MONIKA MCKENZIE
Monika is the grateful and proud owner of The Yoga Nest! This Bay Area native was first introduced to yoga eight years ago while living in Los Angeles, CA. After many failed attempts at "fixing" her extreme anxiety through various medications, she decided to give yoga a try. She instantly fell in love with the practice, ditched the medication and has found her life to be infinitely happier and healthier ever since. In 2014, Monika became a certified instructor in yoga and Ayurveda. She then received additional training in Advanced Asana through Julie Rader’s Mukti Yoga School at The Green Yogi in Manhattan Beach, CA. Monika has taught all over Los Angeles and continues to teach in her new home of Kona. She and her husband opened The Yoga Nest with the goal of providing an inclusive, peaceful and serene yoga studio to the Kona community. Whether guiding students through a sweat-filled power flow or a relaxing restorative class, Monika teaches with the intent of connecting us back to soul energy and our intuitive body. She is a lover of the earth, the sea, playtime, and all things healing. Her classes are tailored to reflect that love.
Monika is the grateful and proud owner of The Yoga Nest! This Bay Area native was first introduced to yoga eight years ago while living in Los Angeles, CA. After many failed attempts at "fixing" her extreme anxiety through various medications, she decided to give yoga a try. She instantly fell in love with the practice, ditched the medication and has found her life to be infinitely happier and healthier ever since. In 2014, Monika became a certified instructor in yoga and Ayurveda. She then received additional training in Advanced Asana through Julie Rader’s Mukti Yoga School at The Green Yogi in Manhattan Beach, CA. Monika has taught all over Los Angeles and continues to teach in her new home of Kona. She and her husband opened The Yoga Nest with the goal of providing an inclusive, peaceful and serene yoga studio to the Kona community. Whether guiding students through a sweat-filled power flow or a relaxing restorative class, Monika teaches with the intent of connecting us back to soul energy and our intuitive body. She is a lover of the earth, the sea, playtime, and all things healing. Her classes are tailored to reflect that love.
AARON DUNCAN
Aaron has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and brings unique sequencing to his classes. Aaron was introduced to yoga at the tender age of 14 when his mother handed him a cook called "The Five Tibetans." For nothing more than wanting to use the book's knowledge to become a better surfer, Aaron found himself waking up at 5am to start his day with yoga breathing and movement exercises. It wasn't until his late teens that yoga became something he truly started to enjoy, primarily for its ability to advance athleticism. Later in his twenties, he began to recognize the incredible benefits of yoga beyond just the physical and dove deeper into workshops and teacher trainings. His classes are challenging, grounding, and very creative.
Aaron has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and brings unique sequencing to his classes. Aaron was introduced to yoga at the tender age of 14 when his mother handed him a cook called "The Five Tibetans." For nothing more than wanting to use the book's knowledge to become a better surfer, Aaron found himself waking up at 5am to start his day with yoga breathing and movement exercises. It wasn't until his late teens that yoga became something he truly started to enjoy, primarily for its ability to advance athleticism. Later in his twenties, he began to recognize the incredible benefits of yoga beyond just the physical and dove deeper into workshops and teacher trainings. His classes are challenging, grounding, and very creative.
WHITNEY DEROCHEMONT
Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Whitney encompasses the spirit of aloha in her yoga practice and teachings. Diving into her practice at the young age of 16 years old, yoga has been part of Whitney's life for over 10 years. In 2010, she decided to take her practice a step further and completed her 200HR YTT in Oceanside California through the True Nature School of Yoga. She craved to learn even more about the body and attended massage school, graduating in 2015. Whitney strives to keep an organic, relaxed yet powerful flow in all of her classes. Whitney’s love for yoga and all of its traditions has inspired her to share this powerful connection between mind, body, and spirit.
Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Whitney encompasses the spirit of aloha in her yoga practice and teachings. Diving into her practice at the young age of 16 years old, yoga has been part of Whitney's life for over 10 years. In 2010, she decided to take her practice a step further and completed her 200HR YTT in Oceanside California through the True Nature School of Yoga. She craved to learn even more about the body and attended massage school, graduating in 2015. Whitney strives to keep an organic, relaxed yet powerful flow in all of her classes. Whitney’s love for yoga and all of its traditions has inspired her to share this powerful connection between mind, body, and spirit.
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BLAKE SIMS
Blake is a funny guy who easily makes those around him laugh. He also has a dedicated and disciplined yoga practice and has been a certified instructor for just under ten years. He was initially drawn to yoga purely for the physical practice, but once he began to move on his mat regularly, his practice transformed into something much deeper. Blake now enjoys a strong meditation and pranayama practice that he weaves into his profoundly present classes. Like many of The Yoga Nest instructors, Blake received his teacher training under Julie Rader's Mukti Yoga School. When he isn't yoga-ing, he is somewhere paddling, swimming or bopping around in the ocean. Catch Blake Wednesday and Friday mornings at 8! |
VESELA MINCHEVA
Vesela Mincheva was first introduced to yoga 15 years ago in her home country Bulgaria. A seed was planted back then that grew steadily over the years. Today, she believes the most ancient science is yoga science. Her practice is a beautiful dive into a spiritual path that she wishes to share with everyone. Finding harmony in breath, mind and spirit is what Vesela works to achieve in her classes. She understands that asana (physical posture) purifies the body and teaches concentration, and that through systematic practice of pranayama (breath) and meditation one becomes cleansed of all faults and comes to see the transitory nature of all things. Her classes help students rise above the mind. Vesela teaches vinyasa, restorative and yin yoga. She is RYT-200, LMT, Yoga Therapy Stage 1 practitioner with BSY, and holds a degree in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science from UH Manoa. “What you are is what you have been, what you will be is what you do now.” ~Buddha
Vesela Mincheva was first introduced to yoga 15 years ago in her home country Bulgaria. A seed was planted back then that grew steadily over the years. Today, she believes the most ancient science is yoga science. Her practice is a beautiful dive into a spiritual path that she wishes to share with everyone. Finding harmony in breath, mind and spirit is what Vesela works to achieve in her classes. She understands that asana (physical posture) purifies the body and teaches concentration, and that through systematic practice of pranayama (breath) and meditation one becomes cleansed of all faults and comes to see the transitory nature of all things. Her classes help students rise above the mind. Vesela teaches vinyasa, restorative and yin yoga. She is RYT-200, LMT, Yoga Therapy Stage 1 practitioner with BSY, and holds a degree in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science from UH Manoa. “What you are is what you have been, what you will be is what you do now.” ~Buddha
CHAD CAMPBELL
Chad Campbell is a lifelong surfer and yoga lover from Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Chad found yoga as a means to heal after a surfing injury and it has been a part of his life ever since. After building a strong asana practice, Chad ended up getting his teaching certification through Mukti Yoga School. He now has a deep appreciation for all 8 limbs of yoga and is very grateful for the practice. He was certified by Julie Rader (aka Sensei), and Linda Baffa of Mukti and has been teaching off and on since 2010. Chad's flows are fun, alignment based, sometimes musical, sometimes quiet, with a bit of "philosophy" sprinkled in.
His influences are Aaron Duncan, Julie Rader, Shane Dorian, Jack Kerouac, Tenzin Gyatsu, Jack Burton, Wu-Tang Clan, and most obviously the Ocean.
wwww.surfyogasurf.com @chadkcampbell
Chad Campbell is a lifelong surfer and yoga lover from Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Chad found yoga as a means to heal after a surfing injury and it has been a part of his life ever since. After building a strong asana practice, Chad ended up getting his teaching certification through Mukti Yoga School. He now has a deep appreciation for all 8 limbs of yoga and is very grateful for the practice. He was certified by Julie Rader (aka Sensei), and Linda Baffa of Mukti and has been teaching off and on since 2010. Chad's flows are fun, alignment based, sometimes musical, sometimes quiet, with a bit of "philosophy" sprinkled in.
His influences are Aaron Duncan, Julie Rader, Shane Dorian, Jack Kerouac, Tenzin Gyatsu, Jack Burton, Wu-Tang Clan, and most obviously the Ocean.
wwww.surfyogasurf.com @chadkcampbell
CARSON RICHARDSON
Carson Richardson, a Big Island transplant hailing from the Carolinas, was brought to the mat nearly ten years ago. As a bored athlete and gym addict, she was in search of an outlet that could further stimulate and challenge her mind, body, and soul. Her mother suggested yoga and from then on, she was hooked. Yoga has been her continuous savior through years of severe battles with eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. Following a motorcycle accident in July 2015, Carson heavily relied on Restorative and Yin practices as part of her rehabilitation regimen. It was during this recovery time that Carson realized she needed to share this life-changing practice with those around her. She completed her RYT 200 in July 2016 at Inlet Yoga in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Outside of yoga she enjoys exploring the ocean, hiking, skydiving, traveling and indulging in her sweet tooth. Carson is beyond excited to be a part of the Yoga Nest family and looks forward to seeing you in her class!
Carson Richardson, a Big Island transplant hailing from the Carolinas, was brought to the mat nearly ten years ago. As a bored athlete and gym addict, she was in search of an outlet that could further stimulate and challenge her mind, body, and soul. Her mother suggested yoga and from then on, she was hooked. Yoga has been her continuous savior through years of severe battles with eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. Following a motorcycle accident in July 2015, Carson heavily relied on Restorative and Yin practices as part of her rehabilitation regimen. It was during this recovery time that Carson realized she needed to share this life-changing practice with those around her. She completed her RYT 200 in July 2016 at Inlet Yoga in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Outside of yoga she enjoys exploring the ocean, hiking, skydiving, traveling and indulging in her sweet tooth. Carson is beyond excited to be a part of the Yoga Nest family and looks forward to seeing you in her class!
MISHA KOROVIN
Misha began his yoga journey in 2007 and it has been a major component in his life as a dancer, mountain climber and human being. Through yoga, Misha has developed a deep sense of awareness and compassion for himself and others. His love of movement and body mechanics led him to his favorite style of yoga - power vinyasa.
Misha completed his 300hr teacher training through Parinama Yoga studio in Russia in 2011 and his 200hr Vinyasa Flow RYT from well-respected teachers Adrienne Burke and Jill Camera in NYC in 2018. He has practiced and taught at various studios throughout Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bali, Los Angeles and NYC including Jivamukti, Yoga Vida, Kula yoga project, YogaWorks and more. He loves learning and has continued to be a diligent student. Misha enjoys learning alongside his students while they share the experience of yoga together.
Misha’s power vinyasa classes blend physical alignment and core strength in a fluid rhythm. He emphasizes breath awareness and conscious intention to promote ease and stability in each pose. Misha’s goal is to help his students find and maintain a peaceful mind and body. Catch him at The Nest on Monday and Tuesday mornings!
Misha began his yoga journey in 2007 and it has been a major component in his life as a dancer, mountain climber and human being. Through yoga, Misha has developed a deep sense of awareness and compassion for himself and others. His love of movement and body mechanics led him to his favorite style of yoga - power vinyasa.
Misha completed his 300hr teacher training through Parinama Yoga studio in Russia in 2011 and his 200hr Vinyasa Flow RYT from well-respected teachers Adrienne Burke and Jill Camera in NYC in 2018. He has practiced and taught at various studios throughout Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bali, Los Angeles and NYC including Jivamukti, Yoga Vida, Kula yoga project, YogaWorks and more. He loves learning and has continued to be a diligent student. Misha enjoys learning alongside his students while they share the experience of yoga together.
Misha’s power vinyasa classes blend physical alignment and core strength in a fluid rhythm. He emphasizes breath awareness and conscious intention to promote ease and stability in each pose. Misha’s goal is to help his students find and maintain a peaceful mind and body. Catch him at The Nest on Monday and Tuesday mornings!
ALEX SAKLAR
Alex began doing yoga in her living room via YouTube videos during her junior year of college. Yearning for something to help her with anxiety and find balance in her life, it wasn’t long before Alex joined a studio near her hometown of Bettendorf, Iowa to deepen her practice. After sustaining a wrist injury from acro-yoga, Alex made the switch to an ashtanga shala in 2013, where she found a yoga community that nurtured her growth in both asana, pranayama, and spiritual practice. She received her 200 hour certification from that shala in 2015 and moved to Hawaii very shortly after. Alex blends her fun-loving, genuine, and creative personality into her yoga classes. Since moving to Hawaii, she has found a second love in the ocean and surfing, and she tends to be mindful of surfing muscles when sequencing her class.
Alex began doing yoga in her living room via YouTube videos during her junior year of college. Yearning for something to help her with anxiety and find balance in her life, it wasn’t long before Alex joined a studio near her hometown of Bettendorf, Iowa to deepen her practice. After sustaining a wrist injury from acro-yoga, Alex made the switch to an ashtanga shala in 2013, where she found a yoga community that nurtured her growth in both asana, pranayama, and spiritual practice. She received her 200 hour certification from that shala in 2015 and moved to Hawaii very shortly after. Alex blends her fun-loving, genuine, and creative personality into her yoga classes. Since moving to Hawaii, she has found a second love in the ocean and surfing, and she tends to be mindful of surfing muscles when sequencing her class.
DUSTIN MARIN
Dustin was born in Northern California and raised both there and here on the Big Island. He grew up a multi-sport athlete and board rider with a strong sense of body awareness. His first brush with yoga came in his childhood living room where his father taught him yoga stretches and tripod headstands. As an adult in an effort to further this awareness and knowledge of the body Dustin graduated from the Hawaiian Islands School of Massage, going on to become a license massage therapist. In 2014 Dustin found himself searching for something, both physically and spiritually, and by the grace of "whatever" wandered into a yoga class which would alter the course of his life as he knew it. Dustin began to commit to his yoga practice and the results were undeniable. He began to feel like himself in his body once again. In 2018 Dustin completed a 200 hour YTT under the skillful tutelage of Alyssa Kratz and is excited to share with others this profound gift that is yoga. Dustin's teaching is thoughtful, alignment focused, and approachable for all. Find Dustin at the Nest on Saturday mornings at 9:30!
Dustin was born in Northern California and raised both there and here on the Big Island. He grew up a multi-sport athlete and board rider with a strong sense of body awareness. His first brush with yoga came in his childhood living room where his father taught him yoga stretches and tripod headstands. As an adult in an effort to further this awareness and knowledge of the body Dustin graduated from the Hawaiian Islands School of Massage, going on to become a license massage therapist. In 2014 Dustin found himself searching for something, both physically and spiritually, and by the grace of "whatever" wandered into a yoga class which would alter the course of his life as he knew it. Dustin began to commit to his yoga practice and the results were undeniable. He began to feel like himself in his body once again. In 2018 Dustin completed a 200 hour YTT under the skillful tutelage of Alyssa Kratz and is excited to share with others this profound gift that is yoga. Dustin's teaching is thoughtful, alignment focused, and approachable for all. Find Dustin at the Nest on Saturday mornings at 9:30!