Instructors

Amanda Montoro
Amanda found yoga in college as a way to balance the demands being a full time student and Division 1 track and field athlete at UCSB. Amanda has been practicing yoga since 2000 and teaching yoga since 2003 after being certified through YogaFit. Her classes are a mixture of breath work and flowing vinyasa. She is experienced in teaching students of all levels and can help you to modify your practice on an individual basis. You will leave her classes feeling pleasantly tired yet energized from the inside out!

Azra Wilson
Azra was born in the Philippines and relocated to California in 1979. Realizing that yoga helped her to live a more balanced life, she has immersed herself into the practice of yoga since 2000. She completed a teacher certification program with Avalon Yoga in Palo Alto, California and has taken workshops with Shiva Rea, Bryan Kest, Rod Stryker, Elise Miller, Sean Corn, Baron Baptiste, Rodney Yee and Sarah Powers. Azra’s passion and mission is to encourage her students to challenge themselves while respecting and remaining aware of their physical limits. She guides her students to the technique of Vinyasa (flow) yoga which incorporates fluidity, strength and meditation in motion while combining discipline with intention.

Candee Yang
In 2004 Candee received her teacher-training certification and started to teach. Candee’s classes are focused on integrating the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of yoga into a physical practice. With her love for language, anatomy, and yoga philosophy, Candee attempts to impart an understanding of yoga that is more than just exercise. It can be a transformative and life affirming practice for everyone. Her teaching incorporates both holding poses and using muscular movements combined with breath. She blends essential aspects of mindfulness and meditation to cultivate mind, body and heart awareness.

Don Savage- RYT 200
Don was first exposed to Yoga in 2007 with Integral Hatha Yoga. This style established a strong foundation not only in posture, but also with breath work, meditation, and spiritual study. Don has actively practiced and studied the varied forms of Hatha Yoga as taught by the Mind Body Zone staff. He completed MBZ's 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2010 and is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. Outside the Yoga studio, Don works in the High Tech industry and enjoys free time with his wife and two daughters.

Kate Seubert
Kate has been practicing yoga regularly at MBZ since 2008. She came for the 30-day introduction and loved it so much she never left! In 2010, she completed MBZ’s 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. She has loved the strength and flexibility yoga has given her body as well as the emotional and mental benefits the practice brings. She wishes everyone would do yoga so as to reap the rewards of pranayama and relaxation. While she is new to teaching yoga, she has years of experience teaching elementary students Physical Education. Her sense of humor and playfulness are evident in her practice and classes!

Linea McPherson-Owner
Linea has always had a passion for health and fitness; she began her journey into Yoga and Pilates after a skiing accident left her with very little use of her leg. Surgery and physical therapy left her feeling hopeless about her recovery; until she began taking Yoga and Pilates classes. After many months and countless classes she regained full use of her leg and also found that her arthritic pain was no longer an issue. She began taking workshops and even more classes realizing that this was the path for her. She completed a certification through Yoga Fit and two different 200 hour yoga teacher training programs. She knows the importance of proper alignment and the difference it can make in ones overall health. She creates classes that are motivating using breath and mindful movement. She encourages her students to challenge themselves and move through self imposed limitations; creating a life of balance and without pain.

Lynn Cheng Kaylor- E-RYT 200 and Director of Yoga Teacher Training
Lynn began her love and study of yoga over 25 years ago and has been teaching since 1997. She is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT) and is the Director of Teacher Training at Mind Body Zone and teaches the Techniques, Teaching Methodology and Practicum portions of the training. While she has studied many different styles in her years of practice, she draws the most inspiration from the Iyengar, Ashtanga and Kripalu traditions.  Her classes are eclectic, incorporating aspects from her teachers, intuition and personal study; each class is different and choreographed to beautiful music. Lynn's teaching style emphasizes the importance of body alignment combined with the natural movement of the breath, inner awareness and the vision of the mind-body-spirit connection and holding the postures long enough to experience the essence of the asana. Her hope for her students is to not only achieve their physical goals (strength, stamina, flexibility, coordination, stress relief, etc.) though asana (postures) and pranayama (breath techniques), but to also come to know, understand and incorporate other aspects of yoga in their lives. For more information about Lynn, visit www.yogailluminations.com or www.facebook.com/lynnkayloryoga

Monica Hanson- RYT 200
Monica Hanson’s teaching focuses on the benefits of mind and body practices like yoga and meditation to enhance: personal physical and mental health, relationships with family, friends and colleagues and social engagement in the world. She is an instructor at Stanford University, Center for Compassion Research and Education, www.ccare.com; and a Teacher Trainer and member of the Board of Directors at the Integrative Restoration Institute (IRI), www.irest.us. At Stanford and IRI she collaborates with researchers – neuroscientists,psychologists, and contemplative scholars – to develop mind and body practices that integrate the latest in evidence based practices with the wisdom of the ages. Two of Monica’s most favorite things: teaching or taking a class at MBZ and leading a weekly Women’s Meditation Group.  

Su Wong-RYT 200
In 2003, to better manage stress and life issues, Su began attending yoga classes at the local gym.  The rigors of the class coupled with her teachers’ inspired teachings about the philosophy of yoga and how to apply that to one’s life, made a profound impact on Su and ultimately on her life.  The teachings opened her eyes to see life’s challenges from a different perspective – a perspective that embraced spiritual cleansing and peace. The benefits of her practice were so apparent that Su decided to deepen her practice by seeking formal training.  She received her 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training certification at Mind Body Zone in Fremont, CA. Through her teaching, Su’s intention and ambition is to inspire others in the same manner her teachers inspired her and hopes that they will likewise be influenced and moved by the heart of yoga.  Being in the present moment, focusing on breath and keeping an “unattached mind” during asana practice is Su’s core principle in class.  She believes that practicing yoga not only strengthens and adds flexibility to the body but to the mind and everyday life as well. Su has been teaching since 2006 and is a registered teacher with Yoga Alliance.

Linea McPherson- Owner
Linea has always had a passion for health and fitness; she began her journey into Yoga and Pilates after a skiing accident left her with very little use of her leg. Surgery and physical therapy left her feeling hopeless about her recovery; until she began taking Yoga and Pilates classes. After many months and countless classes she regained full use of her leg and also found that her arthritic pain was no longer an issue. She began taking workshops and even more classes realizing that this was the path for her. She has also been certified with Power House Pilates and has trained with Dr. Eric Cobb and has completed two Z Health certifications. She knows the importance of proper alignment and the difference it can make in ones overall health. She creates classes that are motivating using breath and mindful movement. She encourages her students to challenge themselves and move through self imposed limitations; creating a life of balance and without pain.

Stephanie Johnson
Stephanie was introduced to the Pilates form of exercise in college in a class by the name of Body Strength Alignment.  She was impressed with the results she obtained in muscle tone and flexibility.  A student of dance for 16 years, Stephanie was familiar with body posture and motion through space and time and was immediately hooked on the Pilates form of movement as it seemed to combine the stretching in Yoga with the discipline of dance and the muscle strengthening of resistance training.  She didn't realize until 3 years later, that the class she took in college in college was actually Pilates by another name.  When given the opportunity to instruct she jumped at it for she truly believes in the emotional, physical and the rehabilitative benefit of Pilates. Stephanie has been teaching at Mind Body Zone since 2007. She tailors her instruction to the needs of the client(s). And is very proud of the progress she has witnessed working with clients struggling with mobility issues, coming back from surgeries and maintaining fitness routines pre- and postnatal. Stephanie is a married mommy of a son, a daughter and a boxer named Rocky. In addition to Pilates, she enjoys running and has completed two marathons.

Linea McPherson-Circuit
Linea has always had a passion for health and fitness; she began her journey into Yoga and Pilates after a skiing accident left her with very little use of her leg. Surgery and physical therapy left her feeling hopeless about her recovery; until she began taking Yoga and Pilates classes. After many months and countless classes she regained full use of her leg and also found that her arthritic pain was no longer an issue. She knows the importance of proper alignment and the difference it can make in ones overall health. She creates classes that are motivating using breath and mindful movement. She encourages her students to challenge themselves and move through self imposed limitations; creating a life of balance and without pain.

Nick Hyde- Bootcamp and Cardio Boxing
Whether Nicholes is managing other fitness professionals, or working directly with his diverse group of private and corporate clients, his thoroughness, energy, and upbeat attitude make everyone smile and achieve their own personal best. He started his fitness journey back in 2009 but has always had a passion and love for fitness and athletics. He was a high school 100m and 200m sprint champion two years running so he understands the dedication and desire it takes to be successful. Now he stands as a nationally certified and recognized Master Trainer and C.P.T as well as a fitness instructor. He has created classic training in boxing, pilates, and “Out of the Box” thinking combined with cutting edge knowledge of boot camp, muscle sculpting, and Tabata techniques, so he can design programs to meet the power, agility, cardio, flexibility and general fitness goals of clients of every age and skill level.  Nicholes is a total body trainer, with exercise and nutrition expertise, who makes getting into great shape–great fun.

Rhonda Williams – Certified Personal Trainer, Body Sculpting, Circuit
Rhonda has been a Certified Personal Trainer for the past four years. Her extensive fitness training and education is diverse to include Certificate of Completion, Fitness Instruction
California State University Hayward, Hayward, CA. She has completed courses in Anatomy, Biomechanics , Exercise Physiology, Exercise Nutrition, Sports Injuries and Prevention, Strength Training, Designing Fitness Programs, Personal Training and Exercise Programs for Special Populations.  Rhonda is also a graduate of Mind Body Zone’s Yoga Teacher Training program.

Marnie Bryan- Certified Personal Trainer
With nearly 20 years experience in the fitness industry, Marnie, a NASM certified personal trainer, continues to motivate and help clients produce successful results and reach their goals.  Her enthusiasm and passion for fitness began in 1993 as a certified/franchise owner of Jazzercise and has continued through the years as a personal trainer/fitness instruction since 1998. She has placed in Fitness competitions, co-owned a personal training studio, and has been a part of the Club Sport personal training team.  She now continues her love and dedication for fitness training, good health and wellness at Mind Body Zone and also instructs 3 bootcamp classes a week in Pleasanton at M’s Fitness Training.  Her biggest accomplishments in life are her 2 beautiful, healthy children.  Personal Philosophy: Train smart, be healthy, and believe in yourself.

Accomplishments
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified personal trainer since 1998
American sports and Fitness Association, Boot Camp instructor
Member of Idea Health and Fitness Association and National Strength and Condition Association

Nick Hyde- Certified Personal Trainer
Whether Nicholes is managing other fitness professionals, or working directly with his diverse group of private and corporate clients, his thoroughness, energy, and upbeat attitude make everyone smile and achieve their own personal best. He started his fitness journey back in 2009 but has always had a passion and love for fitness and athletics. He was a high school 100m and 200m sprint champion two years running so he understands the dedication and desire it takes to be successful. Now he stands as a nationally certified and recognized Master Trainer and C.P.T as well as a fitness instructor. He has created classic training in boxing, pilates, and “Out of the Box” thinking combined with cutting edge knowledge of boot camp, muscle sculpting, and Tabata techniques, so he can design programs to meet the power, agility, cardio, flexibility and general fitness goals of clients of every age and skill level.  Nicholes is a total body trainer, with exercise and nutrition expertise, who makes getting into great shape-- great fun.

Accomplishments
National College of Exercise Professionals   C.P.T
American Sports & Fitness Association        M.C.P.T
American Sports & Fitness Association        Sports Nutrition
American Sports & Fitness Association        Boot camp/Group X
NESTA                                                      Mat Pilates
NESTA                                                      Speed, Agility, & Quickness
Piloxing Academy                                      Piloxing

Rhonda Williams – Certified Personal Trainer
Rhonda has been a Certified Personal Trainer for the past four years. Her extensive fitness training and education is diverse to include Certificate of Completion, Fitness Instruction California State University Hayward, Hayward, CA. She has completed courses in Anatomy, Biomechanics , Exercise Physiology, Exercise Nutrition, Sports Injuries and Prevention, Strength Training, Designing Fitness Programs, Personal Training and Exercise Programs for Special Populations.  Rhonda is also a graduate of Mind Body Zone’s Yoga Teacher Training program.

Accomplishments
American Council on Exercise, Certified Personal Trainer
Certificate of Completion in Lifestyle and Weight Management
Certificate of Completion in Pre and Post-Natal Fitness
Certificate of Completion in Nutrition for Health and Performance
Continuing Education and CEC for ACE Renewals
Certificate of Completion in 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Program
Certified Level II Z-Heath Practitioner

Leisa Jarman-Certified Massage Therapist
Leisa is a certified massage therapist specializing in soft tissue mobilization.  Leisa will create an atmosphere in which you will feel safe and relaxed. Massaging the stress from your body, her treatments will leave you feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to continue on your path.  Her continuing education allows her to use multiple modalities and knowledge to accomplish your wellness.
Leisa has studied at the McKinnon Body Therapy Center and is Certified by the California Massage Therapy Counsel. She is trained in Swedish Massage, Reflexology, Chair Massage, Hot Stone and Hot Lava Shell Therapy as well as Craniosacral Techniques.  She has studied the John Barnes System for Myofacial Release.  Leisa has the ability to give Prenatal and Postnatal Massages, along with Infant Massage.  She can also perform Detoxification Body Treatments and Salt Body Glow Scrubs, along with, Paraffin Hand and Foot Treatments that leave skin feeling extremely soft and refreshed.  

Megumi Burr-Tolliver- Certified Doula and Massage Therapist
Megumi Burr-Tolliver creates a safe, empowering space for healing and self-connection in her bodywork sessions.  A massage therapist and holistic health practitioner since 2007 and a doula since 2009, she specializes in supporting pregnant women and new moms, and also takes clients outside of these groups.  She is passionate about cultivating mindfulness, especially supporting women in mindfulness on the journey to mamahood.  Her gentle, compassionate approach integrates bodywork techniques, breath and body awareness, visualization and guided meditation. For more information about Megumi, visit megumiburr.com