Welcome to DRIFT Yoga, a haven for mindful movement and communal gathering. Our mission is to make yoga accessible to all, offering classes from 45 to 60 minutes, catering to diverse schedules. We believe in fostering a harmonious connection between body, mind, and spirit. Our experienced instructors create a welcoming environment for practitioners of all levels. At DRIFT, we value community, sustainability, and mindfulness. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual, and invite you to join us on this transformative journey of self-discovery and inner peace. Step onto the mat and DRIFT away to serenity.
The YOGA Studio
The DRIFT space was designed by award winning Seattle architect Olson Kundig. The wooden box design of the yoga studio provides an oasis from the outside world to get centered and grounded, ready to practice yoga. The studio is non-heated (room temperature 75 degrees) and provides ample space for you to practice.
We are a “reserve your mat” studio to make sure that where you will practice is truly where you are going to be comfortable and present. We have made it simple by providing you with everything you need for class: a Pro Manduka Mat - 6 mm, props and towel (should you need one to wipe off sweat). These will be ready for you at your reserved spot and are always free of charge. Of course you are welcome to bring your own mat.
Our PARTNERS
We are proud to have a team of knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and engaging partners to guide you in your yoga practice.
Nancy Lea
I am a 500-hour E-RYT yoga instructor and have been practicing over 20 years and teaching since 2012. Based in Seattle, WA, I teach with intention, a sense of humor, and an open heart. I lead weekly studio classes in person and on Zoom, offer private yoga sessions and teach yoga retreats around the world..
My classes offer students a balance of stability with fluidity, and alignment with ease. I teach all the eight limbs of yoga, and each class is anchored to breath.
I feel yoga infuses daily living with a sense of joy, wonderment, and peace. I encourage students to move beyond their physical practice and to experience off the mat the self-love and awareness they have cultivated in their practice. My teaching has been described as nourishing, clear, insightful and “a beautiful, peaceful practice that strengthens the body and calms the mind.”
I believe that our wisest teacher lies within our own hearts and guides us through the world with grace, compassion, kindness, and love. I humbly share this sacred practice of yoga from a place of deep respect for and knowledge of the ancient teachings, my own teachers, and all the teachers that came before them.
My Teaching Style: I will meet you wherever you are in your practice and offer modifications and guidance to help you find what feels good in your body. All of my classes include an emphasis on intentional breathing and meaningful philosophical themes.
Why I teach yoga: Teaching and practicing yoga are lifelong endeavors for me. I practice to experience peace, grace, and inspiration within myself. I teach with the hope that you'll experience your own limitless potential of well-being. I hope you'll join me in this exploration of the self so that we can all be more kind and compassionate human beings.
Classes at DRIFT // Slow Flow, Vinyasa, Sound Bath, Hatha, Restorative, Pre-natal, Yoga Nidra, Private Classes, Yoga Education + , DRIFT Escape
Certifications:
ISHTA Yoga + Meditation and Master’s Program - 300 hr RYT Silvia Mordini & Jenniferlyn Chiemingo - 200 hr RYT
Stay social with me // IG @nancyleayoga
Brooke // Certified Therapeutic Yoga Specialist with Yoga Medicine
I was born and raised in Seattle where I began my yoga practice back in High School. I have now been teaching yoga for 10 years. I am a student of Yoga Medicine, where I’ve been attending my advanced teacher trainings. When I am not teaching yoga I love to read and hangout with my cat, Onyx. :)
My teaching style: Therapeutic Vinyasa
Why I teach yoga: I feel called to teach yoga as appreciation for ways the practice has nourished and transformed my life: physically, mentally and spiritually. I love teaching yoga because I am passionate about the endless benefits of this practice, not just physically but energetically too. I love serving as a guide to inspire others on this yoga journey.
Fun fact / Fave snack: Macadamia nuts
Classes at DRIFT: Vinyasa + Arm Balance, Yin Flow, Slow Flow, Goddess Yoga
Certifications:
Yoga Medicine: Yoga for Athletes - 25 hr / Yin and Meditation - 60 hr / Hip Module: Anatomy, Dysfunction, Application - 60 hr / Shoulder Module: Anatomy, Dysfunction, Application - 60 hr / Chinese Medicine Yoga Application - 25 hr / Yoga Anatomy - 20 hr / Myofascial Release - 60 hr / Mindful, Trauma-Informed Yoga / Spine Module: Anatomy, Dysfunction, Application - 60 hr / Mental Health and Wellness - 60 hr Jason Crandell: Teacher Renewal Training University of Oregon: Ashtanga Yoga Courses Maui Hot Yoga 200-hour Teacher Training
Stay social with me // IG @brookeshakti
Sarah
I’m a writer and a yoga & meditation teacher. I moved to the left coast in 2010 and found my perfect home in Seattle, where I live with my dude and two dogs. I spent the first 20 years of my professional life working in non-profit communications and marketing, but have been a full time teacher since 2019. I teach in several studios in Seattle, as well as lead the Seattle branch of Flourish Meditation, based in Nashville. My offerings include vinyasa, hatha, yin, and restorative yoga, seated meditation, and workshops for anxiety management, to name a few.
My Teaching Style: I became a yoga student in 2012, at a time when anxiety and depression were taking over my life. I’ve always enjoyed a good, sweaty workout, but I was looking for something more contemplative, something physically challenging that would also support me on my inward journey of healing and growth. This practice has made my life so much richer than I could have imagined. When nothing else can quiet the mind or still the body, coming to your mat can. All you have to do is show up.
Fun facts / Fave snack : French fries, dark chocolate, or popcorn! (Wait, was this supposed to be healthy?)
Classe at DRIFT: Vinyasa, Meditation, Yoga Nidra, Yin, Restorative, Sound Bath, DRIFT Escape
Certifications:
Yoga Alliance /Yacep 200 Hr RYT Sangha Yoga / Yoga Behind Bars 22 Hour Trauma-Informed TT / Jodi Boone & Heather Danso Restorative - 20 hrs / Flourish Meditation 200 hr MTT / Lea Adams Yin Yoga - 50 hrs / Scott Francis Sound Bath Practitioner Mentorship / Josephine Edmondson, Linea Jensen Teaching Mentorship - 150 hrs / American Red Cross Adult First Aid - CPR - AED
Stay social with me // IG: @sarahhydewellness
Carly
I began practicing yoga in 2012 and began teaching in 2015. Since then I've completed over 100 hours of trauma-informed and social justice-oriented yoga trainings that heavily influence my teaching today. My approach focuses on returning agency to the student, and encouraging each person to recognize the guidance of their own innate wisdom--the teacher that lies within each of us. I'm passionate about creating accessible and nurturing spaces where students can explore strength and softness, effort and ease, and every place in between at their own pace.
Currently I spend the majority of my time teaching yoga in a clinical setting in eating disorder treatment. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending any time outside, whether it's hiking in the Cascades, paddle boarding on Puget Sound, or lying in the grass at Greenlake. I was born and raised in Seattle so you'll never find me far from the mountains or the sea.
My Teaching Style: Slow and steady vinyasa flow with invitational, inclusive, and non-hierarchical instruction.
Why I teach: I teach yoga because I believe this practice is a powerful vehicle for connection, freedom, and change, on the individual level as well as the collective.
Fun facts / Fave snack: All the snacks!! Right now, peanut butter filled pretzels or dried mango.
Classe at DRIFT: Slow Flow
Stay social with me // IG: @holacarly
Jai
I began my yoga journey using Rodney Yee videos in the living room. I’ve been practicing for over 20 years and have been teaching since 2016. Since my first training I’ve continued to learn and take as many trainings as I could in variety of subjects and styles of yoga. Currently I’m working towards my 500-Hr certification with Amy Ippoliti and Vesselify School of Yoga.
My teaching style: I guide students to deepening self-awareness through dynamic flow, mindful breathing and a playful mindset. My classes are infused with thoughtful alignment, opportunities to challenge oneself and moments of quiet self reflection.
Fun fact / When I’m not teaching yoga: I’m tending to my garden, cooking and hanging out with my dog and chickens.
Classes at DRIFT: Hatha, Myofascial Release, Power Vinyasa, Yin, Arm Balance, Private Classes
Certifications:
Vesselify School of Yoga, Amy Ippoliti - 500 hr / Seattle Yoga Arts Restorative / Zabie Yamasaki Trauma Informed / Betsy Shilling Myofascial Release / The Ground Org Trauma Informed with Feet
Stay social with me // IG: @jaipieyoga
Jeremy Scott
I was born in Seattle and grew up mostly in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. Growing up I was very competitive and participated in many sports from Soccer, to Basketball and Football. My greatest passion was Wrestling and I had much success in High School. Most notably I placed in the State tournament in the highest division in 2006. I went to the University of Washington where I obtained a bachelor's degree in Psychology but always somehow knew the world of traditional academics was not my calling. I originally discovered yoga in 2014 when my now wife Vanessa dragged me to a class, which I originally protested saying that yoga was "for girls" (I know right). I learned that yoga is for everyone and has an incredible journey of individual growth that resembled wrestling to me and quickly fell in love and it became another passion of mine. After working nearly every job you can think of in my twenties and early thirties, in 2019 I decided to go with my heart and become a certified yoga teacher. It remains as one of the best decisions I ever made and I'm grateful everyday for this vocation.
My Teaching Style: It involves a lot of exploration of alignment and philosophy, and creative and "fun" sequencing that not only builds physical strength and mobility, but explores the range of sensations, feelings and emotions that we as humans can experience. I wish to empower my students by passing on my own knowledge so that they may learn to be masters of their own bodies, minds and journeys in life. In my view there is value in all types of practice and no one "right way" to do anything, so my style ebbs and flows and transitions like the seasons.
Why I teach: To share my knowledge with others. I teach because there is so much that this practice has given me and I believe that there is benefit for all within Yoga. I love helping people and I care greatly for others.
Fun fact / When I’m not teaching yoga: You can find me at the Disc Golf course (another great passion of mine) going out to music concerts and hiking/backpacking the PNW.
Classes at DRIFT: Power Vinyasa, Yin Flow
Certification:
Yoga Teacher 200 Hr RYT Awakening Yoga 10 Hour Tuck Handstand module / 10 Hour Handstands for Teachers
Stay social with me // IG: @jremyscott
Alexis
I’m a trauma-informed yoga teacher. I work to create a safe and comfortable space for anyone who wants to practice yoga. I began practicing in yoga in 2002 when I first moved to the US from South Korea.
My teaching style: My classes are fun and engaging. I use analogies from modern life. I want yoga to be as accessible as possible. I encourage students to lean into any discomfort. With anything you try for the first time, you’re going to feel a little lost. Embrace that. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Classes at DRIFT: Vinyasa
Certifications:
Mojave Yoga collective - 200 hr Jason Crandell Yoga Method - 300 hr Little Flower Yoga - 100 hr Children & Teens Yoga + Mindfulness Yoga Medicine Myofascial Release - 55 hrs / Yin + Meditation - 55 hrs Joyce Bosen - Trauma Recovery
Stay social with me // IG @alexischoi_yoga
Meagan
I found yoga after years of working as a chef left me with chronic pain and anxiety. I was hooked right away to the physical practice , but as I spent more time on my mat I realized how yoga helped to heal my mind as well as my body. I left the professional kitchen in 2017 and took my first teacher training, shifted careers and started my own business. I’ve been teaching full time ever since! I teach Vinyasa Slow Flow, Yin, Restorative and Meditation. I am currently working towards my 500 hour with Yoga Medicine.
My teaching style: Grounding, layered, slow building and intentional. Routed in mindful movement (or stillness), and breath.
Why I teach yoga: To share the empowerment and peace that yoga gave me with others.
Fun fact / When I’m not teaching yoga: You can find me outside, in my garden and neighborhood, exploring with my partner and two rescue Bloodhounds.
Classes at DRIFT: Slow Flow, Vinyasa, Meditation
Certifications:
Yoga Teacher Training 200 RYT Yoga Medicine Hip Immersion - 30 hrs / Shoulder Immersion - 60 hrs / Anatomy Dysfunction
Stay social with me // IG @sugarcane.yoga
McKenzie
I was originally drawn to the mat for the physical workout and release from everyday stresses, but I soon realized the magic of yoga helped me become more present by connecting to my breath. I completed my 200-hour training in my hometown of Phoenix, AZ in 2013, and am
currently learning from YogaMedicine for my 500-hour. I weave both the physical and spiritual traditions of the practice with clear intentions for healing. My classes are inspired by all of my teachers and the power of nature.
My Teaching Style: Compassionately guided mindful movement with breath work and music.
Why I teach yoga: My aim is to make yoga accessible for every body and help others find peace in their practice.
Fun Facts / Fave snack: Frozen banana dipped in chocolate and peanut butter :)
Why I Love Seattle: The abundant inspiration of nature and elements is all around. I also love how open minded the people are.
Classes at DRIFT: Vinyasa, Myofascial Release, Sound Bath, Yoga Nidra, Slow Flow, Hatha
Certifications:
Summits Hot Yoga 200 RYT Yoga Medicine 500 hr RYT / Myofascial Release - 55 hrs / Yin & Meditation - 55 hrs / Shoulder - 55 hr Mind Body Hum Sound Bath Mentorship Restorative Yoga Institute Trauma Informed Restorative Yoga
Stay social with me // IG @mckenziemarieyoga
Shawna // Rocket Vinyasa, Mastering the Art of Handstand
I am a bilingual certified yoga instructor, motivational speaker, and host of the Leadership and Yoga podcast. I completed my two 200-Hour Teacher Trainings: Ashtanga Yoga Puerto Rico and Siddhi Yoga International. I also trained in Rocket Yoga and I’ve completed a certificate program in guided meditation and Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga. My own personal practice started in 2012 as a family activity before morphing into a passion she now takes pride in sharing with others.
My teaching style: It is my priority for you to feel seen, inspired and safe to find whatever level of challenge you are open to. I am here to strategically guide you through an Ashtanga-based practice, provide hands-on assists, and help you enjoy the experience of yoga asana. In my classes you will find breathwork,
centering techniques, an opportunity to learn semi-set sequences and deepen your inversions practice. I enjoy teaching energetic classes to all levels and seek to help you see the complexities of yoga as inspiring rather than intimidating. It is my belief that yoga is a ritual that can bring us immense joy, and that we can find contentment in the practice itself, beyond anything that we expect it to do for us. My teaching philosophy is, “I will tell you where to look, but not what to see.” The sequence is the thread that pulls us into flow state, but the expressions are many.
Why I teach yoga // Growing up, I always said I wanted to be a yoga teacher but it took working for two law firms and many years on an unaligned path to finally be brave enough! My desire to teach started shortly after I showed up to my first serious yoga class in track shorts straight out of cross country practice. I was a 15-year-old distance runner and I couldn’t touch my toes. I was completely lost watching the instructor demo inversions but I was also in awe. Yoga became the blessing of self-inquiry and peace that I needed. After seeing elements of my physical body and my mental space change dramatically during those first few years, all I could think about was sharing my love for this form of meditative movement and the energy it brings with others. Today I teach because it is an art that brings me immense joy.
Fun fact: When I’m not teaching // …You can find me salsa dancing!
Stay social with me // IG @shawnakru
Alison // Mastering the Art of Handstand, Arm Balance
I’m a fitness enthusiast. I love all kinds of movement from yoga to hiking to boxing. I’ve been teaching yoga since 2013. Prior to yoga, I worked as a TV reporter.
My teaching style: Power Vinyasa with a focus on functional movement.
Why I teach yoga: Every time I step on to my mat, I learn something new - about myself, about a posture, or about lie. My passion is to help others on their own journey to wellness, to help them realize their potential through this amazing practice.
Fun fact / Fave snack: Potato chips!
Classes at DRIFT: Power Vinyasa, Arm Balance
Certifications:
Yoga Teacher Training 200 hr RYT Empowerment Performance Program - Breath and functional fitness training Yoga Tune Up - Level 1 Inferno Hot PIlates Baptiste Power Vinyasa Institute - Levels 1-3 300 hrs
Stay social with me // IG @yogigoup
Vonnai // Community Relations
I’m the Morning Reporter at The Seattle Times, where I cover breaking news, general assignment tidbits and anything with a little bit of fun. I’m also a signed model at SMG.
Why I practice yoga: Practicing yoga feels like I am coming home to myself. When I’m on the mat, I find the purest connection to my physical, emotional, spiritual and mental self, and in turn, a deep and true connection to all life around me — that’s why I practice.
Why I decided to work at DRIFT post day job: DRIFT quickly became a second home to me when I began practicing at the studio a few years ago. I love connecting and nurturing relationships with people, so working the front desk in a space close to my heart felt and still feels like a perfect fit!
Fun fact: In my free time, you can almost always find me shopping for anything vintage or eating through every Seattle neighborhood.
Vivian // Founder.Owner, Instructor
I’m originally from San Rafael, CA (north of the Golden Gate Bridge) but have made Seattle my home since 2008 together with my husband. We moved here for my job in the fashion industry which I left in 2017. I’ve always known I would open a yoga studio soon after I got introduced to it while running long distance back in 2000 and here we are! When I left my career I immediately jumped onto being a student again to learn about yoga, teach yoga, experiment with v-gf-df-sf baking and juice mixes that are tasty and everyone can enjoy. 3 years later, I landed on a spot for DRIFT to come to life. I received all of my trainings from Yoga Medicine by Tiffany Cruikshank from 200 hr RYT to advanced trainings. I also trained in fascial web with Anatomy Trains by Tom Myers and from Love Your Brain, yoga for traumatic brain injury. I am an anatomy nerd…always digging into ways to challenge the body in a healthy way through movement.
My teaching style: Movement that challenges the mind and body allowing practitioners to explore and discover through breath.
Why I teach yoga: I simply want to share that yoga is movement, you don’t have to be flexible, it is accessible and that yoga can be done in a 45 minute class. No matter how long or short the practice is, yoga meets you where you need to be.
Fun fact / When I’m not teaching yoga: I run, I climb, I keep up with fashion and stay curious of what is going on around me to better the business, keep building my team and serve the community…that’s all fun, right?!
Classes at DRIFT: Myofascial Release, Power Vinyasa/Vinyasa, Slow Flow, Yin Flow, Sculpt, Private Classes, DRIFT Escape
Certifications:
Yoga Medicine: 200 hr RYT / Myofascial Release - 60 hrs / Spine - 60 hrs / Mental Health - 60 hrs / Yoga for Athletes - 25 hrs / Hip Immersion - 25 hrs / Yin - 60 hrs Anatomy Trains: Fascial Network - 30 hrs / Love Your Brain: Yoga for traumatic brain injury - 50 hrs