Group X Instructor Bio’s & Pictures
Jeff Cope
I am currently a Junior at SFSU studying Environmental Sustainability and
Social Justice. I have been doing yoga for 4 years and graduated from the San
Francisco Yoga Tree Teacher Training Program in the Summer of 2011. I
deeply enjoy the practice of meditation and closely follows the teachings of
Guatama Buddha, Laozi, B.K.S. Iyengar, Martin Luther King, Jr., Van Jones,
and many other great spiritual teachers. My flow classes work to bring
conscious awareness to the rhythm of our breath and movement.
Currently teaches: Meditative Flow
Erika Eugenio
I graduated from SFSU in 2009 with degrees in Kinesiology with an emphasis
in Human Movement Sciences and Holistic Health. I expanded my degree by
becoming a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM (National Academy of
Sports Medicine). I hold CPR/AED certifications through the American Red
Cross; I sub part-time for San Francisco Unified School District as a Teacher,
Master Teacher, and Site Manager. My passion is to teach and educate. I
enjoy sharing knowledge with those willing to lend their precious time to
learn.
I love what I do and it can be seen in how I teach, how passionate I am about not only my health and
fitness but also those I serve. My dedication in helping each individual reach their goals under their own
terms is exemplified by the challenges they face mentally, physically, and emotionally by utilizing the
tools and education I provide for them. I am in my 5th semester of teaching at my Alma Mater and plan
to stay for many semesters to come.
Cheers to Our Health!!!
Currently teaches: Gut’s & Butt’s, Cardio Kickboxing
Alex G
Hello! For the past 7 years, I have been in the Army as an Infantryman and instructed
Platoon Fitness for up to 40 soldiers. I have taught Group X for 2 years at 24 hour
Fitness and have trained for 19 years as a competitive cyclist. What sets my Bootcamp
class apart from others is that I have actually been to Bootcamp! With my
background, I put an emphasis on team work and group camaraderie.
“Do something that makes you feel good, even if it hurts.”~Alex R.
Currently teaches: Extreme Bootcamp, Circuit Training
Ashley Hunt
I am currently a Sophomore at SFSU studying Kinesiology. My life goal is to
work for an athletic team as the physical therapist, but would also love to
work in a children’s hospital. I hope to meet and help as many people as I can,
and make an impact in other people’s lives.
Currently teaches: Turbo Kick
Sadaf Malik
I am a senior at SFSU studying Biology with a concentration in
Physiology. I have been a Bollywood Dancer for over 6 years and have
been a choreographer for over 3 years. I started the Dhamaka Dance
Organization (DDO) at San Francisco State as a way to spread Indian
Film Dance and am now offering classes to show that anyone can do
Bollywood! I hope to expose Bollywood Dance as not only a great form
of art and expression, but as a way that can give you a great work-out as
well.
Currently teaches: Bollywood Dance
Alex Mattingly
I am an Exercise Physiologist specializing in Muscle Physiology. I am a Weight
Lifter of 13 years and train Body-Building, Power Lifting, Olympic Lifting and
Sports Specific Training.
Currently teaches: XL Strength Training
Meredith Olson
I am a Graduate Student in the M.A. TESOL Program at SF State. I completed
a YogaWorks 200-hour Teacher Training in February, 2011, and I love sharing
yoga with Students, Staff and Faculty on campus. My classes combine fluid
movement with breath, and are inspired by a blend of different styles and
traditions. Everyone, including beginners, advanced yogis, or anyone who just
wants to stretch, breathe and sweat, is welcome to come to them!
Currently teaches: Candlelight Yoga
Hannah Renick
I am a Junior at SFSU majoring in US History and minoring in English. I fell in
love with dance at the age of 6 when I took my first ballet class. Since then, I
have expanded my disciplines to include tap, jazz, and lyrical. Five years ago, I
became a Dance Instructor and enjoy every minute of it. I love teaching
dance because I get to see the participants gain strength and flexibility, but
more importantly, confidence in themselves!
Currently teaches: Dance
Adair Sapinski
My introduction to PiYo began as a student in a class lead 7 years ago in
Chicago. My intention was to find a class that was fun and challenging while
at the same time build strength and flexibility. I quickly fell in love with the
blend of Pilates and Yoga.
I pursued PiYo certification and started teaching my own classes one year
after my first class as a participant. I relocated to San Francisco 3 years ago to
follow my passion for Yoga. I continued my education at Yoga Tree under Darren Main, my teacher and
mentor. I am lucky to do what I love and I am honored to share my expertise.
As a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and PiYo Instructor, I teach in San Francisco, Daly City, and
Walnut Creek.
Currently teaches: PiYo
Arnel Valle
I’ve always hated how my outsides didn’t match my insides. Years ago, I had
the courage to join a gym and finally they matched! My rule is to enjoy the
work I put into keeping fit and always have fun. Curves and muscles are fine,
but smiles are always so much better!
Currently teaches: WTF: Work the Foam, Turbo Kick
Danae Robinett
I am so grateful to be teaching Yoga to others locally, in Phoenix and
internationally in Italy, Ecuador and Bali. I draw inspiration from many
sources to create Yoga classes, which offer elements of Ashtanga, Hatha,
Yin, Partner and Restorative styles; please come prepared to sweat,
smile and shine. I foster a nurturing environment whereby students
realize their true potential in the art of trying and taking risk. What we
learn on our mats automatically translates into the other areas of our lives resulting in transformational
effects. I radiate a playful spirit while still honoring the sacredness of Yoga...laughter is essential and for
some of the seemingly harder poses, I often suggest how requisite it is to smile during the pose. The act
of smiling brings down everyone’s guard, releases any competitive thoughts with oneself or others in
the space and allows for JOY to flow easily! I encourage students to find their authentic self in Yoga and
beyond - to always lead with the heart realizing there is no judgment in Yoga!
Currently teaches: (Yoga Substitute Instructor)
Mindy Service
My background in yoga stemmed from my dance experiences
throughout my life; my dance instructor in high school incorporated
yoga postures into our daily routine. I began to align with the
connection of the breath to movement, and in college I became
involved with a yoga club, The Circle. I began practicing with Peter
Sterios and discovered my calling in Hatha Yoga, participating his 2011
Teacher Training and Advanced Studies Program in San Luis Obispo,
CA. I find that a nurturing sequence with the addition of some heat
building postures will give my students a feel-good daily practice. My class opens with exercises to
prepare major joints for practice; following up with a dynamic sequence of asana which builds heat,
strengthens muscles and the digestive and metabolic functions of the body; and the closing exercises
calm the nervous system to prepare for relaxation and meditation. In my practice, surrender and
connection to the present moment is invited.
Currently teaches: (Yoga Substitute Instructor)