Jessica Pauley
Studio Manager

A Southern California native, Jessica has always been drawn to movement, music, and the spiritual path. With over two decades of experience in the holistic arts, her background spans dance, yoga, Ayurveda, and therapeutic bodywork.

Her journey began after time spent in India, where she was deeply inspired by the compassion and wisdom of the Dalai Lama. From that moment on, she dedicated herself to the healing arts—earning certifications in yoga, massage therapy, and Ayurvedic education, including her time at The Chopra Center.

In class, Jessica gently guides students back to themselves—encouraging mindful breath, intuitive movement, and a deep honoring of where they are. Her intention is always to create a space that feels grounding, expansive, and aligned.

Jessica currently serves as Studio Manager and teacher at The Studio, where she brings her presence, purpose, and passion for well-being into every experience.

Leesann Shefa

Leesann’s journey into healing through movement began in childhood—first through dance, and later as she overcame a life-threatening heart condition. With a dual degree in Dance and Theatre from Sonoma State and continued studies at Naropa Institute, she’s spent decades exploring movement as a path to transformation.

A dedicated yoga practitioner since 2009, Leesann became a certified Bikram teacher in 2011 and went on to represent California at the state and national level in the USA Yoga Masters Division. Her current work is deeply rooted in Yin Yoga, meditation, and trauma-informed practices, having completed over 600 hours of training with renowned teachers including Paul and Suzee Grilley, Sarah Powers, and Hala Khouri.

As both a teacher and lifelong student, Leesann brings joy, precision, and compassion to every class. Her passion lies in supporting others through the healing power of yoga—especially in reconnecting body and mind after trauma. She is the founder of Ahvana Blue Yoga, a practice designed to honor the nervous system, promote integration, and inspire lasting transformation.

Chelsea

A Coachella Valley native, Chelsea’s journey with movement deepened during her years living in Los Angeles, where she discovered the profound impact of a steady, embodied yoga practice. Already rooted in a passion for mental, physical, and spiritual wellness, yoga became the thread that wove it all together.

Chelsea holds over 250 hours of training in both vinyasa and yin, bringing a fluid, creative approach to her classes—balancing breath-led movement with space for pause and reflection. Her work is inspired by the deeper layers of the practice: energy, ritual, and inner awareness. You’ll often find themes of chakra alignment, mudras, and pranayama woven into her offerings.

A forever student of life, Chelsea approaches each class as a space to return—to self, to safety, and to something greater.

Christy Chisholm

Christy’s 25-year journey as a teacher and guide has led her here—rooted in the heart of Palm Desert, where she shares yoga as a practice of presence, restoration, and connection. A former educator and social-emotional learning specialist, Christy brings both depth and heart to her offerings, blending her background in mindfulness, movement, and education into every class she leads.

Her approach is deeply intentional—infused with care, clarity, and the belief that each practice is a doorway into healing. Whether guiding meditation, Yoga Nidra, or movement, Christy invites students to explore the body as a vessel for self-awareness and the mat as a space to come home.

She holds advanced certifications in yoga, meditation, and MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), and is the author of a gratitude and mindfulness journal used by students and families across the country. With every breath and posture, Christy offers more than just a class—she offers a moment to realign with what matters most.

Bella Rivera

Isabella Rivera is a sound bath facilitator, educator, and yoga teacher focused on creating experiences for individuals to connect to themselves and one another.

She deeply believes in the power of meditation and yoga to cultivate a healthy dialogue with the inner being, tuning to the space within to connect with the mind, soul and body.

Leaning on 16 years of experience in K-12 education as a school teacher and administrator, she creates a safe space for individuals from all walks of life to explore and align to their truest, most beautiful self.

Selena Leon

Originally from the San Fernando Valley, Selena found herself drawn to the stillness of the desert and the strength of the mountains—making Palm Springs the perfect home for her family. Her journey began in the Army, where she discovered a love for running and physical challenge. But it was yoga that brought her peace.

What began as a way to support her training evolved into something much deeper—a practice that spoke to her mind, body, and soul. Over 20 years into her journey, Selena continues to be inspired by yoga as a science of healthy living and a path to presence.

She completed her 200-hour training at College of the Desert, and brings a grounded, heartfelt energy to every class. Selena believes in the power of movement to uplift and connect—both on and off the mat—and is passionate about sharing that joy with others.

Kristen Baron

Kristen’s journey into mindful movement began in college, where she explored Tai Chi, Qigong, meditation, and yoga. That early curiosity sparked a lifelong practice—one that has spanned Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Iyengar, Kundalini, Hatha, and more. She completed her 200-hour certification through Shanti Shanti Yoga School, rooted in the Vinyasa tradition she came to love in Orange County.

With a professional background in construction management, Kristen knows the value of balance and clarity—and brings both into every class she leads. Her approach is grounded, accessible, and deeply intentional. She’s passionate about making yoga available to anyone with a willingness to pause, breathe, and explore what movement can offer.

Kristen’s classes are a space for restoration and empowerment, designed to meet students exactly where they are, while inviting them into something more.

Debbie Berardi

Debbie Berardi is a certified yoga teacher, therapist, and Yoga Tune Up® instructor with over 15 years of teaching experience across Southern California and internationally. A lifelong student, Debbie has studied with master teachers around the world, completing over 1,000 hours of advanced training in India, Bali, and the U.S.

Her classes—whether Hatha, Gentle/Yin, Vinyasa, or Ashtanga—are rooted in breath, aligned movement, and intelligent sequencing. You’ll experience creative and adaptable flows designed for sustainability, along with chanting, pranayama, and deep intention. Debbie’s teaching reflects both joy and depth, inviting students to feel centered, empowered, and fully supported in their bodies.

Having overcome personal health challenges, including three rounds of breast cancer, Debbie integrates therapeutic practices into her work. She’s trained with respected yoga therapists and anatomists such as Larry Payne, Brian Dorfman, Leslie Kaminoff, and Jill Miller, weaving their knowledge into a safe, informed, and intuitive approach to movement and healing.

Debbie holds E-RYT 500, YACEP®, and IAYT certifications and has led 200-hr and 300-hr trainings as senior faculty with Cloud Nine Yoga School. Whether on the mat, at a retreat, or in a workshop, Debbie meets every student with compassion, clarity, and a wealth of knowledge.

Bianca Amelie Fearon

Bianca Amelie Fearon is an E-RYT 500 and YACEP yoga teacher originally from England, where her journey into meditation and yoga began as a teenager. With over two decades of experience, her classes blend intuitive movement, functional anatomy, and soulful presence—offering students a space to connect deeply with their bodies and breath.

She teaches Vinyasa Flow and Yin with mindful sequencing, a balance of strength and softness, and a focus on sustainable, embodied practice. Her approach is informed by in-depth study with renowned teachers including Paul and Suzee Grilley, Maty Ezraty, and Sarah Powers. Whether leading a sweaty, playful flow or a grounding yin class, Bianca encourages students to explore their edge with compassion and curiosity.

To her, the mat is a lifelong space of practice—a place to return to, reflect within, and remember your own rhythm.