Student Testimonials:

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"With your help, I have regained strength and flexibility that I have not had since my back surgery 16 years ago. ...I would not have known where to find my strength, or how to go about rebuilding without your guidance, your knowledge, and you. The incredible amount of knowledge you have and your teaching ability is unmatched by any other person. I have heard it said by others: "Olena has a great way of explaining how to do a position or Pilates exercise."

Jen (2003)

"Olena is not only a beautiful yoga practitioner, but a beautiful person inside. She embodies yoga fully in every aspect of her life. She is open, loving, non-judging, wise, present, strong, flexible, kind, caring. Her passion for the practice is evident... . She is an excellent technical teacher who also brings with her the light, bright spirit of yoga."

Megan (10/2005)

"She [Olena] is always professional when teaching class. She is prepared, punctual, articulate and personable. Safety and health are two important elements that she stresses in her teaching."

Colleen (2005)

"Olena takes her class through a wonderfully safe, vigorous practice... . I trained at White Lotus in Santa Barbara and safety and proper alignment was really stressed. It was great to see that in Olena's class... ."

Bev (2006)

"I think Olena did a great job paying attention to each participant and "coaching" each person's body alignment & offering various options to progress or modify each pose."

3/2007

"Olena does the best job of explaining poses, keeping people safe and does a beautiful job of adjusting students in a supportive way. A lovely blend of flow and pace."

4/2007

"Olena's class was wonderful. It was a great combination of flow, stretches, balances, and new things to try. I really enjoyed it!"

7/2007

"Olena has a great flow. It's very relaxing yet very challenging."

7/2007

"I really enjoyed Olena's class. She focuses on the pose and how to do them properly. I usually attend faster class but I really liked having the intensity of form and focus in Olena's."

Donna (9/2007)

"Olena is not only an experienced practitioner of hatha yoga but also an excellent teacher. She and I taught a group of about 60 public school teachers in the fall of 2006 and I'd jump at the opportunity to work with her again. From my experiences with her as a co-worker and friend I know that she is a true professional yoga teacher dedicated to personal growth in her practice and life."

Ricky (11/2007)

"Partner yoga is part workout, part intimacy, mixed with balance & strength. Afterwards, I felt closer to my wife & both our moods were lifted. I found that Partner Yoga was more fun overall than going to a yoga class alone."

Jeff (1/2008)

"I felt my own body in a totally new way when trusting it to my [yoga] partner."

Olga (1/2008)

"After having my 3rd baby, using the Pilates Reformer has quickly helped me to connect to my center. After only a few classes, I am already feeling a stronger core."

Doreen (1/2008)

"I was sceptical at first because I did not think I could work out on the reformer but now I find myself anxious to get back to the class & increase my strength."

Kati (2/2008)

"In partner yoga I did not feel stress of the poses because I was focusing on my partner."

Juan (1/2008)

"Couples yoga was fun, challengin, different feeling than individual yoga. Had to trust my husband with my body and push it further than ever before. Good Friday night date!"

Cindy (1/2008)

"Dear Olena, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to learn Yoga. You were very well organized and patient with your students. Mehdi had talked highly about you and now I know & understand him.
BTW I have 2 yoga DVDs that I will use with my daughters back in Iran & will remember what a great Instructor I had in Janelia." Best wishes,

Mitra (1/2008)

"Olena is a great yoga instructor. She is very encouraging and gently pushes you to do even more than you thought you could."

Dana (2/2008)

"Reformer Pilates has strengthened my abdominals and increased my flexibility. Olena is a very patient and knowledgeable instructor."

Betsy (2/2008)

"Pilates Reformer helped me pay attention to my lower abs. I'm seeing the difference in my abs and having fun."

Lori (2/2008)

"Just wanted to say how enjoyable your classes are, and the good vibe that surrounds you. I cherish good souls like you, for they are hard to find these days. People like you bring the best in others, and help us not to forget who we are and what are the real values in today's busy life. I feel richer knowing you."
Thank you :0)

Michael (2/2008)

"I just wanted to tell you how much i enjoy your yoga classes! You are the real deal - I can tell how much the art of practicing yoga means to you, it's a way of life, and i think that is very inspirational! I truly look forward to your classes and love to see how much i have improved over time."

Brenda (3/2008)

"I've been coming to Olena's class for several years and plan to continue. Olena is very knowledgeable and well-trained as a Pilates and Yoga instructor. Teachers of her caliber are not easy to find.
Her classes have greatly helped me work through back and neck pain due to very tight muscles.
She is very attentive to detail and offers individual input to her students. She is very lively and great fun to be with. "

Liz (3/2008)

"Thanks for the [partner yoga] class. Had a great time. Felt like a 14 year old with a new boyfriend. So nice to experience my marriage in a new light."

Namaste, Jen (3/2008)

"Olena’s Pilates class is the perfect break in my week. The combination of core strengthening, stretching, + most of all body awareness leaves me relaxed + refreshed for the rest of my day. My week is incomplete w/o my hour with Olena. "

Katie (3/2008)

"Olena has such a gift for teaching: she not only guides one through correct movement at any level, but also quietly inspires with her awesome command of technique. Her classes are both challenging and fun. My goal is core strength and stability : I see steady progress, and I leave her classes feeling great."

Teresa (5/2008)

"Joshua and I participated in our first couples class with Olena. We're both new to yoga in general, but did not feel out of place in Olena's class. We left the class with our spirits lifted, our souls soothed and a distinct feeling of closeness. We would certainly recommend partner yoga with Olena."

Kelly (5/2008)

"I am so glad that I have been able to learn yoga and Pilates from you. You are such a fantastic teacher! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and for being so encouraging! I'm hoping that with more practice, I can become stronger and more flexible."

Kristina (6/2008)

"I truly enjoyed your class and I have to say you are one of the best instructors I have ever had. You have a teaching style which is your gift. I have often realized as intense as those postures are, I never look at the clock... that is your gift, so keep that going! ;o)"

Fatimah (7/2008)

"Reasons for taking a yoga class vary from student to student. Each of us typically is in a different place with regard to our physical abilities to perform specific poses and our readiness to explore the spiritual and mental components of a yoga practice. It takes a truly gifted teacher to be able to relate to students as individuals when in a group situation and to help them to personalize their practice to meet their own needs. I have studied with Olena for four years and feel very fortunate to have benefited from her knowledge, insight, and guidance. She has helped me to grow in my own practice, both supporting and challenging me as I continue on my yoga journey."

Michele (8/2008)

"Olena, Thank you so much for teacing us with such a passion and determination. Yoga changed my life - really. I love it. "

Maria (12/2008)

"Dear Olena: Thanks for being such a patient teacher. I am really glad that I started to learn yoga with you. "

Na (12/2008)

"Olena, Thank you so much for being such a wonderful teacher! I have learned so much... and discovered that I love yoga! I look forward to learn many new things! "

Kristina (12/2008)

"Olena, Thank you so much - you've changed my life! I love yoga now and couldn't do without it. I feel so lucky to have met you and been able to share in your classes for so long. "

Liz (12/2008)

"Olena, Thank you for the classes & all the effort you put into correcting my moves. "

Mehdi (12/2008)

"Greetings Olena,
Thank you for introducing me back into yoga. I look forward to all the classes. I felt tremendously better after class, and the whole day. I really need it as I am very tense and in need of stretching and relaxation. I appreciate it that you made us all feel comfortable no matter what level we are."
Best regards,

(your new student)
Shawn (1/2009)

"I want to thank you for teaching me to embrace yoga as we embrace life. Your dedication to your practice has encouraged me on my own path."

Om Shanti. Vasanthi. (1/2009)

"I signed up for Reformer Pilates after having my second child, because I was hoping it would help me flatten my stomach. Already, after only six sessions, I am beginning to see a difference. In fact, I end each session feeling like I've stretched and challenged every muscle in my body. I definitely underestimated the power of small group sessions. Olena is able to give constant attention to every student, adjusting and correcting form. Her training and her love of Pilates are both clear. I will definitely take Reformer Pilates again."

Alicia (6/2009)

"I was under a lot of stress trying to adapt to my new schedule becoming a full time student and running a family with 2 small kids when Olena suggested restorative yoga with the purpose of relaxation and stress relief. I tried to control my body in a pose and forcing myself to relax when all of a sudden my body started sinking into the relaxation pose naturally. It was wonderful to be able to experience relaxation on such a deep level. Olena had it all set up for me and introduced me to restorative yoga in a very supportive way. We've met 3 times so far and I continue to experience restorative yoga benefits by practicing it by myself."

Elina (7/2009)

"while i do enjoy having a substitute teacher occasionally to shake things up and be exposed to different styles of practice, i always look forward to your classes the most because they have a nice flow and organization to them that is relaxing even when the poses are strenuous. i had enjoyed your classes tremendously and i'm stronger and more flexible than i was a year ago. you are super-awesome!!!"

Carmen (8/2009)

"Dear Olena, I'm not sure if you remember me, I only went to your class once while I was visiting Janelia for a week. I just wanted you to know I thought you were a fantastic yoga instructor! I've done lots of yoga and had many different types of teachers and you really stood out as an exceptionally amazing teacher! You are very patient, knowledgeable, kind, approachable and helpful. I really really enjoyed your classes and teaching style."

Sincerely, Kelsey (8/2009)

"Restorative yoga adds another dimension to your practice. By doing supported poses, you focus less on the body and more on the mind. Poses feel effortless - a feeling you want to replicate during your more active practice. Practicing restorative yoga with Olena has given me an appreciation of the benefits of this practice and provided me with the knowledge to work with these poses at home on a daily basis."

Michele (8/2009)

"I was pleasantly surprised with the [Reformer] jumpboard. Olena showed me that it involved both cardio and proper form. The class was more challenging than I thought it would be and I really enjoyed it."

Lori (9/2009)

"I don't think I've ever been more relaxed. Couple hours of restorative yoga a week and you are in a good shape. I can turn my mind off pretty fast but I cannot go that deep into relaxation. My body was totally confused. It was feeling sensations it never felt, like deep, deep relaxation, I guess. I'd do it every day but I don't think I'll get anything done :) Every single individual part of your body is being relaxed and as a direct result the mind gets more relaxed. I don't remember having any thoughts. I was right there in the moment. It's very good to distress like that."

Jeff (9/2009)

"I have been a student of Olena for approximately 6 months in her yoga 1 and power yoga classes.
Olena brings a special magic to her teaching:
- She regularly changes the classes to make sure that students do not get bored with the exact same routine each time
- She gently helps people - but asks each person if she should help them
- She accomodates changes in class size, new students and late arrivals with tremendous grace and ease
- Brings her own special form of humor to the class
- Is always offering the class simpler versions of the pose or more advanced options
- And speaking as a male: Is beautiful and brings a smile into the room at each session."

Mike (11/2009)

"I found restorative yoga class to be soothing for both my mind and my body.  I felt opened and stretched by some poses, and with others just a calm and restful sensation. My favorite pose was the final Weight of the World Pose, where I almost melted into another state of mind from my relaxation level… I am completely rested now :) "

Karen (11/2009)

"I have been taking the pilates reformer class with Olena twice a week for two years. I began as a Level 1 and am currently at a Level 4!  Every muscles in my body is worked, strengthened, and stretched.  Olena has extensive background and knowledge of correct form, methods, and a variety of routines; yet she is always striving to learn more.  She frequently enrolls in workshops to refresh, renew, and revitalize her classes.  She challenges our bodies at every class. Since I have started taking the reformer, I have noticed that my body has changed; it is stonger, leaner, more flexible, and more resistant to injury.  The reformer classes have enabled my other workout routines to be more effective and productive. I look forward to each and every one of my classes."

Rachel (3/2010)

"I love my prenatal yoga! I only wish I practiced with my first two pregnancies. It helps physically with keeping my growing body moving and to stay strong. I just as importantly love the mental side. I find little time for me and my yoga class gives me that special time with my body and my baby. It really gets me through the week and gives me such a clam feeling. I practice the breath that is so important for labor and the connection with other women is very comforting. "

Janell (3/2010)

I am at the end of my 8th month and still feel energetic. I owe this to my pilates and yoga classes. Until now I haven't had any pregnancy related aches or pains. Instead I feel more relaxed and stronger. At my pilates classes, Olena taught me various exercises and modifications on the chair and reformer. These exercises helped me build better form, increase the strength of the pelvic floor muscles, and stretch the various muscles in my body. Olena brings in a variety of exercises to make each class interesting and fun. I strongly recommend her classes for those who want to build strength and endurance, especially if one is aiming to have a natural childbirth.
It was a fun pilates session and I thoroughly enjoyed it. "

Best, Lavanya (4/2010)