Neha
At the heart of Samsara Yoga is Neha—our founder and teacher whose journey gracefully bridges the ancient roots of yoga with the pace of modern life.
Born and raised in Mysore, India—the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga—Neha comes from a lineage of yoga practitioners, Sanskrit scholars, intellectuals, and scientists, all of whom nurtured in her a deep reverence for Indian culture and tradition.
She moved to the U.S. at 18 on a scholarship to Oregon State University and went on to build a successful career in tech—developing software for professional sports teams, holding a leadership role at Airbnb, and founding her own AI consulting firm. Yet, despite these achievements, Neha felt a pull toward a more meaningful path—one rooted in self-inquiry, healing, and spiritual depth.
That turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic, following the passing of her father, a lifelong Yogi. In her grief, yoga became more than a practice—it became a pathway back to purpose.
With Samsara, Neha’s vision is to create a sanctuary for self-care, connection, and yogic practice that honors its origins. Her mission is to offer a welcoming space led by skilled and compassionate teachers—where students can slow down, deepen awareness, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Cassianna
Meet Cassianna! Originally from Washington, she has made Oregon her home for the past few years. Yoga has been a powerful tool on her journey toward greater self-acceptance and love, and through teaching, she aims to share that same light and compassion with others.
In her strong flow classes, expect a dynamic, fast-paced experience that energizes the body. In contrast, her yin classes offer a slower, deeply grounding practice, each one closing with a meditation. No matter the style, Cassianna’s intention is the same: that every student leaves feeling fully accepted—just as they are, and just as they showed up on their mat.
Emani
Having begun her yoga journey almost 10 years ago as a way to incorporate movement and settle the mind, Emani then went on to complete 200-hr Baptise power yoga teacher training at Shakti Power Yoga in Nashville, TN in 2022 to lead others in movement and stillness. She taught at the yoga studio where she trained before moving to Portland, OR to complete her doctorate in naturopathic medicine at NUNM.
Emani’s style blends the grounding and igniting elements of power yoga with the release and relaxation of restorative yoga. After completing a sound resonance training under Chinese medicine practitioner Ken Glowacki, Emani likes to use instruments such as crystal and Tibetan bowls, chimes, and more to quiet the mind and relax the body during Shavasana. She is excited to join you on your mat and lead you through movement and stillness.
Off the mat, you’ll find Emani studying in a coffee shop, walking around a market, finding something new to grow in her patio garden, or snuggled up on her couch with her two cats, Mocha and Moonpie, and husband, Coleman.
Robin
Originally from Mexico, Robin began practicing yoga at the age of 14 and has spent the past 15 years teaching in both Mexico and California. She grew up in a small town where the community felt like an extended family—and that sense of connection and care continues to shape her approach to teaching.
When Robin arrived in Portland, she immediately noticed the need for Spanish-language yoga classes. Her connection with Samsara Yoga was instant, and together we share a mission to make the powerful, ancient practice of yoga accessible to everyone.
Robin will be offering a bilingual Hatha Yoga class that incorporates meditation and pranayama (conscious breathwork). This will be a beautiful opportunity for students of all ages and fitness levels to experience the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Leslie
Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, Leslie's path to yoga wasn’t a straight one. Despite loving fitness, group classes never felt like the right fit—until something inside her nudged her toward yoga. What began as a curiosity evolved into a deep, committed practice that not only transformed her physical body but created a soulful connection within.
After completing her 200-hour yoga teacher training, Leslie stepped confidently into teaching and hasn’t looked back. Her classes blend functional movement, breathwork, and traditional yoga elements, all with the intention of creating a well-balanced, accessible practice for every body.
Leslie brings warmth, presence, and a calming energy to her teaching. Her sankalpa, or intention, is one she lives daily: “Be present.” When she’s not in the studio, you’ll find her soaking up the sun, tending to her beloved houseplants, or spending quality time with her husband and their shared fur-friend, Bueller.