Faculty

Director and Instructor

Danielle Osicki, E-RYT 500
Since 2001, Danielle has taught community Yoga classes in a variety of settings including yoga studios, corporations, non-profit organizations and schools. Yoga taught by Danielle provides an opportunity to experience the integration of breath and movement, emphasize mindful intention and self-acceptance while weaving in practical applications and connections to everyday life. Danielle's teaching is influenced by her training at Mount Madonna Center (200 Hour), Himalayan Institute (500 Hour) and completion of training programs with Donna Farhi, Roger Cole, Judith Lasater, Nischala Joy Devi, and Erich Schiffman. As co-owner of Yoga Oceanside, Danielle aims to keep the Yoga tradition alive by bringing together highly skilled teachers who openly share their expertise and passion for Yoga. She is the Founder and Director of True Nature School of Yoga. View Danielle's teaching schedule at www.YogaOceanside.com

Danielle is also a facilitator and trainer for AmeriCorps, a national service program known as the Domestic Peace Corps that provides resources for communities in need. She has a passion for teaching and learning and expresses this through her commitment to working, volunteering and training for organizations committed to social and economic change, self development and education.

200 Hour Faculty

Kathryn Green, E-RYT 500
Kathryn Green, founder and director of Mind Heart Yoga, was born and raised in coastal New Jersey. Her exposure to yoga began in 1983, at the age of 12 when she came across Richard Hittleman’s book, 'Yoga, a 28-day exercise plan' and began to explore yoga asana (postures) in her childhood bedroom. With nothing more than a book, and the direct experience of breath in the present moment, Kat's initiation into the transformational effects of yoga had begun; and the seed of yoga was planted. That seed lay dormant until 1994 when her official studies and training began. Since then, she has practiced and trained with numerous inspiring teachers across the United States and into Canada, including such teachers as Gary Kraftsow, Mirka Kraftsow, and Robin Rothenberg of the Desikachar/Krishnamacharya Viniyoga lineage. Kat is a certified teacher in three different methods of yoga including the American Viniyoga Institute (AVI), considered one of the foremost yoga trainings in the country to date. She continues to do advanced studies with Robin Rothenberg, founder of "the Essential Yoga Therapy/the Essential Low Back Program." Robin, along with Gary Kraftsow, successfully co-designed the protocal for two National Institute of Health studies: "Evaluating Yoga for Chronic Low Back Pain," and "Yoga Therapy for Generalized Anxiety." As a Yoga Teacher and Holistic Health Practitioner, Kat integrates her expansive training and experience into a clear, direct, compassionate, and often humorous teaching style that is rooted in the ancient teachings of Body-Mind-Heart healing.

Natalie Masson, PhD
Natalie Masson, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who is fascinated with the connections between the mind and body. She has developed an approach for using breathing practices to facilitate mental and physical well-being, drawing from mindfulness meditation philosophy, cognitive-behavioral psychology, and various yoga practices. She is the owner of Akasha Yoga in La Jolla and also maintains a private psychology practice, blending Eastern and Western approaches to guide people toward natural healing and optimal living. Her approach to breathing and relaxation is strongly influenced by Donna Farhi, Dennis Lewis and Judith Lasater. More information about Natalie can be found at www.drnataliemasson.com

Courtney May, M.A.
Courtney began her study of the physical body at the age of eighteen when entering college.  She holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and a master's degree in Exercise Physiology. Additionally, she is certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American Council on Exercise. She began yoga to assist with rehabilitating a knee injury.  She was drawn to yoga and decided to expand her knowledge by enrolling in Yoga Teacher Training from True Nature School of Yoga.  She believes yoga is a great avenue to pursue to prevent injuries and allow the body to heal.  Her own practice allows her to relieve stress and forget about her "mental check list."  She believes yoga is a wonderful attribute to anyone's life whether it be physically, mentally, or spiritually.

Melanie Wassman, E-RYT 200
Originally from Hawaii, Melanie moved to California 12 years ago and began playing with many different styles of yoga, loving how each teacher had something to offer the beautiful tapestry of yoga. Wanting to take her practice and understanding further, she became a registered teacher with the Yoga Alliance from True Nature School of Yoga. Since then she teaches yoga in studios, schools, hospitals, and on the road for touring musicians. She believes in the great potential of yoga to relieve stress and help heal our bodies by igniting our immune systems. Melanie's interest in Yoga brought her to begin studying the sister science of Ayurveda. She is currently working towards certification in Dr. Svovoda's Ayurvedic Studies Program at the Ayurvedic Institute.  Melanie is co-owner of Yoga Oceanside, sharing her vision, passion for yoga, and aloha with the community.

Evelyn Wittman
Evelyn Wittman has been teaching children and adults for 30 years. Receiving her B.A. degree from CSULB, she has taught classes in English as Second Language, Music, German, Greek and Latin Roots, Improvisation, Home/Office Organizing, Time Management and Reiki. She founded and operated her own Professional Organizing business until she decided to home school her son. During the last 6 years Evelyn has studied Yoga and is a graduate of the True Nature School of Yoga Teacher Training program. She is registered with the Yoga Alliance and is currently teaching a variety of children's yoga classes from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Evelyn has been studying spirituality since 1985 and became a Reiki Master in 1999.

500 Hour Faculty

Nischala Joy Devi
Nischala Joy Devi is a masterful and compassionate teacher and healer. For over 30 years she has been highly respected and loved as an International speaker and presenter for her innovative way of expressing Yoga and it’s subtle uses for spiritual growth and completehealing. She was a monastic student of the world renowned Yogiraj Sri Swami Satchidananda and spent over 18 years receiving his direct guidance and teachings. During her time as a monk, she began to blend western medicine with yoga and meditation.  She then offered her expertise in developing the yoga portion of The Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease where she subsequently served for seven years as Director of Stress Management. She also cofounded the award-winning Commonweal Cancer Help Program.

Kathryn Green, E-RYT 500
See bio above.

Danielle Osicki, E-RYT 500
See bio above

Rolf Sovik, Psy.D.
President and Spiritual Director of the Himalayan Institute and a clinical psychologist in private practice, Dr. Rolf Sovik has studied yoga in the United States, India, and Nepal, and holds degrees in philosophy, music, Eastern studies, and clinical psychology. Co-director of the Himalayan Institute of Buffalo, he began his practice of yoga in 1972, and was initiated as a pandit in the Himalayan tradition in 1987. He is the author of Moving Inward, co-author of the award-winning Yoga: Mastering the Basics, and a columnist for Yoga International magazine.