INSTRUCTORS
Donna Matthews
Donna Matthews is a graduate from UH Hilo with a B.A. in Psychology. She is also nationally certified Buti Yoga instructor with over 200 hours of RYT Yoga training with a total of almost a decade of experience. As a young mother, Donna has learned that the strength of a woman is unstoppable and has dedicated her life to uplifting other women through movement. Her degree in psychology is helpful when making the connection to mind and body. Donna's classes are energetic and intentional, be ready to sweat!
Darien Southerland
Darien was raised in Hilo and moved to Southern California in 2011 to attend UC Irvine, where she got her BA in Sociology and a minor in Political Science. It was there that she discovered yoga and fell in love with the mental and physical challenges that it presented. She attained her first 200 hour vinyasa training through Corepower Yoga in 2014 and her second in Yoga Sculpt which utilizes strength training by use of weights in yoga sequencing from HARD Yoga in 2018. Darien started out teaching privately on the side of her corporate job but realized that her true passion was in sharing the movements, self-healing tools and philosophies that changed her outlook on life. Her practice and teachings combine elements of strength and grace combined with breath control to tone and sculpt mind body and spirit in and out of the studio. She has been teaching full-time since 2018 in studio and corporate settings as well as on-line working with a range of clients from student athletes to seniors. Recovering from injury in her shoulder and sciatic nerve, she prioritizes alignment for optimal release, flexibility, and muscle conditioning at any level. You can read more about her at www.dariensyoga.com
Lacy Lyons
Currently enrolled in the RCYT Yoga Ed Program with a trauma-informed focus on children.
Elisha Starr
Elisha Starr 500 E-RYT, has been teaching fitness since her early twenties. Beginning with being command physical fitness coordinator while active duty military and teaching step-aerobics. Later moving on to be a personal trainer. Elisha Starr discovered her love for yoga by accident and was hooked after her first class. Elisha Starr is also certified as a Barre Above, BUTI yoga, Hot Buddhi, Yoga Nidra, and white belt NIA instructor. Elisha Starr is also a licensed reverend and has also spent the last twenty years working as a holistic therapist and bodywork. Her classes are a balance between the body/mind connection and the spirit within each of us, woven together with a sense of the adventurous, a dash of playfulness, a magickal playlist, and an intention to practice and evolve.
Hailey Stowers
Hailey Stowers is a Hawaii-based Keiki Yoga instructor. Hailey has her 200-hour Yoga teacher training through Yoga Works in Orange County, California as well as her Childrens Yoga Certification also through Yoga works. She has studied six different styles of dance for over 15 years and has worked with children throughout most of her life. Hailey has taught yoga to keiki in schools and in class, while also working with children as a Princess and dance performer at LEGOLAND California. She uses her passion and creativity to help keiki to practice balance, focus, flexibility, and determination through the power of storytelling, imagination, and having fun!
Kami Tanigawa
Hi! My name is Kami, and I was born and raised in Hilo. Forever having a passion for health, wellness, and helping others, I pursued a Nursing career and graduated from UH Hilo with my BSN in 2004. Currently I am a mama of 2, and an ICU nurse at our local hospital. With intentions to take care of my own health and well being, I sought out yoga and have been practicing traditional styles, preferably Vinyasa flow since 2006. I was first introduced to Buti Yoga about 8 years ago by a friend. I instantly fell in love with the practice, and have been teaching it for the last 6 years. It has changed my life in ways I’ve never imagined. I hope to share the same bliss and benefits with you as well.
Erin Tokuuke
Erin was born and raised in Hilo and grew up dancing ballet, tap and jazz. She continued dance throughout college, but slowly fell out of it after moving back home. She eventually realized that she missed movement and began a regular Yoga and Pilates practice. Though she loved these practices, she missed the rhythm and mindfulness that came from dance. By chance, she heard about a Barre class and after countless questions and research, she decided to try her first class. She fell so in love with this practice that shortly after, became certified in the Barre Above method. Erin is also currently undergoing her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training and pursuing a separate certificate in Engaged Yin Yoga through the lens of sports science and strength, for the health and resiliency of the joints.
Sky Falzone
Sky Falzone is a certified personal trainer/nutrition specialist, and group fitness instructor since 2017. She is fun, outgoing, and personable. Sheʻs a great motivator and will do her best to help you achieve all your fitness goals. Her passion for health and fitness has lead her to learn many different styles of exercise. With a combination of strength training, body weight exercises, high-intensity interval training, boxing, and yoga. She has created her own special fitness class called LITT AF. Paired with an hour long upbeat, booty-poppinʻ playlist, this class will guarantee to have you smiling and sweating by the end.
Elena Lama
Twerk, Slow & Steamy, Heels and Dance with Elena