Studies and Training:

Adelfa received her first yoga teacher's training in Ashtanga Vinyasa from San Francisco at It's Yoga. She also trained with Frank Iszak, RYT⁵⁰⁰ in Silver Age Senior Yoga from San Diego.

In her search for what yoga means, her studies gave her a broad based experience that she integrates with her teaching. 

She continues to travel to India regularly to study at various shalas from different gurus.

Her Certifications from India include Yoga and Yoga Therapy, Hatha Yoga, Vasistha yoga, Ayurveda Therapy, Ayurveda Massage, Reiki Healing and Thai Yoga massage.  Additionally, she studied bhakti yoga, human anatomy & physiology, sutras of patanjali, more technical teaching and naturopathy. For her karma yoga, she devoted time at various orphanage in Mysore and Bangalore and at Maun Van Yog Research Institute in Rishikesh, Utrakand, Himalayas.

Her first studies in India was in Mysore, at Mandala Yoga Shala, then at SGS International Yoga College Research & Foundation (from the Vivekanandra lineage) then in Rishikesh at Shree Sant Sewa Ashram Maharshikul Brahmacharyashram.

Adelfa also participated twice as a Delegate and Speaker at the International Yoga Festival, (2007, 2009) Puducheri, Tamil Nadu, where she was the sole U.S. representative. Her topic on the discourse is Yama and Niyama and the Pancha Koshas.

Other teachers she practiced and studied with who touched her life in her yoga studies include Vishwayogi Dr. Niranjan M. Murthy, Yoga Charya Bharath Shetty, Sheshadri, Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Dr. Natesa Ganesan, Dr. Marc Halpern, Mukunda Stiles, Larry Payne, PhD, Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, PhD, Neil Pearson, Lyn Prashant, MA, CT, CMT, Antonio Sausys, Tim Miller and Tias Little.

She is a Registered Yoga Teacher at International Yoga Alliance and a member of International Alliance of Yoga Therapists.

Adelfa is also CPR, AED and First Aid Certified.

She has been a practitioner for 14 years and a teacher for six years. She taught in La Jolla, Poway, San Francisco, Roseville, Sacramento and teaches at various locations, private companies and private groups. She also taught in India and Bali, Indonesia.

On a Pranayama class: “This was an excellent intro to yoga breathing techniques. Adelfa was very clear in her instructions, and she provided one on one assistance when needed. I recommend her to anyone interested in yoga regardless of experience level..…….. Mary

Discovering Yoga:

Before knowing yoga, I suffered from multiple feet and physical injuries from workouts and daily life stresses. I thought only of yoga asanas as my means to heal until I noticed changes from within. Now, yoga is a permanent part of my life through philosophy studies, meditation and teaching. 

My Teaching Philosophy:

Yoga is adapted for each individual’s ability. Every student has a different level of experience. Every experience is an opportunity to extend outward but focus inward, to explore which all sums to a common goal, feeling and being one with the union, to ultimately achieve peace.

I teach to encourage, support, guide, facilitate, coach, instruct, inspire and model a true yoga practice. It involves overall integration of the eight limbs and meeting students' goals.

I recognize physical limitations and challenges. I understand what motivates or limits each individual through empathy, compassion, patience and inspiration.

I connect and identify with each student’s goals, concerns and efforts and bring them to the next level of practice for even just a tad and leave them feeling challenged, inspired and fulfilled.

For a group class, I promote an equal level of participation and provide extra assistance as needed. To offer modified poses for students with physical limitations and be sensitive to their level of performance which ultimately results in deeper level of inner awareness and healthy well being.

I must listen, be patient, compassionate and empathetic.

My Teaching Style:

Yoga has many styles and forms. I teach Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Vasistha and fusion. It is a combination of all aspects of yoga that the student can handle based on their physical abilities. It is the connection of the body, breath and the mind where I place the emphasis.

In yoga, I finally found a challenge and a goal I really wanted to work towards.  Adelfa guides you to forget whatever heavy thought is laying in your mind. …….. Kristal

On Meditation: " lt was a very good session. I learned a lot in theory and in practice." ........ Bonnie

On Asana: "I am rather sore this morning but in a good way. This style of yoga looks easier than it is. The poses appear to be simple, however, once you are in the flow of it your body feels the strength and resistance. It is a great workout." .... Sheris