Kofi Busia first encountered yoga as a student at Oxford University, England, and went on to study directly and regularly with B.K.S. Iyengar at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India, where he earned advanced certification. He has taught yoga, Sanskrit and Indian philosophy professionally for more than forty years. Kofi is currently based in Santa Cruz, California, teaching ongoing classes at Yoga Center Santa Cruz.

Pandit Satya Narayana Charka is a distinguished Kathak dance performer, choreographer and teacher of international acclaim. His gurus include Pandit R.K. Shukla, Pandit Shambhu Maharaj, Shrimati Maya Rao and Pandit Birju Maharaj. Pandit S.N. Charka has won many prestigious awards, including first place in the All-India Dance Competition. Since the early 1970s, he has presented numerous traditional dance recitals as well as dance dramas, bringing myth to life for today's audiences.

The ancient path of yoga continues to inspire Jennifer and transform her life. Using the natural expression of movement supported by the breath, she believes that all forms of practice can be gentle when proper knowledge and presence is applied. She enjoys integrating meditation, pranayama, chanting and sound healing into her teaching, as she has found these to support the student both on and off the mat. Jennifer studied at Ananda Ashram for ten years, since 2006, and also holds degrees in both Psychology and Communication.

Daniel McBride, RYT, is adjunct professor of Yoga at Montclair State University. He has presented lectures, yoga and stress management workshops, sound healing sessions and performances at venues such as Daughters of Israel, Greystone Psychiatric Hospital, Price Waterhouse, Omega Institute and New Life Health Expo. He uses a synthesis of Iyengar, Vini-Yoga and Anusara inspired yoga styles and is known for his "extended shavasana" (deep relaxation), playing native flutes, gongs and other meditative instruments.

Vasant Lad, B.A.M. & S., M.A.Sc. is a preeminent Ayurvedic Physician and Professor of Ayurveda who founded the Ayurvedic Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1984. Since 1986 the Institute has been in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Previously, he had served as Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Pune University College of Ayurvedic Medicine in India. Dr. Lad holds a degree of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M. & S.) from the University of Pune and a Master of Ayurvedic Science (M.A.Sc.) degree from Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya.

Frannie Faith is a singer-songwriter, certified in Yoga Nidra and Power of Awareness Meditation and as a Reiki Healer Level 2. She brings meditation, mindfulness and music together to open hearts and heal. A lifelong meditator and a professional performer, Frannie has two music CDs of original songs, Artist of the Heart and Bring Up the Vibration. She also has a new CD, Peaceful Places, featuring guided meditations, yoga nidra and chant.

Krishna Devi is a Kirtan musician and Bhakti Yogini. She was initiated into the spiritual practice of Sanskrit chanting by her Guru Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, who taught the Sanskrit language as the "science of vibration." Krishna Devi regards chanting as a gateway into meditation and believes that chanting the sacred sounds allows an opening of one’s heart. She leads Kirtans at Ananda Ashram; she is also a published author of the book Kirtan Angels and has recorded and produced several albums.

Karmananda studied Yoga and meditation with Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati from 1971 until 1992 and taught Yoga for many years. A long-time Ashram staff member, he is past President of the Board of Trustees of the Yoga Society of New York. Karmananda is also an experienced hiker who has been hiking local trails for 25 years.

Nomi Bachar is a counselor, human potential expert and workshop leader who helps people self-heal and optimize their life. She has created a unique and results-driven method, Gates of Power®, that supports the well-being and success of all seven areas of life. For over 26 years she has been lecturing and conducting life-changing workshops, training professionals around the globe. Nomi focuses on assisting clients in releasing limiting thoughts and feelings, while empowering them to realize their inner strength and achieve their personal and professional success.