mya Teachers
SAVA
studio owner & kpjayi authorized teacher
Originating from the Republic of Georgia in Eastern Europe, Savaโs 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.
Savaโs 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.ย
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.
Savaโs 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.”
Savaโs 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:
โI appreciate that you arenโt just another yoga teacher showing up to do their ‘job.’ You genuinely want to help people through the Ashtanga practice.โ ~ David A.
โNo 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.โ ~ Anna Refai
โSava sees Ashtanga as a path to an elevated human experience. And he is devoted to sharing that with his students.โ ~ Jennifer Kumnick
Jamie
Jamie discovered yoga in 2012, while looking for a way to get back in shape after her first child was born. After taking a yoga basics class she knew she had found something that was much more meaningful than just a fitness class.
Days later she walked into her first Ashtanga class and felt connected to the practice immediately. Savaโs modified led primary class taught her how breath and movement could quiet her anxious mind. Intrigued with the practice she immediately became a dedicated student and felt benefits much beyond the physical.
After six years of practice, and two more babies Jamie decided it was time to take her practice further. She completed the 200 hour LifePower Yoga Teacher Training in 2018 and completed
LifePowerโs 300 hour training in 2019. Jamieโs degree in Physical Therapist Assisting provided her knowledge in Anatomy and Physiology that is useful in understanding asana alignment and modifications for studentsโ varying physical needs. Broadening her skill set, she completed 36 hours in Thai Yoga Bodywork training with Michael Sitzer in 2019.
Being a student of Savaโs since 2012 and receiving extensive one on one training from him has been invaluable to her abilities as a teacher. As a teacher Jamie is knowledgeable and compassionate while supporting students in their practice.
โMy mission as a yoga teacher is to hold space for students, in whatever way they need it. I am honored to share my nowledge and support students in their practice.โ
SUSAN
Susan is certified with Yoga Alliance as an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP). She is also trained in the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga under Tim Miller. She has studied extensively with Sava for eight years, in addition to training with David Keil and Tim Miller. With a background in fitness, Susan holds certifications in Personal Training, Group Exercise, and Pilates apparatus. She specializes in working with injured and special populations, helping clients restore function and reduce pain through yoga and strength-training modalities.
Additionally, she trained under Dr. Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa and the Yoga Veda Institute, earning certification as an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor. Her areas of focus include womenโs health, digestive health, nutrition, and supporting optimal metabolic balance.
ISA
Isabel started practicing Yoga in 2006 in her city of birth, Guayaquil, Ecuador, when she attended an Ashtanga Yoga – Led Primary Series class, and never stopped. From that moment on, and without leaving her Ashtanga roots and practice, she learned other Western styles, like Vinyasa, Anusara, Yin, and Restorative, while also learning about Meditation and Pranayama, as well as Yoga Philosophy.
In 2009 she got the opportunity to do an Anusara Immersion with the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga of the United States under the close eyes of Benita Galvรกn, which helped her attain an in-depth learning of Yoga Alignment. Years later, while living in Argentina, she studied with Noah Maze and Sandra Kessel from The Maze Method, with whom she obtained her first Yoga Teacher Training Certificate. Simultaneously, she started studying Ashtanga Yoga at Ashtanga Baires with Ale Chiarella, where she gained knowledge of the Primary Series, during an intensive immersion and training.
Isabel moved to Atlanta in 2019, and started studying alongside Tiffany Cruikshank and the Yoga Medicine team for her Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist Certification, understanding the importance and deep impact of the Yoga practice on a physical and psychological level, with trainings that range from an orthopedic to an internal medicine approach, and more. As of right now, she has completed the following trainings from the Yoga Medicine curriculum: Mindful Trauma Informed Yoga, Mental Health & Wellness, Myofascia Release, Sequencing with Purpose, Womenโs Health & Fertility, Nervous System & Restorative, Yin and Meditation, Spine: Anatomy, Dysfunction and Application, Hip: Anatomy, Dysfunction and Application, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yoga for Athletes, and Pranayama. Beside these trainings, she also worked on other Yoga Medicine courses focused on: Common Yoga Injuries and Prevention, Prenatal Myofascia Release, Prenatal Therapeutics, Sex, Gender & Identity, Yoga for Addiction Recovery, Yoga for Older Beginners, Beyond Chair Yoga, Recognizing Red Flags, and Intake Evaluation.
From 2022 to 2025, she did an apprenticeship with Todd Roderick, KPJAYI authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher, founder and lead teacher at Ashtanga Yoga Atlanta.
Now she practices and studies with Sava, KPJAYI authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher, founder and lead teacher at Mysore Yoga Atlanta, from whom she is learning the depth and teaching methodology and biomechanics of adjustments and assistance in this method.
After all these years, what has really been determining for Isabel in becoming a Yoga teacher is her daily practice, and the way this intermingles with the theory. Isabel started teaching in 2016, combining all her studies and experience, and emphasizing alignment and Yoga philosophy, as a way to help her students bring their attention to themselves.
Cynthia
Cynthia’s journey with yoga began 15 years ago during a beach trip in Mexico, sparking a lifelong passion. After college, she moved to Atlanta and delved into various yoga styles, eventually finding her calling in Vinyasa for its blend of creativity, movement, and spirituality.
She began teaching in both English and Spanish at local studios, aiming to inspire others to unite body, mind, and soul. Relocating to Portland, Oregon, she completed her Yoga Alliance 200-hour teacher training, solidifying her place in the yoga community.
In 2020, Cynthia furthered her expertise with a 500-hour training under Jason Crandell, specializing in Vinyasa technique, anatomy, and teaching methodology. She also obtained a certification in sound healing therapy, adding sound baths to her wellness offerings.
Cynthia teaches at local studios in Portland, contributes to yoga teacher trainings and workshops, and hosts international yoga retreats, merging her passion for yoga, fitness, and meditation to offer transformative experiences for her students.
Having recently relocated to Atlanta, Cynthia is excited to integrate into this dynamic community.
With a deep-rooted belief in the transformative potential of yoga, she looks forward to continuing to share its tools and practices with there students.
Jessi Rae
