Your Open Door Teachers
All Open Door Yoga Teachers are accredited by, Yoga Alliance
RYT® 200 Credentials RYT® 300 Credentials E-RYT® 200 Credentials E-RYT® 500 Credentials YACEP®
Melanie Yetter, Founder of Open Door
Principal Meditation, Mindfulness, and Breath Work Teacher for the
Open Door Teacher Training School, RYS® 200 & 300hr & MT 100hr
I am a teacher, a trainer, a warrior, a survivor, and my own best friend. I began my studies in Mysore, India and continued my training in Mindfulness, Zen practice, Buddhist studies, Koan practice, and clergy studies with Five Mountain Zen Order. As an ordained monk, I pursued my journey as a Dharma teacher. I began formal mentoring with Josh Korda (Dharmapunx, NYC), gaining a deeper understanding of his teachings of neuroscience and Buddhist psychology. I soon founded Open Door (Meditation & Yoga Studio), eventually finding a home for the studio in 2014 in the historic arts colony of downtown Pomona, CA.
Recently, while completing the Mindfulness Facilitator Program at the MARC within the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, I have begun taking a secular approach to sharing the Mindfulness-Based practices both within the Open Door community, individual coaching and corporate training programs to help clients solve their most difficult problems. I offer encouragement through structured and skillful dialogues, meditation, mindfulness and breathing techniques to help empower clients to better understand their challenges and implement pragmatic plans to address them.
I am an E-RYT 500 / YACEP®, and Director of Open Door's Meditation and Yoga Teacher Training School, RYS® 200 hour Level 1 & 300hr Advanced Studies and the Meditation, Mindfulness and Breath Work 100 hour Teacher Training program.
Principal Meditation, Mindfulness, and Breath Work Teacher for the
Open Door Teacher Training School, RYS® 200 & 300hr & MT 100hr
I am a teacher, a trainer, a warrior, a survivor, and my own best friend. I began my studies in Mysore, India and continued my training in Mindfulness, Zen practice, Buddhist studies, Koan practice, and clergy studies with Five Mountain Zen Order. As an ordained monk, I pursued my journey as a Dharma teacher. I began formal mentoring with Josh Korda (Dharmapunx, NYC), gaining a deeper understanding of his teachings of neuroscience and Buddhist psychology. I soon founded Open Door (Meditation & Yoga Studio), eventually finding a home for the studio in 2014 in the historic arts colony of downtown Pomona, CA.
Recently, while completing the Mindfulness Facilitator Program at the MARC within the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, I have begun taking a secular approach to sharing the Mindfulness-Based practices both within the Open Door community, individual coaching and corporate training programs to help clients solve their most difficult problems. I offer encouragement through structured and skillful dialogues, meditation, mindfulness and breathing techniques to help empower clients to better understand their challenges and implement pragmatic plans to address them.
I am an E-RYT 500 / YACEP®, and Director of Open Door's Meditation and Yoga Teacher Training School, RYS® 200 hour Level 1 & 300hr Advanced Studies and the Meditation, Mindfulness and Breath Work 100 hour Teacher Training program.
Gina Decker, Yoga Educator, Lead Yoga Instructor for the Open Door Teacher Training School, RYS® 200 & 300
I teach Yoga Step by Step, Wednesdays at 12:00pm & Thursdays 5:30pm
In these classes our focus is on awareness of breath and alignment. We use therapy balls and props in order to accommodate students of all levels. I delight is helping others relieve stress and manage physical and emotional discomfort with stillness, laughter, and challenges.
I am an E-RYT 500 and a certified Yoga Therapist. I have been instructing students and training teachers for 15 years. Over the last 20 years, I have received various certifications including, but not limited to Yoga Tune Up®, Aerial Yoga, Prenatal, Reiki, and Ayurveda. My passion is sharing my knowledge with teachers in training. I currently instruct workshops at the Open Door School, assist the yoga program at Southern California University of Health Sciences and evaluate yoga teachers at Just Yoga.
I teach Yoga Step by Step, Wednesdays at 12:00pm & Thursdays 5:30pm
In these classes our focus is on awareness of breath and alignment. We use therapy balls and props in order to accommodate students of all levels. I delight is helping others relieve stress and manage physical and emotional discomfort with stillness, laughter, and challenges.
I am an E-RYT 500 and a certified Yoga Therapist. I have been instructing students and training teachers for 15 years. Over the last 20 years, I have received various certifications including, but not limited to Yoga Tune Up®, Aerial Yoga, Prenatal, Reiki, and Ayurveda. My passion is sharing my knowledge with teachers in training. I currently instruct workshops at the Open Door School, assist the yoga program at Southern California University of Health Sciences and evaluate yoga teachers at Just Yoga.
Anne V. Castagnaro, PhD, RYT® 500, Meditation Teacher
Instructor, Open Door Teacher Training School, RYS® 200& 300
I teach three weekly classes at Open Door. Traditional Indian Yoga & Meditation on Sundays at 9:00 AM is modeled after a practice I learned while studying in India. It incorporates Sanskrit chanting, pranayama (breathwork), asana (posture) practice, and meditation. It’s the perfect class for all levels, especially practitioners who are inspired by yoga’s roots. Community Yoga on Fridays at 5:30 PM is a time to connect with our Open Door community. We practice breathwork, asana (postures), and a short meditation, all for only $6! You are welcome at all of my classes for a relaxing, meditative experience.
I have studied meditation and pranayama with Melanie Yetter, owner of Open Door, for the past five years, and I earned my 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, certification from Rishikesh Yog Peeth in Rishikesh, India. I hold a PhD in Education from Claremont Graduate University, and I’m honored to share my instructional knowledge with future yoga teachers through Open Door’s 2016 Teacher Training Program.
Instructor, Open Door Teacher Training School, RYS® 200& 300
I teach three weekly classes at Open Door. Traditional Indian Yoga & Meditation on Sundays at 9:00 AM is modeled after a practice I learned while studying in India. It incorporates Sanskrit chanting, pranayama (breathwork), asana (posture) practice, and meditation. It’s the perfect class for all levels, especially practitioners who are inspired by yoga’s roots. Community Yoga on Fridays at 5:30 PM is a time to connect with our Open Door community. We practice breathwork, asana (postures), and a short meditation, all for only $6! You are welcome at all of my classes for a relaxing, meditative experience.
I have studied meditation and pranayama with Melanie Yetter, owner of Open Door, for the past five years, and I earned my 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, certification from Rishikesh Yog Peeth in Rishikesh, India. I hold a PhD in Education from Claremont Graduate University, and I’m honored to share my instructional knowledge with future yoga teachers through Open Door’s 2016 Teacher Training Program.
Arezoo Rahmim, MD, RYT® 200, Meditation Teacher
Open Door Teacher Training School, TA (teaching assistant)
I am a recent graduate of 200-hour level Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training Program at Open Door (February 2017). I started to practice yoga and meditation in 2007, initially for stress management. Not long after spiritual practice became one of the most important parts of my life and essential to my wellbeing. My profession as a psychiatrist is at once challenging and deeply rewarding. I try to incorporate spirituality as much as possible in my work with patients. I joined the teacher training program mainly to deepen my own practice but in the process fell in love with the many aspects of yoga. I am committed to expanding my knowledge through studying, attending workshops, and by continuing to explore it in my personal practice. I recently became a Reiki master and hope to join the Open Door Pomona, 300-level yoga program in January 2018. I would love to share what I know and continue to learn from you.
Open Door Teacher Training School, TA (teaching assistant)
I am a recent graduate of 200-hour level Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training Program at Open Door (February 2017). I started to practice yoga and meditation in 2007, initially for stress management. Not long after spiritual practice became one of the most important parts of my life and essential to my wellbeing. My profession as a psychiatrist is at once challenging and deeply rewarding. I try to incorporate spirituality as much as possible in my work with patients. I joined the teacher training program mainly to deepen my own practice but in the process fell in love with the many aspects of yoga. I am committed to expanding my knowledge through studying, attending workshops, and by continuing to explore it in my personal practice. I recently became a Reiki master and hope to join the Open Door Pomona, 300-level yoga program in January 2018. I would love to share what I know and continue to learn from you.
HaeMin Lee, MT100®, Meditation Teacher
Open Door Meditation Teacher Training School, TA (teaching assistant)
Community Meditation is offered every Fridays at Noon. It is a special class where a sense of community is developed and our belonging within this community is nurtured. It has served as a safe haven for me as a student of Meditation. And now, I am so honored to be instructing the benefits of Meditation as the Teacher.
I began my Meditation journey at Dragon and Crane in New York, studying under the tutelage of the Master Teacher Sifu Scattaretico for a number of years. I then moved to California and studied under the Principal Teacher Melanie Yetter at Open Door in Pomona. Here, I received the Certification in the 100 Hour Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program. So now, I look forward to sharing and growing with you, this loving community.
Open Door Meditation Teacher Training School, TA (teaching assistant)
Community Meditation is offered every Fridays at Noon. It is a special class where a sense of community is developed and our belonging within this community is nurtured. It has served as a safe haven for me as a student of Meditation. And now, I am so honored to be instructing the benefits of Meditation as the Teacher.
I began my Meditation journey at Dragon and Crane in New York, studying under the tutelage of the Master Teacher Sifu Scattaretico for a number of years. I then moved to California and studied under the Principal Teacher Melanie Yetter at Open Door in Pomona. Here, I received the Certification in the 100 Hour Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program. So now, I look forward to sharing and growing with you, this loving community.
Angela Saucedo, E-RYT® 200, Meditation Teacher
Instructor, Open Door Teacher Training School, RYS® 200
I teach Meditation Techniques every Thursday night at 6:45pm. In these classes we learn various meditation techniques, including various breathing styles and methods to help reduce stress, in the body and in the mind. We integrate Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction approaches to help develop body tension awareness and release. Some restorative yoga movements may be applied to also help with stress reduction and to encourage a union of mind, body and breath.
I am an E-RYT 200 and have been teaching yoga and meditation for over ten years. I have received various certifications including my Reiki Mastership and Yoga Philosophy from Loyola Marymount University. I also have completed the first 8-week Mindfulness Based Reduction Program with InSight LA and have a passion for teaching how we can incorporate mindfulness into our everyday lives.
I am also one of only 18 people in the United States that holds a Master of Arts Degree in Yoga Studies from Loyola Marymount University. I teach workshops on the sacred language of Sanskrit and the history of Yoga at the Open Door School.
Instructor, Open Door Teacher Training School, RYS® 200
I teach Meditation Techniques every Thursday night at 6:45pm. In these classes we learn various meditation techniques, including various breathing styles and methods to help reduce stress, in the body and in the mind. We integrate Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction approaches to help develop body tension awareness and release. Some restorative yoga movements may be applied to also help with stress reduction and to encourage a union of mind, body and breath.
I am an E-RYT 200 and have been teaching yoga and meditation for over ten years. I have received various certifications including my Reiki Mastership and Yoga Philosophy from Loyola Marymount University. I also have completed the first 8-week Mindfulness Based Reduction Program with InSight LA and have a passion for teaching how we can incorporate mindfulness into our everyday lives.
I am also one of only 18 people in the United States that holds a Master of Arts Degree in Yoga Studies from Loyola Marymount University. I teach workshops on the sacred language of Sanskrit and the history of Yoga at the Open Door School.
CARMEN BOROUMI, RYT® 200, Meditation Teacher, Instructions in Spanish Teacher
I teach the Saturday 8:30am Creative Yoga Flow class and the Wednesday evening 5pm-6pm Yoga For Flexibility class. I will guide you to practice body awareness and mental focus with beginner to intermediate asanas (poses) and basic yoga sequences. The use of props (bolsters, blocks and belts) will help deepen your practice and assist you in becoming aware of proper alignment. I will also incorporate Pranayama (breath work) to help balance your energy and relieve stress. My class is open to all levels – beginners will gain knowledge and experienced yogis will cultivate beginner’s mind.
I have earned my Hatha Yoga 200-hour certification in compliance with Yoga Alliance standards through Green Tara Yoga School under the instruction of Gina Decker and Douglass Moss. I have been practicing yoga for over ten years and I have received Pre/Post-Natal certification. I teach Hatha Yoga, Pre/Post-Natal Yoga, forms of Yin Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and also Yoga in "Spanish".
I teach the Saturday 8:30am Creative Yoga Flow class and the Wednesday evening 5pm-6pm Yoga For Flexibility class. I will guide you to practice body awareness and mental focus with beginner to intermediate asanas (poses) and basic yoga sequences. The use of props (bolsters, blocks and belts) will help deepen your practice and assist you in becoming aware of proper alignment. I will also incorporate Pranayama (breath work) to help balance your energy and relieve stress. My class is open to all levels – beginners will gain knowledge and experienced yogis will cultivate beginner’s mind.
I have earned my Hatha Yoga 200-hour certification in compliance with Yoga Alliance standards through Green Tara Yoga School under the instruction of Gina Decker and Douglass Moss. I have been practicing yoga for over ten years and I have received Pre/Post-Natal certification. I teach Hatha Yoga, Pre/Post-Natal Yoga, forms of Yin Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and also Yoga in "Spanish".
Ruben Delgado, RYT® 200, Meditation Teacher
I teach Meditation on Mondays 5:30pm and Wednesdays at 7PM at OpenDoor2yoga. We practice Siting and Explore different techniques emphasizing on different sitting positions, Guided Meditation, Mudras, Mantras and Pranayama. This can help us maintain a daily practice. Before I began my practice, I had a bad case of anxiety. Something was definitely wrong. After taking a few meditation classes I realized I wasn’t breathing correctly. After a few months of starting a Meditation practice I realized I wasn’t living correctly. The changes I saw in my life after incorporating the simple act of just being present, pausing, and breathing were amazing. I am now a true believer in that we have more control over our lives than we like to think. This is not only important to us, but also important to all of the people we interact with.
I began my Practice three years ago With Master Teacher Melanie Jabul Yetter & Rev. Jabo. After a year of this practice I began to notice many different people in my life in need of help. I knew teaching Meditation was something I wanted to do. From 2015 to 2016 I was trained and certified as a Yoga therapy and Meditation instructor at Opendoor2yoga’s teacher training program by Master teachers Melanie Yetter, Gina Decker, and Jehan Izhar. In the course of our training I met some of the most amazing people I have ever met. These people and these experiences have guided me thought this journey and have shown me I want to teach for the simple reason that I only wish to help. I am now a RYT-200 Yoga Instructor and Meditation teacher. I’m also a Level 2 Reki practitioner.
I teach Meditation on Mondays 5:30pm and Wednesdays at 7PM at OpenDoor2yoga. We practice Siting and Explore different techniques emphasizing on different sitting positions, Guided Meditation, Mudras, Mantras and Pranayama. This can help us maintain a daily practice. Before I began my practice, I had a bad case of anxiety. Something was definitely wrong. After taking a few meditation classes I realized I wasn’t breathing correctly. After a few months of starting a Meditation practice I realized I wasn’t living correctly. The changes I saw in my life after incorporating the simple act of just being present, pausing, and breathing were amazing. I am now a true believer in that we have more control over our lives than we like to think. This is not only important to us, but also important to all of the people we interact with.
I began my Practice three years ago With Master Teacher Melanie Jabul Yetter & Rev. Jabo. After a year of this practice I began to notice many different people in my life in need of help. I knew teaching Meditation was something I wanted to do. From 2015 to 2016 I was trained and certified as a Yoga therapy and Meditation instructor at Opendoor2yoga’s teacher training program by Master teachers Melanie Yetter, Gina Decker, and Jehan Izhar. In the course of our training I met some of the most amazing people I have ever met. These people and these experiences have guided me thought this journey and have shown me I want to teach for the simple reason that I only wish to help. I am now a RYT-200 Yoga Instructor and Meditation teacher. I’m also a Level 2 Reki practitioner.
Kathy Felton Zetterberg, RYT® 500
I offer Restorative yoga on Saturday mornings from 10am to 11:30am designed for all ages and levels. By connecting breath, mindful meditation, and gentle yoga poses we will surrender stress and ease tension from the body. Using yoga tools such as balls, blocks, blankets, and bolsters throughout class I will encourage awareness, flexibility, and balance. To assist in restoring peace of mind, body and spirit I use Reiki (healing energy), aromatherapy, and relaxing music. Joyfully looking forward sharing this time with you.
I am a RYT 500, have a certificate from UC Irvine Specialized Studies Program in Yoga, and have received a certification of Reiki III. I have been teaching Yoga and Mindful Meditation for 8 years at the intermediate school where I also teach 7th grade World History. Practicing Yoga, Reiki, and Meditation daily for the last 20 years and loving the art of teaching and healing allows me to grow and share yoga with all of my students.
I offer Restorative yoga on Saturday mornings from 10am to 11:30am designed for all ages and levels. By connecting breath, mindful meditation, and gentle yoga poses we will surrender stress and ease tension from the body. Using yoga tools such as balls, blocks, blankets, and bolsters throughout class I will encourage awareness, flexibility, and balance. To assist in restoring peace of mind, body and spirit I use Reiki (healing energy), aromatherapy, and relaxing music. Joyfully looking forward sharing this time with you.
I am a RYT 500, have a certificate from UC Irvine Specialized Studies Program in Yoga, and have received a certification of Reiki III. I have been teaching Yoga and Mindful Meditation for 8 years at the intermediate school where I also teach 7th grade World History. Practicing Yoga, Reiki, and Meditation daily for the last 20 years and loving the art of teaching and healing allows me to grow and share yoga with all of my students.
Jamie Patino, RYT® 200, Meditation Teacher
My engagement with the universe is an enchanting mix of destiny and initiative. Carrying the spirits and traditions of my ancestors in my flesh, I was always interested in rediscovering the parts of my precious heritage that were hidden to my consciousness. The pilgrimage I took was covered with the dust of the wisdom of the elders, flying sporadically into my eyes to reveal fleeting holograms of the truest essence that was me. The past fifteen years have been dedicated to practicing yoga and nourishing my mind with ancient scriptures on both yoga and Mayan culture. The Stars alignment is how I can explain my blessing to be certified by Hunbatz Men, revered Maya elder and Solar Daykeeper, who has authorized me to teach this transcendent yet immanent philosophy. I am also a graduate of Open Door to Yoga's teacher training program where I was certified for the 200 hour program. I studied under 3 amazing teachers whose wisdom and love fueled my desire to spread the awareness of these ancient philosophies of life.
My engagement with the universe is an enchanting mix of destiny and initiative. Carrying the spirits and traditions of my ancestors in my flesh, I was always interested in rediscovering the parts of my precious heritage that were hidden to my consciousness. The pilgrimage I took was covered with the dust of the wisdom of the elders, flying sporadically into my eyes to reveal fleeting holograms of the truest essence that was me. The past fifteen years have been dedicated to practicing yoga and nourishing my mind with ancient scriptures on both yoga and Mayan culture. The Stars alignment is how I can explain my blessing to be certified by Hunbatz Men, revered Maya elder and Solar Daykeeper, who has authorized me to teach this transcendent yet immanent philosophy. I am also a graduate of Open Door to Yoga's teacher training program where I was certified for the 200 hour program. I studied under 3 amazing teachers whose wisdom and love fueled my desire to spread the awareness of these ancient philosophies of life.
Robert Simmons, RYT® 200, Meditation Teacher
I teach Monday mornings at 9am Vinyasa Flow Yoga & 10:30am Gentle Yoga. My class is a relaxed flow designed to aid in relieving tension and stress while helping you gain connectivity and mobility within your body. If you are new to yoga or are looking for a gentler practice, then come and give my class a try. All are welcome to come and start their week in a positive way.
I am a RYT 200 certified teacher trained right here at Open Door. I went through 1 year of intensive training and have been lucky to study with 3 very knowledgable teachers: Melanie Yetter, Gina Decker, and Jehan Izhar. I came to yoga and meditation looking for a way to relieve stress from my busy lifestyle. I work in management for a Fortune 500 company and have spent many years working odd hours, nights, weekends, holidays, and everything else in between. I spent years building up stress and had no real beneficial or healthy method of handling my issues. Yoga and meditation helped me find relief and satisfaction to my life again, enough so that I decided to become a teacher so I can share what I have learned with others. I am a believer that this is a practice accessible to anyone, and I can’t wait to share what I have experienced with you.
I teach Monday mornings at 9am Vinyasa Flow Yoga & 10:30am Gentle Yoga. My class is a relaxed flow designed to aid in relieving tension and stress while helping you gain connectivity and mobility within your body. If you are new to yoga or are looking for a gentler practice, then come and give my class a try. All are welcome to come and start their week in a positive way.
I am a RYT 200 certified teacher trained right here at Open Door. I went through 1 year of intensive training and have been lucky to study with 3 very knowledgable teachers: Melanie Yetter, Gina Decker, and Jehan Izhar. I came to yoga and meditation looking for a way to relieve stress from my busy lifestyle. I work in management for a Fortune 500 company and have spent many years working odd hours, nights, weekends, holidays, and everything else in between. I spent years building up stress and had no real beneficial or healthy method of handling my issues. Yoga and meditation helped me find relief and satisfaction to my life again, enough so that I decided to become a teacher so I can share what I have learned with others. I am a believer that this is a practice accessible to anyone, and I can’t wait to share what I have experienced with you.
Phyllis Douglass, aka Vox Angelus, is a certified Yoga Teacher (ERYT 200)
Through Western Yoga College in Riverside, and a certified Buti Yoga teacher, offering various Yoga and Meditation classes. She has practiced Ashtanga yoga for many years, and decided to deepen her practice by training to become a teacher. She teaches yoga classes that integrate her training and certification based in Ashtanga, and other forms of yoga, pranayama (breath work), and meditation practices to ease the mind, body, and soul.
In her classes the breath informs the movement; reawakening our innate connection with the elements with a focus on postures that are natural and progressive, because she knows first hand that movement heals.
Phyllis Douglass, CMT, CPT, (CAMTC ID#56843, ERYT 200, NCCA)
John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach / Integrative Therapies / Yoga
Through Western Yoga College in Riverside, and a certified Buti Yoga teacher, offering various Yoga and Meditation classes. She has practiced Ashtanga yoga for many years, and decided to deepen her practice by training to become a teacher. She teaches yoga classes that integrate her training and certification based in Ashtanga, and other forms of yoga, pranayama (breath work), and meditation practices to ease the mind, body, and soul.
In her classes the breath informs the movement; reawakening our innate connection with the elements with a focus on postures that are natural and progressive, because she knows first hand that movement heals.
Phyllis Douglass, CMT, CPT, (CAMTC ID#56843, ERYT 200, NCCA)
John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach / Integrative Therapies / Yoga
