Mount Diablo Integrated Wellness Center: Our Yoga Instructors

FOUNDER of MOUNT DIABLO YOGA CENTER, specializing in Yoga for Scoliosis.

As the studio owner of Mount Diablo Yoga Center, Monique was inspired to create a tranquil home for local yoga instructors and offer personalized Yoga for Scoliosis classes to students and neighbors in our beautiful community.

Monique began her yoga journey while pregnant with her first child fourteen years ago. Yoga has become an inseparable part of Monique’s life, and she thrives on sharing her knowledge with students of all ages.

Inspired by how yoga movement can transform people’s health and overall well-being, Monique earned certification and began her work as a Les Mills BodyBalance instructor. While teaching this fitness regime, which integrates Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi, she sought a deeper understanding of the specific benefits that yoga can bring to the body.

Today, Monique applies her attention to detail and precise method of teaching structural alignment to each of her specialized small-group and private classes. Monique is an Iyengar-influenced Certified Instructor who completed the 200-hour Advanced Studies/Teacher Training Program in February 2017 at The Yoga & Movement Center in Walnut Creek, CA. In 2018, Monique advanced her studies with Elise Browning Miller and is now a Yoga for Scoliosis certified Teacher Trainer. She continues to deepen her knowledge in the Iyengar discipline through frequent workshops with Yoga Alliance continuing education providers.

Tatiana specializes in the connection between body and mind as a holistic practitioner and yoga instructor, offering a variety of services for both humans and animals. Her primary focus is to foster harmony between the physical body and the mind. 

Drawing from ancient Asian and Indian methodologies, Tatiana’s healing approach incorporates techniques such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Reflexology, Acupressure, Aromatherapy, and massages including Tuina, Shiatsu, and SuJok therapy. 

Tatiana firmly believes that acceptance is the key to achieving true harmony.

Victoria specializes in restorative yoga and is a graduate of The Yoga and Movement Center's Advanced Studies/Teacher Training Program, where she studied under Diane Valentine and Dennis Eagan. She further honed her skills through additional training with Judith Lasater and is a certified Relax and Renew® restorative yoga teacher. 

With her gentle and invitational approach to yoga, Victoria meets each student where they are, honoring their unique journey in their personal practice. She deeply resonates with the calming and quiet poses inherent in restorative yoga. These poses facilitate profound relaxation and the release of tension, both in the mind and body. For Victoria, her time on the mat is a valuable opportunity to turn inward, observe, and listen. 

She is incredibly grateful to share the practice of restorative yoga with others and hopes her students increasingly feel at home on their mat and in the world.

Specializing in Sound Therapy and Reiki, Nicole is a dedicated sound practitioner who harnesses the power of sound to facilitate healing and relaxation. Sound therapy possesses the extraordinary ability to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit, enabling individuals to release stress, enhance focus, and attain a profound sense of inner peace. 

As a qualified Reiki master, Nicole is focused on promoting holistic wellness and energy balancing. Reiki is a gentle and non-invasive healing technique that aids in restoring equilibrium to the body's energy centers, fostering overall well-being and supporting the natural healing processes of the body. 

Nicole is deeply committed to guiding individuals in uncovering their inner strength, overcoming life’s obstacles, and embracing a life filled with purpose and joy. By integrating my expertise in coaching, sound therapy, and Reiki, I offer a comprehensive approach to personal growth and transformation.

Find out more:

https://www.plantedenergygroup.com/

Specializing in Vinyasa Flow and Hatha Yoga, Chloe is a dedicated yoga teacher who brings a passion for creating fun and approachable classes that inspire and empower her students. With years of experience leading in-person yoga classes, Chloe offers a thoughtful and creative approach to her teaching. Her Vinyasa Flow classes are designed to meet students where they are, providing accessible sequences with plenty of options to explore balance, strength, and flexibility.

Chloe’s teaching philosophy is grounded in her belief that yoga is for everyone. Her warm and welcoming energy ensures that students of all levels feel at ease. She skillfully blends intentional movement, uplifting music, and moments of mindfulness to help students leave the mat feeling refreshed, stretched, and ready to take on their day.

When she’s not teaching yoga, Chloe is a mom, small business owner, and advocate for natural wellness. She loves connecting with her community and sharing her passion for holistic living.

Specializing in Vinyasa Flow and Yoga Sculpt, Lauren's classes are celebrated for their dynamic sequences that seamlessly blend unique movements with mindful breath. You can always count on a fantastic playlist to enhance your experience! She encourages her students to step outside of their comfort zones, celebrate the small victories along the way, and embrace the transformative power of yoga.

Lauren's journey into yoga began in college, where she discovered a way to combine her passion for movement with mindfulness. Inspired by the inclusive and empowering nature of the practice, she eagerly signed up for numerous yoga classes and eventually took on a role as a Wellness Intern at the campus recreation center.

Additionally, Lauren earned her first fitness certification through the University of Oregon and began teaching group exercise classes in various formats. After college, her move to San Francisco introduced her to the vibrant world of Yoga Sculpt, where she quickly found her niche. She continued her yoga journey and spent a transformative month in Bali, completing her 200-hour yoga teacher training with yogis from around the globe. Upon returning to San Francisco, Lauren became a full-time yoga practitioner, managing studios, teaching classes, and leading teacher trainings throughout the city.

As a seasoned instructor and lifelong student of yoga, Lauren is dedicated to sharing her passion and creating a nurturing space for connection, community, and confidence.

Specializing in holistic meditation therapy and stress management, Salma brings over 20 years of experience to her practice. She is deeply passionate about helping individuals discover resilience and well-being through a personalized approach. In 2004, she established the Alternative & Holistic Health Center of Walnut Creek, where she collaborated with medical professionals to create effective stress management programs. Salma has supported patients and private clients in coping with anxiety and depression by integrating a holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, and soul experience. 

Salma’s personal journey, combined with her professional expertise, has fueled her dedication to guiding others in understanding their inherent strength and building resilience. Through personalized meditation sessions and one-on-one counseling, she empowers individuals to deepen their meditation practice while clarifying common misconceptions. 

Over the years, Salma has served as a holistic meditation therapist at both Mt. Diablo Integrated Wellness Center and the Holistic Health Center of Walnut Creek. Currently, she teaches at Mt. Diablo Unified School District, continuing her mission to provide holistic meditation therapy that inspires well-being. 

Her unique approach intertwines modern science with ancient wisdom, leading to an advanced state of mental and emotional well-being. Salma's work exemplifies the profound benefits of holistic meditation therapy.

'Meditation is an experience beyond concept and word.' - Salma

https://earthmeditators.com/takeaway.html

Specializing in trauma-informed yoga, Charlie Harrison (she/her), RYT500, has dedicated the last 10 years to teaching this transformative practice. After beginning her yoga journey in the 90s, she found traditional studio classes uncomfortable but was drawn back to the practice's strength. As she started teaching, Charlie discovered ways to make yoga accessible and inviting for individuals from diverse backgrounds, body types, and fitness levels. The inclusive philosophy of yoga offers profound benefits, and she aims to share this with her students. Her classes emphasize expanding personal awareness, grounding, and developing balance. When the body feels at ease, the mind also has the opportunity to relax and expand. 

Charlie's extensive training includes a focus on supporting individuals with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries. She has spent several years teaching veterans at the Concord Vet Center and the VA Hospital. Currently, she works with an organization that provides yoga to firefighters and first responders directly in fire stations, and she leads a regular seminar for the CAL FIRE academy. Additionally, Charlie offers weekly classes tailored for individuals with disabilities in San Francisco and Oakland through the Piedmont Yoga Community. As an Accessible Yoga Teacher and Ambassador, all of her classes are approached through a trauma-informed lens that emphasizes individual choice, calming the nervous system, and personal growth. For more information, please visit www.charliesyoga.com.

Specializing in yoga for teenagers, Claire has taken her expertise from The Yoga and Movement Center Teaching Training Program, led by Diane Valentine and Dennis Eagan, to create a Yoga Plus class for high school students. Alongside another certified yoga instructor, she co-taught a yoga class for educators in the Liberty High School District. Claire's approach emphasizes restorative practices, breathing techniques, and vinyasa flow, allowing her to open her classroom to all high school students on a drop-in basis.

She is a firm believer that yoga is for everyone. The beauty of yoga lies in its spiritual, meditative, joyous, and energizing qualities, making it a vital practice that meets our needs when we need it most.

In her classes, Claire teaches students the fundamentals of yoga while incorporating a rich curriculum that covers the history of yoga, philosophy, anatomy, Sanskrit, and mindful exercises. Her primary focus is on guiding students to listen to and honor their bodies. As they learn various asanas, students develop flexibility, strength, and concentration, but perhaps the most significant benefit is the empowerment they gain from the discipline of practice, enabling them to improve their daily lives. This journey also helps students overcome self-consciousness and fosters a sense of gratitude as they practice together.

Teaching teens requires a blend of patience and humor, and this experience has encouraged Claire to embrace a light-hearted approach in her teaching style.

Workshops - Dr. Larry Callaway DC, ATC, CSCS

Meet Larry, a dedicated professional in health, wellness, and fitness. With a lifelong commitment to helping others, Larry has spent over two decades specializing in relieving pain and restoring function to enhance your well-being. His passion for fitness ignited at a young age, and since 16, he's been devoted to guiding individuals towards health, fitness, and recovery.

Larry practices yoga, strength and conditioning, mobility, and cardio weekly, not just for himself but to better serve you and, most importantly, to keep up with his son and daughter. His mantra emphasizes that health is an ongoing action, tailored to your needs, not just a reaction.

Workshops - Guest Teacher

Diane Valentine is the former Director of The Yoga & Movement Center in downtown Walnut Creek, recognized by Diablo magazine as the Best Yoga Teacher in 2010. As a passionate yoga teacher, yoga teacher trainer, Feldenkrais® practitioner, and author, Diane brings a wealth of experience to her practice. Through her extensive work in yoga and Feldenkrais, she has developed a profound understanding of the connections between the body, mind, and emotions. Her teaching methods focus on guiding students to listen to their bodies through the fluid movements of yoga and Feldenkrais, while also emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment by cultivating awareness of their mind-body-spirit connection.

Diane is committed to providing a highly individualized approach to her students, whether in group classes or private sessions. Her classes are rooted in the traditions of B.K.S. Iyengar, and she has trained under and assisted Senior Iyengar teacher Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD. With numerous certifications in the therapeutic and restorative aspects of yoga, Diane has spent 10 years traveling and learning alongside Judith, honing her skills in working closely with students. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Diane is a highly qualified RYT500 teacher certified by The Yoga Alliance and the International Yoga Therapist Association. Additionally, she is a certified Relax & Renew Trainer® in Restorative Yoga and a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®.

Workshops - Guest Teacher

Leslie Howard is a yoga teacher based in Oakland, specializing in pelvic health and wellness. She leads workshops and trainings across the country and has authored a book titled Pelvic Liberation, which focuses on caring for the female pelvis. Leslie is a frequent presenter at Yoga Journal conferences and contributes regularly to Yoga Journal magazine. Her personal journey of healing her hips and pelvis inspired her to deeply study the anatomy, physiology, cultural messages, history, and energetics of this vital area.

With over 3500 hours of yoga training under her belt, Leslie’s teaching is greatly influenced by senior Iyengar yoga teachers, particularly her mentor, Ramanand Patel. She has successfully designed two significant studies for UCSF, exploring how yoga can help alleviate incontinence and pelvic pain.

To discover more about Leslie or explore online education opportunities, visit: www.lesliehowardyoga.com