Laura Nohealai Emiko Toyofuku-Aki

Co-Lead

Place I call home: O'ahu

Laura Nohealani Emiko Toyofuku-Aki (E-RYT500, YACEP, Katonah Yoga Certified Teacher, Barre Certified, Certified Personal Trainer)

Laura had a 12-year career in retail sales management with Victoria's Secret and in 2017 she left it behind to pursue her passion for helping others. She currently sits on the Board for International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination (ICAAD) utilizing her skills in development to impact international human rights law and disrupt systemic discrimination. Laura is a graduate of Boston University with a Bachelors's in International Relations.

Since her first yoga class, she has been a dedicated practitioner learning from numerous lineages of yoga, across the world. In 2015, Laura received her 200hr Vinyasa yoga certification at Laughing Lotus NY. Shortly after, Laura was certified by Liberation Prison Yoga to teach a trauma-conscious yoga and meditation practice for incarcerated adults, going on to teach the transgender ward at Riker’s Island and Manhattan Detention Complex in NYC. During this time, Laura apprenticed with Lineage Project and taught movement and mindfulness to incarcerated and at-risk youth in the NYC area. Laura has also completed her 200hr hatha yoga certification at Katonah Yoga NY and her 300hr YTT candidate with Susanna Barkataki and Ignite Yoga and Wellness Institute.

Laura is passionate about movement and meditation as an entry point for collective and individual healing. She is currently working with private clients and studios teaching decolonization, trauma-informed movement and meditation, and practicing on Native land. Laura teaches community classes focused on resilience for Native young people in Hawai’i and at Pine Ridge Reservation (South Dakota). Laura also teaches incarcerated women and mothers in Hawai’i. Her teaching is designed to be accessible for everyone with a focus on BIPOC folx and amplifying BIPOC stories, teachings, and voices.

Jo Qina'au

Co-Lead

Place I call home: O'ahu

Jo 'Okika Shigeko Qina'au, E-YT750, MA, PhD (she/they)

Aloha mai, y’all, I’m Jo, born and raised in ‘Ewa Beach on O‘ahu, with ancestral roots in Kohala on the Big Island; Fukushima, Japan; Ainu territory; the Azores, Portugal; Wicklow, Ireland; and Jewish Bavaria, Germany. Yoga has gifted me so much over the years – tools for transmuting trauma, clarity for clearer vision, joyful nourishing communities, experiences of deep pilina (connection) that fuel my work toward collective liberation, and regulatory skills for when colonial systems feel like they’re crushing my soul (funny, not funny!).

It was 2006 when I started teaching Yoga, mostly in marginalized spaces in the U.S. (half-way homes, government subsidized housing), as well as in Japan, Thailand, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Brunei, and India. After studying in India for my advanced certification (my second 200-hr and my first 500-hr), I co-owned a collective health center in Brooklyn called Third Root, established to address health disparities using integrative approaches like Yoga, acupuncture, herbal remedies, and massage. At the height of my Yoga journey, I took an 8-year hiatus from teaching for money and only taught for trade, primarily so I could contemplate my role in the commodification of my spiritual practice, and to actively contribute to decolonizing Yoga by making room for Desi teachers. After Laura reached out several years ago about the PKY vision, I am so grateful to be continuing work toward equity, through Yoga, in my homelands—the one and only 808.

I’m co-lead of this incredible teacher training opportunity, alongside the phenomenal Laura. If you enroll, you’ll be seeing me quite a bit during modules that cover:

• Yoga from a Kanaka ‘Ōiwi worldview: This module builds on the Pono Yoga Teaching Model and introduces Hoʻomana i ka naʻauao, a wellbeing program which starts from a Kanaka ‘Ōiwi worldview using the Kūkulu Kumuhana wellbeing framework and integrates elements of Yogic practice.
• Kuleana to Hawaiʻi (parts 2 and 3) – Primarily informed by my dissertation on Decolonial Wellbeing for Kānaka ‘Ōiwi. We cover power and privilege, intersectionality, settler colonialism, and Kanaka ‘Ōiwi conceptions of wellbeing.
• Karma Yoga: The Power of Service – So stoked to be offering this module as the most joy-filled work I have pursued as a Yogi has been through Karma Yoga
• Prānāyāma: Intention and Regulation – What’s the most important thing we do in a day?
• Dhyana: Becoming the Eye of the Storm, Realizing Connection – Meditation was pretty new to me when I started my teacher training so if it’s new to you too, not to worry! We will clear up a lot of really common misconceptions about what meditation is and isn’t and we’ll learn several forms to experiment with personally and in your classes.
• Suffering, Safety, & Belonging: Behavioral Health in the Yoga Space –

When I think about this module through a clinical psychology lens, it could probably be its own certification program! We’ll cover just the basics of trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction in Yoga spaces, thinking through ways to navigate safely while nourishing students on a moment-to-moment basis. While this does *not prepare you to offer specialized classes for mental health concerns, you will gain some insight into how to recognize and manage in a regular class.

We’ve taken special care in developing the pedagogical approach to this training so that your learning will be scaffolded and well-supported by multiple levels of community. I’m so excited for our journey together… In addition to the frameworks and techniques of Yoga and Buddhism, my work is deeply informed by my specialized training in traumatic stress, and ‘Ōiwi values of relationality, interconnectedness, ecological cycles, pilina, and pono. When I’m not teaching Yoga, I’m providing clinical therapy for those affected by Maui fires through Hui Hoʻomalu, researching Yoga and mindfulness at the UCSF Osher center, devising ways to collaborate with da hui at the Pilina Center for Wellbeing, and dreaming of my future dog :o)

My heart is so full in anticipation of meeting our next cohort and continuing to build community through PKY – see you folx in class!

Me ke aloha,

Jo

Sona Desai Buchanan

Module Teaching: Yoga History and Bhagavad Gita & Ayurveda

Place I call home:

Sona Desai Buchanan (she/her), E-RYT 500

Sona is a devoted yoga educator and facilitator with roots in Gujarat, India. Born on Wurundjeri land (colonized as Melbourne, Australia) and raised on Lumbee land (Raleigh, NC) Sona’s yoga journey began during her formative years, with bedtime stories that were sacred scriptures (shastra), morning worship (puja) accompanied by chanting of mantra, daily ayurvedic rituals and years of studying Indian folk and classical dance. In 2004, she began a hatha yoga practice to balance the intensity of being a college student and dancer. About a decade later, she shifted focus to mantra, restorative yoga and yoga nidra practices in order to heal and prepare her body for motherhood.

Sona received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Anthropology from New York University. She completed her 200 hr teacher training at Kripalu Yoga and her 300 hour advanced training at 8 Limbs Yoga Center. She has offered yoga education for 14 years and led yoga teacher training nationally for the last 6. Her ancestral teachings combined with the lived experiences of growing up in a brown body in the South, learning to thrive after complex childhood trauma and serving as a military spouse have all shaped her deep interest in intersectionality, trauma and social justice. Sona feels compelled and inspired to share these practices and philosophies in a way that is accessible to everyone while advocating for equity and inclusivity in yoga spaces and the greater community. In addition, decolonizing Western yoga means holding tension and space to uphold the integrity, reverence and depth of yoga and Ayurveda while meeting students as they are, both in their humanness and beingness.

Sona resides on the ancestral and present-day homelands of the Manso people and the Piro-Manso-Tiwa tribe as well as the shared traditional lands of the Suma, Jumano, Jocome, Mescalero Apache, Warm Springs Apache, Chiricahua Apache, Jano, Conchas, Manso, Piro, Tapaxkolmeh, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, Tortugas and other indigenous people through time with her husband, baby girl and pup. You can find out more about Sona here.

Kilty Inafuku

Module Teaching: Hands on Adjustment

Place I call home: O'ahu

Profile Coming

Shannon Kaneshige

Module Teaching: Making Yoga Accessible to All Bodies

Place I call home:

Shannon Kaneshige (they/them) is a yoga practitioner, educator, fat activist, and sociologist. As a 500 RYT, they have become known for their expertise in teaching diverse body types and creating options for folks of all mobility levels. They are passionate about helping folks of all sizes, genders, and abilities take up space on and off the mat.

Shannon currently lives on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples in what is now known as Toronto with their partner and child. They hold a master's degree in sociology from Roosevelt University and are a registered yoga teacher, teaching public classes and other instructors. You can find them at fringeish.com.

Stephanie Keiko Kong

Module Teaching: Sanskrit

Place I call home:

Profile Coming

Jonelle Lewis

Module Teaching: Yoga and Entreprenuership

Place I call home:

Jonelle is a yoga teacher, practitioner, mentor & teacher trainer. She is trained in Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin/Restorative Qi Gong & Meditation/Mindfulness.

She’s obsessed with movement and spiritual studies which makes her an eternal student. Jonelle practices yoga as part of her path to awakening, healing & liberation; she invites her students to do the same. She teaches yoga as an anti-oppression, pro-unity & social justice practice.

You can practice with her online through Apple’s global platform Fitness+ or in person at Empowered Yoga Studio in Los Angeles. She is also one of the co-founders of a 300 hour advanced teacher training, Radical Darshan.

Jonelle is part of the movement to make yoga and wellness equitable, diverse, & anti-racist. She believes 'Yoga is for EVERYBODY'

IG: jonelleyoga

Oneika Mays

Module Teaching: Teaching and Disrupting with Love (Meditation)

Place I call home:

Oneika Mays, she/her, LMT, E-RYT, is a multi-hyphenate facilitator who leads with joy, passion, and wisdom. She is a grounded leader with lived experience that centers on mindfulness and transformation. As a Black, queer feminist she brings a poignant lens to building a world that is more compassionate and understanding. With deep roots and knowledge in Buddhist and yogic teachings, Oneika delivers practical application and authentic connection through her facilitation skills. With openness and vulnerability, she facilitates the space to talk about change and embrace every part of ourselves.

Oneika has been practicing yoga for more than 20 years, and guiding yoga and meditation for more than a decade. Since then, she has used her knowledge to support social justice nonprofits and historically excluded communities. She served as the Mindfulness Coach at Rikers Island Correctional Facility for 4 years and is currently a teacher for Yoga International, an inclusive and accessible online studio with classes designed for every level of practice.

Oneika’s ability to take big ideas and distill them down into understandable and relatable learnings allows her to show up as a conduit for transformation. She is your teacher, your auntie, your friend, and an intuitive soul here for the work of personal and collective liberation. From mindfulness and movement classes to keynote addresses and board meetings, Oneika consistently delivers a practical application of transformative practices at the intersection of joy and disruption. Book Oneika as your next wellness speaker, yoga teacher trainer, or retreat guide at: www.OneikaMays.com. Join her movement to tap into joy and change the world by connecting with her on Instagram at @OneikaMays.

About Oneika

Who I Am: Oneika is a multi-hyphenate facilitator who leads with joy, passion, and wisdom in all her endeavors. She is a grounded leader with lived experience that centers on mindfulness and transformation. As a Black, queer feminist she brings a poignant lens to building a world that is more compassionate and understanding.

What I Do: With deep roots and knowledge in Buddhist and yogic teachings, Oneika delivers practical application and authentic connection through her facilitation skills. With openness and vulnerability, she facilitates the space to talk about change and embrace every part of ourselves.

What Makes Me Unique: Oneika’s ability to take big ideas and distill them down into understandable and relatable learnings allows her to show up as a conduit for transformation. She is your teacher, your auntie, your friend, and an intuitive soul here for the work of personal and collective liberation.

What Folks Receive: From mindfulness and movement classes to keynote addresses and board meetings, Oneika consistently delivers a practical application of transformative practices at the intersection of joy and disruption.

Mission Statement:

Joy is a revolution, and our collective liberation is meant to be experienced with a full, open heart. It is Oneika’s mission to be her whole self, and with that authenticity, invite others into their own journey of mindfulness and transformation. When we get closer to ourselves, we can begin to see other people. Then with confidence, humility, and practical application, we can transcend our limitations to foster meaningful connection and change the world around us.

Bio Statement:

Teacher Writer Speaker Activist Human

Cultivating community thru joyful transformation

Suma Metla

Module Teaching: Anatomy

Place I call home:

Originally from Lakeland Florida, Suma has been practicing yoga and Bharatnatyam (Indian classical dance) since she was a young child. She grew up in a Hindu household which emphasized the importance of pranayama and the teachings of yoga. Over the years, she’s been able to share her culture and her love of dance through performances with Disney World, Cirque du Soleil, and many other events.

Currently, Suma is a yoga teacher, pediatric physical therapist, and infant massage coach. She is deeply dedicated to supporting infants and children with special needs in the Hawaii community. You can also find her treating children and educating families through her practice, Three Little Ducks. Suma believes that yoga can be for anyone, anybody, and any age!

Personal IG: @suma_metla

Tiger Rahman

Module Teaching: Yoga Philosophy, Cycles of Socialization and Liberation

Place I call home:

Tiger Rahman (they/he) is a Black, queer, transmasculine yoga and astrology practitioner, and a full-time organizational strategist, researcher and analyst with a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Learning from George Washington University. Tiger started graduate school to learn more about addressing the breakdown of knowledge and learning that happens within groups and organizations, and came out with a realization of the pivotal role of mindful leadership in shifting our status quo into a world where humanity can survive and thrive. They completed their 500 hours of yoga teaching training in 2020 with Susanna Barkataki (300 hour) and Stacy Berry (200 hour).

To Tiger, organizations and groups are the cornerstone of human social life, and self-leadership is what guides our action. Their project “Live Your Own Life” is a call for all individuals to set aside the ways of thinking we’ve adopted without critical analysis and go deeper to rediscover our power, purpose, and infinite potential for contribution. Tiger facilitates this through heartful reflection, contemplation of yogic philosophy, and continuous self study. Follow Tiger @liveyourown.life on Instagram or check out their writing and class offerings at www.liveyourown.life.

Sunaina Rangnekar

Module Teaching: Bhakti

Place I call home:

Sunaina Madhav Dasi (they/them) is a multidimensional human that holds many identities. They immigrated from Bangalore, India in 1996 and are currently settled on the ancestral lands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne and Ute Nations. Sunaina is a mixed race person (Indo-Aryan and Dravidian) and speaks Tamil as their mother-tongue. Their yoga practice is deeply rooted in Hinduism, Bhakti and social justice. They follow the lineage and teachings of their ancestors and Sri Paramahamsa Vishwananda as they took initiation into Hari Bhakta Sampradaya. Sunaina uses their neurodivergent superpowers to create a more community-centered world that focuses on individual healing by embracing one's unique purpose. They believe that the answer is already within us when we choose self-love, accountability and awareness. With their unique lens of the yogic path, Sunaina creates spaces to reclaim traditional practices, decolonize minds and abolish oppressive systems that affect us at an energetic and societal level. Outside of their practice they enjoy modeling, photography, dancing and directing photo shoots!