Meet our teachers
Amie
Amie’s journey into yoga began in 2010 after becoming a mother—a pivotal moment that sparked her search for deeper mind-body connection. Over the past 14 years, she’s explored a wide range of styles including Vinyasa, Calm, Yin, Power, Restorative, and Aerial Yoga, culminating in her yoga teacher certification in 2024.
Amie brings a grounded, mindful approach to every class, guided by the philosophy: “We do not use the body to get into the pose; we use the pose to get into the body.” Her classes are rooted in presence and awareness, offering students space to explore each movement with intention.
Originally from the East Coast, Amie has called the Pacific Northwest home since 2007. With a professional background in the corporate world and private consulting, she brings a calm, authentic energy to her teaching. Outside the studio, you’ll find her cheering at soccer games with her family, exploring the outdoors, or snuggling her Bernese Mountain Dog, Crosby.
Charla
A true local, Charla grew up in Portland and has lived all over the Metro area before settling in Tigard 13 years ago, where she lives with her husband, teenage twins, and their family dog.
Charla’s yoga journey began about 12 years ago when she took her first Power Yoga class at a local gym. She immediately fell in love. Still recovering from the intensity of new motherhood, yoga became the first place she truly felt grounded in her body again—and that connection has stayed with her ever since. What began as Power Yoga turned out to be Vinyasa, a dynamic style that combines movement and breath, with playful, humbling poses that Charla continues to enjoy and share.
After completing her 200-hour teacher training in 2023, she began teaching regularly in 2024. Her offerings now include Vinyasa, Hatha, and Restorative Yoga, and she’s currently finishing a 50-hour Restorative Yoga training to expand her offerings even further.
In Charla’s classes, students are encouraged to discover awe in what their bodies can do—no matter where they’re starting from. She believes movement is a gift, and she’s passionate about making yoga feel joyful, adaptable, and inclusive for everyone.
Jessica
Jessica is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) and experienced yoga teacher who offers grounded, accessible classes designed to meet students exactly where they are. Her teaching centers around one clear philosophy: yoga should feel supportive, practical, and relevant to everyday life—not complicated or performative.
Jessica teaches Hatha, Gentle, Restorative, and Yin Yoga, often weaving in elements of yoga therapy, functional movement, and Ayurveda. Her classes focus on building strength, enhancing mobility, and fostering self-awareness. Whether you’re new to yoga, returning to your mat, or looking to deepen your practice, Jessica provides a steady, welcoming space to explore and grow at your own pace.
Off the mat, you’ll likely find Jessica out in nature, getting her hands dirty in the garden, buried in a mystery novel, or crafting something nourishing in the kitchen—like a fresh ferment or a new batch of handmade soap.
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.
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.
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.