Our Teachers
We are passionate about helping others live healthy and happy lives. We share a common belief that exploration and experiences are foundational to wellness and purpose.
As teachers, mentors, friends, and self-acknowledged works in progress, we feel blessed to share our expertise on emotional and physical wellness with young women during this important phase in their lives.
Credentials
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E-RYT500 Yoga Therapy
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Ayurveda Wellness Consultant
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TM Meditation
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Emotion Code & Body Code Practitioner
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Certified Medical Reiki Master Practitioner & Teacher
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200 Hour Medical Qi Gong Instructor
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Hatha Gong Master
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Lifeline Technique - Certified Practitioner
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MARI Art Therapy Practitioner
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M.Ed – Elementary Education
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BS – Textiles and Clothing
Charla Lewis
Yoga, Meditation and Energy Healing
I started practicing yoga in 2000 and was hooked immediately! My 2 daughters noticed how it affected me and would say “Mom, go to yoga!” Upon the realization that it was transformational not only physically but mentally, I embraced it fully. Having previously been an elementary school teacher, I wanted to pursue teacher training to combine these two passions and began my teaching journey in September of 2011, finishing the 200-hour program in January of 2012. I immediately enrolled in a Master Program of Healing Emphasis Yoga, finishing in December 2013.
My yoga philosophy is the breath, posture, and patience. I am a lifelong learner and love to impart that knowledge to my students, emphasizing those principles. My love of learning led me to study Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, through the Maharishi Ayurveda Association of America to compliment healing emphasis. I specialize in TRE or Trauma Release Exercises developed by David Bercelli, PhD, as well as postural work using the Egoscue Method. I incorporate the gong and crystal bowls into yoga classes for a vibrational healing experience. I am a Reiki Master and studied with Raven Keyes in Medical Reiki to support patients before, during and after surgery and childbirth. Medical Qi Gong has enhanced my yoga teaching, which led to studying Acupressure. The combination of this all comes together with the Lifeline Technique and The Emotion Code/Body Code. These are both a manifestation system that allows us to release long-held patterns in our bodies that translate into physical symptoms and emotional stressors, choosing love in the face of fear!
I co-owned Joyful Yoga Studio in Tempe, AZ for 8 years but the pandemic wasn't kind to the exercise industry. This has allowed us the time to manifest a dream Lisa and I had of leading a program for empowering young women.
I spend my summers in Wildwood, NJ managing my family's seasonal business, started in 1922 by my grandparents, and teaching Yoga on the Beach since 2012! I spend winters in Phoenix with my husband and 2 West Highland Terriers and traveling as much as possible!
Lisa Gumina
Educator Life Planner
I've spent my career dedicated to understanding and educating adolescents and teens. After earning advanced degrees in psychology and education, with a research focus on positive psychology and teen resiliency, I spent 21 years teaching in middle and high school.
Some of my most meaningful teaching was during reading and writing workshop. Connecting with students through a literary lens allowed for great conversations about self, values, relationships, and of course- existentially, the meaning of life. Teaching psychology and cultural anthropology courses to high school students for 9 years was another way to dig into meaningful topics.
Throughout my years in the classroom, I enjoyed working with students outside the classroom. While advising the school newspaper, facilitating an advisory program, and supporting students in Mock Trial, building relationships connections continue to be invaluable.
In addition to teaching, much of my focus was on helping high school seniors plan for their gap year and/or college. I have lots of experience navigating the College Board, the Common App, and the entire application process.
Believing in the importance of hands-on learning and community, I also traveled internationally with students to Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. These service-learning experiences planted the seed for ExperienceGoGap with my friend and colleague, Charla.
I'm fortunate to work alongside someone who embodies life-long learning, shares similar values of wellness and purpose, and is undeniably a super smart person. We also share a love of travel-- especially Costa Rica, for its culture and beauty!
Credentials
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Professional development hours- Science of Learning, Habits of Mind, Diversity Equity and Inclusivity, Social Emotional Learning, Mastering Group Facilitation, Learning and the Brain
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College BoardAdvanced Placement CEU's
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Certification- Mindfulness in Education
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Teen Resiliency Project at U of Pennsylvania
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BA- Psychology
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M.Ed Education
Credentials
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Southern New Jersey Academy of the Performing Arts - Drama Major
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Arizona State University - Filmmaking Practices
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Upright Citizens Brigade - Improv 101-401; Sketch 101-301; Character 101-201; Musical Improv 101
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The Groundlings - Workshop A; Basic; Intermediate; Power Wow; Advanced
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Lesly Kahn & Co. - Comedy Intensive; Technical Clinic; On-Going
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Ben Axelrad - Pilot Writing 101
Shannon Dee
Visiting Teacher - The Art of Expression
Shannon Dee is a writer, actor, & director living in the City of Angels. Originally from the land of cheesesteaks & founding fathers, Shannon uprooted her east coast life for somewhere a little warmer and studied film at Arizona State University. After graduation, she moved to Los Angeles where she began her first year of adulthood being treated like a child in the mailroom at ICM Partners. She loved every minute of it.
Shannon soon realized she didn’t want to be an agent, rather she wanted to have an agent. She then enrolled in Upright Citizens Brigade and The Groundlings where she has been training and performing ever since. Shannon is a part of a sketch team who host a monthly variety open mic called 'Not 2 Polished'. At the show, they raise money to donate to a different charity each month.
Shannon has accumulated several acting credits including Veronica Mars, Lucifer, Tosh.0, I’m Sorry, Animal Kingdom, Bob Hearts Abishola, Hacks, Good Girls, Gaslit, I Love That For You, and the reboot of the 80s sitcom, Night Court.
Shannon wrote, directed, produced, and starred in an award-winning, sci-fi/comedy web series, Not From Around Here. She is proud to announce that it won Best Web Series at the Austin Comedy Short Film Festival. It snagged Best Sci-Fi at the Tokyo International Short Film Festival and won Best Makeup & Hairstyling at the Indie Short Fest in Los Angeles, where it was also nominated for Best Web Series/TV Pilot, Best Web & New Media, and Best First Time Director.
While Shannon's first love is acting, she has a passion for creating and storytelling
Devon Francis
Visiting Teacher- The Art of Food
Devon is a chef at the Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen in San Francisco, California, where she leads food development and testing. She is passionate about natural ingredients, understanding foods holistically, and sharing her love for the culinary arts.
A native Californian, she grew up eating locally grown foods and loves to highlight local ingredients in her cooking.
Devon's teaching includes the psychology of eating and communicating through food, exploring the five senses, and recipe development projects. Devon helps students understand ingredient choices, trust their taste intuitions and realize creative potential.
In addition to running the Williams Sonoma test kitchen, Devon also planned events for the AIDS Walk SF and Bottlerock and has authored 3 cookbooks.
Devon's journey from high school to college and then eventually onto the San Francisco Cooking School is filled with wisdom worth sharing. Creative and professional fulfillment can go hand in hand.
Credentials
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Author of 3 cookbooks
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Hosts Williams Sonoma cooking classes
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BA Marketing Saint Louis University
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San Francisco Cooking School