Our Teachers

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Karen's first Yoga class with Mark Roberts in  Fort Lauderdale around 1992. She loved the calm and freedom she  experienced-both inside and out. A move to California and an emotionally challenging time, set her looking for that peaceful feeling again. She walked into an Ashtanga class in progress, and was mesmerized  by the power and flow. People seemed to be floating! She became a regular at It's Yoga, San Francisco studying with Johannes Van Vugt and Larry  Schultz.

With no intention of  teaching, Karen enrolled in their TT program in the  Ashtanga Vinyasa lineage. Rather quickly after, she was teaching  at Stanford University Student Center, and at the Palo Alto YMCA. From stressed-out grad students, to 8 to 80 year olds, these diverse groups trained her quickly on how to teach to many levels. Later that summer, in 2001  Karen moved back to South Florida, with the goal of creating a vibrant,  creative, and grounded studio for Yoga classes, community and  education.

Red Pearl Yoga was born in 2001.

With 12+ years of classical ballet training, Karen brings alignment, detail, balance and  playfulness to her teaching. She has a Fine Arts/Photography Degree from USF and was a  stylist at Neiman Marcus (FTL / SF)  1993-2018.

A competitive skateboarder Karen was inducted into The  Florida Skateboard Hall of Fame in 2011. She also founded

 Thousand Pound  Egg, a lifestyle/gourmet shop 2011-2016. What's next?

Take 5:

1. Favorite place to meditate?
   In the kitchen
2. How did you discover yoga?
   Raquel Welch book from the 70’s.  Feathered hair! Tights! Leotards!
3. What have you given up that is still tempting?
   Getting in my own way.
4. Favorite food?
   Big, bold, n spicy.
5. Who or what inspires you?
   Great reads, great food, and making ceramics (IG @off_ctr_pottery)

Kate  found yoga through a life-long love of dance and movement. Her unique classes are sequenced organically,  depending on  the students needs, experience level, and overall energy of  the group.

Yoga  powerfully transformed Kate’s life and beliefs. For her, sharing  yoga  has become one of her greatest joys. Her classes are playful,   encouraging, and liberating-her love of movement and music is present in every  class. Kate 's creative sequencing guides students through the practice in a seamless, graceful flow. She is constantly learning-taking Yoga workshops with internationally recognized  teachers,  and she also learns through her valued students, and her  self-practice.  Kate’s teacher training certification from The Yoga  Center of Deerfield  Beach influenced her attention to proper alignment  and truly  encouraging each student to honor their own body .

Kate  is a formidable food lover, also has a degree in finance from  the  University of Florida and has helped us out with many a  spreadsheet(and  restaurant recommendation)!

Christine was looking for a way to deal with stress when she went to her first   yoga class and she has never looked back. She started going to several   classes a week and reading all she could find on yoga philosophy.

In  2015 she took her first Teacher Training at the original location of  Red Pearl, with the intention of deepening her practice, never intending  to teach. At the end of her first training she subbed a class for a  friend and has been teaching ever since.

Christine  completed her third training in 2023 making her a E-RYT  500,YACEP..  She also is a certified Yoga4Cancer teacher. Christine  believes that  yoga should and can be made accessible to all, and brings  that belief  into every class she teaches.

 In 2006 Melissa turned to meditation and  yoga for relief from depression and pain. As a police officer in NY she  had sustained multiple ankle injuries which  occurred over the next few  years, and ended her law enforcement career in 2013.  Melissa then moved  to Ft Lauderdale  and studied yoga and breath work privately.  In 2016  Melissa earned her 200 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training certification at  Red Pearl with Aananda TT. She started teaching  in 2016 at Red Pearl.  Over the next few years, Melissa received her Reiki 1 , 2 and 3  certifications. In 2017,  Plant Medicine ceremonies became a huge part  of Melissa’s healing process.  These ceremonies deepened her spiritual  connection, helped to release emotional traumas, and  taught her  complete surrender and trust.    

In  2018 Melissa earned the following certifications in Neuro Linguistic  Programming: Certified Coach of NLP, Certified practitioner of NLP,  Hypnotherapist Certification Training, and Certified Practitioner of  Time Line Therapy.   In 2024 she studied a personal development and  spiritual growth 52 week  Integral Energy Program at The Awakening  Energy. She is now a Certified Energy and Transformation Coach, a  Facilitator of Prana, Sacred Sexual Energy (Tantra), & Kundalini  & Light Body Energies.   

Melissa’s  passion is holding space to help others feel relaxed, safe and open.  She loves sharing the strategies and techniques she has learned over the  years to step into her   

Take 5:

1. Favorite place to meditate?
   The Beach
2. How did you discover yoga?
   Seeking relief from injuries and anxiety.
3. What have you given up that still tempts you?
   Sleeping in.
4. Favorite food?
   Tacos.
5. Who or what inspires you?
   My fellow Yoga & Fitness teachers and friends.

 Linda is a certified yoga teacher with  advanced teacher trainings. Her other certifications include Reiki level  one, trauma-informed outreach  teacher training, and more than ten  years of experience as a weight loss  and wellness coach.

With  an ever-expanding awe of the teachings of yoga philosophy and a  desire  to explore deeper into her own practice, Linda attends workshops  on a  regular basis. She urges others to practice yoga regularly not only  to  bring balance in mind and body but to remain compassionate and kind  in  our approach towards life.

Linda’s  accessible, multi-level classes are full of energy, fun, and a  little  dharma talk to feed the soul. Class with Linda promises to leave  you  blissed out-and in.

Take 5:

1. Favorite place to meditate?
   By the water.
2. How did you discover yoga?
   My doctor.
3. What have you given up that still tempts you?
   Doing my kids’ art projects.
4. Favorite food?
   Thai.
5. Who or what inspires you?
   Kindness and risk-takers. Music, definitely, music.

 Torch  is the first son of a Chinese Trinidadian father and a Jamaican mother  who was born in what was once Zaire, ( now Rep. Of Congo) in Africa.   Torch’s father was an avid waterman and this greatly affected the  development of Torch’s passion for the ocean and nature.
Throughout his adolescence Torch had always embraced his African  heritage and questioned the meaning of religions. It was not until after  graduating high school and the birth of his eldest son Yusef that his  quest for spirituality would evolve. He would embrace principles of the  Ras Tafari
faith and become know as Ras Torch by the Rasta community.
Torch’s thirst for spiritual knowledge would lead him to study Religion,  Spiritual and African History in college and his love for nature and  the ocean propelled him to pick up a surfboard and teach himself to  surf. Shortly after this, Torch began to study Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu in  1999 with renowned teacher Li Sue Hung, the brother of grandmaster Lee  Koon Hung. This led Torch into the studies of Oriental Philosophies such  as Taoism, Buddhism, Zen Buddhism and Confucianism. In 2013 Torch Hadim  Hakim began studying WingChun Kung-Fu with GrandMaster Moy Yee-Hop, the  student/disciple of GrandMaster Moy Yat, who is the student/disciple of  the Legendary Great GrandMaster Yip Man. Torch became an official
Disciple(indoor student) of GrandMaster Moy Yee-Hop, and currently teaches Wing Chun Kung-Fu .
His involvement in a World Religion class in college would eventually  enable him to travel to the African countries of Senegal and the Gambia.
After returning from Africa, Torch began to involve himself in groups  aimed at the serving and educating the African community such as  Olugbala and Sematawi Amun Sebek. He began to study the deeper meaning  of Kemetic (Egyptian) Philosophy and History as well as the esoteric  aspect  of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Torch  began practicing Kemetic Yoga with Basr Neter Aunkh Askhu who was a  student of the premier Kemetic Yogi Muata Ashby . Kemetic Yoga is a
system that focuses on enhancing intake of the life force energy  (prana), harmonizing the human centers (chakras), and strengthening and  aligning the spinal cord (which allows Kundalini energyto flow freely to  the crown chakra). He was certified to teach Kemetic Yoga by master  Aunkh and also began the practice of Chi Kung with master Aunkh (who  learned from Wayne Chandler a student of renowned Taoist master Mantak  Chia) and Metaphysicians Ras Aksum. Torch then
began studying the relationship between the Ancient Kemetic Mystery and  Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. He has been learning to read and write  Arabic and Hebrew, and also studies theesoteric and metaphysical  aspects of all faiths.
Torch has been a vegetarian for over 20 years, and also a raw food   practitioner and advisor who prepares food on occasions for his Yoga   classes and other events. Torch continues to raise himself mentally,  physically and spiritually through his external and internal practices  and wishes toshare what he can with those on a similar path or more  simply anyone who wishes to elevatetheir lives in any form.

Take 5:

1.Favorite place to meditate?
By the ocean.

2.How did you discover yoga?
Always had a curiosity of the metaphysical benefits, and a girlfriend finally took me to a class in1999

3.What have you given up that still tempts you?
Buying Air Jordans

4.Favorite Food?
Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu with Bok Choy

5.Who or what inspires you?
Individuals with Sincere Spiritual Piety

 Silvie has been a Certified Hatha Yoga  Teacher since 2005. After a few years of teaching a slower, classical  form of Yoga, in 2008, Silvie experienced the power of Ashtanga Yoga.  She loved the strong will and discipline she found through synchronizing  breath with movement. Silvie believes that Yoga, practiced wisely,  promotes healing of the body and mind.  Beyond the physical  postures(asanas), this healing increases with activation of Bandhas  (energy centers) during practice,and the breath. In 2009 Silvie moved  partially to Milan, where she practiced with Lino Miele and his team.

Silvie  has twice been to Mysore, India for the months-long Ashtanga immersion  with Sri K. Patthabi JoisShe has also trained with David Swenson, Andre  Lappa, Tim Miller and practiced regularly in Miami Life Center with Kino  McGregor and Tim Feldman.

Silvie began teaching at MLC in 2016, and at Ashtanga Yoga Worldwide with Greg Nardi in 2017

She has just returned from Nepal (2024) where she took on another intensive study.

She  believes strongly the ability of conscious breath in unleashing the  power within each of us. She created " Breath and Movement Medicine" to  help others understand the importance of the quality of the Breath in  daily life. Her interest into breath practices continues to deepen and  has led her to studying Quantum field, Channeling, and Quantum healing  meditations to activate the heart center. In 2016 she taught Ashtanga  Yoga in Miami Life Center and in 2017  at Ashtanga Yoga Worldwide with  Greg Nardi.  

 Maurizio started practicing Yoga 24  years  ago in search of an activity that could help ease the feelings of   anxiety and stress due to his highly demanding corporate job in IT.
Intrigued by its effects on his mind and body and wanting to know more   of the philosophy and history,in 2015 he attended a 200 Hour Yoga   Teacher Training with Aananda School of Yoga in Fort Lauderdale; To do   it, he took a 6 month hiatus from his job. He started teaching family   and friends in his home studio and then expanded his teachings around   town. In 2021
Maurizio earned a Yoga Therapist certification from Optimal State School of Yoga Therapy based in California.

At  the beginning of his Yoga path, his practice had been mostly with  very  active Vinyasa classes where he would push himself to do more and   more. Maurizio says:
” A  Vinyasa class is the classic representation of Yang in our life.  We  sweat, we work out our muscles (Yang tissue), and we feel good with  our  body, mind and spirit. With time, I incorporated a more subtle type  of  Yoga in my practice and teaching: Yin Yoga. In Yin you actually  target  the bones, cartilages, tendons, ligaments and fascia which are,  by  definition, Yin tissues. In a Yin class, we work out our minds more   than our bodies, since it takes a big effort to stay still, without   fidgeting, for longer periods of time. Yin Yoga is a great way to   complement your strong Vinyasa practice, if you have one, or to start   your own Yoga Path. If you are already an experienced yogi or if you  are  new to this practice, a combination of Vinyasa and Yin yoga will   provide you with a set of tools you can use daily to improve your life.”

Quoting Bernie Clark, from his book “The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga” in Yin Yoga, we seek:

“The stillness of the body, like a majestic mountain
The stillness of the breath, like a calm mountain lake
The stillness of the mind, like the deep blue of the sky”

1.Favorite place to meditate?
Under a tree

2.How did you discover yoga?
In searching for a way to manage the stress and anxiety from work

3.What have you given up that still tempts you?
Working out at the gym 4 times a week. Even though I still work out, it is less intense.

4.Favorite Food?
Dark Chocolate

5.Who or what inspires you?
History and Mythology

 Jess  is a lifelong student of yoga and brings over 25 years of practice to  her teachings. Her mother introduced yoga to her as a child. In her  early twenties, as a way to balance student and professional work in  electrical contracting, Jess began her own yoga practices using the  Ashtanga yoga method. Yoga was a way for her to find balance and  incorporate her deep love for movement and a commitment to holistic  well-being. She received her 500 hour EYT from Greg Nardi at Ashtanga  Yoga Worldwide.

Jess guides a  yoga practice aimed to teach individuals methods to connect their body,  mind and soul. Her classes make the practice accessible to everybody.  This takes place by working with the practitioner’s body and breath at  their individual level to create a moving meditation.

When  not on the mat, Jess takes her yoga into the community. Either at the  beach or at the park, she teaches Vinyasa, Pranayama and coaches youth  sports. She loves giving back to the community by teaching individuals  to explore their best potential with their body and mind.

Take 5:

1. Favorite place to meditate?
   Next to a body of water.
    
2. How did you discover yoga?
   My mom.
    
3. What have you given up that is still tempting?
   Sleeping in.
    
4. Favorite Food?
   Anything from the earth.
    
5. Who or what inspires you?
   Nature.

 Paige started practicing yoga in 1984 when forced in college to take P.E. They offered Yoga and
she thought she would see if it was for her, since she had never been  “athletic”; She loved how it made her feel and she was hooked!

She then discovered Mark Roberts' class at Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale and fell deeper in love with the practice.
Paige has a congenital disorder that affects her joints, and at some point after two hip
replacements and a shoulder replacement, she thought she would never practice again. Fast
forward to today, handstands and all, where she found a teacher who took  the care and understanding to guide her back to her practice and then  convinced her to take yoga teacher training.

Paige  is passionately committed to bring that same compassion and  understanding that she was given, to her teaching. She brings joy and  playfulness to her classes, with a focus on good alignment and the keen  awareness that all bodies are different.

Take 5:

1. Favorite place to meditate?
   By the ocean or in bed.
2. How did you discover yoga?
   Looking for a P.E. college class that wasn't so "sporty".
3. What have you given up that is still tempting?
   Gluten, Corn and ugggh... sugar ( I have not succeeded on the latter )
4. Favorite Food?
   Anything my husband cooks for me.
5. Who or what inspires you?
   Kindness. and my two Jedi masters, Louise Goldberg and Christina Apter, who taught me
   to be the yoga teacher that I am.

 Greg’s teaching draws from his 30+  years  of personal practice, ongoing self-study and academic research in   contemporary and traditional Yoga. He also draws deeply from his  studies  of sanskrit chanting and yoga philosophy in Mysore, India and  asana at  the KPJAYI. He is the director of Ashtanga Yoga Worldwide,  teaching yoga  practice, theory and philosophy internationally.

In  2019 Greg chose to resign his authorization from the KPJAYI to be  in  integrity with his core values about teaching, learning and life. He   now works with his colleagues at Amāyu yoga developing an organization   and learning pathway for Ashtanga teachers that is consent driven,   practitioner centered, and based in practitioner empowerment.

“I  believe in the healing power of yoga for all. My style of  teaching  assists students in finding an approach to the practice that is  most  beneficial for them.“

 Mary E. Wright brings over 35 years of  experience in movement, mindfulness, and education. She began her  journey as a gymnast and coach, and over time embraced a deep spiritual  path—now guiding others with intention, gratitude, and authentic care.
A Ph.D. fellowship recipient in Civil and Environmental Engineering from  the University of Miami and a published researcher, Mary also holds a  Master’s degree in the same field. She
blends science with soulful, embodied practice, bringing a thoughtful  balance of intellect and intuition to every class. Her certifications  include RYT 200, Vedic Thai Yoga &Bodywork, Kids Yoga training, Mat  Pilates Levels I–III and Terrific Tower, Masters Power Plate Training,  Healthy MOMS Perinatal Fitness, and Suspension Training (TRX®  &CROSSCORE®).Mary is the founder of Fun & Tumble Gymnastics  (1997), Little Buddhas Yoga (2014), andGROW Yoga (2020). Through these  evolving spaces, she has cultivated inclusive, family-centered  environments that nurture movement, mindfulness, and connection  acrossgenerations. She now teaches group classes and private lessons  that integrate yoga, Pilates,and holistic wellness.
As a mother of two teens who has navigated personal injury and recovery,  Mary intimately understands the body’s potential for resilience and  transformation. Off the mat, she can often be found surfing,  paddleboarding, skateboarding, gardening, or simply absorbing thehealing  energy of the natural world.
Mary’s mission is clear: to support every student—whether child, teen,  adult, or family unit—through a movement practice that builds strength,  alignment, confidence, and community. She invites you to step into the  space with curiosity and openness.

Take 5:

1.Favorite place to meditate?
On the beach during sunrise.
2.How did you discover yoga?
Was looking to still my mind and body during meditation.
3.What have you given up that still tempts you?
Hmmm…. maybe kite-boarding!
4.Favorite Food?
Mexican & Thai
5.Who or what inspires you?
Nature, specifically the ocean! And my sister.