Robyn is the owner of Empower Yoga Studio! She brings 20 years of her own practice, an M.S. in Educational Psychology, 10 years in experiential education and therapies, as well over 400 hours of trauma informed training giving her insight and awareness into the benefits of yoga from an neuroscience and therapeutic point of view. Robyn loves sharing this beautiful practice as it has accompanied her throughout all of life’s challenges and victories! She approaches her yoga classes with lightness and joy, while also helping her students build strength in their mental focus and physical practice! She believes in the beauty of both science and spirituality! Robyn is thrilled to have the opportunity to provide a space for people to reconnect with self through breath, movement, and community.

Maria is our Studio Coordinator! As a yoga teacher, she guides students through a methodical and safe class, so they may practice yoga for a long time! Maria deeply believes that we must honor the mind, body, and spirit to enlighten our self-awareness in order to live the best life we can! She teaches from a place of knowledge, strength, and joy! She is originally from Chile and moved to Florida in 2012 where she lived until moving to California. Maria has been practicing yoga since 2000 and starting teaching in 2010. Maria is 500 YTT. Maria’s classes welcome both English and Spanish speaking students!

Robyn Hastin is a certified nutrition coach, yoga instructor and yoga health coach. She is trained in Color Energy Healing as well as certified to teach Yin, Prenatal, and Therapeutic/Restorative Yoga. Robyn is a bhakta and kirtan leader who has played with kirtan groups The Bliss Project and the OmTonez and she occasionally supports Girish on harmonium. Robyn teaches an eclectic mixture of hatha yoga styles based on her personal exploration. In her classes, she uses a fun and playful atmosphere to allow students to explore freedom of movement as they develop intelligence and awareness of the bodymind through intention, breath and asana.

Cheyenne is a professional baker and chef in Grover Beach, a wife and mother to 3 sons, and a local performer, singer, songwriter, and musician.   Her passion for yoga began over 20 years ago after taking what seemed like an “easy” university elective yoga course  to break up the rigor of her last quarter  as a biology major… but has since grown into the cornerstone of her holistic wellbeing and heart for service. While earning her 300 hr YTT in 2024, she has been teaching her children, family and friends for over a decade. Astrological Asana was a 4 part series she taught at Empower last year that integrates earth and cosmos based rhythms and cycles into daily yoga practice and intention setting. Her yoga teaching philosophy is to always teach from the heart, always honor the origins of yoga and its philosophy,  and to incorporate live music, mantra, or sound healing and a sense of curiosity into all of her classes. 

Palaka Das is a yogi and plant based chef. Palaka is from Brazil where he lived in a spiritual community where he learned about the principles of Bhakti Yoga and the Ayurveda lifestyle. He has also traveled to India to improve his knowledge about yoga. He lives on the Central Coast with his wife and child.

Ana completed her 500 Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training at Mira Costa College in San Diego. She also holds a certification in Health and Wellness Coaching (CPD Accredited). Living with nature, Ana traveled to different eco villages to live 100% off grid for two years. While doing so, she received her third certificate in Wildcrafting and Herbalism. Currently, Ana specializes in beach yoga classes and private yoga instruction on the Central Coast of California. Ringing in the mornings & sunsets with classes focusing on music-centric flows mixed with crystal bowl healing; all in a loving, supportive environment.