Andrea Testa is the founder of FreeSpirit Yoga. Her dream was to open a yoga space where people can learn the many benefits of yoga. Andrea has studied and practiced Yoga since 1992 and received her teaching certification from the White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara in 1998. She began her studies with Irene Holsters of The Long Beach Yoga Centre in 1992 until 1998. She then completed 2 modules of Iyengar training with Karin O'Bannon in 1999 and has also had the privilege to study with Steve Rogers, Shiva Rea, David Swensen and Ana Forrest. Andrea has completed another 10 day training course this time with Erich Shiffman in 2004. Andrea has been teaching all of this yoga information since 1998 and teaches with enthusiasm and a concern for safety and most of all, FUN. Andrea is a Registered Yoga Teacher (500 hr.) with the Yoga Alliance.
Melannie Brennan began her yoga studies in 1995 in a search to move
deeper into her practice a friend suggested she enroll in the UCI
yoga studies program. After her first trimester she decided she wanted
to share her knowledge with others. She helped to open, manage and
taught at “& Yoga” in 2004 then joined the FreeSpirit family in 2005. Melannie still continues her journey by taking many classes and trainings from different yoga teachers like Max Strom and Jillian Pransky.
DharmaShakti received her teacher traiining through an intense program at the Sivananda Ashram in northern California in October 2005.She enjoys the opportunity to bring yoga into her surrounding communities. She teaches a classic hatha yoga style, as well as blending the spice of influential teachers that have challenged her own practice. As her path unfolds as a teacher as well as a student she is grateful to be part of the yoga community. Dharma is also a massage therapist and has been facilitating bodywork for 5 years. She is currently a student of the California College of Ayurveda, studying the sister science of yoga, Ayurveda. Dharma hopes to one day be able to blend her knowledge of yoga and ayurveda to create a space where people can begin to understand their own bodys as well as their minds, to gain knowledge and insight of how to bring balance and harmony into all aspects of their lives.
Peter Kornhaber began his Yoga practice in 1977 in preparation for a foreign study experience in Pune India. While in India he practiced Raja Yoga and also studied at the Iyengar institute in Pune with BKS Iyengar. His independent project was on Yoga and Vedantic philosophy giving him a grounding in the essential philosophy behind the Yoga practice.. He returned to the US and practiced on his own and with friends for a number of years before beginning a family and stepping back from Yoga. He came back to the eternal science about 8 years ago on his own and has been practicing at FreeSpirit Yoga regularly for over 4 years. During the years away from Yoga Peter studied the Martial arts and always stayed active. He credits his return to Yoga with the end of hip, knee and wrist pain that was beginning to impede his other activities.
Sally has been a dedicated practitioner and student of yoga since 1997 and a teacher since 2002 (Yoga Alliance registered). Her teaching style is influenced by the Ashtanga and Iyengar traditions. In each class Sally teaches, whether it is for beginners or advanced students, she emphasizes the union of mindful movement with the breath, as well as proper alignment. Sally provides a safe and supportive environment in which to explore the asanas and encourages her students to accept where they are while simultaneously challenging them to work to their fullest potential. She also encourages her students to cultivate inner peace while on the mat that they can then take out into the world with them, becoming an instrument for peace wherever they go. Sally studied with David Swenson in the Ashtanga tradition and Karin O'Bannon in the Iyengar tradition. In addition, she has taken many other teacher training workshops with notable teachers such as Saul David Raye, Max Strom and Angela Farmer, and continues to independently study yoga philosophy and therapeutics.
Erin Chappell began practicing yoga in 1999, as a supplement to her dance and aerobic regimen. Finding strength, balance and confidence through her practice, she decided to share her joy of yoga with others. Initially certified through YogaFit® in 2003, she continues to study by adding certifications to work toward becoming a registered yoga teacher (500) with the Yoga Alliance. A member of Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), Erin teaches power yoga at various health clubs and Core Yoga at FreeSpirit Yoga.
Andrea Morgan completed Yoga Works 200 Hour Teacher Training Program taught by Annie Carpenter and Birgitte Kristen for which she received her RYT in April 2007. She continues her training with Annie and she often subs Yoga at local studios and gyms. “Jack of all trades Master of some”: Andrea is an Adjunct Professor of Acting and Voice & Speech at Fullerton College and a Dialect Coach for TV, Film and Stage. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Acting in 1995 from the Professional Theatre Training Program at the University of Delaware and it was there that her passionate relationship with Yoga was forged. Andrea creates a safe environment of exploration of self through breath, strength and focus and loves to incorporate music and humor into her flow style classes.
Lauren is a joyful & encouraging Cloud Nine Yoga trained instructor, whose daily practice includes Hatha Yoga & Bhakti Yoga. Her first experience with yoga was in 1995 after years of competitive swimming had wreaked havoc on her body and spirit...her yogic journey grew steadily from there. Lauren will encourage you to delve deeper into your practice by placing an emphasis on breath awareness, spiritual & physical balance, and focusing on exercising compassion towards your own body, mind, & spirit. She is a Birth Doula and a Student Midwife with a passion for women's reproductive health. Lauren is also currently acquiring her 500 hour certification with Erika Faith of Cloud Nine Yoga.
Del Leon has been practicing yoga
for 14 years, is a Certified Lymphologist, Health Coach, and practices
Thai Yoga Thereapy in Long Beach, CA. She has a BFA in Dance from
California State University Long Beach, has taught dance and yoga to
children in the LA public schools, and has intermittently
choreographed, performed, and produced dance theatre in and around the
Los Angeles area since 1996. Moving in wholistic and creative ways with
breath is one of her passions, along with teaching others to take
responsibility for their own health and healing on the physical and
non-physical planes.
Veronica Silva has a passion for
yoga and has been practicing since 2000.In 2003, she received her 200 hour registered yoga teacher certification
(RYT200); and in 2006 her RYT500, both through Cloud Nine Yoga.She has taught a variety of classes including
vinyasa flow, gentle yoga, prenatal yoga, yoga for soccer players, meditation
classes and energy healing courses.She
also currently teaches courses for RYT teacher certifications. Her teaching
philosophy is: Honor your body--what it is able to do and not able to do. Enjoy
the journey!
Yoga has been a part of Jenny's life since she was about 15,
discovering her first intro to yoga in an old bookstore. SInce then her
curiosity has led her to explore different avenues for movement,
meditation, and spiritual awakening. Embarking on a journey around the
world for 5 years, experiencing the external world around her, only
to realize that the real journey begins when we take a look at whats
within. On this path Jenny has been supported by her teachers Rudra
Dev, student and teacher of Iyengar from Rishikish, India, who embodies
the light of Yoga and the discipline and endurance that one needs to
follow this arduous path. Jenny also completed her 500 hour Teacher
Training with YogaWorks and studied and continues to with her mentor
Jeanne Heileman. Jenny is also certified Restore and Renew Restorative
Yoga instructor under Judith Lasater and has been practicing with Rod
Stryker and the Sri Vidya Tantra LIneage. Currently studying at the
California College of Ayurveda, she inspires to create a union of all
styles and philosophies and dedicates her practice and teachings for
the benefit and happiness of all beings.
Andrea Testa is the founder of FreeSpirit Yoga. Her dream was to open a yoga space where people can learn the many benefits of yoga. Andrea has studied and practiced Yoga since 1992 and received her teaching certification from the White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara in 1998. She began her studies with Irene Holsters of The Long Beach Yoga Centre in 1992 until 1998. She then completed 2 modules of Iyengar training with Karin O'Bannon in 1999 and has also had the privilege to study with Steve Rogers, Shiva Rea, David Swensen and Ana Forrest. Andrea has completed another 10 day training course this time with Erich Shiffman in 2004. Andrea has been teaching all of this yoga information since 1998 and teaches with enthusiasm and a concern for safety and most of all, FUN. Andrea is a Registered Yoga Teacher (500 hr.) with the Yoga Alliance. 
Melannie Brennan 
Dharma Shakti received her teacher traiining through an intense program at the Sivananda Ashram in northern California in October 2005.
Peter Kornhaber
Sally has been a dedicated practitioner and student of yoga since 1997 and a teacher since 2002 (Yoga Alliance registered). Her teaching style is influenced by the Ashtanga and Iyengar traditions. In each class Sally teaches, whether it is for beginners or advanced students, she emphasizes the union of mindful movement with the breath, as well as proper alignment. Sally provides a safe and supportive environment in which to explore the asanas and encourages her students to accept where they are while simultaneously challenging them to work to their fullest potential. She also encourages her students to cultivate inner peace while on the mat that they can then take out into the world with them, becoming an instrument for peace wherever they go. Sally studied with David Swenson in the Ashtanga tradition and Karin O'Bannon in the Iyengar tradition. In addition, she has taken many other teacher training workshops with notable teachers such as Saul David Raye, Max Strom and Angela Farmer, and continues to independently study yoga philosophy and therapeutics.
Erin Chappell began practicing yoga in 1999, as a supplement to her dance and aerobic regimen. Finding strength, balance and confidence through her practice, she decided to share her joy of yoga with others. Initially certified through YogaFit® in 2003, she continues to study by adding certifications to work toward becoming a registered yoga teacher (500) with the Yoga Alliance. A member of Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), Erin teaches power yoga at various health clubs and Core Yoga at FreeSpirit Yoga.
Andrea Morgan completed Yoga Works 200 Hour Teacher Training Program taught by Annie Carpenter and Birgitte Kristen for which she received her RYT in April 2007. She continues her training with Annie and she often subs Yoga at local studios and gyms. “Jack of all trades Master of some”: Andrea is an Adjunct Professor of Acting and Voice & Speech at Fullerton College and a Dialect Coach for TV, Film and Stage. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Acting in 1995 from the Professional Theatre Training Program at the University of Delaware and it was there that her passionate relationship with Yoga was forged. Andrea creates a safe environment of exploration of self through breath, strength and focus and loves to incorporate music and humor into her flow style classes.
Lauren is a joyful & encouraging Cloud Nine Yoga trained instructor, whose daily practice includes Hatha Yoga & Bhakti Yoga. Her first experience with yoga was in 1995 after years of competitive swimming had wreaked havoc on her body and spirit...her yogic journey grew steadily from there. Lauren will encourage you to delve deeper into your practice by placing an emphasis on breath awareness, spiritual & physical balance, and focusing on exercising compassion towards your own body, mind, & spirit. She is a Birth Doula and a Student Midwife with a passion for women's reproductive health. Lauren is also currently acquiring her 500 hour certification with Erika Faith of Cloud Nine Yoga.
Del Leon has been practicing yoga
for 14 years, is a Certified Lymphologist, Health Coach, and practices
Thai Yoga Thereapy in Long Beach, CA. She has a BFA in Dance from
California State University Long Beach, has taught dance and yoga to
children in the LA public schools, and has intermittently
choreographed, performed, and produced dance theatre in and around the
Los Angeles area since 1996. Moving in wholistic and creative ways with
breath is one of her passions, along with teaching others to take
responsibility for their own health and healing on the physical and
non-physical planes.
Veronica Silva has a passion for
yoga and has been practicing since 2000.
Yoga has been a part of Jenny's life since she was about 15,
discovering her first intro to yoga in an old bookstore. SInce then her
curiosity has led her to explore different avenues for movement,
meditation, and spiritual awakening. Embarking on a journey around the
world for 5 years, experiencing