mya Teachers
SAVA
studio owner & kpjayi authorized teacher
Originating from the Republic of Georgia in East Asia, Sava’s early engagement with competitive gymnastics laid the groundwork for his future in yoga. The discipline, devotion, and persistence learned from grueling training sessions translated seamlessly into his yoga practice, contributing to his success as both a practitioner and a teacher.
Sava’s teaching philosophy is characterized by confidence, gentleness, and compassion. Understanding the unique challenges that individuals face, he offers personalized guidance, adapting yoga practices to meet each student’s specific needs. His extensive knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology enables him to create a supportive and effective learning environment for all.
In 2009, Sava faced severe back pain due to his demanding work in production. This led to a diagnosis of collapsed lumbar vertebrae, bulging discs, and nerve compression, confining him to bed for a year. However, through spinal traction, an inversion table, and discovering yoga, particularly Ashtanga yoga, he began to find relief and regain his health. This journey was not just about physical recovery but also a deep dive into the mental and spiritual benefits of yoga.
Sava’s commitment to Ashtanga Yoga took him to Mysore, India, where he immersed himself in the practice under the guidance of Sharath Jois. Beyond physical poses, he delved into philosophy, pranayama, and meditation, enriching his understanding and approach to yoga. In 2017, his dedication was recognized when he received authorization to teach Ashtanga Yoga, making him one of the few in Georgia to hold this honor.
Sharing The Gift of Yoga
“My life’s purpose is to share the ancient wisdom of Ashtanga yoga and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.”
Sava’s dedication to his students and his passion for Ashtanga yoga shines through in the testimonials of those he has taught. Each student’s journey is a testament to Sava’s sincere desire to improve lives through the practice of yoga. Appreciation for Sava’s dedication and approach is evident in the feedback from his students:
“I appreciate that you aren’t just another yoga teacher showing up to do their ‘job.’ You genuinely want to help people through the Ashtanga practice.” ~ David A.
“No two students are adjusted the same by Sava. He has a sincere desire for his students to improve and have a happier life with a daily yoga practice.” ~ Anna Refai
“Sava sees Ashtanga as a path to an elevated human experience. And he is devoted to sharing that with his students.” ~ Jennifer Kumnick
Lauren Roe
Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lauren discovered yoga in 2010, initially drawn to its physical benefits. As her practice deepened, she found that yoga not only sculpted her body but also transformed her mindset and overall well-being. Over the years, her journey has encompassed multiple styles, including Power, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Kundalini Yoga, enriching her life with balance and present-moment awareness.
Lauren’s introduction to Ashtanga Yoga in 2014 marked a significant turning point. She values Ashtanga for its structure, which helps her focus and calm her mind, offering a much-needed pause in her fast-paced life. She has studied under renowned teachers such as Simon Park, Taylor Hunt, Kino MacGregor, and Sharath Jois, with Simon Park being a particularly memorable influence.
Lauren completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2014 at Yoga Landing in Chattanooga, under the guidance of Jessica Jollie. She is also certified in SUP Yoga Paddle Board and has completed additional HIIT and Barre certifications with Exhale Spa. Lauren is committed to continuing her education in yoga, embodying the eternal student’s spirit and expanding her knowledge and skills.
Ashtanga Yoga provides Lauren with a structured approach to managing her focus and mindfulness, making it an essential practice for maintaining her mental clarity.
Lauren enjoys traveling, gardening, dining out, and spending quality time with her husband, dog, family, and friends. Her love for the outdoors often merges with her passion for yoga, creating a harmonious blend of activity and tranquility in her life. Lauren’s adventurous spirit is showcased in her extensive travel history, exploring cultures, cuisines, and landscapes across over 30 countries.
Dasia Taylor-Hill
Originally from upstate New York, Dasia relocated to Atlanta in 2019, bringing with her a passion for yoga that began in 2017 amidst the stresses of corporate America. Her journey into yoga deepened significantly in 2019 following the loss of her father, using the practice as a form of grief support.
Dasia was inspired to pursue Yoga Teacher Training after experiencing the transformative effects of yoga, both mentally and physically, under the guidance of a cherished instructor. She completed her training at Peachtree Yoga Center in 2023.
Dasia’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of alignment, which she believes is crucial not only for the physical body but for overall well-being. She strives to create a light-hearted atmosphere in her classes, where safety and empowerment are paramount.
Dasia has explored various styles including Yin, Vinyasa, Restorative, Hatha, and Ashtanga, which remains her favorite for its profound impact on her mindset and physical health off the mat.
When she’s not teaching, Dasia enjoys losing herself in a good book, exploring parks with her dog, Tatum, or indulging in her love for food and culinary adventures. She is particularly passionate about increasing the representation of People of Color in yoga, aiming to inspire more members of the Black community to embrace this transformative practice.
Dasia deeply appreciates Ashtanga for the way it shifts one’s mindset and alleviates physical pain, enhancing my life beyond the mat. She aspires to broaden the accessibility of yoga and serve as a role model in the yoga community, fostering diversity and inclusion.
Cristina Farina
Born and raised in Miami, Cristina moved to Tampa, Florida, where she pursued a BA in English Literature and a minor in Spanish Language/Literature at the University of South Florida. After her studies, she and her husband, Will, relocated to Chicago, where they spent twelve enriching years. It was there that Cristina’s profound yoga journey began in a neighborhood health club under the guidance of Kali Om and Mary Klonowski, who introduced her to the disciplined practice of Ashtanga Yoga alongside Hatha and Dharma Yoga.
In March 2020, Cristina completed a 200-hour Hatha Yoga teacher training with Kali Om, a pivotal experience that deepened her understanding of yoga’s ethical principles and philosophical foundations. This training encompassed a holistic approach to yoga, from the physical postures (Asana) and breathwork (Pranayama) to meditation and scriptural study, profoundly impacting her personal and professional life.
Cristina’s teaching philosophy is centered around creating a supportive space for students to explore and connect with their inner selves, fostering both physical and emotional well-being through yoga. She believes in the transformative power of yoga to manage stress, enhance mental clarity, and promote a deep sense of grounding.
Outside the yoga studio, Cristina is an avid cook and baker, always eager to explore new recipes and share her culinary creations. She enjoys outdoor activities, especially hiking with Will and their dog, Luna, and relaxing with a good book by the pool or beach.
Cristina’s favorite aspect of Ashtanga Yoga is the practice’s structured nature, which she credits with helping manage anxiety and deepen bodily awareness. She is enthusiastic about the future, particularly about teaching Mysore and expanding her practice at the newly opened MYA studio in Buckhead.
Will Farina
studio manager
Originally from Florida, Will lived in Chicago from 2011 to 2023, immersing himself in diverse cultural experiences that enriched his personal and professional life.
Will began his yoga journey to alleviate back pain caused by bike commuting and to reduce the stress and anxiety of life as an English graduate student. His path in yoga solidified when he met two influential teachers, Kali Om and Mary Klonowski—both with strong Ashtanga Yoga backgrounds—at a local health club, setting the foundation for his dedicated practice.
Under the guidance of Kali Om, a disciple of Sri Dharma Mittra, Will completed the Satya Yoga RYT 200 training in March 2020. This intensive program deepened his understanding of the yoga sutras and traditional yoga practices.
Will’s teaching is grounded in the principles of Raja Yoga, focusing on the holistic approach of the eight limbs. His classes strive to alleviate the pressures of modern life, fostering a deep connection with oneself and the surrounding world.
He aims to help students discover the transformative and healing powers of yoga, making it relevant and accessible to all levels of practitioners.
Will appreciates the structure and consistency of Ashtanga yoga, valuing the discipline of daily practice for its ability to energize the body and calm the mind. He is drawn to the inward focus and rich tradition of Ashtanga, which he believes offers a comprehensive guide to living a more fulfilling life off the mat.
A passionate musician, Will creates ambient music using guitar and synthesizers. He also engages in visual arts, specializing in glitch analog video art. As a nature enthusiast, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Cristina, and their dog, Luna. Although he has left academia, Will continues to immerse himself in a broad spectrum of reading materials and applies his pedagogical skills at MYA, contributing to programming, the website, and social media content.
Leading new programming at MYA’s Buckhead studio, which is set to open this September, excites Will. He dreams of deepening his practice in Mysore and is eager to integrate his artistic and musical talents into sound bath meditations.
Will’s appreciation for 19th-century literature, particularly Romantic poetry, continues to fuel his artistic and personal growth. This historical genre and sensibility influences his creative output, shaping his perspective in both life and art.
