Welcome to Our Community

FOUNDER, YOGA THERAPIST & TEACHER

Francesca is the founder and caretaker of Breathe Ojai. She was initiated into the Sri Vidya/Himalayan Yoga Lineage (Swami Rama) in 2010. Swami Rama encourages students to “not leap ahead... tread the path systematically. Practice faithfully and let your life unfold in its own time," and teaches that experiential meditation and self-inquiry are keys to understanding life.

As an undergraduate at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA, she learned about and aligned her life around the teachings of the Irish Catholic Sisters of Mercy. Founded by sister Catherine McAuley, they emphasize service to others and inclusion as some of the highest aspirations in life. Francesca founded two groups: Students for Peace and Justice and a chapter of United Students Against Sweatshops and completed a degree in Psychology with minors in Philosophy and Public Policy and Leadership.

She holds a Masters Degree in Yoga Studies from Loyola Marymount University and is a clinical Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT). Her masters thesis was titled: The Influence of the Upaniṣadic Pañcamayakośa Schematic in Contemporary Yoga Therapy. She has taught Yoga mostly full time for over 14 years (practicing since her teenage years) and has lived in Ojai for over a decade. Her graduate degree includes the study of Sanskrit and the historical, cultural, religious, and sociological dimensions of Yoga. She was most interested to work toward this level of study for the discipline involved and to understand the history of what we call yoga in the modern world.

Her Yoga Therapy training includes in-depth training in anatomy, physiology, psychology, Ayurveda, mindfulness-based stress reduction, clinical research, mental health, biomechanics, neurology, and many other areas.

TEACHER

THE VRIDDHI FOUNDATION USA OFFICE

Born and raised in Ventura County, Whitney’s yoga journey began in 2016, when the stress of her job in social work made her frequently sick, anxious, and disconnected from her body. Although she was not athletic or flexible by any stretch of the imagination, she committed to a daily yoga practice and soon saw incredible changes in her physical and mental health. Once she experienced the magic of yoga, she knew that it was her calling to share its healing powers with others. Whitney obtained her 200hr yoga teacher certification in 2018 and has been teaching, and loving it, ever since. She is passionate about empowering people, regardless of background or athletic ability, to realize their true strength. In 2021 she completed a Yoga for Trauma Training through the Center for Yoga and Trauma Recovery in Oakland. Through life’s ups and downs, yoga has always been a life raft keeping her afloat. She is thrilled to bring Trauma-Informed Yoga principles into her teaching style, intentionally creating sequences that restore the nervous system to a healthy equilibrium. In her class, individual choice is highly emphasized and she strongly believes that we are all our own greatest teachers.

THE VRIDDHI FOUNDATION DELHI DIRECTOR

The Vriddhi Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit, is supported by Chetna Kalwani, who is currently working in Delhi. She holds her Masters Degree in Education and is a social worker. She will act as a consultant who has navigated through the Higher Education system herself and will help the girls map a path and support them through the process of preparation as well as admissions.

Teacher

Melissa Arellano (she/her) grew up in Ventura, California and recently completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training at Breathe Ojai with True North Yoga School. After experiencing several health challenges that started in her early 20s, Melissa tried her first Vinyasa Yoga class in 2012. She consistently returned to the practice in awe of the positive effects it had on her. Since then, her practice has expanded to include meditation with a hint of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, deep relaxation and restorative postures, and the healing arts. Her quiet pull toward restoring the physical body through asana has allowed her to calmly connect to that which can’t be seen but can be sensed, where Yoga patiently waits to work its true magic and spark transformation. She considers Yoga to be her greatest teacher, on and off the mat. Melissa is currently diving into a 50 hour Yoga Philosophy course through the LMU Yoga Studies Program. She is excited to begin her teaching journey and welcomes everyone who is intrigued by stillness. Practitioners in her class will be greeted with calm, non-judgemental guidance, and friendly invitations to make the practice their own.

TEACHER

Nina has been practicing and studying yoga for over a decade. After immersing herself in many aspects of the yoga practice (philosophy, alignment, sequencing, history, and Yoga Nidra), Nina is now sharing an integrated and meditative approach to yoga, specializing in restorative practices.

TEACHER

HopeG began her yoga journey back in the 90’s as a one off from dance and exercise classes. Rapidly yoga became a lifeline. In 2007, Hope attended her first 200 hr training at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA. And began full time teaching shortly thereafter. As a former DJ, actor, writer and restaurant professional, Hope found her previous careers a beautiful preparation for her real life’s work…Yoga. As an avid student and teacher, Hope has over 2,500 additional hours of training and 10,000 plus hours of teaching time. Her yoga training background is varied and she assembles her classes weaving in all the styles together to form a natural flow yoga style that encourages students to find their path to authenticity in both their practice and the ease of a natural life flow. Deep influences include the teachings of Sri Dharma Mittra, Ana Forrest, Shiva Rea, Prem Shakti of Kripalu and countless others. She is in a constant state of learning. She’s mad passionate about music and sound so count on that as part of a safe and creative class. Just show up and she will hold the space for you to just be yourself…body mind and heart.

SOUND HEALER

Robyn Joy is a multidimensional artist, born in Los Angeles, CA, raised by her elders in Manila, Philippines, and currently navigates this earthly realm as her home. She is a poet priestess protector of all beings on the path of the heart & soul. She may be known & called by many names, as one: D'Savitri ~ embodying the Goddess of knowledge & wisdom through the arts. She interweaves & infuses ancient to modern sacred teachings into her healing practice. Robyn carries her metaphysical medicine bag filled with precious pearls & gems of wisdom she has meticulously harvested from personal life experience. The spiritual journey is the deepest quest of the soul. May we walk together Infinitely on this magical journey hOMe. As all of us are here, Robyn is an ardent student of Life. She has dedicated much of her time with self-study of sacred texts & secret teachings of all ages, cyphered truths from our ancestral roots. Robyn honors the influential roles of Innumerable sages who have found convergence in her life, or she with theirs ~ all of whom continue to weave the collective consciousness tapestry of past : present : future ~*~ here + now Kindness + Compassion Robyn approaches healing from an alternative & holistic perspective, along with a medical background as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California. She recognizes the significance of providing compassionate care, being trauma-informed and creating a positive impact on the health of the community. All of which motivates her to do this honorable work. Robyn has experience in various clinical settings. She has provided care for adolescent and adult clients struggling with addiction, substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Her professional roles thus far have included, yet not limited to, being a care coordinator, charge nurse, and facility manager. Wearing many different hats keeps Robyn motivated to continue growing and learning on her path. She strives to be of service, to make mindful connections with people along their personal journeys, as well as her own.

TEACHER

If you’re here reading this then I assume you’re likely interested in getting to know who I am and what I am about. But, one of the biggest challenges I have found in expression is how to talk about myself in a way that feels aligned and authentic. The most simple and succinct way I can state it is, “I am fluid”. I am in a constant state of learning, unlearning, growing, and expanding. Raised in the unceded lands of the Chumash people; I was a kid who always had their hands in the dirt and was always deeply contemplating the magic and beauty within the natural world. I have this undeniable and primal connection to the green and growing things of the earth and the seasonal rhythms of the world around me. The study and practice of Yoga has been a part of my life since childhood; first introduced through my own mother’s practice and by my best friend’s mother, who was my very first Yoga teacher. It was not a “love at first sight” kind of journey; but rather a deeply winding and exploratory journey in which books and teachers and experiences seemed to show up in a very natural rhythm; only appearing when I was fully ready to integrate them into my life. As a person who dances in many of the “in-between” spaces of privilege while also holding some marginalized identities; I was drawn early on to the study of Yoga as a holistic practice of unity, deep connection, and awareness of not only our personal journey; but the greater journey of all beings. I was naturally drawn to teachers who integrated accessibility, equity, and social justice into their teachings. Navigating a physical Asana (posture) practice in a body with chronic illness is what first led me to train with the Accessible Yoga Association and as a Queer Non-Binary individual I was drawn to study more deeply with teachers like M Camellia and Susanna Barkataki. Every day, I seek to go deeper in my own learning and growth not only to continue along my own path of healing; but because I believe that the more we do our own work; the better we can show up in a world that desperately needs healing. I feel that we are called to do our own work to be better companions to one another on this journey of life; and we must seek the unity within in order to bring unity outward and dismantle the unnatural systems of oppression and separation. It can be hard and messy work at times; but it is my life’s calling and I stand devoted to it in practice and in being. We are all learners on this great path of life; and my intention as a Yoga teacher is to walk beside you in your own practice. I am here to offer support, encouragement, and exploration together; but your practice is ultimately your own and it is YOU who are your own greatest teacher.

TEACHER

I AM a Two Spirit Choctaw + Mexica Native with a passion for creative Healing Arts & Spiritual wellness; involved in Indigenous cultural practices like Danza Azteca + Drum & Flute + Poi staff. I AM a dedicated Yogi of 10 years & teach a Vinyasa flow class coined ‘River Flow Yoga’ + Kundalini Yoga with Gong at The Pharmacy & private classes with Ventura Training Camp; a program for formerly incarcerated Brothers training to become a Firefighter. My movement practices can support One in cultivating a strong connection with Source & allowing Love to flow through the Body. My Offerings can aid in calming the conscious Mind & usher a growing expanding Heart. My Practice can also assist One with deeper emotional release, Healing & satisfaction in Life.

TEACHER

My name is Chelsea Wallace and I am a free spirit born and raised in Ventura, California. I have begun to lay roots in Oak View, California with my husband and I love being a part of these two communities. My favorite things to do always involve singing, hiking and yoga. I started practicing yoga in college in 2011 to relieve stress and anxiety, but quickly shifted to developing a deeper relationship with my body and my breath. During my practice of yoga, I enjoy the feeling of peace and stillness I am able to cultivate on my mat. So, I quickly became an avid yogi and wanted so much for this practice of awareness to ripple off the mat and into my daily life. More and more, I was able to practice meditation, pranayama, and asana and I started to really notice a shift in my being. After practicing yoga for 11 years and I wanted to continue learning and growing - the summer of 2019 in Costa Rica I completed my RYT 200-hr teacher training; it was such a magical experience. On my journey as a new yoga instructor, I began to lead a mindful yoga practice that allowed my students to cultivate peace and awareness. Beginning each class with meditation and pranayama, diving into self awareness. The body of my classes continue into a creative and energetic flow allowing you to be mindful with each movement. The end of the class, I sing to you in Savasana and love it when others join me in song :) Now after teaching yoga for 3 years, I am in my 300 hour Embrace Yoga’s Roots teacher training and will be certified Dec 2022. I continue to grow and learn about yoga as a way of life, social justice, liberation and trusting my intuition and self and so much more. This training is allowing me to take up space and find my belonging in yoga spaces even when I may be the only black body in these spaces. I will continue to focus inward and remind myself that this practice of yoga is for everyone and its roots originate from black and brown people. My intention will always be belonging and safety for all beings in these yoga spaces. I am forever on this journey towards embodying yoga and honoring its roots and this deep spiritual practice throughout my life in everything I do.

TEACHER

Sarah is passionate about making yoga accessible to all. She brings a steady, welcoming energy to her work, along with strong study of many philosophical traditions and meditation techniques. Her classes are gentle, slow-moving, and introspective, with many opportunities to playfully explore balance, breath, body-awareness, and deep relaxation. Off the mat, Sarah can be found at the dog park with her four legged companion, eating burritos, or daydreaming over a cup of tea.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

I began my yoga journey in 2002 when I signed up for a class hoping to add some gentle exercise into my routine after the birth of my son. Unfortunately, the “beginner” class I joined was a group of yogis who’d been practicing together for quite some time, and their teacher had no idea how to accommodate an absolute beginner who was older, in a larger body, and recovering from an emergency c-section birth. The teacher was frustrated, the other students in class were frustrated, and I was frustrated, embarrassed, and left the class thinking that yoga was not for me. Fast forward to 2011, when I happened to peek through the window during an AIReal Yoga class and saw students of all shapes, sizes and abilities practicing together. I nervously asked the studio manager afterwards about it and she encouraged me to try a class. I did, and the rest, as they say, is history. I completed my 200-hour teacher training (RYT200) in the fall of 2017, which included training in both Hatha and AIReal Yoga. In May 2019 I completed the 30-hour certification program to become an Accessible Yoga teacher and ambassador, and I became a member of the Yoga Alliance in early 2019. As a teacher, I love to help students who are afraid that they’re too old, too large, too stiff, too weak, too out of shape, or too (insert limiting belief of your choice) to find a practice that works for them. It is my goal to make sure no one has to experience the frustration and embarrassment I felt during my first class, and I truly believe that everyone can enjoy the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits of this beautiful practice. I would love to help you “find your yoga.”

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER