Our Instructors

A lifelong practice as a healer and holistic health seeker inspires me to teach. I am grateful for the opportunity to blend the nursing knowledge, yogic principles, and energy work into a unique tapestry of gentle restorative, client centered, holistic health practice.

My yoga journey began with Lilia’s Yoga in the living room since no yoga was available in Texas at that time. My instructor training started with Prajna Yoga, Tias and Surya Little, in Santa Fe, NM and continued with many other teachers, in Canada and the United States.  Being a retired nurse complements my instruction with anatomical humor and information.

Intuitive sensitivity and compassion drew me to add energy work to her healing repertoire. While living in Southern CA, I became a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, studying 5 years at the world renown Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. I am an 8 year member of Healing Beyond Borders, an international organization for energy healers.

My specialty is gentle restorative yoga for the physically challenged population that may need a variey of options in a pose to match their range of movement. I like to emphasize breath, balance and alignment to enhance flexibility and maintain independence for all ages and capabilities.

As an educator and leadership coach, I understand the many challenges and stressors that we all face on a daily basis. My professional and personal experience informs my approach to yoga. I hold a doctoral degree from the University of New Mexico, and am certified in Appreciative Inquiry, Change Intelligence and trained in Dare to Lead. I am also a musician, lover of books and a foodie.

A wake-up call regarding my health and well-being was a gift that brought me to find my way to yoga. It was through curiosity, a regular practice and discovery of the health and healing benefits of yoga that led me to pursue teaching certification.

Through teaching, I aspire to help others find ease in their everyday lives. Together, we will discover and practice harmony, alignment and balance through breath and movement.

This wonderful place called Las Cruces is her home town. She was born and raised here and now she gets to share this magical place with her two beautiful children. Never in her dreams did she think of becoming a yoga teacher. Dasha was always passionate about health and fitness growing up. She participated in her fair share of sports while in school, but what really stuck with her was her experience in boxing. Man, she found that fun, but going pro was not her calling and she didn’t feel compelled to train in that particular sport either. It didn’t align with her style of life or thinking. Life went on, and she had the amazing opportunity to work at her local Co-Op and made connections with some wonderful people. Dasha felt like the universe was setting up the steps to this new journey that happened in her life. Thankful for the Co-Op she heard about the Teacher Training that DDY offered and mustered up the courage to call DDY and ask. Luckily it was perfect timing. She signed up and jumped right in. Even though her knowledge at the time was so few and far between the space DDY has created, the wonderful community within this new world made it feel like home. The wisdom and practices that have been shared were things she was already doing in her day to day life. She looks forward to learning and growing within the endless knowledge that comes with this wonderful practice and sharing it with each and everyone of you, to help create a safe space and the room to explore within our mind, body, and spirit.

I have been a student of movement all my life. My first memory of dancing was with my mom and sister, learning to jitterbug by standing on top of their feet. American Bandstand was an afternoon party at their house since they lived ½ block from the high school. What I loved was how the music made me feel – when there was music, I was moving!

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, so I enrolled at Indiana University to become a H.S. math and P.E. educator. But fate intervened and one day between classes, I heard music and followed it to the dance studio. That day changed everything; I had found my heart’s path. I loved studying about the science behind human movement and the emotional balance between movement and artistry. My dance mentors taught me the poetry of movement, how to find expression of the soul, and how to dance with joy.

I’ve danced professionally with five dance companies, taught at several universities, danced with people from around the globe, directed the dance program at NMSU, but my most satisfying experience has been to witness the transformational moments when my students “become” the movement, when the outside world disappears and their inner nature is revealed to them. After I retired from NMSU, I found Downtown Desert Yoga. The philosophy of this studio, “mind/body/spirit” and “optimal movement,” was so similar to my own dance training. I’ve now found another home to continue my study of human movement in a place that is such a loving and kind community.

Dylann has been leading yoga classes at DDY since September of 2021 when she completed her 200HR Teacher Training, having little to no prior experience with yoga. Taking that deep dive straight into the TT was honestly a transformational experience for her, and she is so glad that her relationship with yoga blossomed there. She is now teaching 4 classes a week, and values every session as a space to continue to learn and grow alongside this community. Aside from her yoga practice, Dylann is also an artist, a writer, an aspiring herbalist, and keeper of an ever-expanding collection of other experiences.

Hayley has been practicing yoga for 15 years. She initially began practicing yoga strictly for exercise, but her practice slowly developed into something deeper over the years. In 2020 after suffering from chronic anxiety since childhood and coping by engaging in extreme endurance sports like trail running and mountain biking, she rededicated her practice with the intention of yoga being a spiritual tool to help her nurture and connect with her body, mind, and spirit. This ultimately led her to enroll in the 2022 200 Hour Teacher Training at DDY. Hayley is also very interested in the subtle energy body and has certifications in Reiki and Reflexology.

I was born and raised in New Mexico and I reside here in Las Cruces with my husband, our daughter, and two pets. I have practiced yoga, meditation, and martial arts for over 13 years throughout New Mexico, Alaska, Utah, Washington, France, and Israel.
I was recently completed my 200 RYT at Downtown Desert Yoga.  I love to design curriculum for my classes that are suitable to help anyone live a vibrant lifestyle.

I am a single mom of three amazing teenagers and a slave to 4 dogs, a cat and a horse. I have a master’s degree in accounting and work as a controller for an electrical contractor. I love to spin, hike, swim, read, practice yoga and am usually up for trying something new!

I am first, a mother of three wild children; Gabi, Bella-B and Damian Peña and then a life partner to an amazing man, Ángel Peña. I’m a New Mexico State University alumni with an education and background in Civil Engineering. I am a high school instructional coach, former math teacher, avid memory maker with family and friends, and yogi. Finding my love for my practice at Downtown Desert Yoga (DDY) many moons ago, I am proud to now be a part of the DDY family! Having completed the 200 HR RYT certification at DDY, I am excited to share my passion for yoga and all of its benefits to mind, body, and soul with anyone who is interested. With the Optimal Movement Training of the DDY program I can truly share yoga with everybody in a way that is safe and responsible.

I aim to lead a life of self-discovery and honoring my body. The day I stepped onto my mat I quickly discovered that yoga was my way to both. As an instructor, I hope to create a space for my students to do the same. Since the beginning of my practice is fairly recent, I encourage curious play so that my students learn alongside me. My teaching can contain a dance flavor focusing on the natural rhythmic flow of the body and breath. Through unified movement, I want us all to connect and realize our oneness to create a more harmonious way of living that spreads through the community.

Ley (she/they) has been a practitioner of yoga since 2013 and of mindfulness since 2001. She completed her yoga teacher training (RYT 200) in 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas and has taught in many different contexts since then. The affirming, inclusive spaces she holds during her classes are shaped by her training in accessible yoga and trauma-informed yoga, as well as her experience as a Usui Reiki Master, certified philosophical consultant, and mindfulness instructor (trained by the Center for Koru Mindfulness. Ley holds a PhD in Philosophy and operates an individual coaching practice focused on exploring identity and authenticity.

Her first introduction to yoga was through a mindfulness course she enrolled in while an undergrad at UT Austin in 2008. Her practice was in fits and starts over the years, but she began and committed to a regular practice when she moved to Las Cruces in 2020. Lindsay is completing her 200 hour teacher training through DDY which has broadened her perspective on the ways one can guide yoga with a trauma-informed lens and accessible approach. Through her graduate program in social work and public health, she has also become interested in treatment modalities for PTSD and trauma, and how yoga can be one part of one’s healing process. Her intention in teaching and in practice is rooted in fostering a connection to the breath, body, and mind.

Lorelei has been practicing yoga for over ten years and is a registered yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance (RYT-200). She is also a children’s yoga teacher and has completed training through Cosmic Kids Yoga. She initially began practicing yoga for the physical benefits, but over time realized the therapeutic benefits to a regular practice. That became particularly clear after she began practicing yoga regularly with her son to help him with difficulties with focus and hyperactivity. Her experiences led her to a desire to teach yoga to other kids as well as adults to share the therapeutic, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Lorelei currently teaches Kids’ Yoga, Sustainable Power Yoga, and Flow classes at DDY, as well as Hot 26 classes. She is also working on her 300 hour training certification.

Manu was born and raised in India. Although she’s been practicing asanas for only three years, Manu has practiced the spiritual aspect of yoga ever since childhood as it is culturally ingrained in India. She has recently completed my 200-hour teacher training at Downtown Desert Yoga. She feels every class she teaches is very valuable to me and she tries to include a little bit of yogic wisdom that she’s learnt from her teacher training, grandparents and parents and philosophy of yoga in each class. Aside from yoga practice, she is interested in learning ayurveda.

I have been teaching Hatha yoga in the Las Cruces since 1989. In 2007 I left town to live and work in Mexico City where I discovered Kundalini yoga. Upon my return in 2010, I attended the Kundalini Research Institute in Espanola, NM.  I received my Level One Instructor Certification and my Kundalini spiritual name, Param Seyvek Kaur, which means “Lioness of true greatness who loves to serve the Divine with all her heart.”

I am a Reiki practitioner and I’ve studied herbal healing with Lakota Sioux herbalist and physician Tierona Low Dog, and I volunteer in a local herbal apothecary, Healing Earth Mother Products. I also provide private yoga sessions for individuals who wish to practice yoga but feel they are not ready to attend classes. I believe in the healing properties of yoga, herbs, meditation, positive energy, and gratitude. Mantra, Mudra, and Breath work are three important components of my yoga practice and are integrated into my teaching.

I was born and raised in Las Cruces and have personally practiced yoga since 2008. With a BA in Communication Studies, my professional focus has been in early childcare and education. Working with children of all ages, teaching dance, gymnastics and yoga, deepened my understanding of the value of healthy breath and movement for minds and bodies. Dedicating the summer of 2019 to earning my RYT 200hr training certification, I became particularly interested in optimal movement, trauma informed teaching and offering accessible, inclusive yoga to children and adults with limitations and special needs. I hope to continue sharing the exploration of mindful breathing, taking movement and finding stillness through yoga practice.

Richard comes to Las Cruces with an extensive performing and teaching career in dance and bodywork. He was on faculty at the University of Nevada Las Vegas as a Professor of Jazz Dance and has been teaching dance therapy to the Senior Adult population for many years. He has taught dance around the world as well as performed with many renowned companies in America and Europe. In addition to his extensive knowledge in dance, Richard also trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine in the form of body therapy called Zen Shiatsu. He currently teaches Qigong in the community for seniors. Richard also has been involved with Laughter Yoga for Seniors and is now a certified instructor.

I found yoga as a teenager here in Las Cruces but didn’t become serious about my practice until I attended college at UNM. There, I took a semester-long Hatha class and fell in love with the physical, mental, and emotional benefits practicing afforded me. Though I started practicing for the physical benefits, I soon realized the reason I kept showing up was that the clarity and presence I found on my mat began to follow me into my daily life.
After graduating and moving back to Las Cruces in 2016, I began attending classes at DDY and fell in love with Functional Movement and how it transformed the relationship I had with my body. With this newfound body awareness, I became stronger, more flexible and my practice gained a whole new level of depth. I also gained a greater appreciation of the things my body is capable of. I realized I wanted to share the transformative benefits that Functional Movement has to offer so, I decided to take my 200 RYT with DDY in 2017.
I love challenging my students in a playful manner; always reminding them it’s not the shapes that the body can make that are important, but our attitude and mindset which ultimately shape our lives. When I’m not teaching, you can find me interpreting for the
public schools or frolicking somewhere outside.

I am a wife, a dog and cat mom, an art educator, artist, and avid gardener. I co-own a screen printing company, Reviver Printing with my husband.

I’ve lived in Las Cruces, New Mexico for the past ten years, which is where I deepened my love and dedication of practicing yoga. Yoga is the one constant in my life that has offered a safe, calm space to slow down, de-stress, and be in the moment. I’ve been practicing yoga for about 15 years and received my 200 RYT yoga training in Sayulita, Mexico in 2019 and trained in Hatha, Yin, Flow and Hot 26 Yoga.

I hear many people say yoga is not for them because they are not flexible enough or don’t look a certain way and hope to help change this stereotype. I want to teach yoga to the student who is unsure by offering a space of acceptance and non-judgement in order to support connection with their bodies, breath, and spirit.

I am the mother of a very active teenager, Javier and the wife of a wonderful husband, Tony! My family and yoga keep me grounded and have helped me through so much.

I currently work as the Program Coordinator for the Music Department at NMSU. I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with each of the different music studios to offer specialized yoga classes and instruction for musicians.

I love to teach all types of yoga but have an obsession with Hot 26. I have recently shifted my focus on developing yoga for the lymphatic system after having my lymph nodes removed. This has allowed me the opportunity to work with and teach breast cancer patients and survivors.

Yoga has become a part of my everyday life and for this I will be forever grateful!

Tamika loves to lead a fun, exhilarating Zumba class!

I came to Las Cruces from the Northwest over 20 years ago to pursue my MFA in painting. During this time, I have met my husband, become a mother and have been enmeshed in this wonderful community through the arts. It was almost ten years ago when I took my first hot yoga class. In 2016, I finished the Open Doors 200 hr. certification at Downtown Desert Yoga. During this time, and as with anything you do for a long time, I have experienced an awareness and discovery of the growth that has taken place inwardly and outwardly in myself and the ripple effect in other aspects of my life through this practice and my deeper commitment to it. My commitment to teaching yoga, is to help students connect to their breath and their true self.