About Merrilee

Merrilee started practicing yoga in 1992 with Sandy Jones in Upland, CA.  She is grateful everyday that Sandy showed her authentic Hatha Yoga practices that started changing her life.  Physically, she lost over 75 pounds and mentally she developed calmness and peace of mind. This practice sparked an interest in the

Philosophy of Yoga which led her to Loyola Marymount University to complete

a 120 hour Yoga Philosophy certificate. While at Loyola Marymount she had the opportunity to study Subtle Anatomy of Yoga with Kausthub Desikachar, the grandson of Krishnamacarya, and also become certified in Vinyasa Krama (the science of sequencing) with Srivatsa Ramaswami, the longest standing student of Sri Krishnamacarya.

Her dedication to the authentic teachings of Yoga led her to study with Jnana Nanda Bharati at Shakti Yoga in Irvine California where she studied and learned to apply the teachings and practices of Raja Yoga and Vedanta Philosophy. She also completed Yoga Shakti’s 200hr teacher training with Diana Pipaloff.  These trainings solidified her dedication to practicing and teaching Yoga from the humbleness and connection to her teachers and were paramount as the practices that helped bring her contentment and happiness in life.

Also, a lifelong singer/musician, Merrilee composes, records, and produces songs and albums in Yogic Chanting, Yogic Ambient, and Electronic Dance/Pop genres.  Her love for Yogic Chant and Yogic Ambient began as an extension to her class routines as a way to set the atmosphere of each individual class. Visit her music site at www.meditationalvibrations.com

Merrilee’s classes are focused on the individual students needs while sharing the practices and timeless teachings of Yoga.