Christina Cooper
MS Exercise Physiology, RYT-500, E-RYT 200
Christina’s passion for health and wellness stems from her days competing in collegiate track and cross country. She learned invaluable lessons after suffering the physical and mental effects of over exercise and following strict training programs. Learning to listen to her body, instead of following a one size fits all approach to fitness, lead her to find her passion for Yoga.
Her yoga practice helped heal her mind and body, and the effects filtered into all aspects of her life. She was so inspired by the positive impact that yoga had on her wellbeing she decided to become an instructor. Christina completed her 200-hour certification in 2010 through Core Power Yoga, and has taught there ever since. In 2020 Christina completed her 300 Hour certification through Prana Yoga.
Recognized as a senior Yoga instructor in the San Diego community, she is passionate about sharing the mind body connection, relaxation and inner peace which a balanced exercise routine can foster. Christina holds a B.S. in Kinesiology – Public Health from California State University San Marcos; and a M.S. in Exercise Physiology from San Diego State University.
She is excited to share her knowledge in helping to create a balanced and sustainable yoga class for all fitness levels as well as her understanding of stress management and injury prevention.
Kelly Morelewski
M.A., RYT-500, E-RYT-200, CSCS, USAW, TRX, Alexander Method of SMR - Master Level
My entire life I have always been drawn to movement. There wasn't a time when I haven't been playing or involved in physical activity for work or fun. In 2001 completed my undergraduate degree at University of Idaho, where I played D-I basketball and majored in Sports Psychology; followed by a my Masters in Kinesiology from Saint Mary's College of CA.
Since 2001, I have been working within the educational and fitness industries. I am finding that as my career has evolved, I too have grown and changed with it. I thrive on bringing in more education, recovery techniques, and advancement for all the various groups I'm involved with; which has created a full body care approach to all my work. In 2015, I deepened my journey, completing my yoga teacher training. Since then I have been teaching many yoga at studios, private settings, and in a classroom at the community college level.
I am very interested in the recovery side of training. Yoga for me is such a wonderful compliment. I use many self release techniques with both my clients and students. Many people do not know how to get their body functioning properly and the combination of yoga, SMR, and strength training has profound positive effects. I love what I do. Every day I wake up blessed I get to work with such amazing people and share with them this knowledge.
Currently at Miramar College, I am co-teach the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses and Yoga activity courses in the Exercise Science Department. I also am an instructor in the Kinesiology department at Mira Costa College. When I'm not teaching I enjoy time with my family (Husband Matt; Son Jacob; Daughter Finnley) and long naps.
Career:
- 2001-2002 Intern Strength & Conditioning Coach; CSU Sacramento
- 2002-2003 Coach/Lecturer; CSU, Bakersfield
- 2003-2005 Strength & Conditioning Coach; Univ. Cal, Berkeley
- 2005-2008 Strength & Conditioning Coach; Stanford University
- 2008-20013 Assistant Director Strength & Conditioning/Lecturer; St. Mary's College of CA
- 2013-2017 The Garage; Own Personal Training/Yoga business
- 2014-Current Associate Professor; Mira Costa College
- 2015-2017 Adjunct Professor Grossmont College
- 2016-2017 Hot Yoga Santee
- 2017-Current Adjunct Professor; Mira Mar College
Amore St Ives
MS Organizational Management with an emphasis in Project Management, BS Interior Design, BA Psychology, Minor in Theatre Dance, E-RYT-500
Amore has the roots of the Pacific Northwest and the spirit of the Southern Coast. She spent many of her formative years exploring the healing powers of nature in Portland Oregon that initiated her love of untethered travel and learning. She went to school at The University California - San Diego, The Art Institute and Ashford University to follow her passion for people, movement and art. Currently she holds degrees in psychology, interior design, theatre dance and a Masters in management. In 2001 she served in the Peace Corps, Ghana Africa as a health and sanitation teacher to local villages. Upon returning from Africa Amore was diagnosed with two auto-immune diseases; ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerative colitis. This has only activated a deeper yearning to learn and share her experience and knowledge as a collective community of healing.
She continues to tap into her exploratory nature through her world travels, continuing education opportunities and yoga practice. She is E-RYT 500 yoga certified and plans to complete her doctorate in Ayurvedic medicine and philosophy. Over the past 10 years she has facilitated countless trainings, workshops and community events integrated in yoga, nutrition and whole life wellness. She has also worked as a manager for Corepower Yoga for 6 years, yoga therapist for Catalyst Physical Therapy for 2 years and a yoga educator leading a 300-hour advanced teacher training program in the exercise science department for Miramar College in San Diego, CA.
Her mission is to share the depths of connectivity and consciousness through the teachings of yoga to her students and beyond.
Hyelim Yoo
Ph.D. Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology, RYT-200
As a child who was raised among athletes, I have always loved playing sports and being physically active. Without hesitation, I studied Exercise Science for my undergraduate degree to gain more knowledge about human movement sciences. Then I went on to earn my Ph.D. degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology from Iowa State University. I have taught many courses in the field of Exercise Science. Throughout my education and career, I primarily focused on physical fitness, but truly felt there was a lack of connection and balance between the physical body and mind.
Then I started wondering how to heal the distressed body, while also thinking about how to reconnect the body and mind. One of the solutions that I found was the study of yoga. As I started to practice more yoga, my physical body was able to start to connect with my mind, and ultimately, find the balance in between. Since then, I have loved practicing yoga, which lead me to earn the 200-hour San Diego Miramar College Certification of Performance in Yoga and the 200-hr Yoga Alliance (RYT) Certificate to teach and spread the power of yoga to others.
Lastly, I love spending time with my husband and our three kids. I love spending time outdoors, on the beach and in the nature in our sunny San Diego. I currently teach yoga activity classes at San Diego Miramar College. I hope you join the great journey of yoga with me and the rest of our program.