President - Chris Roberts
Chris has been the President of the Board for PYC since its inception in 2009.
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
Tom has been the Treasurer of the Board for PYC since its inception in 2009.
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 joined the PYC board in 2022.
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 Members - Owen Cooper & Melissa Crisp-Cooper
Owen and Melissa joined the PYC board in 2019.
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 helps PYC maintain its website. Melissa brings stong writing skills and community connections to the board. They live in Oakland with their feisty felines.
Board Member - Charlie Harrison
Charlie joined the PYC board in 2023.
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
