BodyMovin' Studio - Instructor Bio's

Melanie Larinde

Melanie Larinde is a Certified Yoga Instructor and Certified Health Care Practitioner. Her love for the art of Yoga began over 20 years ago, seeing her through the births of her two children and consistently supporting her in keeping strong and optimistic on a daily basis. In addition to her extensive yoga practice and certification through the Yoga Place (now Yoga Works), her education includes post graduate courses at UCLA in Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology, comprehensive bodywork training at the Los Angeles Healing Arts Center, and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University. Her passion for teaching, research, workshop hosting, and her own personal practice have been instrumental in the cultivation of the BodyMovin' Studio, providing a space for healing, wellness and a sense of community. She is particularly passionate about introducing Yoga to beginners and encouraging practitioners at any level to deepen their yoga practice.

Jane Pamphile

Jane is a personal fitness trainer, RYT-YogaFit, Integrated Principles of Movement certified Pilates instructor and nutrition counselor – The Academy of Natural Health and Wellness, South Africa. Her personal quest for a common-sense approach to health and well-being began over 20 years ago as she grew up having a terminally ill father and a mother with degenerative diseases. Searching for answers has led her to uncover the physiological aspects of nutrition - which has produced a simplified approach to cooking, eating, moving and breathing. Jane uses here multidisciplinary training to minimize disease and the need for pain management through nutritional guidance, breathe training and physical fitness. Having experienced much success with her individual clients, yoga and Pilates classes, and Integrative Breathwork classes for Seniors, she also shares her practiced knowledge through nutrition workshops/classes, food demonstrations and with individual counseling sessions.

Sarah al Nour

Sarah al Nour is an Orange County based dancer who relishes all forms of dance, performing for nearly a decade. She has danced with the Angelika Nemeth Dance Ensemble, tribal fusion dance troupe Ban-dal, the American Tribal Style troupe Azuluna, Move Bollywood and the Astra theatrical dance company. Sarah was a featured dancer on instructional video by the Grammy nominated master percussionist Suhail Kaspar, and is a published writer within the bellydance community. Sarah al Nour currently teaches in Anaheim and Costa Mesa, and performs regularly throughout Orange County and LA.

Alexa Montoya

Alexa Montoya was classically trained in ballet with Victor and Tatiana Kasatsky. Competing in Youth America Grand Prix at age 14, her group placed 11th in the world. She joined the San Clemente High School Dance Team her freshman year, continuing on throughout high school, and became Varsity Captain her senior year. Alexa has received several awards at both regional and national competitions. In 2010 she went undefeated at all of the USA Regional competitions and placed 3rd at USA Nationals. Her passion for dance coupled with her charming disposition make her an ideal teacher for all ages.

Lisa Casanova-Sidoti

Lisa Casanova-Sidoti is a Licensed Zumba instructor and nursing student. Growing up in a Latin family, music and dance were always part of her upbringing. She has spent the majority of her fitness life as a runner, completing several marathons and half marathons in addition to coaching other runners achieve their goals. Always having a passion for fitness and nutrition, she felt Zumba was an excellent tool for getting people excited about fitness. Lisa believes the key to continued motivation relies on the atmosphere and without a doubt, Zumba provides a unique and fun environment.

Christy Wilson

Christy has a strong love for dance and the commitment and determination that goes with it. A strong sense of friendship and camaraderie is evident during her class, as she loves helping others achieve their goals. She has a background in yoga, giving her the tools needed mentally and physically to begin running and completing several marathons. After trying Zumba for the first time, she felt an instant connection to the music and movement of the Zumba experience coupled with the end result of a great workout. She now is a licensed Zumba instructor. She loves to pass on the joy and love of dance for personal expression as well as for health and fitness while encouraging everyone to have a great time.

Courtney James Parkyn

I began my yoga journey in 2000 when my mom brought me to a class at the local gym. It was love at first breath! My practice started out sporadic, attending classes regularly for a few months, then going months, sometimes even years without unrolling my mat. In 2007, I experienced a great shift in my life, and left the business world that I was pursuing. Wondering what my dharma was, a friend, who knew my love for yoga, mentioned teaching. I thought about it for a bit, then decided that was the direction to go. After six months of one on one training with Alison Brown, I completed my 200 hour training in 2008. This, my first formal yoga training, opened the door to my soul, and woke up an eternal part of me that had lain sleeping for years. After about a year and a half of teaching, I received a huge blessing in the form of a baby girl! I needed to take some time off of teaching, so I turned my focus on more training. In July, 2011, I completed the advanced 300 Hour Teacher Training through Cloud Nine Yoga. The fundamental teachers whom mold my practice and my teaching are Rod Stryker, Erika Faith Calig, and Sarah Powers. Discovering my passion and living my calling has completely changed my life. With the places yoga has taken me in the last four years, I am excited about the future, the community that continues to grow and the unity and love that this practice brings.

Tess McVicker

Tess has been practicing yoga for over 16 years. Her love for yoga has translated into a career and she has been involved with the production of two yoga instructional DVDs and became a certified yoga instructor through the Yogaworks Teacher Training Program in Indonesia. Tess teaches a blend of the Ashtanga, Desikachar and Iyengar lineages focusing on ease of movement, connecting the breath, correct technique and proper alignment to ensure yoga is practiced in a safe and attainable method. Tess' classes are structured around the belief that each student is to honor and respect the limitations of his or her own body; this makes for a non-competitive and non-judgmental environment. – perfect for new students or those wanting a true yogic experience! Tess is a vegetarian and likes to promote healthy, organic eating habits and lifestyle. She also enjoys surfing and early morning walks on the beach with her dog.