Chris RobertsPresident - Chris Roberts

Chris started her career as a Special Education teacher, then moved into telecommunications, and is now retired from 15 years in finance. Chris has studied yoga since 2001, and has completed yoga teacher training. She also studied Ayurveda to be a clinical practitioner. Her desire is to make both available to all for on-going health and healing. Chris received a BA from Cornell University and a MEd from Temple University. She has two grown daughters. Chris is now spending much of her time with her grandchildren.

 


Treasurer - Thomas V. Moore, CPA

Thomas Moore is an Enrolled Agent who has owned and operated his own bookkeeping and tax practice in San Leandro, Ca since 1979. He began his yoga practice in 2001 and has acted as a volunteer assistant at the Yoga For People with Special Needs class.


 


Board Member - Christy Sawler

Christy Sawler began her yoga practice in 2017. She is deeply grateful for the adapted yoga classes offered by Piedmont Yoga Community. These classes have helped her to increase both her flexibility and strength. They have also led to a decrease in pain. Christy joined the PYC Board in order to help spread the message that yoga is accessible to everyone!

 

 


Board Member - Rushina Patel

Rushina Patel discovered yoga while visiting family in India in 1992. Upon returning to Oakland she started taking classes at Piedmont Yoga Studio and has been learning, practicing, and rediscovering yoga ever since. In 2003, she completed the Piedmont Yoga Studio Advanced studies Program at Piedmont Yoga Studio. While primarily studying with teaches in the Iyengar tradition, she's also explored other hatha yoga methods and loves how there is a yoga practice to meet the needs of every body. Rushina has been fortunate to have studied with several wonderfully gifted teachers over the past 19 years and she's happy to share what she's learned.


Board Members - Owen Cooper & Melissa Crisp-Cooper

Owen Cooper and Melissa Crisp-Cooper have attended PYC's Saturday Yoga class for over a decade. They benefit from both the physical aspects of yoga and the sense of community offered by the class. In 2012, they were honored to have the class instructor, JoAnn Lyons officiate their marriage ceremony. Owen works as a software engineer and Melissa is a writer and health advocate. They live in Oakland with their feisty felines.

 




CharlieHarrisonBoard Member - Charlie Harrison

Charlie Harrison(she/her) is a student of yoga and has taught for 10 years. She respectfully acknowledges the tension inherent in being a white teacher of an Indian practice. Charlie continues to seek guidance around issues of race, appropriation and gender identity and to bring action to her values. Removing barriers and creating accessibility to yoga are guiding principles in all of her teaching. She has taught yoga through the Veteran’s Yoga Project, Fire Flex Yoga for First Responders and at various studios and clubs in the East Bay. Charlie brings ideas, enthusiasm and follow through to her role on the board.
www.charlie@charliesyoga.com

 


LauraMoirBoard Member - Laura Moir 

An Oakland native and forever a student of yoga, Laura began her practice in 1999 at the original Piedmont Yoga Studio. After ending a 30-year career in event management to pursue her dream of teaching yoga, she completed her certification in 2022 at Yoga Kula in Berkeley and currently teaches yoga full-time. Laura's approach is one of healing and recovery, her message that of love, and her aim to provide a safe and accessible space for all beings and all abilities alike.