Teachers Bios
Meet Cori Martinez
My name is Cori Martinez
Three words that describe me are friendly, reflective and nosy (Should I say: curious?)
My perfect meal is healthy and prepared with love by someone else
Coffee or tea? Tea and a sip of coffee. Or two. Or three. Ok, I drink coffee now
Other than Asha, you might see me around Sacramento at Trader Joes, Mochi Yogurt, a playground, a Thai restaurant, a coffee shop
I highly recommend forgiveness and time in silence
I am thankful for a lot. For starters: When my daughter climbs into my bed before the sunrise and goes back to sleep
I hope for success and peace
I love dark chocolate with course chunks of sea salt, being near the ocean, and laying in a hammock
I’m scared of not being good enough
Yoga has taught me a new understanding of God and therefore a sacred appreciation of my life
I am inspired by the dedication of so many yoga students. Also by the kindness and generosity of others
Three words to describe my teaching style are detailed, fluid and inward (But it does depend on the day!)
One of my favorite yoga books is Light on Life by BKS Iyengar
Music you might hear in my class Krishna Das, Girish, and Deva Primal chanting. Ziggy Marley and other reggae, Eddie Vedder, Sting, Dispatch, Counting Crows, Cowboy Junkies, plus classical or instrumental guitar or drumming. Lately, a lot of silence
My Yoga experience includes meditation, pranayama, self inquiry practice, being married, having a child… being human. About fifteen years of yoga practice, over ten years of teaching and now a teacher of teachers. Practice and/or trainings in various styles/traditions: Bikram, Ashtanga, Anusara, Iyengar, Yin, Restorative, Vinyasa, Forrest, Psychology of Yoga, Tantric Yoga Philosophy…. You can study and do a lot of yoga in fifteen years!
Meet Joan Gallager Marks
My name is Joan Gallagher Marks
Three words that describe me are interested, grateful and positive
My perfect meal is breakfast or lunch with a friend
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Other than Asha, you might see me around Sacramento at mostly Asha!!! Peet’s or Carmichael Food Closet. I live in the foothills
I highly recommend finding joy and/or opportunity in each and every day, person, event, and situation
I am thankful for my health, my family and friends (past and present), my labs: Abby and Tessa
I hope for a life filled with joy and gratitude
I love practicing yoga with others, assisting Cori, experiencing my children and many nieces and nephews as adults
I’m scared of getting really sick before seeing all the places I want to see
Yoga has taught me the best version of myself is enough
I am inspired by reading the thoughts of sharers like Rachel Naomi Remen, Pema Chodran, and Jack Kornfield
Three words to describe my teaching style are appreciative, sharing, and deep
One of my favorite yoga books is Insight Yoga by Sarah Powers
Music you might hear in my class Matt Kearney, Steven Gold, Familiar Instrumental, Jason Mraz, Ben Harper, Amos Lee
My Yoga experience includes A Yoga Nomad: lots of practicing, lots of workshops, a truly passionate Yoga Learner.
Meet Kristine Clark
My name is Kristine Clark
Three words that describe me are friendly, enthusiastic and energetic
My perfect meal is depends on the season. I love veggies stir-fried, grilled, roasted, and love entree salads with fish, chicken or tofu
Coffee or Tea? Both. I don’t need coffee, however, I lived in Italy so a cappuccino has been a habit.
Other than Asha, you might see me around Sacramento on my cruiser bike, at the Co-op, Fusion Yoga Studio, walking my dog, and practicing yoga everywhere
I highly recommend finding balance and moderation in everything we do in life. I see so much suffering from too much or not enough of something. I say, love more
I am thankful for yoga. I don’t know how I would be if I didn’t have the teachings to help me along my journey and freedom from suffering.
I hope for all people to realize we have choices and that we can chose to live in the moment and see the amazing opportunity we have on this beautiful planet, and once we get it, help others to be happy
I love people, yoga, pets, movement, healthy food, travel, being in love
I’m scared of not much, maybe injuring myself
Yoga has taught to me the concept of living in the moment and that the root of my suffering is thinking too much and talking too much
I am inspired by happy people, they come in all shapes, ages, race, creed, color
Three words to describe my teaching style are diverse, creative and heart-opening
One of my favorite yoga books is Jivkamukti
My yoga experience includes workshops, retreats, classes, trainings, and lectures. For the past 11 years, very few days have gone by without a yoga experience. Yoga is an integral part of my life. I am open to all spiritual practice and experiences. I have been teaching full time since 2008
Meet Kate McKinney
My name is Kate McKinney
Three words that describe me are soft, creative, 85% optimistic and 15% Chicken Little (The sky is falling, the sky is falling, what do I do? Answer: Yoga!)
My perfect meal is anything that doesn’t have canned peas or hominy or liver or anything that resembles these three things!
Coffee or tea? Both
Other than Asha, you might see me around Sacramento having dinner at Selland’s, agonizing over what to purchase at Three Women and an Armoire, or out in Rancho Cordova teaching yoga at my yoga studio: Body Investment Studio
I highly recommend not taking any recommendation that doesn’t feel authentic to you
I am thankful for it all
I hope for all those who feel hopeless
I love my husband, ‘Skinny McKinney’
I’m scared of a little bit of everything, anything and nothing at all!
Yoga has taught me and continues to teach me to soften; to soften my judgments of myself and others, to observe and accept what is, whether I like it or not, and in this process of accepting reality as it is, I am able (albeit sometimes not right away) to let go of the ‘should of, could of, would of and if onlys, and find space in compassion for my thoughts, my actions and perceptions, my body, other’s thoughts, reactions and perceptions, and the situation at hand
I am inspired by my mom, meditating, God, the universe, the way things always seem to work out regardless of x, y, & z
Three words to describe my teaching style are smooth, nourishing and accessible
One of my favorite yoga books is Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison
Music you might hear in my class ranges from Michael Franti and Spearhead to The Royal Philharmonic to Donna De Lory to Florance & the Machine
My Yoga experience includes a 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Approved Teacher Training program with Cori Martinez, E-RYT and owner of Asha Yoga, as well as an additional three month mentorship program under Cori’s guidance. I truly believe if you allow yourself, you can learn something new every day. You never stop being a student. I find joy in continually immersing myself in inquiry, journaling, books and discussions about yogic philosophy and the body, specialized workshops, and taking classes from a variety of other teachers in order grow as a student and in turn as a teacher of yoga
Meet Linda Wagner
My name is Linda Wagner
Three words that describe me are energetic, enthusiastic and happy
My perfect meal is roasted root vegetables and salad
Coffee or tea? Tea please
Other than Asha, you might see me around Sacramento at Green Acre’s Nursery
I highly recommend making your own salad dressing
I am thankful for a thousand daily blessings
I hope for Eka Pada Rajakapotasana without making groaning sounds
I love nature and music
I’m scared of snakes (love spiders)
Yoga has taught me patience, self awareness and to accept my own limitations
I am inspired by people’s abilities to overcome impossible odds
Three words to describe my teaching style are clear, compassionate and humorous
One of my favorite yoga books is Light On Life by B.K.S. Iyengar
Music you might hear in my class an eclectic mix of Sting, sitar, world, jazz and more
My Yoga experience includes 10 years teaching with a focus on the Anusara style. I use that extensive knowledge to help guide students through the Foundation series at Asha every month.
Meet Robert Hallworth
My name is Robert Lozano Hallworth
Three words that describe me are genuine, benevolentlyribald, and neverlackadaisical (that’s three words, right?)
My perfect meal is curry
Coffee or tea? Definitely coffee
Other than Asha, you might see me around Sacramento at Sacramento Pipeworks, Temple coffee, Bangkok Thai
I highly recommend Not wasting your time doing something you don’t love
I am thankful for this precious human life (thanks mom), all my wond-R-full Lama’s (Garchen Rinpoche, Thrangu Rinpoche, Traga Rinpoche, Anam Thubten Rinpoche, Lama Gursam, Swami Satyanada, Barbara Du Bois, Doug Swenson)
I hope for, hope is only a halfarsed, I’d rather DO or see others DO
I love everything as if all had been my mother in a previous life, in my best moments and eventually at all times
I’m scared of not much
Yoga has taught me to be not scared of much and to DO RIGHT NOW
I am inspired by those who aren’t scared and who do what they love
Three words to describe my teaching style are slowly meditative at first then intensely flowing to relaxingly indulgent
One of my favorite yoga books is A Systematic Course on the Tantric Techniques of Yoga & Kriya by Swami Satyananda
Music you might hear in my class Tribe Called Quest, Digable Planets, Massive Attack, Bonobo, Damien Marley
My Yoga experience includes all of the proceeding if you have read this far…may all beings benefit
Meet Sandra Gutierrez
My name is Sandra Gutierrez
Three words that describe me are soulful, compassionate and genuine
My perfect meal is homemade, vegetarian and full of love
Coffee or Tea?: Tea
Other than Asha you might see me around Sacramento dancing to Salsa, Bachata, Samba or Reggae
I highly recommend taking a vacation every year
I am thankful for warm showers, loving friends and the ability to be open to change
I hope for everyone to find inner peace
I love discovering what makes me smile, dancing, outdoor music festivals and food
I’m scared of cats that hang out in the middle of sidewalks. I usually walk on the street to avoid them
Yoga has taught me how to slow down and be present
I am inspired by those who love to learn and equally by those who love to teach
Three words to describe my teaching style are calm, mindful and accommodating
One of my favorite yoga books is The Bhagavad Gita
Music you might hear in my class the music created by your neighboring yogi during a concentrated yogic breath when no music is played, or maybe some kirtan, reggae or light nature sounds
My yoga experience includes: 200-Hour RYT at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas in Classical Hatha Yoga as taught by Swami Vishnu Devananda in January 2011. Upon my return I completed a Mini-Yogis training for children. Initially, I started out sampling Bikram and Power Yoga and landed softly into Asha Yoga for a ten day trial in 2009, fell in love, and have been practicing asana here ever since.
Meet Sarah Langford
My name is: Sarah Langford
Three words that describe me are open, loving and grateful
My perfect meal is hummus, avocado, cherry tomatoes and seaweed flavored rice cakes
Coffee or tea? Coffee!
Other than Asha, you might see me around Sacramento at Asha, it’s my second home
I highly recommend smiling, even when you don’t feel like it
I am thankful for a job I love
I hope for living a long, healthy and happy life
I love my friends and family, and extending that circle
I’m scared of not being good enough
Yoga has taught me to love my life
I am inspired by a good book, a long hike, and people who live with love
Three words to describe my teaching style are challenging, accepting and joyful
One of my favorite yoga books is A Life Worth Breathing by Max Strom
Music you might hear in my class Ratatat, Girish, Alma Desnuda, Donna De Lory, Jane Winther, Deva Premal, Lotus, Snatam Kaur, Moby, Emancipator
My Yoga experience includes…
An unwavering dedication to being a student resulted in a very consistent practice with several brilliant teachers for many years. My desire to teach and give back the gifts I received inspired me to DIVE head first into home study and Teacher Training workshops and programs. Now, as a teacher, the integration of a home practice gives me my own voice. I have a Masters in Nutrition Science and a passion for promoting healthy lifestyles in body, mind and soul! This is all part of yoga for me.
Meet Jennifer Buehner-Varley
My name is: Jennifer Buehner-Varley
Three words that describe me are sensitive, warm and curious
My perfect meal is anything anyone else cooks for me
Coffee or tea? Both, depending on mood, time of day and season
Other than Asha, you might see me around Sacramento at the Coop, in a painting class with a local painter or in University Art
I highly recommend compassion
I am thankful for all the love and nurturing I receive
I hope for the ailing to be tended too
I love to travel
I am scared of unhealthy amounts of fear
Yoga has taught me that there is an abundant source of light and love waiting for me at every turn
I love people who live, as if life is art, and is meant to be explored
Three words to describe my teaching style are friendly, quiet and simple
One of my favorite yoga books is Restore and Renew by Judith Hanson Lasseter. Comfort and healing are to be had here
Music you might hear in my class may include, Donna de Lory, Sigur Ros, Ravi Shankar, Mukti, Wah and Air. Sometimes the best music is the breath of the class and so I keep the music off
My Yoga experience includes a 200 TT at Asha with Cori Martinez, who continues to guide and mentor me. I am a certified Restore and Renew teacher and have spent a long weekend with Sarah Powers. While these amazing women have helped me to build the container for my yoga experience, most of my practice occurs as I navigate my days as a partner, mother, sister, friend ,teacher and student. I give thanks.
Meet Emily Burton
Three words that describe me are sensitive, open and real.
My perfect meal is really great pizza and a dry red wine.
Coffee or tea? Coffee! Actually a latte to be exact, usually a flavored one.
Other than Asha, you might see me around Sacramento at ooh, we’ll have to see. Just moved to Sacramento…
I highly recommend taking risks – doing things that scare you.
I am thankful for the yoga community. My friends and my family. Second chances.
I hope for joy and love and peace – within myself and all around.
I love connecting with people. I love sunshine, singing and laughter. I love old friends and the way they get you. I love love.
I’m scared of a lot! Mostly losing people.
Yoga has taught me to trust myself; that the universe expands and contracts and so does my life and to breathe through the contractions. I learned that I am part of everything and everything is divine. Yes, that means you too!
I am inspired by artists, activists, children, women and community. People who create unique, passionate and interesting lives. I am inspired by love.
Three words to describe my teaching style are supportive, passionate and invested.
One of my favorite yoga books is Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar – can you believe those pictures?
Music you might hear in my class ujayi breath.
My Yoga experience includes Hatha yoga teacher training, Anusara teacher training, Anusara prenatal yoga teacher training, Anusara immersion and then lots of teaching for the past 3 years in Los Angeles. I have assisted Kenny Graham with Anusara teacher trainings and have led many workshops and retreats all over California. The best yoga training is life, though. Especially driving on the 405.
Emily Taggart
Meet Emily Taggart
Three words that describe me are sweet, sassy and compassionate.
My perfect meal is made from fresh ingredients and shared with loved ones.
Coffee or tea? Espresso in the morning, tea for the rest of the day.
Other than Asha, you might see me around Sacramento at usually somewhere in Midtown – either on a long walk with my dog and husband or enjoying the company of friends over delicious food and drink.
I highly recommend long walks, deep breaths and moments of silence.
I am thankful for every moment of my life.
I hope for a life surrounded by loved ones and to never forget how lucky I am to live the life I have.
I love life.
I’m scared of clowns, alligators and not being good enough.
Yoga has taught me to slow down, live life one moment at a time, and not take myself so seriously.
I am inspired by the potential of every moment and every human being.
Three words to describe my teaching style are mindful, playful and simple.
One of my favorite yoga books is Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates
Music you might hear in my class Thievery Corporation, Kronos Quartet, Lucinda Williams, Girish, Feist, Philip Glass, Krishna Das, U2, etc. (Every now and then, when the time is right, Led Zeppelin shows up, too.)
My Yoga experience includes some awkward introductions when I was a teenager. Years later, I found a regular practice that spilled off my mat into my whole life. I am a lifelong student and teach to share the gifts I receive from my practice and experience. I’ve completed two 200-hour teacher trainings, most recently at Asha Yoga. I frequently write about my experiences with yoga and what inspires me on my Ya Ya Namaste website .
