least favorite pose: Chair Pose- because I cannot find a reason to smile when I?m in it! Inner peace and happiness- yeah right! ?
Cori is currently teaching at Zuda Yoga in Sacramento, CA. please visitZuda Yogaand click on the schedule link for classes.
Cori is the owner of Yoga Centered. Her vision is to offer a space that inspires students to grow as individuals and then to positively impact their families and communities through the practice of yoga. Although after 7 years of living on the Big Island she has recently relocated with her daughter and husband to California, Cori remains fully committed to this vision. She travels frequently to the island to teach and remains connected to the Yoga Centered community.
Be sure to attend her classes when she's here-- a vinyasa class that has it all: peaceful silence, powerful energy, inspirational and thoughtful messages and an eclectic mix of music. Cori believes, and has experienced first-hand, that yoga teaches us to discover peace and happiness inside of ourselves. In her class, you are invited to work deeply with your body, breath and intention to journey inward, to smile, laugh, joke and also get very focused. She will openly share her own experiences and the things that inspire and challenge her -which ultimately creates a feeling of connection and support between us all.
Cori has practiced yoga since 1994. While earning her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Sonoma State University, she also studied biofeedback and the somatics of yoga with Elenor Crisswell, author of "How Yoga Works." She has since completed 4 teacher trainings, attended over 30 workshops and continuing education courses in yoga and studied with many senior yoga masters.
"Fun Facts" about Cori...
Things that make her smile: My daughter (especially naked or sleeping), my husband, Gardenias, cuddling, getting a massage, eating mangos, teaching yoga, practicing yoga.
Favorite yoga book: Heart of Yoga by TKV Desikachar
Favorite book: Eat. Pray. Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Favorite food: Mangos and sticky rice, Vosges Bacon Chocolate Bar (yes, deliciously sweet milk chocolate with bits of salty bacon.)
Favorite yoga pose: One legged King Pigeon. I LOVE deep hip openers.
Least favorite pose: Chair Pose- because I cannot find a reason to smile when I?m in it! Inner peace and happiness- yeah right! ?
Cori is currently teaching at Zuda Yoga in Sacramento, CA. please visitZuda Yogaand click on the schedule link for classes.
Teaching yoga inspires me to practice more, to learn more, to be the best person that I can be and to pay enough attention in my own life that I can teach from my experiences. I am honored and inspired by the students and their commitment, their openness, honesty, challenges, and support of one another.
-Cori Martinez
Lei Miura
Lei teaches a class that inspires us to feel true joy in our lives. She feels that by accepting ourselves and others, as they are and each moment as it is we will experience true happiness. Lei teaches an alignment-based Vinyasa class, but likes to spice it up here and there with some funky, fun moves that make her students smile.
Lei was born and raised in Hawaii, attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and then finished her degree at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington. After graduation, Lei moved with her husband to Berlin, Germany where she began practicing more yoga, as she found that it helped her feel grounded in her new culture and life. She returned to America to attend a yoga teacher training in Los Angeles, California at the Center for Yoga. There she was exposed to Ashtanga, Iyengar, Viniyoga and Anusara yoga. The Center for Yoga was just the beginning for Lei's new passion and provided itself as an excellent springboard into fully living her yoga. Her yearning to practice and learn more about yoga keeps her constantly engaged in taking new courses and studying with teachers all over the world --including Mysore, India, where Lei completed the 3 month Yoga Therapy teacher training with Achrya Venkatesha and his wife Acharya Hema.
Lei teaches a class that inspires us to feel true joy in our lives. She feels that by accepting ourselves and others, as they are and each moment as it is we will experience true happiness. Lei teaches an alignment-based Vinyasa class, but likes to spice it up here and there with some funky, fun moves that make her students smile.
Lei was born and raised in Hawaii, attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and then finished her degree at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington. After graduation, Lei moved with her husband to Berlin, Germany where she began practicing more yoga, as she found that it helped her feel grounded in her new culture and life. She returned to America to attend a yoga teacher training in Los Angeles, California at the Center for Yoga. There she was exposed to Ashtanga, Iyengar, Viniyoga and Anusara yoga. The Center for Yoga was just the beginning for Lei's new passion and provided itself as an excellent springboard into fully living her yoga. Her yearning to practice and learn more about yoga keeps her constantly engaged in taking new courses and studying with teachers all over the world --including Mysore, India, where Lei completed the 3 month Yoga Therapy teacher training with Achrya Venkatesha and his wife Acharya Hema.
"Fun Facts" about Lei...
Things that make her smile: Other people smiling. Surfing. Dancing around just for fun.
Saturday Night Live.
Favorite yoga book: Heart of Yoga by TKV Desikachar
Favorite book: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Favorite food: An awesome organic salad with lettuce, carrots,
beets, sprouts, grains, nuts, spicy greens, topped off with some great dressing. Second runner up: Fresh loaf of German bread with Nutella and jam!
Favorite yoga pose: I love especially challenging backbends. I think they are so
exhilarating!
Least favorite yoga pose:Shoulder stand- if held for a long time. It is especially challenging for me to find patience in this pose.
Yoga has opened my eyes to see the world and myself from a different perspective, opened my body and allowed me to accept the changes that come with age, and opened my heart to value life in both times of joy and sorrow. I love that I am able to share this wonderful practice with the community, since it has influenced me in so many ways.
-Ku'ulei Miura Fahling (Lei)
Veronica McCall
Veronica teaches Vinyasa Flow and Relax and Rejuvinate classes- both are filled with a joyful sense of play and light. Her devotion to life, healing, nature and spirit is always evident. Her touch is gentle and sure. She values and offers the purest possible teachings of yoga --just as they have been passed down for thousands of years.
Veronica teaches Vinyasa Flow and Relax and Rejuvinate classes- both are filled with a joyful sense of play and light. Her devotion to life, healing, nature and spirit is always evident. Her touch is gentle and sure. She values and offers the purest possible teachings of yoga --just as they have been passed down for thousands of years.
Veronica began her Yoga practice in 1991 on Oahu and completed her Yoga Teacher Training in Varanasi India in 2000. She is continually inspired by life and her path to find truth in this constantly changing world. Her studies of Yoga and degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have allowed her to understand the human body as a vessel for healing. --A vessel for each of us to find our truth as we explore and move through the physical level and journey inward.
"Fun Facts" about Veronica...
Things that make her smile: Surfing, dancing, singing, playing music. "My son teaching me about the galaxies inside of all of us". Family and friends inspired to follow their hearts, dreams, or most intimate aspirations.
Favorite Yoga book: Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar
Favorite book: A New Earth by Eckart Tolle, Be Here Now by Ram Dass, An Illuminated Rumi
Favorite food: Any superfoods --cacao, mac nut, goji mix, gardenia water.
Favorite Yoga pose: Kurmasana (tortoise holding the world on his shoulders). I love feeling so close to the Earth.
Least favorite Yoga pose: Navasana (boat pose). 6 years after having a child, core poses are still the most challenging.
No matter what our beliefs or how strong our faith, life is still a mystery. This sends me on a deep search for my own truth.
-Veronica McCall
Jean E Auth
Jean E creates an atmosphere that allows us to completely release the stress and the challenges of everyday life. Her gentle voice, mellow music and flowing sequence of postures help guide us to a place of peace and surrender; where students will often experience their practice as a deep meditation in motion.
Jean E began practicing yoga in college. She made it her goal to help others obtain the moments of mental peace that kept her coming back to her yoga mat each day. She was certified as a yoga instructor in 2005 by studying with Integrated Yoga Therapy in Brazil. As a life learner, Jean E continually develops her understanding of yoga and the many facets of a complete practice.
"Fun Facts" about Jean E...
Things that make her smile: Donkeys (so goofy looking), my husband (he's wonderful), family, rocks, lap cats, fresh food, flowers, ice cream (favorite is vanilla), and walks with friends.
Favorite Yoga Book: Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar
Favorite Book: Red by Terry Tempest Williams (This is a compilation of short stories set in the southwest deserts of the United States .) I love the way she describes the spirit nature connection in such a poetic manner. -And Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins. (Robbins is an amazingly imaginative writer. His stories take me for a ride. I enjoy this book especially because I share a lot of traits with the main character, Leigh-Cheri, a redheaded vegetarian liberal princess and former cheerleader.)
Favorite Food: Guacamole!!!! and smoothies, moms cucumber salad with lots of vinegar, anything Thai -and I like it a bit spicy.
Favorite Yoga Pose: Most backbends, but especially Wheel Pose. It does my back wonders and opens my heart. Plus, I just feel so invigorated after doing it.
Least Favorite Yoga Pose: Chair Pose. My knees and ankles never feel right and it prevents me from creating a strong foundation. Still exploring it with an open heart and mind! It helps when I remember not to "force" it.
Jean E creates an atmosphere that allows us to completely release the stress and the challenges of everyday life. Her gentle voice, mellow music and flowing sequence of postures help guide us to a place of peace and surrender; where students will often experience their practice as a deep meditation in motion.
Jean E began practicing yoga in college. She made it her goal to help others obtain the moments of mental peace that kept her coming back to her yoga mat each day. She was certified as a yoga instructor in 2005 by studying with Integrated Yoga Therapy in Brazil. As a life learner, Jean E continually develops her understanding of yoga and the many facets of a complete practice.
"Fun Facts" about Jean E...
Things that make her smile: Donkeys (so goofy looking), my husband (he's wonderful), family, rocks, lap cats, fresh food, flowers, ice cream (favorite is vanilla), and walks with friends.
Favorite Yoga Book: Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar
Favorite Book: Red by Terry Tempest Williams (This is a compilation of short stories set in the southwest deserts of the United States .) I love the way she describes the spirit nature connection in such a poetic manner. -And Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins. (Robbins is an amazingly imaginative writer. His stories take me for a ride. I enjoy this book especially because I share a lot of traits with the main character, Leigh-Cheri, a redheaded vegetarian liberal princess and former cheerleader.)
Favorite Food: Guacamole!!!! and smoothies, moms cucumber salad with lots of vinegar, anything Thai -and I like it a bit spicy.
Favorite Yoga Pose: Most backbends, but especially Wheel Pose. It does my back wonders and opens my heart. Plus, I just feel so invigorated after doing it.
Least Favorite Yoga Pose: Chair Pose. My knees and ankles never feel right and it prevents me from creating a strong foundation. Still exploring it with an open heart and mind! It helps when I remember not to "force" it.
I like rocks. I like to go rock climbing, to keep smooth rocks in my pocket and on my meditation alter, I like rocks in my garden and on my desk at work. I feel a deep spiritual connection to nature and find the natural world to be a home for my soul.
-Jean E Auth
Molly Egan
Molly loves how each moment in life can be an opportunity to learn and grow. She believes that we become more open to recognizing these opportunities each time we step onto our yoga mats. She teaches a playful Vinyasa class that flows with great music, which she believes helps us to move and connect with the rhythm of our breath. Her focus on breath is constant.
Molly recently graduated from University of Hawaii Hilo and was so inspired by Yoga during her time in Hawaii that she went immediately to a month long Yoga Teacher Training course in Costa Rica. She is currently the Front Desk and Boutique Manger at Yoga Centered, as well as a committed teacher and practitioner of Yoga. She is thrilled to be able to share her knowledge and experience of yoga, which she says is one of the most important aspects of her life and has influenced every dimension of who she is today.
Molly loves how each moment in life can be an opportunity to learn and grow. She believes that we become more open to recognizing these opportunities each time we step onto our yoga mats. She teaches a playful Vinyasa class that flows with great music, which she believes helps us to move and connect with the rhythm of our breath. Her focus on breath is constant.
Molly recently graduated from University of Hawaii Hilo and was so inspired by Yoga during her time in Hawaii that she went immediately to a month long Yoga Teacher Training course in Costa Rica. She is currently the Front Desk and Boutique Manger at Yoga Centered, as well as a committed teacher and practitioner of Yoga. She is thrilled to be able to share her knowledge and experience of yoga, which she says is one of the most important aspects of her life and has influenced every dimension of who she is today.
"Fun Facts" about Molly...
Things that make her smile: Yoga (of course), SURFING!! just being in the water or at the beach, friends, family, a massage, surprises (good ones), a great outfit or a cute bikini, chocolate, the theater, dancing by myself, pretty much all types of music, a great book, classic films, and puppies.
Favorite Yoga Book: Self Awakening Yoga: The Expansion of Consciousness through the Body's Own Wisdomby Dr. Don Stapelton
Favorite Book: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Favorite Food:
Manicotti or mashed potatoes, all Thai food, and of course anything
with chocolate. Pretty much all food, I LOVE TO EAT!!!
Favorite Yoga Pose: Sirsasana (Head Stand). I like to see the world from another perspective and I always find myself wanting to be upside down during my practice.
Least Favorite Yoga Pose: Hanumanasana (Splits). My body has a lot of resistance to
this pose.
I hope to inspire an attitude of openness and fun in my classes and in life. I definitely think it's okay to smile and laugh during yoga!
-Molly Egan
-Molly Egan
Kiko Nascimento
There are some people who need to be extremely physically challenged before they can find the quiet stillness that resides within. Kiko’s background in fitness and adventurous personality inspires him to teach a “hard-core” asana class that is suited perfectly for anyone looking for an intense work-out. --Get the “yoga-body” while perhaps the subtler elements of the practice sneak up from behind! Try a few things you never thought were possible and be prepared for the opportunity to honor your own limits.
Kiko began his study of yoga in 1996 and received his teaching certificate at the Dharma Mittra Yoga Shala in 1999. He has been leading students through a fun, high energy exploration of their “edge” ever since. Kiko clarifies that while he loves teaching the poses and he experiences a state of nirvana through asana alone (the yoga postures he teaches) he does not teach “yoga” in its entirety. He says, “I don’t live a yogic lifestyle. How can I teach what I don’t practice?” -Which makes one wonder if there isn’t more to learn from him after all.
Previous Vinyasa Yoga experience recommended. -Or fit, adventurous beginner’s.
“Fun Facts” about Kiko…
Things that make him smile: Beautiful people.
Favorite Yoga Books: Asanas. 608 Yoga Poses by Dharma Mittra.
Favorite Book: The Vurt by Jeff Noon.
Favorite Food: Mangos.
Favorite Yoga Pose: Handstand.
Least Favorite Yoga Pose: Splits.
There are some people who need to be extremely physically challenged before they can find the quiet stillness that resides within. Kiko’s background in fitness and adventurous personality inspires him to teach a “hard-core” asana class that is suited perfectly for anyone looking for an intense work-out. --Get the “yoga-body” while perhaps the subtler elements of the practice sneak up from behind! Try a few things you never thought were possible and be prepared for the opportunity to honor your own limits.
Kiko began his study of yoga in 1996 and received his teaching certificate at the Dharma Mittra Yoga Shala in 1999. He has been leading students through a fun, high energy exploration of their “edge” ever since. Kiko clarifies that while he loves teaching the poses and he experiences a state of nirvana through asana alone (the yoga postures he teaches) he does not teach “yoga” in its entirety. He says, “I don’t live a yogic lifestyle. How can I teach what I don’t practice?” -Which makes one wonder if there isn’t more to learn from him after all.
Previous Vinyasa Yoga experience recommended. -Or fit, adventurous beginner’s.
“Fun Facts” about Kiko…
Things that make him smile: Beautiful people.
Favorite Yoga Books: Asanas. 608 Yoga Poses by Dharma Mittra.
Favorite Book: The Vurt by Jeff Noon.
Favorite Food: Mangos.
Favorite Yoga Pose: Handstand.
Least Favorite Yoga Pose: Splits.
I don't teach yoga, I teach yoga poses. I don't live a yogic lifestyle, so how can I teach what I don't practice?
- Kiko Nascimento
Soozie Kinsler
Soozie’s teaching is inspired by the Jivamukti style of yoga. It is a vigorous dance between breath and movement with music, chanting, and introduction to yogic philosophy. Her training in massage therapy is clear in her very “hands-on” approach. She is known to use creams and balms on those who are open to receive the added bonus! (Let her know if you are not comfortable with the use of creams, however, and she will honor that with complete understanding.) She hopes to inspire the students in her class to “go beyond the mind, thought, body, emotions, desires, and discover the pure love and everlasting joy that is at the very core of our being!”
“Fun Facts” about Soozie…
Things that make him smile: Music, dancing, nurturing, giving, sharing and loving.
Favorite Yoga Books: Yoga Sutras of Pananjali with Commentary by Swami Satcidananda; Jivamukti Yoga by Sharon Gannon and David Life; In a World of Gods and Goddesses: The Mystic Art of Indra Sharma.
Favorite Book: Eat. Pray. Love by Elizabeth Gilbert; The Gift Poems of Hafiz translations by Daniel Ladinsky; the Harry Potter Series.
Favorite Food: Greens, sprouts, avocados, smoothies, kimchi, comfort potato chips and coconut bliss.
Favorite Yoga Pose: Jump forwards and jump throughs: I love the sense of floating and freedom. These have also helped me to build strength and confidence.
Least Favorite Yoga Pose: Pasasana. My ankles hurt and the opening effect is a slow process, but it's working!
Soozie’s teaching is inspired by the Jivamukti style of yoga. It is a vigorous dance between breath and movement with music, chanting, and introduction to yogic philosophy. Her training in massage therapy is clear in her very “hands-on” approach. She is known to use creams and balms on those who are open to receive the added bonus! (Let her know if you are not comfortable with the use of creams, however, and she will honor that with complete understanding.) She hopes to inspire the students in her class to “go beyond the mind, thought, body, emotions, desires, and discover the pure love and everlasting joy that is at the very core of our being!”
“Fun Facts” about Soozie…
Things that make him smile: Music, dancing, nurturing, giving, sharing and loving.
Favorite Yoga Books: Yoga Sutras of Pananjali with Commentary by Swami Satcidananda; Jivamukti Yoga by Sharon Gannon and David Life; In a World of Gods and Goddesses: The Mystic Art of Indra Sharma.
Favorite Book: Eat. Pray. Love by Elizabeth Gilbert; The Gift Poems of Hafiz translations by Daniel Ladinsky; the Harry Potter Series.
Favorite Food: Greens, sprouts, avocados, smoothies, kimchi, comfort potato chips and coconut bliss.
Favorite Yoga Pose: Jump forwards and jump throughs: I love the sense of floating and freedom. These have also helped me to build strength and confidence.
Least Favorite Yoga Pose: Pasasana. My ankles hurt and the opening effect is a slow process, but it's working!
I practice yoga to feel good - to release frustrations and the idea of limitations, to be happy, to love myself, and to cultivate all that is good within me. I teach so I can share this with others. I love to see the progress and the passion in the students as they blossom. I love how yoga does its work.
- Soozie Kinsler
Catherine Southern
Having lived with scoliosis most of her life, Catherine is quick to offer the therapeutic aspects of the physical practice. “A spinal surgeon told me I would be fused from my head to tail.” Through yoga, she has experienced pain relief, as have many people with back, hip and neck injuries.
Catherine’s slow, therapeutic style class provides a counter balance to our frenzied “go until you drop” society. By bringing your focus to each subtle body movement you become more present. Catherine provides a space to go slow and concentrate on each nuance and slight sensation. In her class you will enhance your knowledge of alignment. But continue looking and you may discover your mind and emotions mirrored through the body. Catherine says, “…any physical issue has underpinnings in the mental. It’s a reflection of something that’s going on inside.”
Formerly a dancer, Catherine found yoga in 1993 as a holistic approach to pain relief. Realizing the importance of a daily physical practice for her health, she decided to teach. Beginning in 1997, Catherine studied Iyengar in Santa Monica, CA, and later Anusara in Hollywood, CA. She is generous with her knowledge and has a palpable passion for teaching.
“Fun Facts” about Catherine…
Things that make her smile: Cats, clouds, tradewinds, all things green, and savasanas!
Favorite Yoga Books: Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar for the wealth of info and postures. Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff for great descriptions of what is happening physically.
Favorite Book: Physics of Consciousness by
Favorite Food: Papaya
Favorite Yoga Pose: All headstands. --Because they're so grounding.
Least Favorite Yoga Pose:
Having lived with scoliosis most of her life, Catherine is quick to offer the therapeutic aspects of the physical practice. “A spinal surgeon told me I would be fused from my head to tail.” Through yoga, she has experienced pain relief, as have many people with back, hip and neck injuries.
Catherine’s slow, therapeutic style class provides a counter balance to our frenzied “go until you drop” society. By bringing your focus to each subtle body movement you become more present. Catherine provides a space to go slow and concentrate on each nuance and slight sensation. In her class you will enhance your knowledge of alignment. But continue looking and you may discover your mind and emotions mirrored through the body. Catherine says, “…any physical issue has underpinnings in the mental. It’s a reflection of something that’s going on inside.”
Formerly a dancer, Catherine found yoga in 1993 as a holistic approach to pain relief. Realizing the importance of a daily physical practice for her health, she decided to teach. Beginning in 1997, Catherine studied Iyengar in Santa Monica, CA, and later Anusara in Hollywood, CA. She is generous with her knowledge and has a palpable passion for teaching.
“Fun Facts” about Catherine…
Things that make her smile: Cats, clouds, tradewinds, all things green, and savasanas!
Favorite Yoga Books: Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar for the wealth of info and postures. Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff for great descriptions of what is happening physically.
Favorite Book: Physics of Consciousness by
Favorite Food: Papaya
Favorite Yoga Pose: All headstands. --Because they're so grounding.
Least Favorite Yoga Pose:
I'm big on leading people out of pain, enabling a more open pathway to joy of living and greater realization of self.
- Catherine Southern