Jessie

Hi, I am Jessie Sandoval, the owner of Shanti Yoga Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota,

I strongly believe that one wonderful way to foster connections and build a sense of community is by traveling. When I established the Shanti Yoga Center back in 2019, my vision incorporated hosting retreats, not just locally, but all around the globe! Alongside two other Shanti Yoga instructors, I successfully hosted a yoga retreat in Baja, Mexico in November 2021 and another in Portugal in June 2023. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to blend my love and knowledge of yoga with different cultures and travel. Our next retreat, set in the glorious landscapes of Crete and Santorini, is aptly named "Connections and Culture" - because that's precisely what we aim to offer you. We will be immersing ourselves in a new community, forming bonds with each other through shared experiences in a fresh, vibrant culture. This is the essence of YOGA! Being part of a community, open to learning and expanding our consciousness is the core purpose of our practice. I'm thrilled to create these magical opportunities, so why not come along and join us?

Each day will be filled with yoga, breathwork and meditation sessions, interspersed with ample time for sightseeing, exploring and savoring the local cuisine. I guarantee it will be an unforgettable experience. If you're still on the fence, feel free to reach out to me. I'll be more than happy to provide any additional information you may need.

Experience:Jessie has over 3000 hours of teaching experience and her RYT500 certification as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance. She received her 200hr yoga teacher training (YTT) in Houston, Texas, and completed her 500hr training at Yoga North in Duluth, Minnesota, with a focus on Therapeutic Soma Yoga and Classic Hatha Yoga. In 2020, Jessie earned her E-RYT 200 and joined the faculty team at Green Lotus Yoga and Healing Center where she taught yoga philosophy and pranayama (breath work) in the 200hr teacher training course. She is certified with Unnata® Aerial Yoga, a style of yoga that uses the support of a soft, aerial fabric hammock to explore, refine, and advance traditional asana, both in the air and on the ground. Most recently, she completed a Yin Yoga certification in January 2024. Overall, Jessie uses her curiosity and commitment to self-study as a way to continue learning and growing in the practice of yoga.

Julie

Hi, I am Julie, a teacher at Shanti Yoga Center in St. Cloud, MN.

Yoga has been a part of my life for over 10 years, and my practice has helped me grow stronger, more flexible and grounded, both on and off the mat. Yoga inspires me to live each moment more mindfully. I completed my 200 hour Vinyasa Flow training with Dirtshi Beats Yoga and my Yoga sculpt advanced training with Core Power Yoga. I am also certified in Rollga, a foam rolling technique designed to release tension, increase mobility and keep you injury free as a recreational athlete or active person. Aerial Yoga is an expert teaching area for me. I have completed Unnata Aerial Yoga Level 1 & 2 and teach regular classes and workshops at Shanti Yoga Center.

When traveling I seek out studios to expand my experiences and will always be a student of the practice. My hope is that after attending class with me, you step off the mat feeling refreshed, nourished and balanced. I am beyond excited to join Jessie and our community for a trip of a lifetime, a retreat in Greece! This will be a great opportunity for me to share my passion and knowledge for using the Rollga foam roller as a tool/resource in a yoga practice as well as guide students in morning flows in the beauty of a new country! I cannot wait to travel, practice and learn with you.

Paula

Paula's teaching style blends the subtle therapeutic practice of SomaYoga with a strong Vinyasa flow. A certified yoga teacher since 2001 and a 500hr RYT level instructor, her classes are welcoming, heart-lead and honest (and may include an inversion or two!). Her goal is to inspire students through a thoughtful practice with a positive message—encouraging greater self-awareness, empowerment and peace through the practice of yoga. Paula is also a Certified Sound Bath Practitioner, using the tools of sound/vibration to create a deeper experience in both yoga classes and sound bath experiences.

Past Trip

Wellness & Beaches in Algarve