about

-holistic approaches for tending the inner landscape of soma, psyche, and spirit -

The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word 'yuj' means to yoke or merge. Over the years, the yoga practice has become a space of merging the physical practice with our True Nature.  As a yoga teacher and an integrative therapist, Leia is inspired by the connection between psychology, Eastern philosophy, somatic modalities, yoga, mindfulness, and spirituality. Deeply touched by this path and its supportive nature of looking inward and living more fully, Leia offers these practices for the health and wellness of all beings. 

Leia studied at Prajna Yoga in New Mexico, which weaves together the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and Yogic Philosophy, traditional Hatha Yoga, modern science, and extensive studies of somatic movement to support the subtle body. Leia is a graduate of the Integral Counseling Psychology program at the California Institute of Integral Studies which supports a holistic approach toward mental health.  

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Leia is a certified Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga teacher and has dedicated over a decade to the study, practice, and teaching of this traditional form. Leia received her first 200-hr certification in Vinyasa Yoga during her early years in San Francisco. Following this, she studied with Erika Trice and Angela Norwood where she received a 200-hr certification from YogaWorks, exploring Hatha Yoga in the YogaWorks Method. 

Leia currently studies with Tias & Surya Little of Prajna Yoga, where they skillfully weave together the lineages of Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Tibetan Buddhism, and Zen. In 2016, she completed their Prajna Yoga 200-hr training & 300-hr training.  She continued their advanced studies of SATYA yoga levels 1, 2, and 3.  Leia continues to harness her skills in SATYA yoga,  Prajna Yoga’s yin modality while working toward their 500-hr Prajna Yoga certification. Separately, Leia has supported her interest of the Internal Arts by studying QiGong with Moga Dao Institute  and Brea Fischer.

Deepening her interest in Eastern philosophy and Western psychology, Leia earned her MA in Integral Counseling Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Alongside teaching yoga, she is concurrently working as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (No. 129720) at Heart In Balance Holistic Therapy Center, supervised by Kristina Kopko, LMFT, No. 53393. 

Training

  • 200 HR Vinyasa Yoga w/ Yancy Schwartz +Liam McConville

  • 200 HR YogaWorks w/ Erika Trice + Angela Norwood

  • 200 HR Prajna Yoga w/ Tias + Surya Little
    From the Ground Up | The Fluid Body | The Subtle Body

  • 300 HR Prajna Yoga w/ Tias + Surya Little
    Art of Hands On Adjustments +Sequencing | Art of Teaching| Restorative: Art of Healing

  • Prajna Yoga: SATYA Yoga Level 1, 2, & 3 w/ Tias Little

  • MA in Integral Counseling Psychology at California Institute of Integral Studies

Continued Studies

  • Yoga Sutra - Ongoing study of the Yoga Sutra with Chase Bosart of The Yoga Well Institute in the lineage of Sri T. Krishnamacharya as passed on to his son, Mr. TKV Desikachar.

  • Cha Dao - Ongoing study of Taoist & Buddhist concepts through Cha Tao, ‘The Way of Tea’ with teachers WuDe, Tien Wu, and Morgann Francesca. Leia has studied and continues to integrate, The Four Virtues, Leaves in a Bowl, The Five Basics, Intro to Cha Dao, Intermediate Cha Dao, and the Seven Genres.