Biography

From the moment I discovered yoga, I was drawn to the unique blend of physical practice, philosophy, and mind training it provides. I was fortunate to begin my studies in a college course with life-long yogini, Amrito Cross, who presented the subject methodically and thoroughly right from the start. After moving to Santa Cruz, CA, my practice expanded and deepend with a variety of teachers including local luminaries Kelly Blaser and Victor Dubin.

During the aftermath of 9/11, while simultaneously attending yoga classes 6 days a week and completing University coursework in Politics and Environmental Studies, it became clear to me that yoga could help the world more than anything else I had encountered, and I could most benefit others by studying, practicing, and eventually teaching yoga. After graduation, I embarked on my first yoga teacher training course with the incomparable Erich Schiffmann in Venice, CA and began the journey of teaching yoga in 2005.

I am interested in developing a path of yoga that melds the methods of asana, pranayama, meditation, and chanting with the precious teachings of the Buddha. To this end, I have been studying Insight Yoga with Sarah Powers and Shunyata Yoga with Scott Blossom and Chandra Easton, all of whom are bringing unique, enriching streams of knowledge and practice to the yoga community.

Over the years, I have participated in workshops, teacher trainings, retreats, and intensives with world-class teachers including Shiva Rae, Tias Little, Sally Kempton, Cheri Huber, Lama Tsultrim Allione, Richard Freeman, Beryl Bender-Birch, Andrey Lappa, and local Santa Cruz superstars Mark Stephens, Samantha Shakti, Phoenix Artemesia, and Laurie Broderick-Burr. I am also indebted to my parents for their love and support and my life mentors, Ann Duren and Brad Burkhart, for their wise guidance.

Prior to yoga, I grew up immersed in mainstream, suburban, Texas culture as an award-winning high school cheerleader and member of Waterview Church of Christ. I went through a couple years of severe culture shock by attending Tulane University in New Orleans, before throwing in the academic towel for a time to become a “lifty” at Wolf Mountain (now The Canyons) in Park City, Utah. When winter was over, the spirit of adventure took me to San Diego to learn to surf, and eventually back to the snow in South Lake Tahoe to further pursue my love for snowboarding. Just a few months after my arrival in SLT, however, I fractured my ankle into 4 pieces and had reconstructive surgery within a matter of hours. My ankle has never been the same since. Efforts to return to snowboarding were met with discouraging pain, so I went back to school, discovered the world of yoga, and the rest is history.

I dedicate my teaching to the benefit of all beings.

Asana Gallery

Adho Mukha Svanasana, Seacliff State Beach Photo by Sam Nilsson	Urdvahastasana, Red Rock Canyon, NV Photo by Sam Nilsson	Ashtavakrasana, San Francisco Photo by Fredel Thompson
Vasisthasana, Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico Photo by Sam Nilsson	Urdva Danurasana, Jofi Gallery, Santa Cruz Photo by Sam Nilsson	Virabhadrasana III, Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico Photo by Sam Nilsson
Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana, Big Sur, CA Photo by Kristin Ray	Parivritta Parsvakonasana, Aptos Photo by Sam Nilsson	Sirshasana variation, Jofi Gallery, Santa Cruz Photo by Sam Nilsson

Biography | Asana Gallery | Student Testimonials

Student Testimonials

If you would like to testify, please send an email to delana AT servingpeace DOT com.

"As an elite level masters athlete with a comprehensive training agenda, I often find it difficult to master the balance necessary for a san(er) life. I feel as though I spend all week trying to be one with the bike, but in doing so, lose a little of the synergy in being one with myself. My yoga class with Delana on Mondays helps me to restore that personal balance- a sort of metaphysical reset button- that allows me to gain the most of my demanding training and racing schedule. I notice this the most when I have an exceptionally difficult week of heavy training. My next several training sessions are definitely bolstered with an increase of flexibility and suppleness, so required when competing at a high level.

"I highly recommend Delana's personal style and attention to detail to anyone looking to take their yoga to a new, thought-full level."
- Mark Howland, Team Director, Black Market Racing, Santa Cruz, CA

"Delana is my favorite yoga teacher. I feel spiritually nourished as well as physically open, stronger and relaxed after Delana's class. She encourages us to find our authentic way to relate to our practice. I feel safe to modify as much as my inner guru guides me too...with no shame apology or regret. And she encourages us to push gently beyond our seeming edges. My connection to Spirit and my yoga practice are stronger for it. "She is a blessing to Santa Cruz's Yoga community. She continues to offer classes, events and gatherings that nurture our connection to the Divine and to each other. God Bless Delana! I love her!"
- Beth Freewomon, Whole Foods Personal Chef and Bookkeeper, Santa Cruz, CA

"I have been studying yoga off and on since 1992 in Los Angeles, Mill Valley and here in Santa Cruz. I have practiced the asanas with many good teachers, but with Delana I have been able to find a much deeper center while doing my practice. Delana is an amazing person and a very gifted teacher."
- Kelli Rosenbloom, Birth Doula and Office Manager, Aptos, CA

"I am moved by Delana's devotion, wisdom and way of articulating the great mysteries of yoga. The order of asana that she puts together always allows my body to flow into knowing and learning at the same time. It awakens me to my own power. Delana's practice stands as an example for all of us near and far, making it easier to find the peaceful way of yoga."
- Michelle Abodeely, Mental Health Therapist, Santa Cruz, CA

Biography | Asana Gallery | Student Testimonials