Andrea Borja

Before Andrea Borja went into the field of health, yoga and fitness, she was very successful in the field of Finance, working for Fortune 500 companies such as Pepsi, KFC, Polaroid, and Disney. Ten years ago, after struggling with some health issues, she decided to take the first step on the journey to becoming who she is today and moved to Nosara, and now after 6 different Teacher Trainings Andrea has already been teaching with us for over 5 years, both Yoga and HIIT.

Her classes reflect her personality, playful, active and excited to be alive. She will lead you through a strong vinyasa flow or a very powerful HIIT class but also always allow you to listen to your body and be creative in your practice.

Join Andrea for a class and let’s explore “La Pura Vida” and Yoga together.

Andrés

Andrés practiced the discipline of aerial yoga for more than 5 years before deciding to become a certified Aerial Yoga Teacher. The benefits of this practice changed his life in the aspect of new challenges, supported stretches and emotional wellbeing. His passion is to share his experience and to motivate people to explore and learn aerial yoga in a fun supportive way.

In his classes, he encourages individuals to trust their own capacities, while feeling more free and happy.
With a background in Sustainable Tourism Management and Business Administration, he is able to complement his experience as an Aerial Yoga Teacher.Andrés enjoys teaching both children and adults.

Bridget Shae

Bridget Shae An innovator in the field of inquiry-based learning, Bridget is a leader in encouraging students to find their truth through the practice of yoga. Bridget co-founded iLa Yoga® in 2012 and is the Director of iLa Yoga® and Bodhi Tree Yoga Schools, accredited by the Yoga Alliance. Bridget has been a student of the practice since 2003, and began teaching in 2008 having studied with world renowned teachers. She has over spent over 1000 hours training in yoga, meditation and qi gong. Bridget teaches a diverse array of practices, and shares her knowledge as an expansive approach to healing. Her studies and commitment to the practice have led to original inspirations, methods, and practices, delivering students with the ability to tap into their inner wisdom and find their own path through this ancient practice. Bridget has taught thousands of students from around the world including Europe, the Middle East, Central America, South America, and North America. Her classes invite you to step more fully into yourself with careful consideration. Infusing the energy of yoga with understanding the intelligence of prana and awareness. Her teachings help to bring clarity and a heightened sense of purpose to your life.

Ceibo

Melt into a vibrational sound bath with Ceibo Soundz. Using his collection of crystal tones alchemy singing bowls and eclectic instruments from around the world while using his voice as an instrument to hold space for deep rest and recovery. Ceibo will guide you into a journey of deep relaxation and self discovery.

While residing in Nosara Costa Rica since 2014, Ceibo has been offering Sound Journey experiences to retreats, ceremonies, festivals, gatherings, small groups and individuals. He has been offering weekly sound journeys at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort for the past 8 years. His specialty is playing alchemy crystal singing bowls, using the instrument of his voice and a collection of enchanting indigenous instruments.

Chris Pipkin

From Philadelphia to Los Angeles, Chris has spent over 10 years helping others transform their lives through fitness. As a personal trainer, Master Instructor at SoupCycle, and boxing instructor, Chris is dedicated to empowering individuals to push past their limits and achieve their fullest potential—both inside and outside the gym

Cory

Cory has been a fitness and spin advocate for over 15 years. His passion for helping individuals reach their fitness goals and create healthy lifestyle changes lead him to developing the spin program at the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort in Nosara, Costa Rica. Cory teaches daily high intensity, low impact spin classes that will leave you feeling like you’re ready to conquer the world!

Dakota Shae

Dakota’s teachings center around a whole system approach to achieving optimal health and wellness. Dakota co-founded iLa Yoga® in 2012 and is the co-director of iLa Yoga® and Bodhi Tree Yoga Schools. Dakota’s launch into the vast domain of yoga began in 2006 stemming from an interest in exploring peak physical performance. As a lifelong athlete, he found undeniable physical benefits from a regular practice that, over the years, has evolved into a daily discovery of what is needed to live a happy, healthy life. In addition to his yoga education, Dakota is a certified Oxygen Advantage instructor and incorporates breath training and respiratory anatomy, into his teachings. Dakota’s no nonsense approach health are backed by a deep understanding of human physiology and psychology and uses the ancient practices of yoga as the main pathway to awareness in discovering what practices are most beneficial on any given day. His teachings offer the opportunity to bring about radical self-care and change through the awareness and consistent practices. A calm, yet passionate demeanor, contribute to the vibrant and inspiring teacher that he is. Dakota cares deeply about equipping each of his students with the tools they need most to live their best life.

Dawn Torres

Dawn is an energy master. As a yoga and meditation teacher, energy and sound healer, Dawn blends her love for teaching yoga with many years of studying and practicing several alternative healing modalities. She guides clients and students to wake up their deeply rooted inner guidance systems through Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, Sound Healing, and a multitude of transformational tools she has gathered throughout the years. Dawn has studied with some of the most brilliant teachers and healers in their fields all around the world, and their wisdom has become the foundation for her own teachings. She has come to know that the body’s natural inclination is towards wellness, and it is her passion to assist others in becoming aware of and removing the obstacles in the way of that natural pathway to health.

Duncan Bourke

With a strong belief that yoga is a moving meditation of love, Duncan seamlessly weaves positivity, fluidity, and light-hearted playfulness throughout his classes.
His charismatic teaching style focuses on breath work and emphasizes tapping into innate primal instincts, allowing students to gaze internally while actively
building core and stabilizing muscles. This approach fosters spiritual and physical growth and evolution, with each pose flowing mindfully to the next.
A diverse background of martial arts and general athletics as well as Acro yoga and yin training allows him to lead a unique and dynamic class. Each class with Duncan incorporates movement and stillness, strength and lightness, and focus and laughter.
He completed his 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with Semperviva and has spent extended periods of time teaching yoga, surfing, and living in Abroad. He
skillfully blends the sunshine and loving vibes of Central America with his personal beliefs and technical skills.

Ellen Bradley

Hayley

Hayley has been in the healing arts industry for over 30 years. First as a multi disciplined yoga teacher and Bodyrolling instructor and then obtained her DTCM in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. In 2009 she brought the unique style of Aerial Yoga to Costa Rica and has been the Aerial Yoga Master teacher in Nosara ever since.

Hayley teaches all levels of Aerial yoga to all walks of life. “Any healthy person – any shape, age or size will be able to participate in Aerial yoga”. It is unique, fun and exhilarating and something most people have not tried yet. Find Hayley at one of either of the two aerial yoga studios on the Bodhi Tree Resort property teaching group or private.

Jaclyn

Lauri Valkyrie

Bodhi Kundalini Fusion

Lauri is trained in Kundaliniyoga by the Kundalini Research Institute 14 years ago.

She has been dedicated to the yogic energetic path since 2011.

She is certified as well in astrology, mindfulness, chakrahealing and energy management her classes are a fusion of different types of energetic practices. She is deeply inspired by teachings from Mahavatar Babaji and Ayurveda to keep yogic tradition alive.

The practice is meditative with closed eyes to bring full attention into the body. Dynamic somatic movements, powerful breathing techniques, mantra & rhythm plus meditations all work together to get beyond the habitual mind into a deeper state of presence.

The glandular system, the nervous systems, the organs, the tissues, the blood flow and the cells are all stimulated by activating and redistributing the lifeforce.

Lauri her class removes stress and negativity from the body and the (subconscious) mind. This has an energizing, uplifting ánd grounding effect on the entire system. Are you ready to shift your vibration?

Marck

Marck Jansen loves life. He loves animals. He loves to have fun. He loves the yoga practice. He is grateful for everything in his life.

He is grateful for all of the teachers and students that he has been able to learn beautiful things from.. He loves being silly and serious.

He loves the ocean, the mountains and the rivers. He loves his family. He loves living in Costa Rica. He loves to find the perfection and beauty in everything. He loves daydreaming and drinking coconuts. He loves being vegan and supporting the freedom of animals.

He is grateful for the past, the present, and the future. He loves sparkly things.

Marck loves to love.

Melany Martinez

RYT 500 E-RYT 500

Melany has dedicated herself to the practice, study and teaching of yoga since 2010. She trained in the disciplines of Hatha Vinyasa, Restorative and Yin yoga, Mindfulness meditation and Yoga Nidra combining elements of these styles and her experience as a psychologist into a mindful and inspiring alignment-based flow.
In her classes she encourages growth of the physical and spiritual self, creating a space where you can learn how to honor your body through the yoga practice.
She has been based in Nosara for the past 7 years dedicated to teach yoga for the community and managing all the yoga retreats at the very well-known Bodhi Tree hotel in Playa Guiones.

Mike Ruff

Mike Ruff has over 30 years of cycle experience racing and training on the road, cyclocross, and mountain biking. Mike is a RYT 200 registered Yoga Teacher, SAYF-certified biomechanics specialist, DNS Stability trained, and general outdoor adventure and fitness enthusiast. He also is a high school teacher and metal artist.

Minji Wong

With 20 years of Fortune 100 executive and leadership development experience, Minji empowers leaders to be at their best through a practical and holistic approach.

By seeing you as a whole person- integrating the head, heart and hands as a leader embodied. She partners together to create lasting positive change.

As an athlete, she brings her experience in building mental toughness through mindset and resilience to bring lasting personal transformation.

Oceanna Macmillan-Ord

Qualifications / certifications
Acu + Yoga Bio

Acupuncturist and aerial yoga instructor Oceanna Macmillan-Ord, founder of SANA Acupuncture and Wellness, was raised in the vibrant community of Nosara, Costa Rica. Her journey into holistic healing began at a young age, inspired by her mother’s use of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which sparked a lifelong curiosity and respect for Eastern medicine. This passion led her to formal training, and in December 2022, she graduated from the acupuncture program at Pacific Rim College. Oceanna combines knowledge and intuition in her practice, helping clients find balance, healing, and connection on their personal journeys.

In addition to her acupuncture practice, Oceanna is a dedicated aerial yoga teacher, having completed her teacher training in 2016. She brings a creative and supportive approach to each class, guiding students through a journey of self-discovery, flexibility, and play. Known for fostering a safe and encouraging environment, Oceanna’s classes empower both adults and children to explore the freedom and strength of aerial yoga, cultivating confidence, connection, and joy with each unique experience.

Paras Moghtader

Paras Moghtader is a licensed counselor, Ayurvedic practitioner, master coach, and long-time yogi with 20 years of experience, including founding and owning Modo Yoga Brampton for 15 years. She has studied both yoga and Ayurveda extensively in Kerala, India, and has experience with Shadow Yoga, deepening her expertise in trauma-informed somatic practices, Vedic wisdom, and Hakomi psychotherapy.

Paras’s yoga background is rich and varied, with trainings in Modo Yoga, Baptist Power Yoga, and Hatha Yoga through the Shadow Yoga practice. Additionally, she has trained in Ayurvedic yoga principles at the Kripalu School of Yoga and Ayurveda. This comprehensive training supports her unique approach to healing that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit.

Dedicated to teaching life-long tools, Paras empowers individuals on their journeys to self-discovery and wellness. She has studied under esteemed teachers such as Dr. Robert Svoboda, Dr. Scott Blossom, Jack Kornfield, Bessel A. van der Kolk, Dr. Gabor Maté, Atira Tan, Dr. Jessica Richmond, Dr. Sri Satyanarayana Dasa Babaji, and Zander.

Pennie Ludlow Akram

Pennie is an experienced yoga teacher and wellness guide, specialising in Yoga Nidra and sound healing, with a passion for empowering individuals to find balance, ease, and resilience. Pennie’s work integrates ancient wisdom with effective and accessible practices for modern life. She is known for her compassionate, calming presence and her ability to guide students into deep states of awareness and rest, whether through Yoga Nidra, immersive sound experiences; or a combination of both. Dedicated to nurturing well-being in all aspects, Pennie’s sessions create a doorway to the potential for profound transformation and connection.

Pixie Acia

Pixie Acia is a seasoned fitness professional with over 18 years of experience, dedicated to fostering community and personal transformation.

As the creator of #DOITFORTHEDOPAMINE and founder of Surf Sweat Serve, a wellness and adventure retreat company, Pixie blends movement and mindfulness in her holistic approach to wellness.

A Somatic Psychedelic Facilitator, Holotropic Breathwork Guide, and Sound Bath Alchemist, Pixie’s expertise spans teaching The Class, being a 11-year Master Instructor at SoulCycle, and holding certifications as a 500-hour RYT, CFSC, AFAA, and Buddhi Yoga Certified to name a few.

Pixie’s classes are empowering, transformative experiences that inspire participants to reconnect with their highest Selves. With a deep belief in the power of connection, Pixie lives by the mantra “Community is the new currency” and fosters an environment where we not only grow stronger but also heal collectively.

Stephanie Adams Ruff

Sharing the awareness, acceptance & transformation the practice of yoga brings to our lives is what truly inspires her.

She has seen in others, and experienced herself, that regular practice inspires one to greater peace, authenticity, connection, & joy.

Steph is deeply grateful to yoga, and honors the tradition, in her teachings.

She leads a Return to the Source India trip every 3 years to both study and appreciate yoga. She has more than 30 years of yoga devotion & experience.

Yali

E-RYT 1000hr

“Yoga is the Devotion, Art and Science of my Soul. I thrive on sharing Yoga’s teachings and wisdom in innovative, creative and dynamic ways, meeting my students, clients and participants where they are, just as they are.

My invitation to you is to dive deep and go in to the flow of your evolving practice. We do this by co-creating an environment of community within the pristine beach paradise of Nosara, Costa Rica.”

Yali’s offerings infuse an Ashtanga Vinyasa foundation with inquiry-based moving meditations serving up an innovative, dynamic teaching style seamlessly merging tradition with a careful application to contemporary influences and forms. Her ability to clearly educate many levels from beginner to advanced though intelligent sequencing make her classes accessible yet challenging.

Joining a class with Yali will bring you back to your breath and your centre, by transmitting the teachings and lineages she has practiced for almost 20 years in her own body/mind, will allow you to align and connect at a deeper level to your intention for practicing the art and science of Yoga. Bridging the gap from practice (sadhana) to lifestyle.

Yali currently works exclusively as the Senior Yoga Educator at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort and oversees the Yoga classes and teachers. She previously was on the primary faculty at the internationally renowned Nosara Yoga Institute working as Posture Technique Director on more than twelve 200 hour Teacher Training programs. She is the founder of Evolving Sadhana School of Yoga Studies which currently runs two 100 hour trainings, with a foundational 200 our training on offer in 2017.

To learn more about Yali please visit yaliyoga.com

Zac

RYT500

Zac is a 500hr YTT graduate of the Nosara Yoga Institute. He received his 200hr training certification in Vinyasa yoga and his 300hr advanced training in Restorative yoga, Self-Awakening yoga, and Inner Quest of the Yoga Guide. He continually practices Bhakti and Karma yoga; the yoga of love and selfless service, going into his eighth year studying with his foremost teacher, Rose Ma Sincevich.️️

Zac’s commitment to openness and inspiration enables him to pass on his teachings directly and indirectly to all who are in his presence. As a teacher, he invites students to connect with their will power and strength with a firm emphasis on core and breath. He innately understands that you are your best guide and is passionately devoted to serving you on your journey.

Zac’s teaching skills include: vinyasa, yin, core development and awareness, restorative, restorative with props, restorative for arthritic bodies, pranayama, heart meditation, and self-awakening yoga.