The Soma Center is not any one thing. Nor is it about any one person or type of person. The idea is to expose one to new ideas, new knowledge, new people, new forms movement, and a new sense of community. None of this is possible with out the support and dedication of the people involved. We are proud to have in our space many wonderfull and knowledgeable teachers, baristas, artisits, and musicans. If you feel love and surround yourself with love, you will pass love onto others.
We pay tribute to almost all of the people involved with the creation of The Soma Center. Click here to visit the Art page to read about our featured artists and to find links to their respective sites.
The Soma Center Instructors - In No Order
Andrea Pepper was born and raised in WPB. She attended the AW Dreyfoos School of the arts for dance and moved onto FSU after graduation. There she was a member of the Dance Repertory Theatre and received her BFA in Dance. From Tallahassee she moved on to NYC where she danced professionally and began her certification for Yoga. She received her Yoga Alliance 200 Hr certification from Yoga Works/BeYoga and is now back to share her love and knowledge of both yoga and dance. She believes that movement is a gateway to freedom for the mind body and soul and hopes to make that accessible to everyone. Namaste, peace
Veronica Robleto is a certified yoga instructor, choreographer and performer. She received her training in Maharashtra, India at Yoga Vidya Dham. She has performed pieces at the former Cine al Fresco, at the Palm Beach Institute of Contemporary Arts (PBICA), Lake Worth; and Showtel 2006, West Palm Beach. She has taught various disciplines in Cedar Key, Florida; Florida Atlantic University; Bindu (West Palm Beach) and in her community at The Lake Worth Free Summer Camp for Kids called Arts for Everyone". She is trained as a modern dancer and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from State University of New York (SUNY), Purchase.
After practicing yoga for about eight years, I found my passion in Ashtanga and Power yoga. I completed my teach training and continue to parcipate in workshps and conferences with renowned teachers such as Cameron Shayne, Duncan Wong, Larry Shultz, Sean Corn and many othrs. I remain active in the community having taught Yoga For Kids, Senior Yoga, Pre-natal Yoga and Partner yoga. As I continued to expand my knowledge, I branched out into Pilates and discovered that either alone or combined both yoga and Pilates are fluid, artistic and healing. Yoga and Pilates have been a very important if not an essential part of my life, leading me to work with Hospice patients. As I continue to grow, I welcome the opportunity to share with you my passion for the healing arts of yoga and Pilates.
Brooke Joy Waszak is a dance instructor, choreographer and performer. She works for the Center for Creative Education (WPB) and the Milagro Center (Delray), as an artist in residence. She is the choreographer for a local burlesque troupe. She has performed pieces at the former Cine al Fresco, at the Palm Beach Institute of Contemporary Arts (PBICA), Lake Worth; and Showtel 2006, West Palm Beach. She studied dance and choreography in Miami, at Florida International University (FIU).
Mitra Malek devoted herself to the yogic tradition in 2003, practicing Astanga Yoga. She later earned her Yoga Alliance teaching certification in Sivananda Yoga at Yoga & Inner Peace in Lake Worth, training in yoga philosophy, meditation, postures and pranayama. A former gymnast, Mitra enjoys the flow and athleticism of Astanga Yoga and the meditative principles of Sivananda Yoga.
Scott Brown is passionate about exercise, food, art, and music. He has been involved with athletics since 1984. Scott studied exercise science at The University of Connecticut and has been sharing information for 5 years.
Growing up in Madison, Wisconsin I developed a passion for nature, working with people and using all natural means to stay healthy and promote emotional welfare. As a young adult I studied Modern Dance and Ballet at the Florida State University. While attending school, I also received a degree in engineering and I am currently involved in environmental restoration of the Everglades along with other interests in sustainable living. More recently, I have moved toward yoga, meditation, breath-work and other spiritual pursuits. I am certified in Sivananda Yoga and have lived in many parts of the World and the US. I believe that all physical ailments can be treated first with diet, exercise, mental awareness and individual introspection. Please join me on Sunday’s to share in this beautiful journey within ourselves.
Vanya Allen Sa-Ra, a dancer since walking and a teacher by nature; vanya has studied with many soulful movers from the alvin ailey american dance theatre to her three children (the jook-a-boogz). She is a performer of spoken word, song and hip-hop as well as dance and is a member of the Sol Griots artist collective (est. 2001).
Sophie Tataru’s experience in the field of dance gave her the opportunity to observe how dancers deal with physical pain of working against the body’s wisdom and its true nature. In her search for movement forms that are rooted in a safe, joyfull place, she explored Aikido, Tai Chi, Gi gong, Biodance, The Feldenkrais Method, Yoga, Energy Work … and the healing possibilities of music and sound in the body. One day, Sophie discovered Nia and suddenly all the pieces of the movement puzzle she had been trying to solve for years came together. Now Sophie’s mission in life is to share her movement expertise with people, regardless of their level of fitness, and to help them explore movement without judgment, and with freedom and joy. Sophie’s positive, nurturing teaching style reflects her respect for the body and its innate healing powers.
George Love Jr. is a primary care physician licensed in the state of Florida since 1986. As a Doctor of Oriental Medicine DOM and licensed Acupuncture Physician, he is qualified to prescribe herbs (herbalist) and therapeutic diets (food therapist). He is the former Dean of Acupuncture Studies at Barna College of Health Science in Ft. Lauderdale, and the author of six health books including S.H.I.E.L.D. Your Immune System in Just 12 Weeks, Meridian Chi Gong, You Won’t find Love in the Refrigerator and Ear Reflexology Massage Your Ears to Health. He has been involved in the Alternative Health industry for 30 years both as an educator and health care provider. He teaches Self Healing workshops across the country on Ear Reflexology, Meridian Chi Gong, 4 Doors to Healthy Happiness and 21 Days to Wellness.
Annabeth Karson began her study of yoga in 1978 at the Ecole Normale de Yoga in Paris where she trained with Iyengar teachers from India. She has also studied Ashtanga, Tri-Yoga, Kripalu, and Kundalini yoga, as well as Mahayana Buddhist meditation, and her classes reflect a blend of these styles. Throughout her careers as bodywork therapist, nurse and labor support provider, yoga and meditation have been at the foundation of her personal and professional work. Annabeth is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Nursing, the Swedish Institute of Massage and the Center for Practical Energetics in NYC. In addition to teaching yoga, Annabeth is a life coach and spiritual counselor and loves to play in nature and dance at drum circles.
Christopher Christoff is a Kinesiology graduate of Michigan State University where he played football and wrestling. He is certified and insured through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is a certified Yoga instructor through AVA center for concious living. He has studied Yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic medicine for 5 years and traveled to southeast India the past two winters for study.
Ashleigh was raised in Palm Beach, Fl. And began as a student of Yoga at the age of 18 and further deepened her path to Yoga with increased dedication and awareness eight years ago. Since then she has participated in as many classes, retreats, relations, and book studies as possible. Attended South West Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe Arizona studying Nutrition, Reiki, Massage, Craniosacral, and Herbology. She now is a married mother of two girls, passing on the many joys of Yoga to the them as we explore together. I have traveled to many foreign countries such as Japan, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Italy, France and lived in London England. Ashleigh has recently continued my education at Kripalu, learning and adding to her practice. Ashleigh was blessed, trained and certified by an original Kripalu devotee/yogi, (Sara Beth Force, Inner Force/Kripalu) covering all the vast aspects that Yoga roots from, opening me to truth & discovery. Ashleigh feels she is not only a teacher with the honor to guide but forever a student, growing & learning with each experience.
An expressive artist at heart, Rachel Cowley Heinrichs enjoys singing her way through the day as she creates a raw meal at the Soma Cafe or uses her calligraphy techniques on the special's boards. Whether she's dancing around at the beach (or most any other earthy place) with her best-friend-husband, or studying the arts and movement therapy, Rae can be found practicing yoga in many ways. She also teaches Anusara-inspired yoga in Soma's studio.
Without These Energies We Would Be Nothing
Dawn
Dawn is a silly anti-authoritarian life-living expert. She likes to prepare & eat good food, and help people grow healthier. Dawn has been known to talk excessively about astrology, community, & sustainability. She is also the proprietor of sticks & stones apothecary, and creates the medicinal herbal tea blends currently offered at The Soma Center.
Natalie
Natalie Karjalainen is a art student at Dreyfoos in West Palm Beach. She studies visual arts and enjoys creating delicious tasting concoctions also know as tea, smoothies, and coffee. Her creative mind allows her to explore new taste bud experiences us “normal folks” would never dream of.
Sky
Born and raised in Lake Worth, Sky Johnsen is passionate about animals, art, bike riding, yoga, and coffee. Currently attends FAU in Boca Raton, studying sociology, and is getting certified in Sivananda style yoga at Yoga and Inner Peace of Lake Worth. Also works in a veterinary center as a groomer in Boca Raton, but really loves being part of the Soma Center team. Studied music at the High School of the Arts in WPB.
Brad
Brad O’Brian is a master craftsman of all trades. His creativity and design seem to be set influenced by his passion for music. The only thing he loves more than creating objects with materials is playing the blues harp. To appreciate the beauty of the Soma Center is to appreciate Brad’s work.
Donna
Donna Keil is the owner and operator of The Pink Hibiscus in Downtown Lake Worth. Her eye for color and interior design is surpassed only by her love for her family and friends. The color pink often refers to joy, happiness, and love. It is no surprise this is often the color you will see Donna surrounded by. www.pinkhibiscus.com
Dean
Dean (The Machine) Keil is a passionate and committed entrepreneur, father, athlete, and food consumer. Dean is not guided by limits or suggestions. His creative mind and outside the box thinking are some of the main influences and ideals behind The Soma Center.
Dave
Dave (The Man) O’keefe is a joyful wizard of the computer and all general electronics. He posses the ability to transfer information through wires and satilite systems. A staggering problem will turn to simplicity under Dave’s knowledgable ways. Contact your computer guy @ www.yourcomputerguyinc.com
Lindsey
Lindsey Rothrum is a master of cyberspace. She can manipulate data and transform ideas into art. An amazing vocalist, the musical vibrations emitted from her voice can send a chill up the spine. Without her you would not be reading this. Contact Lindsey @ lrothrum@gmail.com