Teachers | SFA Yoga | San Francisco Yoga Studio

	Meir Leshem Meir Leshem has been practicing Yoga since 1988 and Ashtanga Yoga since 1990 with Tim Miller. Meir has been teaching Ashtanga Yoga since 1995, and founded San Francisco Ashtanga Yoga studio in 1997. *I will go through the pain, but I will not suffer the fear.* Meir Leshem, June 2006

	Christie Marshall Christie challenges students through an energetic Vinyasa flow to open their physical body and deepen their mental awareness, moving toward balance. Her own yoga journey began in 1991 and she has experimented with various forms of yoga including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Yin Yoga, and Power Vinyasa. Christie has been a lifelong educator in diverse fields - she is excited to share her passion for yoga, guiding yoga practitioners to a deeper understanding of asana, breath, mindfulness and conscious movement.

	Amynthas Franco Franco was introduced to Ashtanga Yoga in January 2001, right here at SFA. Franco graduated from Tim Miller’s teacher training in 2005, attended workshops with certified teachers Chuck & Maty, Kino MacGregor and Dena Kingsberg. Immersed in the mysore practice, Franco has been practicing with Catherine Shaddix since 2005, who is about to guide him through the Third Series in the Ashtanga tradition. Inspired by Tim, Franco’s ‘Ashtanga Improvisation’ classes are everyone’s favorite.

	Gary Kaplan Gary has studied and practiced a traditional form of yoga for over thirty years. A retired psychologist and educator, he has successfully incorporated yoga into both his teaching and his practice. His approach to yoga blends the physical aspects of Hatha Yoga with the meditative aspects of Raja Yoga. His method is a gentle, relaxed way to increase muscle tone, strength, flexibility, focus and concentration. It is ideal for those who want to reverse their aging process or recover from illness or injury.
	Kristin Smith Kristin Smith, yoga and pilates instructor, brings her passion for yoga to San Francisco from North Carolina. She has background in group fitness and pilates, and holds a Master's degree in literature focusing on philosophy and psychology. Her studies eventually led her to the yoga mat in 2005, where she discovered firsthand the benefits we can receive from practice beyond the asana. Yogic philosophy coupled with the power and grace of asana continues to inspire a life's passion for Kristin, which translates to her classes and with which she strives to empower her students both on and off the mat.

	Rebecca Polack A student of yoga for over 20 years, Rebecca has been teaching the art of asana and pranayama since 1997 - first in New York City, and now in San Francisco. Rebecca’s style of teaching reflects a diversity of knowledge gained through the study of various forms of yoga, including Astanga Vinyasa and Iyengar. Within an atmosphere of playful self-discovery, she encourages her students to investigate their own bodies, to explore their strengths and weaknesses, and to grow from those explorations.
	Rima Haggerty Rima has been practicing yoga most of her life and been teaching since 2003, first in Los Angeles and now in San Francisco. She is a graduate of the YogaWorks teacher-training program and is inspired by their many talented teachers including Annie Carpenter, Julie Kleinman, Natasha Rizopoulos and Claire Mark. Rima has studied Bikram, Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga and her teaching draws from all of these styles mixed with compassion and an appreciation for the individual.

	Sarah Coenen Sarah has been both humbled and inspired by yoga since her practice began nearly 10 years ago. She is a firm believer in the transformative, healing power of a consistent Ashtanga practice coupled with Vipassana meditation. Her classes aim to ignite a passion for the practice while cultivating deeper awareness and acceptance. Her teaching style is both supportive and energizing, emphasizing graceful and purposive movement.
	Laura Flier Laura was drawn to the practice of yoga when she was seeking something to balance her strenuous then-career as a litigation attorney. After experimenting with several different styles, Laura found the right fit with ashtanga and vinyasa yoga. In her teaching, she emphasizes breath-movement connection, attention to alignment, and pushing one's limits without ego and without risk of injury.
	Kristen Krieger Yoga became an integral part of Kristen's life from her first practice 8 years ago. With a consistent practice she became more centered and gained a stronger spiritual connection and sense of self. Her passion led her to experiment with many different forms focusing primarily on Ashtanga. Her Vinyasa Flow class connects movement and breath providing an aerobic yet grounding workout. The focus of her classes is to quiet the mind, become present in the moment and get an incredible work out. Kristen believes yoga can truly transform not only your body, but also your life off the mat.