teachers

Our teachers have a variety of interests, offerings, and expertise. But we all value the connection between mind, body, and spirit that is a yoga practice. 

KIA MEAUX

STUDIO OWNER & TEACHER

A student of yoga since 1989, Kia has studied with masters of the Ashtanga, Iyengar and Anusara traditions, which she incorporates into her alignment based Vinyasa Yoga practice.Her background includes traveling through Asia studying Yoga, Buddhism, Eastern Philosophy, and Vipassana Meditation. Kia has been teaching yoga for over 20 years.

​In 2002 she wrote the popular Vinyasa Yoga book, “Dynamic Yoga”, which has sold over 60,000 copies worldwide and has been translated into 7 languages. To get a copy go to amazon.com.
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She is a Yoga Alliance 500-hour E-RYT as well as a 200-hour RYT in the Anusara Tradition. Kia is a fun, compassionate, and skillful teacher, with a profound understanding of the invaluable benefits that yoga can bring to one’s life.

find kia's book here:
dynamic yoga 

     by kia meaux

A basic grounding in the principles and practice of the most intensive workout for body, mind, and spirit. Dynamic Yoga is a powerful exercise system designed to give the body the ultimate workout for increased energy, fitness, and flexibility. Boost your energy levels. Kia Meaux has devised an imaginative and invigorating program based on the sun Salutes of Ashtanga yoga. It encourages more...

tim jordan

YOGA TEACHER & Kirtan

Tim’s journey as a yoga teacher began when he was laid off from his corporate job in 2008.  Relieved to be free from the rat race, he traveled to India on a quest for something more.  He found himself in a 200 hour Sivananda Teacher Training Program that combined asana practice with other spiritual disciplines of yoga. 
Upon his return, he studied with Max Strom and Jamie Elmer to increase his understanding of anatomy and alignment. In 2009 he taught his first class of Seniors at a Community Center in Los Angeles, where he continued to teach until moving to Davis in 2015.  He loves sharing with his students his own discovery of yoga’s power to heal and transform.  Tim also leads Kirtan, a practice he picked up in India, and enjoys infusing chanting, meditation and a devotional spirit into his classes.
For more information about Kirtan, please visit: timjordankirtan.com

tina perry

yoga teacher

I started practicing Yoga hoping to help my body from past injuries after years of high impact exercise.  I went for the physical benefits and was rewarded by my efforts.  Far more importantly I discovered the spirituality of yoga – the connection of body mind and spirit through the breath – to be an incredible blessing. The spiritual aspect spoke to me in a very deep way.  I now have a mindful daily ritual in addition to my asana practice.  It guides me in all aspects of my life and it brings me love and a sense of wellbeing.
In 2012 I became certified to teach Hatha Yoga after completing a comprehensive 200 hour training course at Kaya Studio.  ​
Upon graduation I volunteered to teach at a homeless shelter and then moved on to teaching elsewhere.  In 2014, I attended a workshop to learn Yin Yoga as well. Teaching brings me great joy and I hope to pass on my knowledge to my students as well as embracing the opportunity to learn from them.

To reach Tina:  tea7perry@gmail.com

Jeanne Balding

yoga teacher 

The spiritual tradition of Yoga has helped me find more clarity of mind, strength and ease in my body, and guided me towards authenticity and purpose in my life. My personal yoga journey began with meditation in India in the 1980s, to the Modern Postural Yoga at the Integral Yoga Institute of SF in the 1990s, and the community of Kaya Yoga in the 2000s.

As a teacher, I humbly honor the millennia-old wisdom tradition of Yoga, to which I am not culturally centered but deeply appreciative.I strive to incorporate modern anatomy with Yogic philosophy; my classes weave together meditation, breath work, and movement. My teaching is informed by the alignment principles of Iyengar and Anusara Yoga and influenced by the dynamic flows of Ashtanga Yoga. I studied with Kia Meaux at Kaya Yoga in 2009, Amy Ippoletti, Noah Maze, Maty Ezraty, mini yogis for kids, and Yin Yoga with Joe Barnett.

Currently, I study the therapeutics of somatic practice and theory in the Somatic Psychology Counseling MA at California Institute of Integral Studies. My wish is that the western adoption of Yoga enhances the well-being and dignity of all beings, personally and collectively.
CHRISTINE TEBES
YOGA TEACHER
An enthusiastic student of yoga for over 25 years, Christine has studied with a wide variety of teachers, in the upstate New York and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania areas. A Midwest native, she relocated to Northern California over five years ago after being recruited for a position at UC Davis and falling in love with the area. Seeking a yoga community, she began practicing at Kaya Yoga Studio. She was immediately inspired by owner Kia Meaux and the passion, knowledge, humor and attention to detail that Kia and her fellow teachers bring to their teaching.

Ever the student with the desire to learn and deepen her practice, Christine completed her 200 Hour Registered Teacher Training Course at Kaya Yoga Studio in 2019. The experience solidified her desire to teach and share her passion for yoga and its power to harness the mind, body and breath to enrich one’s life on a daily basis- both on and off the mat.  She subsequently completed her 300 Hour Registered Teacher Training through Yoga Works and a 40 Hour Yin Yoga Training with Christy Brown.  She believes in the potential for yoga to transform one's life as it has hers and is grateful and happy to share her knowledge and teach.

Novi Rotteveel

yoga teacher

​​Yoga has been an integral part of Novi’s life for nearly 13 years. Her yoga practice and teaching took a drastic shift and temporary stop after healing from cancer, then with dealing with the aftermath of various autoimmune diseases. Her return back to the mat and teaching has been an integration of all life has taught her about the body and importance of intentional movement. “Healing is not linear and neither is movement, it will look and feel different day to day which should be celebrated and encouraged, by surrendering to what is, at all times. I believe in yoga, I believe in the power of movement incorporated with breath and being open to what is before us.” Novi’s classes are dynamic, intentional, playful, and accessible for all levels.
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​        Mar Shafiee
              YOGA TEACHER 

Mar is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. Her on and off relationship with yoga started back in 2008. After moving around the world and the United States for
nearly 10 years she settled in the Davis area where she attendedKia's teacher training program. This is what she has to say about herself:
"My practice is my safe place. Away from the rush of deadlines and responsibilities of my job. It is where I can face my true self.
Teaching is simply a chapter of my journey with yoga. It gives me a great sense of purpose and pleasure. I am honored to share this pleasure with others."
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Erik Beardsley
YOGA TEACHER
Erik began his yoga journey as means to heal physical injuries. As his practice deepened with teachers from different traditions, he realized a profound sense of wellbeing and resolved to learn how to share the transformative benefits of yoga.
Erik completed his 200 Hour Registered Teacher certification with Kaya Yoga Studio, Davis, CA. Erik also accomplished Chair Yoga teacher certification with Yoga Heals Us, Mystic, CT; Yin Yoga Teacher certification with Devi Daly, Marin, CA; and Brian Longevity® Specialist certification with the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, Tucson, AZ.
Prior to returning to Davis Erik taught yoga at Good Elephant Yoga in Reno, NV. When COVID-19 hit he adapted to teaching vinyasa and yin yoga classes via Zoom and started an online chair yoga class for seniors and others with physical limitations. Erik periodically offers workshops for care partners on a drug-free approach to Alzheimer’s disease prevention that integrates research supported yoga and meditation practices.
** In addition to the teachers listed, we may also occasionally have new teachers and substitutes in the studio. **

Please see Our Schedule for more info & possible changes. 

​Thank you!