Our Teachers

 

Mari Larangeira
Director

 

Mari, Director of BYSB, has been practicing yoga for 14 years and teaching for 10. She holds three certifications including one in Yoga Therapy. Mari first arrived at a Bikram Yoga studio in NYC, and enjoyed the class, but didn’t become a regular until a year or so later when she was dealing with a serious knee injury. Two years of consistent Bikram practice completely healed Mari’s knees and since then she has been dedicated practitioner. 

Outside of the yoga room, Mari has been an avid and curious world traveler since she was a teenager. She has explored over 30 countries and spent 18 months studying yoga philosophy in India. Mari has a deep reverence for the Earth and she has been involved in tree-planting and conservation projects in South America. Most recently she has been taking trips to the Amazon rainforest. 

Mari’s intention at BYSB is to create and hold a space for community and individual growth and exploration. Her teaching is strong, clear and meditative.  She always brings a focus to deepening connection with the breath and awareness of the body.

 

 

Veronica Aguirre-Kolb

Veronica Aguirre-Kolb experienced her very first yoga class over 10 years ago at the Santa Barbara Bikram Yoga studio, dedicating herself ever since to the Practice. In spring 2010, after attending the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Las Vegas, Nevada, she graduated a certified Bikram Yoga Teacher. Her training included nine intensive weeks living in a yoga bubble, surviving the torture chamber inside of what closely resembled a circus tent, inside the Sin City. The experience was, “the most surreal and amazing time of my life.”

Outside of the studio, Veronica is an Entrepreneur, Floral Designer, and small business owner. Whether teaching or practicing, she loves seeing her mother, sisters, boyfriend and friends (who are regular practitioners) sweat with her.

She considers the Santa Barbara studio her home and wants to be there as much as possible, ready to serve her beloved Yoga with all her heart and with her smiling, happy face.

 

 

Lisa DeSa

My journey to Bikram began when my children suggested yoga as a way to “calm down.”  Stress and health issues were negatively affecting me so I began exploring various yoga disciplines; but once I took a Bikram class, I knew it was where I could thrive in body, mind and spirit.

I love the heat; the incorporation of strength, balance, flexibility and cardio in each posture;  and the focus and peace I strive for during each class.  And yes, it’s helped me to calm down!

Bikram teacher training seemed a perfect fit for me after I retired from public school education, and teaching the wonderful students of BYSB is the best job ever.  It’s an honor and a privilege to lead classes here with such a dedicated group of fellow teachers and staff.  
 

 

Martyntje Kyle

I was born and raised in Amsterdam The Netherlands where I met my American husband. Together with our two sons we’ve lived in many places in Europe and The States. In 1998 I left my career in the fast lane of PR and advertising to be a full-time mom.
 
I took my first Bikram Yoga Class in 2007 and was hooked instantly. With this new found passion I also discovered a new career and have fun teaching wherever I go.

Bikram Yoga follows a very simple moral principle in life; the more you give the more you receive.

That’s why, next to raising our two young boys, teaching Birkram Yoga is one of the most amazing gifts I’ve been given. The journey of constantly growing as a Bikram Teacher and as a Bikram Student go hand in hand. 

The hot room is my ‘home’ my ‘sanctuary’. I am kinder, patient, centered, grounded and thoughtful when I teach and when I practice. When I don’t make the time to connect my body with my mind, I get caught up in the little things. Bikram Yoga gives me the support I need in my continual efforts to grow and become the best person I can be.

 

 

Roxanne Morganstern
Office Manager

In December of 2009, I chose to leave the business of life in L.A. and move back to Santa Barbara, after almost 16 years. I craved nature, peace, and a higher quality of life. Fortunately, life led me to the Bikram Studio, and I was hired as the office manager in February 2011. Initially, I found the heat quite challenging, but thanks to an enlightening conversation with Mari Larangeira, I had a breakthrough and began practicing regularly. My body now craves the practice. For me it is like pressing the “reboot” for my physical and emotional well-being. This moving meditation has positively affected the other parts of my life – my relationships, my art, my general sense of well-being and presence. The healing powers of this yoga are infinite. 

Roxanne also a professional singer and has toured the US, Canada, Mexico and Europe. She resides in Carpinteria, CA with her 5 year old cat, Brad.

 

 

Steven Haver

Steven first discovered Bikram Yoga while traveling in Sydney, Australia. After his first class he was hooked, and within a few weeks he knew he would become a Bikram Yoga instructor. Steven attended Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Fall 2011 and was recognized as the valedictorian of his class. He continues to grow as a teacher, always looking to improve his ability to help others make the mind-body connection in and out of the yoga room. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Steven loves mountains and exploring the outdoors. When not in the yoga room, you’ll find him singing and playing bluegrass guitar.

 

 

Jane Shelby

I taught my first Bikram class in Chicago after going to training in Fall 2006. Since then I have taught in Baltimore,several locations in Northern California, New York City, Denver, Acapulco and now Santa Barbara. I am grateful to be apart of a world wide community of people committed to health and well-being. I continue to learn through the growth of others, myself and the simple wisdom of the yoga. Yoga to me has been a path of Self Acceptance, Self Realization and Love. I am committed to sharing this Love with others, in the context of 2 breathing exercises and 26 postures.  I love how we change and the yoga stays the same! To the journey…!!!