I discovered my love and passion for yoga in high school. As someone deeply involved in athletics, I realized that my body needed more support to stay balanced and strong. Yoga provided exactly that — and so much more.

Through my practice, I experienced a profound transformation both mentally and physically. I felt more at peace, grounded, and confident in myself. These changes inspired me to make yoga an essential part of my life.

When I found Yoga Lab, I instantly knew it was home. The community, staff, and welcoming environment created a space filled with warmth and support.

I began my journey here as a proud member of the Saucha Squad, taking joy in helping maintain a beautiful and peaceful space for all practitioners. Over time, I became more involved with the studio and was inspired to earn my 50-hour Yin Yoga certification. During that training, I discovered my deep passion for Yin Yoga and was incredibly grateful to learn from such skilled and inspiring teachers, Diana Sophia and Marlene.

Today, as Manager, I’m honored to continue contributing to this amazing community. I’m excited to help nurture and grow the space that has given so much to me and so many others.

Anel Mancilla is a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with specialities in Yoga Sculpt. Having three years of personal practice plus six months of certification experience, Anel has developed a secure atmosphere for people to push their physical limits through mindful movement, uncover their innermost potential and support students on their journey of self-discovery.

“For me to practice yoga is to practice the freedom of the soul and mind.”

From the moment Sydney stepped on her mat, it felt like home. Introduced to yoga at an early age as means to increase flexibility for figure skating, her life was immediately transformed. When she discovered the therapeutic benefits as it became a vital technique in coping with anxiety throughout high school. After realizing how great of an impact yoga made on her own healing and wellness, she felt called to share her practice, launching her into her current path as a yoga teacher. By the time she was 16 she had already completed her 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training, and has since become a certified fitness, mat pilates, and adaptive yoga instructor, racking up over 1000 teaching hours. Believing yoga is for everyone, Sydney strives to create an inclusive environment where students of all fitness levels can feel good, and connect with their bodies while feeling safe enough to explore new possibilities. Committed to the growth of her students, she holds space to create a safe, nurturing environment, gives students the tools and techniques to access their needs, create connections, and find their centers. With a light heart and an open mind, she focuses on moving students into postures, rather than through them. Sydney teaches every class with the hope that each student will find the spark they need to stay present, playful, and inspired to bring their yoga practice into their daily life. Aside from being a full-time Yogi, Sydney is a Gulls Girl, Animal lover, and frequent beach-goer.

My entire life I’ve been the “bigger girl” in most friend groups. I initially started my fitness journey in my early adult years in hopes to get back to my “high school weight” and to fit into my size 6 pants. After trying various workout routines and fluctuating between weight, I finally accepted the truth to just love my body for what it is - despite not fitting into the “normal” societal standards for my stature.

I workout to remain physically active, as well as to help balance my mind, body, and soul. I truly enjoy the various aspects of being active - from reaping the health benefits, the discipline of remaining focused, and the involvement of being part of a loving and supportive community. It’s now a huge part of my life to where I feel a bit off if I don’t set aside time to give back to myself.

I got back into yoga in 2019 and was totally unaware of the different modalities that yoga has to offer. I decided I wanted to deepen my knowledge and yoga practice and completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2021. One of the things I learned that will always remain true, is that the teacher will always be the student. As a new teacher continuously exploring the different aspects of yoga, I hope to inspire those around me to be present in the moment and to do what they enjoy most no matter where you are on your beautiful journey of what we call life.

I bring curiosity, playfulness, and intention to the mat, seeing yoga as a creative space for emotional softness, mental fortitude, and embodied awareness. Each time we step on the mat, we meet a new version of ourselves — which is why I root my practice and teaching in compassion.. 

Over the years, I’ve explored Ashtanga, Rocket, Budokon, Power, and Yin. I completed my 200-hour training with Mimi Rieger | Yoga in Washington, DC. Mimi's mentorship deeply shaped my dynamic, fluid, and accessible teaching style.

Now based in California, I guide classes that emphasize strength, alignment, and self-awareness, inviting students to explore their practice with confidence and joy. Off the mat, I work as a content developer, and I love reading fantasy novels, playing pickleball, and (most recently) learning to surf.

As a dedicated yoga instructor, I believe in the power of variety and exploration. From the flowing movements of Vinyasa to the deep release of Yin, embracing the dynamic intensity of sculpt yoga, and even the playful adventure of paddleboard yoga, every practice is an opportunity to connect with ourselves and the universe. My journey in yoga is about continuous learning and growth, discovering that there's always something new to explore on and off the mat.

For me, yoga is more than just physical postures; it's about the power of breath and the art of slowing down when life gets hectic. Trusting in ourselves and the universe, we can find balance amidst the chaos.

Some of my favorite things include music, dancing and food.

When I'm not on the mat, you'll find me soaking up precious moments with my beloved fur babies, Wednesday and Xena. So let's roll out our mats, tune into our breath, and let the rhythm of life guide us towards harmony. Namaste. 🙏

Noriko was born and raised in San Diego. Her yoga journey began in 2015 as a high school elective, where she first discovered the power of being present, celebrating small wins, and connecting her mind and body as one. While she loves trying new workouts and staying active, yoga has always been her constant—her anchor through life’s highs and lows.

She recently completed her Yoga Sculpt training in the spring of 2025 and is excited to share her passion through empowering, uplifting, and intentionally challenging classes. Noriko weaves mindset and breathwork into every movement, helping students unlock their inner strength and push past mental blocks. Expect feel-good energy, motivational moments, and a space where showing up for yourself—even on off days—is celebrated. One of her favorite reminders: “You don’t have to be great to start, you just have to start to be great.”

Yoga hasn’t just strengthened Noriko physically—it’s shaped how she shows up in her relationships and everyday life. It’s taught her patience, presence, and the importance of leading with intention, whether on the mat or in meaningful conversations with others.

When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her playing tennis, dancing, traveling, hosting dinner parties, or exploring a new San Diego gem.

I’m Lili, mom of 3 littles. Found yoga 7 years ago and fell in love! When I’m not practicing yoga or running after my kids, I enjoy reading fiction WWII novels or playing tennis.

I am a local elementary school teacher and the mom of 3 daughters. I love to exercise and began my yoga journey about 4 years ago when I realized that my body needed something more than just cardio and HIIT classes. With yoga, I was able to rehabilitate an injury, increase range of motion, improve my balance, and decrease muscle soreness. I also found it challenging and calming. I was excited to find Yin Yoga and have experienced physical and emotional healing through the practice. It is the perfect complement to my jogging and weight lifting routines. I am excited to share the benefits of Yin with others and to continue learning more!

Iliana began her fitness journey at 12, exploring movement and learning through experience as a way to feel healthy and deeply connected to her body. In college, her spiritual path began to unfold through yoga and meditation, further strengthening her connection between mind and body.

While studying Kinesiology and pursuing both running and strength training, she recognized that traditional exercise often overlooked intuition and inner wisdom. Discovering Reiki transformed her approach—allowing her to integrate strength training with energy practice in a way that honors both physical power and spiritual alignment.

Today, she guides others in rebuilding trust with their bodies, moving with compassion, and embracing a holistic approach to health that integrates mind, body, and spirit.

Paula has been immersed in movement since the age of three, beginning her journey in dance and expanding her practice to include yoga, Pilates, boxing, and martial arts. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Dance from San Diego State University, where she studied anatomy, somatics, movement pedagogy, and the art of intentional movement.

In addition to her academic background, Paula completed a 50+ hour Yoga Sculpt Teacher Training and 25+ hours of Mat Pilates Teacher Training through Yoga Lab. Her diverse movement experience and extensive understanding of the body allow her to create classes that are both challenging and accessible.

Paula's teaching style blends strength, mindfulness, and purposeful movement to help students build confidence from the inside out. Her goal is to empower every individual to connect with their inner strength, move with intention, and discover what their body is truly capable of. Expect energizing workouts, thoughtful sequencing, and an uplifting atmosphere that will leave you feeling stronger, empowered, and inspired.

Jazmin is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor with additional training in Yin, Hot Fusion, Power Vinyasa, Hot 26, and Sculpt. Her teaching is rooted in the belief that yoga is for everyone. You don’t have to be flexible, experienced, or at a certain point in life to begin. If you’re willing to try something new, there is a place for you on the mat. Inspired by her own journey and especially by her dad, Jazmin has come to appreciate how our relationship with movement evolves as we grow through life. She loves witnessing how yoga can meet us through different seasons and how simply showing up for yourself can create meaningful change over time.

Her goal is to meet each student where they are in their yoga journey and help lift them from there. Whether you’re new to the mat or deepening a lifelong practice, she hopes every class leaves you feeling accomplished, moved, and a little more connected to yourself. Outside of the studio, Jazmin finds her happiest moments in the sun and by the water. She loves surfing, spending time at the beach, and anything that brings her closer to the ocean and outdoors. Movement and nature are reminders to appreciate the life we get to live and the body that carries us through it.

I began my yoga practice in 2018, and what started as a personal practice quickly became a deeper passion for movement, connection, and self-discovery. In 2020, I completed my first 200-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training, which gave me the foundation to begin sharing yoga with others.

Since then, I’ve continued to expand my practice and teaching through additional trainings, including Rocket Yoga, and in 2025 I completed a 200-hour Dharma Yoga Teacher Training in New York. Each training has brought a different perspective to my teaching, allowing me to blend strength, mobility, breath, and mindful movement into a practice that feels both challenging and intentional.

My classes are dynamic, challenging, and fun, with an emphasis on creative sequencing, strong movement, and staying connected to the breath. I love creating classes that invite you to push your edges while still leaving room to play, explore, and enjoy the process. My goal is for you to leave class feeling stronger, more grounded, and a little more connected to yourself than when you walked in.