Carol Rossi

When we work together you can expect a breath-oriented practice. My approach is accessible to all, whether you’ve been a yogi for years, or have never taken a movement class. My goal is for us to expand our lived experience through expanding our breath, in poses that range from simple to complex. We’re not likely to do pretzel poses, there will be no hot room, and no jumping, but we’ll still get to an immersive experience. Students have told me “it seems like we’re not doing anything but we’re working at such a deep level.”***My journey with yoga began in 1991 at an elite fitness center in West Hollywood. At the time, I was deeply immersed in dance and aerobics, yet something about yoga stood apart. The physical postures felt different—more intentional, more profound. I sensed that yoga had much more to offer beyond movement, and I was eager to learn.I completed my 200-hour teacher training in 2000 in the tradition of Krishnamacharya, with a focus on integrating asana, breathwork, meditation, and philosophy. Over the years, my practice has been shaped by the teachings of TKV Desikachar and students of BKS Iyengar, as well as contemplative studies with James Finley since 2002.I've had the privilege of studying with exceptional teachers, including Erich Schiffmann, Gary Kraftsow, Sonia Nelson, Lisa Walford, Chris Stein, and Chris Chapple. I trained extensively with Trish O’Reilly at the North County Yoga Center in Solana Beach, earning my teaching certification and studying privately with her for five years.I developed and taught a for-credit yoga course—covering postures, breathwork, meditation, and Yoga Sutra philosophy—at several community colleges and Loyola Marymount University (LMU). At LMU, I co-founded the Yoga Studies program, which laid the foundation for multiple certificate programs, including a highly regarded Yoga Therapy program. This initiative ultimately led to LMU launching a Master’s degree in Yoga in 2013.Community has always been central to my work. With friends, I co-created a grassroots fundraiser that raised funds for breast and ovarian cancer research through yoga classes and kirtan featuring Krishna Das.Alongside my yoga journey, I’ve built a successful career in the tech industry, most recently focused on training and one-on-one coaching for user experience professionals. As that chapter winds down, I’m excited to return to teaching yoga—bringing together decades of study, practice, and life experience to meet this new stage with fresh perspective.Whether you're looking to deepen your practice, explore the philosophy of yoga, or integrate breath and meditation into daily life, I look forward to sharing this journey with you.