MEET THE SANA YOGA NJ TRAINING TEAM
200 LEADER
Viviana Gago (E-RYT 500, YACEP) Studio, Policies, Sequences, Technique
Viviana, the vibrant founder and owner of Sana Yoga NJ, embodies a fusion of cultures and experiences that enrich her teaching and studio environment. Rooted in her Latinx upbringing, she learned early on the value of creating inclusive spaces where both individuals and community thrive. Viviana's journey is a celebration of her authenticity, infusing her classes with the zest and warmth that define her "spice" – a unique blend of her roles as a devoted mother, her Chilean heritage, her passion for music, and the seamless integration of Spanglish into her teachings.
With a genuine desire to share the profound richness of yoga with a diverse audience, Viviana's teaching style reflects her commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. Her array of yoga certifications serves as a testament to her dedication to the practice and her ongoing journey of growth. As a lead teacher at Sana Yoga, Viviana's mission is clear: to foster a community where individuals from all walks of life feel seen, heard, and supported on their yoga journey, embracing the diversity that makes each practitioner unique.
SANA SCULPT & CO LEADER
Erika Maria (E-RYT 200, RPYT, YACEP) Sculpt, Business, Technique
Meet Erika Maria, a devoted yoga instructor and Personal Finance Specialist whose unique blend of expertise enriches the lives of her students. With an MBA in Marketing & Management and an array of yoga certifications including Registered Yoga Teacher 200 RYT, RPYT, YogaHIlT, Sculpt, and Core Fusion specialist, Erika embodies a holistic approach to well-being. While she dedicates her full-time efforts to financial planning, her passion for yoga shines through in her classes, where she infuses mindfulness practices and empowering guidance to foster physical and fiscal health.
With each class she teaches, Erika brings forth her innate power, guiding her students with precision and clarity in muscle engagement cues. Her classes are renowned for their ability to strengthen both body and mind, leaving students feeling invigorated and empowered. Drawing from her extensive experience in both yoga and finance, Erika offers a transformative experience that transcends the mat, empowering individuals to find balance in every aspect of their lives. Whether you seek serenity in your yoga practice or guidance towards financial stability, Erika Maria serves as your trusted ally on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
YIN N’ SANA LEADER
Yaya LaLuz (RYT 200, Yin level 2, Reiki master, Sound Healing Meditation, Trauma informed Yoga) Yin Yoga
Meet our dedicated Yin Yoga lead trainer, hailing proudly from the vibrant streets of the Bronx. Immersed in the rich fabric of her cultural heritage, she finds solace in the rhythms of her community, savoring the essence of life through every sip of cafecito and soulful note of R&B. Two decades ago, her journey with yoga began, igniting a flame of passion that continues to illuminate her path.
Certified as a 200-hour yoga instructor rooted in the teachings of Baptiste, she also holds credentials as a yin yoga instructor, a compassionate trauma-informed yoga practitioner, a skilled sound healer, and a Reiki Master. As a sacred space holder and eternal student, she approaches her role with humility, nurturing the journeys of others with authenticity and warmth. Guided by her profound belief in the transformative power of light and love, she serves as a beacon of inspiration, guiding others to connect with their inner wisdom and vitality. In her classes, she cultivates a sense of inclusivity and self-love, empowering individuals to tap into their radiant core and find harmony within themselves.
FACULTY
Michelle Ancheta (RYT 200, Yin I & II) Anatomy + Hands on Assisting
Meet our vibrant Michelle, whose yoga journey is a fusion of passion, music, and movement. She brings a unique blend of influences to her classes. While rooted in Baptiste Power Yoga, her style reflects her dance background and eclectic taste in music, from cumbias Salvadoreñas to Led Zeppelin. She seamlessly weaves together elements of lyengar, Vinyasa, and Yogance, inviting students to explore mindful breathing and meditation alongside dynamic movement.
Teaching has been a transformative journey of self-discovery for her, as she finds herself both teacher and student in the process. With an infectious love for the practice, she encourages exploration and growth, whether through the use of props, trying new poses, or embracing the challenges of life off the mat. You can find her gracefully flowing through a Virabhadrasana (Warrior) II on the mat, eagerly exploring nature on hiking trails, or proudly sharing moments with her beloved furkids – Mya, Ranger, and Figgy Puddin – on Instagram. Join her on the mat, where she continues to evolve and inspire others on their yoga journey.
FACULTY
Anishka Grover (RYT 200, Yin I & II, Reiki I ) Yoga Humanities
Meet Anishka, a beacon of spirituality and inclusivity in our yoga community. With a profound reverence for the roots of yoga, Anishka is deeply passionate about preserving its spiritual essence, rooted in the ancient language of Sanskrit. Raised in a beautifully diverse family with connections to multiple faiths, Anishka found solace in the universal themes of human connection that transcended religious boundaries. Drawing from her rich life experiences and compassionate nature, Anishka brings a unique perspective to her teachings.
Beyond her impressive certifications in Power and Yin yoga, as well as Ayurvedic Diet & Nutrition, Anishka believes that true teaching is grounded in life experience and empathy. With her insightful, calm, and sweet demeanor, she creates a nurturing environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Anishka extends her passion for holistic well-being into her artisan confectionery business, infusing her treats with Reiki energy and culinary nutrition expertise. With a heart dedicated to fostering connection and inclusivity, Anishka embodies the essence of yoga as a practice of unity and love.
FACULTY
Alison Batten (RYT200, Yin I & II, Master Barre) Yoga for Athletes
Introducing Alison, a powerhouse of passion and strength in our yoga community. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training with Powerflow Yoga NJ in December 2022, followed by a 35-hour Yin Training and a 30-hour Yin Level II course with Naomi Pagan of Hapori Yoga. Alison is also a Master Barre instructor.
Her journey began with competitive soccer, which extended through college and sparked her interest in athletic recovery through yoga. Rediscovering her practice in 2020, she committed to daily yoga, realizing its profound impact on her well-being. Specializing in athletic yoga, particularly for athletes, Alison’s classes emphasize strength, vitality, and breath connection. Her dedication and passion create a transformative experience for her students, helping them feel invigorated and empowered. Join Alison for a class that embodies the essence of a diverse and joyful studio environment.
FACULTY
Cristina Perea (RYT 500, Yin level I) Sequencing, Transitions, Flow Fluidity, Inversions
Cristina is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) who discovered her deep passion for yoga six years ago after a severe injury. Through yoga, she experienced profound physical and spiritual healing, which inspired her to share this transformative practice with others. She completed her Yoga Teacher Training at Himalaya Yoga Valley in India in 2020.
Her classes are known for fun, dynamic sequences that create a safe, playful environment. Certified in Yin Yoga Level One and trained inversions with Warrior Bridge in New York City, Cristina’s teaching style is influenced by her extensive dance background, emphasizing fluidity and seamless transitions, making each session feel like a dance.
As a proud Mexicana, Cristina’s unique accent and vibrant teaching style bring an authentic and refreshing energy to her classes. She embodies the perfect balance of ‘spicy and soft,’ guiding her students to move their bodies with freedom and express their true selves through their practice. Cristina’s diverse background and distinctive approach significantly enrich our Yoga Teacher Training program, adding a beautiful layer of depth and diversity.