The Red Dragon Yoga Team

"Yoga is different things to different people. I want to help others find 'their' yoga."

Ed Levinson first explored yoga in 2005 as a way to complement his passion for competitive cycling. The practice changed his life in ways he never imagined.

"My initial attraction to the practice of yoga was to stretch out and loosen up the tightness my body had acquired from 20 years of cycling. Within my first year of practice, I noticed that my body was beginning to transform. I started to become more supple and comfortable both on and off the bike," he said.

Yoga catapulted Ed's athletic abilities to new levels, but he also discovered he was more focused at work, his sleep quality improved, his productivity increased and in general his state of mind was calmer. To his delight, he discovered a source of contentment coming from within.

Ed trained at Yoga Works in Larkspur and now teaches yoga for all levels. By combining disciplines from Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Baptiste Power, his classes range from gentle flowing poses to more vigorous heat-building styles that build core strength and flexibility. He emphasizes linking breath to movement to enrich the postures and gain maximum benefit.

"My mission now is to hold space for students to explore the transformational powers of yoga, integrating a sense of balance and calm that imparts strength and confidence," he said.

"I feel that we are all here to lift each other up. My mission is to affect as many people's lives as I can in a positive way, so they can lift up others'."

Heather, who lives in Fairfax with her husband, three children and a house full of rescue pets, walked into her first yoga class in 1999 as a means to cope with personal trauma, eating disorders, depression, running injuries and significant weight gain.

Though her practice started as a way to lose weight, she discovered quickly how much it helped her in every aspect of her life. After one year of almost-daily practice, she had lost over 40 pounds, healed her ankles and knees, and transformed herself physically and emotionally. Her gratitude inspired her to become a yoga instructor.

"My deepest intention is to help students find their healthiest, happiest selves. If we can cultivate a strong, flexible body, a calm mind, and a joyful, lighthearted attitude in our practice, we can bring these qualities to our lives off the mat and into our relationships as well."

Heather graduated from Yoga Works 200-hour teacher training with Nikki Estrada, Erika Trice & Melanie Salvatore-August and continued with advanced teacher training. Expect a moving meditation — a strong Vinyasa flow with great emphasis on breath connection, led with Heather's unique mix of natural spunk and gentleness.

"Yoga has helped me develop a sense of consistent patience and hope."

Salt Lake City native and former classical ballet dancer Jodi McLean became a yoga teacher after witnessing the personal growth from her own 15-year yoga and Pilates practice.

"Not only has yoga made me stronger physically, but that strength has rippled out into my everyday life in the form of mental strength, love, happiness and freedom. I feel like I can't keep that to myself."

Jodi is a certified 200 RYT through Yoga Alliance and completed Red Dragon Yoga's teacher training program. In class, she focuses on alignment and the creation of space in the body and mind, helping students integrate yoga into their everyday lives.

Students new to Jodi's classes can expect a fun, energetic flow with fresh, unpredictable sequencing, clear queuing, and consistent flow. In her spare time you might find her at local farmer's markets, at a potter's wheel, or leading a women's cyclocross ride into the Marin Headlands.

Mona (Mengna) teaches an energetic vinyasa flow with a strong focus on alignments. She encourages students to keep a consistent practice with dedication, exploration and patience.

Teachers who have made a great influence on Mona include Samrat Dasgupta, David Swenson, David Robson, and Arielle Nash.

Steffanie grew up in Southern California and moved to San Francisco in 1989, later settling in San Rafael. Her first yoga class was in the mid-90s — a heated Hatha class — and she was instantly hooked. She began practicing Bikram in 1989 and has woven Power Yoga and Hot Pilates into her routine over the years.

In 2019, she deepened her Bikram practice through a yoga retreat in Thailand and then Bikram teacher training. She holds a Bikram Teacher Certification, Yin Yoga Teacher Certification, and HIIT Teacher Certification from Red Dragon Yoga.

"Enjoy yoga — it is not a competition. Listen to your body; trust it. Breathe! Challenge yourself to go deeper than usual at least once in class. And always give your body the reward of savasana, even if just for one full minute."

When she's not teaching, Steffanie loves to travel, garden, cook, and spend time with her family.

Through years of personal and professional experience, Liv has discovered the instrumental role of regular exercise and mindfulness in enhancing overall physical and mental wellness. This journey led her to a profound realization: her true purpose is to share this knowledge with others.

Her carefully curated classes are suited for all levels. Expect increased strength, stamina, and overall energy in both your physical and mental being — and a path toward living your best and happiest life.

Heidi is a veteran instructor with decades of experience in the fitness industry. As a graduate from Red Dragon's Hot Pilates Teacher Training program, she is ready to get you sweating.

"I have found that the secret to sticking to a fitness program is to allow yourself to have some fun and find a community of people who support you. That is exactly what Red Dragon offers! I love sharing my positive energy with others and motivating them to be the best and strongest version of themselves both physically and mentally."

When not in the studio, Heidi raises money for a local Marin nonprofit and enjoys hiking, golf, and time spent with friends and family.

Katite has taught and practiced yoga for more than 20 years, training with many inspiring teachers across different methodologies and postures. Her daily practice of choice is the 26 asana practice of Bikram Yoga.

She has toured India and will likely return. When she's not on the mat, she is completing her Doctorate in Chinese Medicine.

"I enjoy sharing how you can heal your body with the discipline of Bikram's Hatha Yoga system."

Sharon was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident in 1988 that shattered her femur. Her knee was frozen — no range of motion from nine weeks in a straight leg cast — when she hobbled into her first Bikram Yoga class four years later. After a couple of years of regular practice, her knee's range of motion showed marked improvement.

Her remarkable physical rehabilitation motivated Sharon to share the gifts she had received by becoming an instructor herself. In the fall of 1998 she completed Bikram Yoga Teacher Training and has taught at nearly every Bay Area yoga school since. She has been a teacher at Red Dragon since 2006.

Danny has 20-plus years of high intensity training across rock climbing, ocean racing, wing-foiling, endurance cycling, and on and off-road motorcycle adventures. Discovering the irrefutable benefits of regular yoga and HIIT/Hot Pilates, he practices daily to avoid injury and improve flexibility.

A staple in the RDY family, Danny is deeply passionate about sharing wisdom and experiences with students. His positive energy is fueled by the electric sensation he receives from teaching, and his love of music fused with massive energy creates an experience like no other.

Growing up on the outskirts of Manchester at the height of the Madchester scene, every session takes you to the heyday of the Hacienda or the nightclubs of Ibiza. Come get inspired and motivated in a high intensity sweat fest fueled by positive vibes and good times.

Originally from San Diego, Jennifer began a regular Bikram practice in 2012. Since completing teacher training in April 2019, she has worked and practiced at studios in San Diego, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

In addition to instructing yoga, Jennifer is also a licensed massage therapist practicing bodywork since 2005. Both professions align perfectly with her passion for the healing arts.

Karen found herself in her first Bikram class in 2008. As the warm-up series ended with sweat pouring off her body, she thought: this is it, I'm home. She'd come to Bikram after years of running and repeated injuries. The precise yet fluid movements spoke to her as a skier, swimmer, and occupational therapist — and the bridging of mind, body awareness, breath and movement culminated in a sense of ease and joy.

She holds a 200 Hr RYT with Yoga Alliance and completed her 200-hour teacher training with Stephanie Schreiber and Marlon McGann, followed by their 200-hour 26&2 / Bikram and Yin teacher training in 2019.

"My teaching philosophy is simple — to bridge the foundations of body awareness, breath and biomechanics to safely allow depth and exploration in the poses. My students give me my joy in teaching as I see those aha moments unfold."

Melanie is a seasoned yoga practitioner with over a decade of dedicated experience. Her journey began as a quest for physical well-being but evolved into a profound discovery of yoga's holistic benefits — balance and harmony in relationships, emotional well-being, and the skills to navigate life's challenges with ease.

As a classically trained violinist, Melanie has navigated chronic injuries and persistent pain throughout her musical career. Embracing yoga as a therapeutic outlet, she found a balance that nurtured flexibility, mobility, and strength while minimizing the risk of injury.

Her classes focus on clear cues that prioritize alignment and injury prevention. Marked by a calm, grounded presence infused with a playful and joyful spirit, Melanie is committed to creating an inclusive community where practitioners of all levels are welcomed and encouraged.

A chance conversation with a friend got Nicola into the yoga class that changed her life. During the fall of 2016, she was a full-time mom with three kids under five — both stressed and numb. Yoga brought her into her body and breath and let her come into many present moments as a better human, mother, sister, and friend.

In 2018 she completed yoga teacher training out of a deep love for the practice, wanting especially to share this feeling with her children.

"Yoga has influenced my way of being, the way I move in the world, the way I cope, the way I show love to others. As a teacher I want to create space for students to grow and develop on and especially off the mat. If I can help someone feel a little better in their bodies or their minds or their hearts after sharing time together, then I will have been successful in what I feel called to do in this life of mine."

Sam started coming to Red Dragon Hot Pilates classes craving group exercise after pandemic isolation. She quickly fell in love with the fast-paced challenging workout and the community. Since consistently taking Hot Pilates, she has experienced better moods, improved mental clarity, amazing sleep, and more energy throughout the day.

Inspired by Red Dragon's team of instructors, she completed the Red Dragon Hot Pilates HIIT teacher training and is excited to bring high energy and fun music for a great workout.

Born and raised on the island of Guam, Sam moved to Marin as a teen. She works as a fundraiser for a local nonprofit and is passionate about giving back to the community.

Susan was born and raised in New Orleans where she studied ballet from a very young age all the way through college. She was introduced to yoga soon after moving to the Bay Area and was hooked after her first Vinyasa flow class.

She teaches a dynamic, challenging, yet attainable class with a keen eye on proper alignment and form. Her positive energy is infectious — you will surely leave class uplifted and definitely sweaty.

Teaching kindergarten means Bailey's energy — both physical and mental — is crucial. She finds empowerment and restoration through her practices at Red Dragon Yoga, where she has been a Power Yogi for several years.

As she connected more with the RDY community, incorporating Hot Pilates into her routine felt like a natural progression. With genuine excitement, she embraced the challenge and completed the Hot Pilates Teacher Training.

"My practice not only enhances my growth as a lifelong learner but also deepens my connection to my body and strengthens my mind. It's exciting to share my passion for taking on new challenges and grow with the support of community!"

Yoga healed Ben's chronic back pain, reignited his zest for life, and inspired him to share its benefits with others. His power yoga classes are known to be spirited, playful, and challenging — designed to help you feel strong, clear, peaceful, and free.

Initially turning to yoga in 2007 for relief from chronic pain from competitive mountain biking, Ben committed to a daily practice in September 2020. Beyond physical health, his yogic journey has become his lifeline, fostering self-knowledge, resilience, inner strength, and compassion.

"Yoga helps me discover my truth and evolve as a soul, dad, partner, friend, and professional." Completing his 200-hour teacher training in May 2023 began as a way to deepen his practice — and became a calling to serve.

Courtney's yoga and Pilates journey began shortly after graduating college, where she had played four years of college water polo. Searching for a more intuitive way to move her body, she found a local yoga studio — and the practice quickly became a source of growth, belonging, stress release, community, and joy.

While recovering from a debilitating back injury, she incorporated mat Pilates as a low-impact way to build strength. The combination of weekly yoga and Pilates has kept her healthy and injury-free for years. After discovering hot Pilates, she knew she wanted to share her passion with others.

"I am grateful to be a part of the incredible RDY community and to guide you through this fun and challenging class that will leave you feeling energized, strong, and empowered."

With ever-changing schedules and the many variables that come with being a mom, Sallumeh has found running, yoga, and Hot Pilates to be her refuge. Exercise is the outlet that makes her feel most confident and happy.

After having her second son, she transitioned from her Graphic Design career to pursue fitness professionally — realizing more than ever the importance of a healthy body and mind to show up as the best version of herself for those she loves.

"I feel grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for exercise with my RDY community. I hope to contribute something special to each person's experience by infusing a positive vibe that leaves them feeling empowered and stronger than they were when they first walked in!"

Growing up playing sports and running Division I collegiate track, fitness has always been an integral part of Simone's life. She discovered yoga and Pilates through her mom — a fitness instructor for 20 years — and was hooked.

A Chicago native, she moved to the Bay Area and started taking Hot HIIT Pilates classes at RDY, falling in love with the challenging workout and the community. She completed RDY's Hot HIIT Pilates teacher training and has found great fulfillment through teaching.

Outside the studio, you can find her working full-time in advertising, cooking, walking, vintage shopping, travelling, and spending time with loved ones.

I grew up in Mill Valley, always moving—first with gymnastics, then ballet. Dance was my way of connecting to my body, expressing creativity, and just feeling grounded. That connection deepened at UCLA, where I found yoga for the first time.

After college, I dove headfirst into the world of product development in NYC. Long hours and high pressure—but yoga was my quiet space. When I moved back to Marin in 2013, became a mom, and started multiple businesses with my husband, life didn’t slow down—but yoga was always there, keeping me centered.

In 2024, I completed my 200-hour Power Yoga Teacher Training at Red Dragon Yoga to deepen my own practice and finally share what’s helped me with others.

Yoga has taught me that we all need a landing pad—a space to reconnect, breathe, and grow. My classes are all about meeting you where you are, creating space for presence, creativity, and peace. I’m here to help you feel strong, grounded, and inspired—both on and off the mat.