I'm passionate about sharing traditional Indian yoga practices. As a dedicated Hatha and Iyengar style inspired practitioner, I emphasize precise alignment and props for a safe, transformative experience. Certified E-RYT®500, YACEP (Yoga Alliance) and pursuing a PhD in Yoga & Management. I blend classic Yoga techniques with mind-body research. Yoga is a path of self-discovery – whether you seek fitness, stress relief, or deeper meaning, I'm honored to guide your journey.

Shiraz’s fascination with yoga started about 22 years ago, while taking her first yoga classes in Hawaii. Since then, it has been a major part of her journey towards body-mind awareness and injury prevention. Her initial struggle to find flexibility, has been helping her to relate to her students and guides them towards finding their "sweet spot".

Her classes are alignment based inspired, which are playful, fun and accessible to all levels. Shiraz completed teacher training/advanced studies through Downtown Yoga, Pleasanton in 2010. She is a certified Yoga Alliance teacher. Shiraz teaches pilate, nutrition and hands-on cooking classes.  In her free time, she enjoys hiking and salsa dancing

My journey into yoga started in 2012 with prenatal classes, leading me to leave my tech career and fully embrace the practice. After a 200-hour program at Just Breathe Yoga, mastering Vinyasa, Yin, and Prenatal styles, I deepened my knowledge with a 300-hour program at Downtown Yoga. Now, I offer diverse classes, combining Vinyasa and Iyengar styles, catering to all levels with compassion and precision. Beyond postures, I integrate mindfulness and meditation for a holistic well-being approach. Join my classes for a transformative exploration of inner potential through the power of yoga

Jin's styles, including Hatha, Yin, Aerial, and AntiGravity yoga. Since 2016, she has been helping students deepen their practice and discover the transformative power of yoga. Her teaching journey has taken her from studios in California to workshops in South Korea and India, and she continually seeks new learning opportunities to enhance her teaching. She is particularly interested in the therapeutic applications of yoga and holds certifications in areas such as Sound Healing and Yoga TuneUp Ball therapy.

Michelle is a health and fitness enthusiast driven by a passion for strength, agility, and endurance. As an accomplished marathon runner and triathlete, she understands the power of pushing personal limits. Michelle's belief in a healthy lifestyle isn't just about peak performance; it's about feeling energized, capable, and creating a foundation for a long, fulfilling life. Whether you're looking to get stronger, move with greater ease, or tackle your own fitness goals, Michelle's energy and expertise will guide you on your journey.

Jim Coughlin's journey with yoga began at the age of 10, and his commitment to the practice has been unwavering since 1990. Alongside his wife, he co-founded and operated Downtown Yoga in Pleasanton for two decades, becoming a cornerstone of the local yoga community.

With an impressive teaching record that spans over 10,000 classes, Jim's expertise extends beyond the mat. He has also served as a consultant, offering valuable insights to various businesses and yoga studios. His guidance goes beyond the logistics of setup and operation, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the core values and principles of yoga. Jim's extensive experience and dedication make him a respected figure in both the practice and business aspects of yoga.

Originally from Uttarakhand, I hold a Master's degree in Yoga and specialize in Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Power Yoga, and Iyengar Yoga. I also offer Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga sessions.

My yoga journey began over seven years ago, after graduating from university. With a passion for fitness and well-being, I chose to become a yoga professional to promote health and happiness for myself, my loved ones, and my community.

Sonal Aggarwal is a dedicated physician who brings a unique holistic perspective to her yoga practice. A 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), she is deeply interested in Iyengar-inspired yoga and a devoted practitioner at KARUNA Yoga Studio.  Her medical knowledge informs her comprehensive and integrated approach to healing and well-being, allowing her to guide students towards a deeper understanding of their own bodies and minds.

Colleen started practicing yoga in 2010 at Downtown Yoga. She graduated in October 2024 from YogaSukham’s 200-hour Advanced Yoga Studies Program and is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. Her focus is on Iyengar style inspired alignment and using props and tools to enable students of all levels to access the benefits of poses regardless of their physical flexibility or strength.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking and cooking with foraged wild foods. She also
volunteers on a trail maintenance crew for East Bay parks and is a volunteer for Family
Harvest Farm, a workforce program for transition-age foster youth.

Lindsey grew up surrounded by yoga, with parents who met in a yoga class. She started practicing formally in high school in 2004 and continued daily practice through four years at YogaWorks, where she later completed her teacher training. In New Orleans, she studied Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bhakti, Anusara, and Jivamukti yoga and completed a 450-hour training at Swan River Yoga. Back in the Bay Area, she’s taught at multiple studios, assisted in running a Pilates studio and Ayurvedic practice, and now studying Design at UC Davis while teaching music(mostly piano and guitar)and raising her daughter.

Her journey with yoga began at the age of 16 when her school offered a lunchtime class, which intrigued her and led her to attend all the sessions. Over the years, she has intermittently practiced yoga, observing how the experience within her body differs at various stages of life. She has been fascinated by yoga's adaptability, noting how the practice can change to meet one's physical and mental needs at any given time. Originally from the UK, she moved to California in 2013, at which point she started practicing yoga more consistently and has continued to do so ever since. She completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga Six in Danville and specializes in Vinyasa Yoga. Her interests include Yoga Therapy and the connections between mind and body. When not on her yoga mat, she enjoys walking her dog, camping, skiing, and spending time in nature.

Aileen Allen has a passion for helping students build strength, cultivate balance, and discover a sense of inner calm. A 2025 graduate of Karuna’s 200-hour Advanced Yoga Studies Program, she brings a grounded and focused energy to every class.

Aileen began practicing yoga in 2006 to balance the demands of college and NCAA fencing, and quickly found it to be a path to mental clarity and mindfulness. She specializes in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, guiding students through dynamic sequences with a strong emphasis on breath, alignment, and internal focus. Her teaching fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where students of all levels can explore and grow. Outside the studio, Aileen enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and family, and metallurgy.