It is our hope that the guidance you receive here encourages you to cultivate more kefi and that you share that kefi with everyone around you so together we can experience a world filled with kefi!
Video directed, filmed, and edited by Taso Papadakis @tasopapadakis
Angeliki Papadakis
FOUNDER
Angel has been teaching movement in a studio environment for over two decades. She holds her BA from the University of Southern California and her JD from Pepperdine University School of Law. After practicing law for a little over 6 years in Long Beach, San Francisco and Los Angeles, Angel returned to her work in studio as a choreographer and instructor. She directed student productions and taught as an adjunct professor at the USC School of Dramatic Arts and the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, authoring core curriculum for the latter. She started teaching yoga at Corepower where she received her yoga certification and continued with Yoga Ed., Jason Crandall, Samarthya & Preetika of Bodsphere Yoga, and is a E-RYT 200, RYT 500, Yoga Alliance Continued Education Provider YACEP and Children's Yoga Teacher (RCYT) with Yoga Alliance. She remains an inactive member of the California State Bar but her passion is sharing the gift of yoga with her community and founded Kefi Yoga to provide a place to do just that. Get in touch with Angel @angelikipapadakis, angel@kefiyoga.com or call the studio 310-683-5605
Imari Meyer
PRINCIPAL INSTRUCTOR
Imari began her yoga journey in August 2014, initially seeking it as a way to enhance her exercise routine and flexibility. However, after attending her first class at a local studio, she quickly fell in love with yoga’s meditative qualities and the deep mind-body connection it fosters.
In April 2015, Imari completed her 200-hour Power Yoga certification and continued her education through Jason Crandell’s comprehensive 300-hour training program. Now an experienced RYT 500 teacher registered with Yoga Alliance, Imari is proficient in multiple yoga styles and body mechanics, ensuring her students receive thoughtful, well-rounded instruction. She has led numerous teacher trainings, guiding practitioners in their growth, and is continuously pursuing advanced education to provide the most up-to-date asana techniques, cueing, hands-on assists, and injury prevention strategies.
Imari also leads retreats, offers private lessons, and remains a foundational strength of KEFI Yoga, embodying clarity, authenticity, and professionalism within the studio and beyond. Her steady, strong presence reflects her deep commitment to her students' well-being, and she is always there to support them on their personal journeys.
Stay connected with Imari through her website www.imariyoga.com and on Instagram @imarimeyer and join her mission to ignite others’ souls, using yoga as a gateway to freedom.
Joseph Reyes
PRINCIPAL INSTRUCTOR
Joseph is a radiant light sharing his gift of yoga wisdom and genuine passion for the practice creating a consistently transformative experience on the mat. His talents have been fine tuned by a strong drive within to heal himself wholly and in turn help others heal.
Joseph found yoga in 2014 after dealing with knee issues and discomfort due to wear and tear from playing basketball for decades. He experienced immediate physical healing as well as a strengthening of his mental state inside asanas and mindful breath.
He was so touched by the power of yoga that he began a sacred teacher’s training journey curious to learn more for his personal gain as well as how to lead others toward healing.
Joseph holds a 500 RYT certification and blissfully spends his days guiding our Kefi community on their mat and spreading yoga knowledge. For more connection with Joseph you may follow him on Instagram @joseph_brian_reyes.
Mayu Halgren
PRINCIPAL INSTRUCTOR
Mayu, originally from Japan, first visited the U.S. in 2002 and began her yoga journey in 2005 while attending college. She became a certified yoga teacher in 2007 and has since pursued a wide range of additional trainings, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Pilates, and Kids Yoga.
With an unwavering passion for yoga, Mayu embraces the role of an eternal student, continually seeking to deepen her knowledge and skills. Her teaching philosophy focuses on promoting happiness and health, encouraging her students to enjoy the process rather than judge their flexibility or compare themselves to others. Her classes blend lightheartedness with thoughtful guidance, creating a welcoming environment for all.
Mayu completed her 500 HR Yoga Teacher Training and also holds certifications in Bikram, Hatha, Power Yoga, Vinyasa, Hot Pilates, and Kids Yoga. Her extensive training includes:
2007 Bikram Yoga Teacher Training
2011 Novo Core Training
2012 CorePower 200-hour Teacher Training and Extensions Program
2016 Tamal Dodge 200-hour Vinyasa Training
2018 Zooga Level 1/2 Kids Yoga Training
2018 Equinox Pilates Mat Training
2019 Tamal Dodge 300-hour Advanced Training
2019 Acro Yoga Foundation Course
Since 2007, Mayu has taught throughout the South Bay and Long Beach areas, including at Novo Yoga in Redondo, the Hot Room in Long Beach, and for Virgin Galactic employees.
Connect with Mayu on Instagram @yogahorse93 to follow her journey and stay inspired.
Roxy Sudario
PRINCIPAL INSTRUCTOR & CORPORATE LIASON
Roxy has been dedicated to the practice of yoga since the age of 18, drawn to its profound healing potential. Her passion for the discipline naturally evolved into a desire to share it with others. In 2018, she earned her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification and quickly began teaching a variety of classes, including children's yoga, heated power yoga, yin, and sculpt.
Roxy is widely recognized in the studio for her infectious optimism and her key role in fostering the growth of KEFI's vibrant community. She holds a 300-hour advanced certification through RA Yoga, is certified in reiki, yin, and yogalates, and played a pivotal role in introducing the yogalates program at KEFI.
Her teaching style is grounded in a consistent and practical application of yoga's core principles, earning the trust of her students through clear, deliberate cues and a genuine sense of care and compassion. To learn more, you can connect with her on Instagram @roxysud.
Andrea Morales
PRINCIPAL INSTRUCTOR
Andrea is a certified yoga instructor - RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance - and sound practitioner who loves to dedicate time to deepening her yoga studies and crafting thoughtful classes. She was profoundly inspired by how yoga transformed her life and fell in love with the uplifting energy and sense of belonging that comes with being part of a vibrant yoga community. Over the years she has learned to balance and integrate her practice off her mat and is grateful for the way in which yoga has provided guiding principles in her life. Andrea’s flow sequences are rooted in vinyasa, linking movement with breath. Her teaching incorporates concepts from chakra theory, nervous system regulation and working with the innate ability of the body. She loves to infuse her classes with positive energy and beautiful music. Her intention as a yoga teacher is to create a safe space of practice that honors the unique yoga journey of her students and to share inspiration and love for this practice.
Carla Orpilla
PRINCIPAL INSTRUCTOR
Carla is a Torrance-based E-RYT 200 yoga instructor, fitness coach, and advocate for achieving balance in life.
Since 2012, she has been teaching others, and it has nearly been a decade since she embarked on her fitness journey—both of which are her true passions. In 2018, she earned her 200-hour yoga certification from CorePower Yoga and completed her 500-hour yoga certification with Jason Crandell Yoga.
In Carla's music-driven Vinyasa classes, you can expect to learn while building both mental and physical strength, alongside flexibility and mobility work, all enhanced by creative sequencing. Carla also battles anxiety. To address this, she incorporates mindfulness and relaxation techniques into her classes, creating a well-rounded experience from start to finish. Her goal is to provide an atmosphere that strikes a perfect balance, allowing you to leave feeling inspired, strong, and rejuvenated.
Carla's Yoga Sculpt classes are known for their challenging nature. However, you can look forward to moving to the beat of her carefully curated, energizing music, designed to maximize enjoyment each month! She offers modifications for all levels, emphasizing mindfulness and proper form. Carla aspires to inspire you to become your most confident, strongest, and mindful self—ready to tackle any obstacle in your path!
In addition to teaching studio classes, Carla runs her own private yoga business, where she offers handstand lessons, yoga bodywork sessions, and fitness recommendations. She also enjoys various fitness modalities, such as surfing, kickboxing, running, and weightlifting.
Connect with her on social media to stay updated on her current offerings, workshops, yoga tips, and more!
Instagram: @carlaorpillayoga
Website: www.carlaorpillayoga.com
Lila Lee
PRINCIPAL INSTRUCTOR
Lila was born in Poland and made her way to California in 2007. After 10 years of competitive ballroom dancing she was drawn to yoga by its physical aspects and found a true passion for yoga upon taking Ashtanga classes. She continues to stay committed to her growth as a teacher and a student and holds a 500 RYT certification.
Lila finds an immediate connection with her students and loves sharing her passion for yoga with others. On and off the mat Lila is learning how to be gentle, compassionate, kind and caring not only with others, but also with herself.
For more connection with Lila you may follow her in Instagram @lilaleeyoga.
Photography by Taso Papadakis
Anthony Brown
INSTRUCTOR
Anthony has been on his journey with Yoga for over twenty years. While he originally practiced Kundalini Yoga in early 2002, he became dedicated to vinyasa and Yin flow as a way to relieve stress and stay positive.
Anthony was certified through the CorePower teaching program and he has expanded on this foundation in studios around the world.
Anthony holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of San Francisco, as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Currently he serves as the CFO/COO of the prestigious Wildwood School in West Los Angeles. Immediately prior to Wildwood, Anthony served for 12 years as the chief financial officer and vice president of finance for the Aquarium of the Pacific, which sees approximately 1.5 million visitors each year. He was critical in navigating the Aquarium’s finances throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving it in the best financial shape in the organization’s history.
“Yoga has really played a significant part of my life. The ability to focus on my practice first thing every morning has allowed me to take charge of my day, clear my mind and become a whole person.” Anthony Brown
From time to time, Anthony may be offering special live music in Savasana to share his inspiration and appreciation of guitar.
Izumi Koh
INSTRUCTOR
Izumi started her yoga journey in 2011 when she took her first Vinyasa class. While yoga was initially just a physical practice, as she delved deeper, she became aware of the connection of the movements to wellness of body, mind, and spirit. She witnessed this connection in a very personal way in 2016 when her mother in Japan experienced a serious fall and yoga was used as a part of her rehabilitation. Izumi saw the healing power of yoga and was inspired to take the next steps.
In 2019, she completed her 200 Hour Teacher Training followed by a 500-hour certification in 2023. Her class focuses on cultivating a balance between building physical strength and creating space for mindfulness. She thrives on creating opportunities for students to tap into their inward practice, to build self-awareness and to nurture inner peace through stillness of practice. She is committed to sharing the transformative power of yoga with her students, guiding them on their own unique journeys of self-discovery.
Izumi continues to learn and expand her knowledge and aspires to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for students of all ages and abilities.
Michelle Marks
INSTRUCTOR
Michelle is a full time elementary school teacher by day and a certified 500 RYT yoga instructor by night. She grew up here in Torrance with a very active lifestyle which included riding horses and motorcycles recreationally and competitively, running track and jumping hurdles, weight lifting, basketball and dancing to name just a few. She took her first yoga class in 2013, curious about the physical benefits, but became more attracted to the mental and spiritual benefits. It is this holistic nature of yoga that she has utilized during times of stress, emotional pain, and deep healing. During the pandemic she decided to become yoga certified with the intention of self discovery and growth but soon realized that her passion for teaching reached beyond a traditional classroom and into the studio. With a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and years of teaching experience, she brings a unique perspective to the practice infused with patience, intentionality, and playfulness.
Sunaina Rao Mishra
INSTRUCTOR
Meet Sunaina Rao Mishra, who will be guiding a pranayama series at Kefi and also Yoga Chikitsa: First Series of Ashtanga. She is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance, having completed her comprehensive Ashtanga and Hatha training at the Srinatha Registered Yoga School in Mysore, India. In August 2025, she further enriched her practice with specialized pranayama studies at Vrikshanam Wellness. In addition, Sunaina holds certifications in yin yoga, aerial yoga, and sound healing. Deeply called to share the transformative tools of yoga and extend its reach, she brings both wisdom and authenticity to her teaching. We are honored to welcome her to our community
Amanda Herman
INSTRUCTOR
Amanda began teaching group fitness classes in 2011, as a way to stay in shape while working as a professional dancer in Boston. She found her dedicated yoga practice in 2018 and was amazed by how much stronger-mentally and physically- she became with every class. Amanda completed her 200-hr power yoga teacher training and yoga sculpt teacher training at CPY in 2019. When she is not practicing yoga you can find Amanda working in sports media or walking her English Bulldog by the beach. She loves being part of the KEFI community!
Ariana Tyksinski
INSTRUCTOR
Ariana Tyksinski is a vibrant and dedicated yoga instructor with a wealth of experience in the fitness industry. She has expertly managed a team and fostered a welcoming environment for nearly 400 members for big yoga companies. With a 500-hour power yoga certification, Ariana not only designs engaging classes that challenge and inspire her students but also creates an enthusiastic atmosphere filled with energy and positivity. Her ability to connect personally with students, ensuring their safety while teaching the appropriate form and technique, highlights her commitment to their well-being. Known for her kindness, compassion, and sense of humor, Ariana makes yoga fun and accessible, making her not just a wonderful teacher but also a truly great person in the community.
Jimmy Erickson
INSTRUCTOR
Jimmy Erickson has been teaching yoga since 2012, sharing the practice with students around the world. His classes blend strength, mobility, and mindful flow, with an emphasis on power, presence, and sustainable movement. Jimmy creates inclusive spaces where students are encouraged to move with intention, regulate their nervous system, and build strength that supports real life—on and off the mat.
CONTACT 23812 Crenshaw Blvd Torrance, CA 310-683-5605 angel@kefiyoga.com
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