OUR TEAM
Jhon Tamayo
Founder & Senior Yoga Instructor
Born in 1967 in the vibrant southern region of Colombia, Jhon Tamayo’s journey of self-discovery began at the age of 13 when he left home in search of something deeper. His travels across South America provided him with profound experiences and connections with countless people, which helped shape his understanding of life in a raw and organic way. These experiences became instrumental in his pursuit of inner peace and a deeper connection with his body.
In 1994, Jhon founded the Atmananda Yoga Sequence after witnessing a troubling pattern of yoga injuries among students in New York City. He noticed that many yoga practices were not focused on proper alignment, leading to preventable injuries. Determined to change this, Jhon developed a sequence that not only emphasizes alignment but also empowers practitioners to understand their own bodies better.
Rooted in the traditions of Iyengar, Hatha, and Ashtanga yoga, the Atmananda Yoga Sequence blends these influences into a seamless Vinyasa flow. This method equips students with the tools to identify and address the source of their aches and pains, and it offers the knowledge needed to adjust their practice to prevent future injuries.
Through his dedication to safe and mindful practice, Jhon continues to inspire and guide others on their yoga journeys, offering both an innovative approach to physical practice and a deeper exploration of mindfulness.
BK Rao
Health Instructor & Vedic Astrologer
B.K. Rao is a highly experienced Ayurvedic & Holistic Health Consultant and Vedic Astrologer with over 50 years of expertise in guiding individuals on their journey to self-healing. Throughout his distinguished career, B.K. Rao has conducted seminars for diverse communities, sharing his deep knowledge on various aspects of Ayurveda and its essential role in the wellness industry. His teachings emphasize how Ayurveda can help prevent, preserve, and promote positive health.
With a focus on the importance of diet, exercise, yoga, and meditation, B.K. Rao prioritizes holistic wellness in daily life. He advocates for the healing power of Ayurveda as a means to support a healthy and balanced lifestyle. His mission is to create greater awareness of this ancient science of self-healing and to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being.
B.K. Rao offers personalized consultations to assess imbalances in an individual’s health and provides tailored guidance and counseling based on Ayurvedic principles. His approach is rooted in the belief that Ayurveda’s simplicity, adaptability, and therapeutic benefits make it a valuable alternative medicine, easily integrated into modern life.
With a background in integrated medicine, Ayurveda, holistic health, and Vedic astrology, B.K. Rao teaches the importance of maintaining a healthy routine through self-discipline, particularly in dietary habits, to achieve optimal health and well-being.
Alina
Yoga instructor
Alina has been practicing yoga for over 15 years and earned her first 500-hour Yoga Alliance certification in 2019. In 2024, she joined the Atmananda Yoga community, completing her 200-hour teacher training under the guidance of John Tamayo and Angelica Tamayo. Currently, Alina is pursuing her 500-hour Atmananda Yoga certification to deepen her practice.
She approaches the mat with mindfulness, discipline, and gratitude, believing that yoga extends far beyond the physical postures—it’s a path toward self-awareness, compassion, and transformation. Passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences, Alina’s mission is to inspire others to elevate their own practice and contribute to the betterment of humanity.
Arlene
Aerial INSTRUCTOR
Arlene is an avid dancer, aerialist, yogi, and fitness enthusiast. She has over a decade of experience as a group fitness instructor, but finds the most joy as a certified aerial yoga instructor. Her classes are designed to allow students to progress at their own pace in a fun and safe environment. Emphasis is placed on the mind and body connection before learning the fancy tricks. She offers a little something for everybody from aerial restorative classes, gentle aerial, to more advanced tricks and sequences. After taking her classes, you feel stronger with a sense of accomplishment.
Eliana
somatic practitioner - yoga instructor
Eliana is a trauma-informed yoga teacher, somatic practitioner, and founder of Neuro-Somatic Alchemy—an embodied system for nervous system regulation and identity-level transformation. With a background in science and law, her work bridges precision and intuition.
As a yoga teacher, she guides people back into their bodies—out of mental patterns and into direct experience.
Through Yin, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra, she creates spaces for nervous system regulation, interoception, and deep internal awareness—where awareness becomes transformation.
Estefania Valencia
yoga instructor
Estefania Valencia is a wellness educator, yoga instructor, and co-founder of SannaOhana Wellness, a community rooted in conscious living and accessible wellness education.
Her work also extends into spiritual, holistic, and cannabis coaching, where she guides individuals in building a deeper relationship with their body, mind, and overall well-being.
Her approach blends functional movement, breathwork and meditation to support longevity, nervous system balance, and overall well-being. She creates intentional spaces where students can reconnect with their bodies, move with awareness, and feel supported in their personal growth.
Inbar Pek Mezan
yoga instructor
Inbar Pek Mezan is a seasoned yoga instructor and fitness enthusiast who views yoga as a transformative path toward self-awareness. Her teaching philosophy centers on the idea that yoga is a “way of life,” blending physical practice with daily mindfulness and proper alignment.
Known for her inclusive approach, Inbar tailors her sessions to all levels—from beginners to advanced practitioners—by adjusting the pace to meet individual goals and group dynamics. Her holistic method extends Beyond the Mat, integrating core-strengthening exercises, gym-based strength training, and optimal nutrition to help students build a resilient body and a balanced, wholesome lifestyle. Whether through customized personal sessions or group classes, Inbar focuses on fueling the body and mind to maximize recovery, flexibility, and overall wellness.
Margot Paladine
Yoga instructor
Margot is a certified yoga instructor with 200-hour and 300-hour training, specializing in Intro to Atmananda Yoga Flow and Yoga Sculpt. Her journey began when she discovered Atmananda Yoga, which challenged her physically and resonated deeply with her. As she trained under Jhon she expanded her practice into adjustments, breathwork, and meditation, emphasizing the connection between mind, body, and breath.
Believing in sharing her passion, Margot creates a supportive space for students to connect with themselves through both private sessions and group classes. Alongside her teaching, she works as a full-time hospital education administrator in the Department of Neurology, bringing her values of care, connection, and growth into her professional life.
Mariela Murdocco
AERIAL instructor
Mariela Murdocco is a certified aerial instructor and choreographer specializing in Aerial Yoga, Hammock Silks, and Lyra (aerial hoop). Her classes emphasize proper alignment, strength, flexibility, and fluid sequencing, while creating an uplifting space where students feel empowered, and connected through movement.
With a strong foundation in contemporary dance, she brings a unique style to her teaching.
In addition Mariela is a certified Reiki practitioner, a path she began in 2007, continuing a family tradition of energy healing. She integrates mindfulness and energetic awareness into her work, offering a holistic approach to wellness. Committed to safety and professionalism, she maintains current certifications in CPR, AED, and First Aid.
Born and raised in Montevideo, Uruguay, Mariela trained and performed in contemporary dance with Contradanza. After relocating to New York City in 1997, she began a career in journalism and founded a photography business, as she continued her studies in jazz at Broadway Dance Center. Now based in Edgewater, New Jersey, she discovered aerial arts in 2021 and immediately fell in love. Since then, she has devoted herself to deepening her practice, creating original aerial performances, and sharing the transformative power of aerial movement.
Mayree
yoga instructor
Mayree is a passionate and certified 200-hour yoga teacher who finds joy in sharing the healing practice of yoga with others.
Trained under the guidance of Jhon T., the founder of the Atmananda Yoga Sequence, Mayree emphasizes safe practices that allow students to engage their bodies without injury.
In her classes, which she teaches in both English and Spanish, Mayree focuses on gentle yoga techniques designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation. She incorporates aromatherapy to enhance the sensory experience, helping her students connect more deeply with their practice. Committed to creating a nurturing environment, Mayree inspires individuals on their paths to healing and self-discovery, fostering a sense of community and well-being.
Michelle Araque
Yoga Instructor
Michi is a cycling yogi and movement enthusiast who blends strength, breath, and flow into one powerful experience.
She teaches the Atmananda Yoga Sequence, a dynamic vinyasa power flow designed to support athletes, active bodies, and anyone seeking deeper connection within. Her classes are open to all levels – whether you’re an athlete focused on recovery, a cyclist looking to open tight hips and hamstrings, or anyone wanting to build strength while creating space in the body. Each session weaves together intentional breathwork, mindful sequencing, hip-opening work, and full-body strengthening. Expect to leave feeling strong, open, grounded, and deeply restored.
Pauline
Sound therapist - yoga instructor -reiki/cacao
Pauline is a dedicated certified yoga teacher trained under the guidance of Jhon T. With a strong commitment to helping hard-working individuals find balance in their lives, she creates a supportive environment for personal growth and wellness.
A graduate of Rutgers University in Psychology, Pauline integrates modern insights with her yoga practice. As a certified sound therapist Reiki Master and cacao facilitator, she fosters a nurturing space for her clients to slow down, restore their energy, and reconnect with themselves.
With deep reverence for her teachers, Pauline blends these ancient traditions with sound, Reiki cacao, yoga, and breathwork. She creates a nurturing sanctuary where you can slow down, restore your nervous system, and finally “come home” to your own heart.
Priscilla Enith
Yoga sculpt teacher
Priscilla Enith is a Yoga Sculpt teacher, personal trainer, holistic wellness coach, and Pro Bikini Athlete with over 15 years of experience in fitness and body transformation. As an international bikini champion, she is known for her strong presence, precision, and empowering approach to movement. Her classes are designed to elevate the heart rate, sculpt the body, and challenge students to discover their true power while staying connected to breath, form, and intention. Blending the intensity of strength training with the mindfulness of yoga, Priscilla creates a high-energy experience that is both athletic and grounding, leaving students feeling stronger, more confident, and deeply empowered.
Valerie
Yoga instructor
Valerie’s yoga journey began as a way to explore a new approach to movement, increase flexibility, and open the body beyond traditional workouts while balancing a demanding career in finance. What started as a physical practice quickly evolved into a deeper exploration of breath, awareness, and the mind–body connection. Her classes focus on intentional movement and thoughtful flow, creating space for students to build strength, improve mobility, and reconnect inward.