Maria Polonchek, instructor (and vision driven leader)
hatha / hot series / vinyasa / teacher training / EYRT-500 / RYS-200 / YACEP
Maria, owner of Swell Yoga + Wellness LLC, tried her first yoga class at a Palo Alto YMCA in 2011. At first, she was only there for the free childcare, but soon realized that yoga encouraged a type of articulate movement not unlike both Tae Kwon Do and cheerleading: an odd combination of activities she loved as a teenager. She continued to try and love all types of styles, studios, and classes, though it was her first Bikram class in 2014 that reinforced for her the ways yoga can help with mental health.
Maria completed 200 hr YTT in 2019 with Ali Bye and Natalie D’onofrio and 300hr YTT in 2022 through Uplifted with Brett Larkin. Her classes are energetic and casual, with a focus on posture, trunk strength, and mobility. A perpetual student in holistic health and wellness, Maria advocates for the positive impact yoga and mindfulness have on physical restoration and mental health.
Originally from the Midwest–about as far from an ocean as you can get–Maria is a transplant to the coast and LOVES calling Half Moon Bay home. Maria is a published author with a background in writing and editing and holds a BA in English and an MFA in creative writing from the University of Kansas. In 2020 she left her position as a digital content editor to pursue her dream of owning a welcoming, eco-friendly studio on the coast that blends tradition with innovation.
When she’s not practicing and teaching yoga, she can be found shuttling a minivan full of teenagers to surf, cycling on open county roads, or walking her two dogs, Alice and Charlie. Maria is passionate about being part of a connected, diverse, and healthy community.
Amy Thomas, instructor
hatha / yin nidra / vinyasa / teacher training / ERYT-200 / RYS-200 / YACEP
Amy holds Yoga Alliance certificates as a registered yoga teacher, a continuing education provider, and a registered yoga school. Amy teaches the unique Ebb & Flow, a class that is both dynamic and playful, fitting for newer and more advanced students. Amy’s powerful energy and soft touch reflects her mastery in Reiki. She also offers private instruction, counseling, and Reiki.
Amy’s been teaching yoga for over 20 years, from Indiana to California to Kauai. She is the founder and creator of Flourish Yoga + Wellbeing, a studio in Indianapolis. She’s also called Spain and Saudi Arabia home. Amy holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, a master’s in Psychology, and has worked as a therapist in the realms of addiction and Bipolar Disorder Genetic Studies.
Amy is thrilled to be a resident of Half Moon Bay with her beautiful Great Pyrenees, Padma. She loves kayaking and cycling on the coast, as well as dancing to live music and traveling. In her spare time, Amy loves to learn new things, her current project is practicing the Stand Up Bass – proof you really can reach old dogs new tricks!
Amy Popovich, instructor + student support
hatha / yoga strong / RYT-200
Amy first discovered yoga (and vegetarianism) during a Buddhism class at UC Santa Barbara in the fall of 2001. That introduction sparked a lifelong curiosity about mindfulness and intentional living. These roots eventually led her to Swell’s YTT program where she completed her 200hr Hatha training in June of 2025. Excited to begin her teaching journey, Amy brings a fresh perspective and a big heart to the mat.
She holds a B.A. in English from UCSB, an M.A. in Creative Writing and Publishing from the University of London, and an A.A. in Graphic Design from SF State. Oh, and she’s also a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Quantum Martial Arts. (Yes, she kicks ass and reads the classics.) That powerful mix of focus, strength, and grace shows up in her teaching, where movement becomes both an art and a practice in presence.
Originally from Northern California, Amy has lived in Santa Barbara, London, and spent 20 years in San Francisco before relocating to the coast. She loves vegan cooking, martial arts, music, and spoiling her cats with way too many treats. Amy also lights up when teaching kiddos in the classroom, and may or may not sneak a ninja move into class now and then.
Antony Mills, instructor
yin / RYT-200
Antony, Swell’s first Yin instructor, began his yoga practice right on the coast in 2015. He received his 200-hr YTT in 2017. In his training and teaching, Antony interweaves the therapeutic benefits of Yin Yoga with Traditional Chinese Medicine. He’s particularly drawn to bringing the “yin” balancing qualities of yoga to the “yang” energy of western and corporate culture.
Originally from England but has lived in Seattle, Salt Lake City, and San Jose before landing Coastside right before middle school. With a professional background in construction, he’s currently a consultant with an architectural and engineering firm.
Antony’s interests away from home and studio include anything outdoors: soccer, golf, paddle-boarding, and walking the Coastal Trail are his favorites. He also loves music and art.
Becky Laux, instructor
buti-inspired / hatha / hot series / vinyasa / RYT-200
A native of Half Moon Bay, Becky started her yoga journey with the practice of Buti right on the coast. The fast-paced, dynamic, and empowering style led her to study the practice under Che Natina and she earned her Buti Yoga certification in 2017. Eager for more, she went on to complete her 200hr YTT in 2019 and her HIIY/Yoga Sculpt certification in 2020. Yoga has come full circle for Becky, as she now teaches Swell students in the very same walls where her own yoga journey began!
Married to her high school sweetheart, Becky has found her home back on the coast just a few blocks away from her family. She holds a B.A. in Communication Design and Media Arts from Chico State, and now leverages her design mind to spin nature into art as a florist.
When she’s not in the studio or playing with plants, you can find her soaking up life as a crafting queen (often with sparkles), exploring the earth, and of course, tearing up a dance floor or belting out some tunes at karaoke.
Caroline Morton, instructor
hatha / hot series / yoga strong / yin / RYT-200
Caroline first dipped her toes into yoga in her early twenties, but it wasn’t until she was pregnant with her first child in 2002 that yoga truly became a part of her life. Classes at ENSO in Half Moon Bay sparked her love, and during a year abroad in San Pancho, Mexico, her practice really blossomed. There, in a tiny studio called El Estar, long, nurturing classes helped her find a deep sense of peace and strength. As she completes her 200-hour certification with Swell, Caroline is eager to step into teaching with warmth and openness. She’s excited to share the calm and strength yoga has brought her, with others on their own journeys.
With a B.A. in Studio Art and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology specializing in Art Therapy, Caroline has been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2009. She blends creativity and compassion in her private practice, integrating her love for healing and mindful connection both on and off the mat.
Born in Peru and raised in California, Caroline is an adventurous soul who loves traveling, hiking, and camping. A proud dog enthusiast and devoted mother of two young adults, she’s no stranger to pushing her own limits, having run half marathons, hiked to the top of Half Dome, and even taken an exhilarating leap out of a plane. Caroline is always ready for the next adventure.
Clare Squire, instructor
gentle / hatha / yin / RYT-200
Clare established her yoga practice 25 years ago as a dancer seeking a new way to care for her being. Her years studying modern dance and her apprenticeship with a dance company led her to understand the importance of mind, body, and soul maintenance. As a lifelong lover of movement, Clare found herself in a 200-hour YTT at Swell with Amy Thomas. She completed her certificate in 2023 and is thrilled to be teaching in the same loving walls and environment that guided her through training.
With a background in sociology and public policy, Clare spent much of her career working in the non-profit sector. After years of research and fundraising, she recently shifted gears from the office to parenting and teaching.
California, Minnesota, and Thailand have all been homes for Clare over the years and she is thrilled to have settled into life in our cozy pocket of the coast. Outside of yoga you will find her cooking, gardening, dancing, singing and spending time with her children, partner Patrick, and bloodhound Huey.
David Oliphant, instructor
hatha / RYT-200
David, a local coastside business owner, blends classic and foundational poses with a mellow and easygoing vibe. David took his first yoga class when he turned 45, looking to address a nagging back injury from college. Not only did yoga completely resolve his back issues, but he was hooked and after two years of practice, went on to receive his 200-hour teaching certificate. As with any Swell instructor, he encourages all levels to the mat and emphasizes not only are beginners welcome, but made to feel comfortable. He trends towards laughter, learning, and not taking one too seriously. David is also certified in Reiki.
David’s attitude with life pursuits is “I can do that!” At 21, he moved to Paris with a friend and spent a year traveling. In order to support his growing passion for travel, he worked as a flight attendant and cruise director for an Italian-owned cruise line. Since then, he has also worked in the corporate world, owned restaurants, and now owns a real estate firm and art gallery in Half Moon Bay.
Beyond the yoga studio and professional pursuits, David stays outside, where he loves to work in the yard, camp, and hike. He feels home both near the ocean and mountains and has enjoyed living up and down the Pacific coastline, from Seattle to Los Angeles. David has a passion for rescuing senior dogs and volunteers for Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. He and his husband, Chris, live with their current rescue dog, Wooshi, named for the city where they met him, Wuxi China.
Jasmine Canales, instructor
hatha / restorative / vinyasa / yin / yoga strong / ERYT-500
Jasmine left her first Bikram-style yoga class at 17 years old pleasantly confused by the sense of euphoria she felt. Eventually joining her university “Yoga Club” led by school librarians, she immersed herself in the physical challenge and found a steady practice before going on to complete her own YTTs. Jasmine received both her 200hr and 300hr training from Anahata Yoga and Wellness, and is a Level II Reiki practitioner. While her background is in Hatha, she has a special gift for nurturing students in slower practices like Restorative and Yin.
With a license in Early Childhood Education from UCLA extension, and experience studying under Italian education systems, Jasmine spent the past 14 years teaching Pre-K through 2nd grade and operated her own reggio-inspired homeschool practice back in Culver City. She also holds an AA in Creative Writing from Golden West College and is currently studying design through Santa Monica college.
Jasmine made her way from Long Beach all the way up the coast to Half Moon Bay. Like all teachers at Swell, Jasmine lives a whole lot of life outside of yoga. When not in the studio, you can find her immersed in all things music: writing, performing, getting down on the dance floor. And when the mood strikes, she’s always willing to enjoy a relaxing day at home snuggled up with a book and her cat, Xena.
Kianna Miller, instructor
vinyasa / hatha / gentle / retreats / ERYT-200
Kianna first found yoga as a longtime athlete looking for more balance in her movements. Though she began practice purely for the physical benefits, she soon discovered the emotional and spiritual depth yoga offered and couldn’t stay away. She went on to complete two 200-hour trainings. Frequently found with a salty & sandy bun atop her head, Kianna encourages you to show up exactly as you are. Whether she’s welcoming you in the studio or on around the world on retreat, you’ll find her classes to be playful, accessible, and intuitive.
Another native of Half Moon Bay, born & raised, Kianna lived in Washington DC, where she received her BA in International Relations from American University. She’s been known to hop on a plane at the drop of a hat and has spent substantial time in Europe and Latin America, even calling Belgium, Peru, and Nicaragua home.
Currently exploring a life away from the 9-5 grind, you’re most likely to find Kianna outside. While she loves all things outdoors, the ocean is her home. She spends time in her element surfing, swimming, SUP-ing, floating- anything that fills her gills. She is a certified Surf Therapy Facilitator, Psychosomatic Practitioner, and Wilderness First Responder.
Lindsey Kraten, instructor
hatha / vinyasa / sound bath / RYT-200
Lindsey, both sound healing practitioner and Hatha instructor, holds her 200-hr YTT as well as a certification in Music, Voice, and Sound Healing from the California Institute of Integral Studies. Her first experience with yoga was taking a donation class in the Mission district in 2010. After the surprise feeling that she’d “come back” to herself, she practiced yoga regularly for 3 years before doing YTT in Rishikesh, India, an experience she credits as profound and transformative.
Technically a California girl, Lindsey has travelled extensively, exploring Micronesia, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Spain, Portugal, India, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Central America & Hawaii. In addition to offering yoga and Sound Bath, Lindsey is also proficient around a kitchen as a caterer and with a degree from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy-SF.
Outside of the studio, Lindsey shares a home with her husband and son, and two guinea pigs named Cacao & Jasper. She loves the coastside lifestyle, spending time at the beach, hiking, camping, and gardening
Martina Curci, instructor
gentle / sound bath / yoga en español / RYT-200
Martina has appreciated the healing power of music since she was young. In 2010, her love of sound led her to pursue a degree in Music Therapy with the intention of weaving this beautiful practice more deeply into her life. A professor introduced her to Vibracoustics, the study of vibrations and their healing powers – she went on to complete her training in Applied Vibroacoustics, Tibetan Singing Bowls and Sound Boarding Operator, at the VIBRO School, with music therapist Jorge Zain. Martina began offering 1:1 sound healing in 2020 before expanding to group offerings and eventually joining us on the weekly schedule at Swell!
Martina was born and raised in Argentina where she spent her childhood and university years, before making her way north to Half Moon Bay. Like most of the team at Swell, Martina is passionate about the outdoors and nature. She spends her weekends cruising up and down the California coast camping, hiking, and playing in the waves. With music in her bones and deep latin roots, don’t be surprised to see her getting down on the dance floor (be it dirt, sand, or concrete!).
Megan Cosgrave, instructor
hatha / vinyasa / RYT-200
Megan’s journey with yoga began in high school with a traditional hot yoga class alongside her dad and sister. She started a regular practice at the end of college, using yoga to connect with her body and spirituality during a pivotal transition time in her life. In 2023, she completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training right here at Swell, and has since continued to deepen her knowledge in anatomy, movement, and injury prevention.
With a Doctorate in Chiropractic, Megan spends her work hours specializing in gentle, specific chiropractic care here on the coast and in San Mateo. She’s in the process of becoming a Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (CCEP). Her chiropractic background influences her teaching, focusing on alignment, injury prevention, and spine-safe movement.
Like most of the Swell team, Megan loves spending her free time outside. Hiking, skiing, running, or soaking up live music on a sunny lawn. When the weather takes a turn, you’ll find her snuggled up with her Kindle immersed in a good book. Originally from El Granada, Megan has lived in Sonoma County and holds a very special place in her heart for Lake Tahoe.
Natalie Hanson, instructor
hot series / vinyasa / teacher training / RYT-200
Natalie began her yoga practice in 2001, finding it satiated her scientific mind and introduced her to the potential of subtle realms. Natalie completed YTT shortly after, in 2003. Natalies classes are both challenging and compassionate, with playful sequences and refined explorations that reflect her passion for life and commitment to transformation.
Born and raised on the Coast, Natalie completed her bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology and Physiology from UC Davis. A forever student, she graduated in 2015 from Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, California as a Doctor of Chiropractic and currently serves her community as a Network Spinal Chiropractor at Shakti Center for WellBeing in El Granada, California.
Natalie is most in her element gardening and being in any kind of water. Her crazy and loving home on the farm consists of chickens, daughters, cats, and a loving memory of George. She loves building and creating beauty: an altar, a meal, a flower arrangement, an Easter basket. Her favorite foods groups are coffee, Parmesan cheese, and potato chips.
Priscilla Ebersole, instructor
family yoga / RYT-200
Priscilla’s yoga journey began in high school, though it wasn’t until maternity leave with her first child that the practice truly resonated. Attending Mom and Baby Yoga opened her heart to the deeper connection and grounding yoga offers. That appreciation grew through regular classes at her office health center, where an inspiring teacher helped her find strength, clarity, and joy on the mat. Now a graduate of Swell’s 200hr YTT, Priscilla now shares that same steady, nurturing energy in her Family Yoga classes where laughter, wiggles, and moments of quiet all have a place.
With a B.S. in Neuroscience from UC Riverside, Priscilla spent years as a bench scientist before transitioning into her current role as a Companion Diagnostic Program Manager. Her background in science brings a thoughtful, curious lens to her teaching, often blending mindfulness with a nuanced understanding of the mind-body connection.
A Montara local through and through, Priscilla is happiest with her hands in the garden, a good playlist in the kitchen, or skis on her feet. She met her husband in college, and together they’re raising two incredible kids. A lifelong creative, Priscilla used to light up the stage during theater productions and jazz performances, now you can find her exploring the world of glasswork and enamel arts.
Sabine Cummins, instructor
yoga strong / ERYT-200
In her early 20’s, Sabine received an invitation from her mom to a gentle yoga class in Chicago. Wildly out of her comfort zone, Sabine wasn’t sure what to make of the breath, the stillness, and the chanting of mantra, which may have even prompted a giggle. As a stressed out grad student with a fidgety mind, she kept returning to the practice. After a few months she started to appreciate the peace and calm yoga brought to her life.
Those first classes eventually led to an interest in Vinyasa, Hatha, Hot Series, Baptiste, and Yoga Barre. When Sabine found Swell, she was drawn to the unique barre approach that balances total-body strengthening, movement of the mind, and of course, Swell’s signature barre beats. She completed her 200hr YTT with Brett Larkin and followed it with her Yoga Barre certificate before joining the team at Swell.
Sabine is a dual citizen (French & American), she spent her early years in Paris before moving to Chicago for high school and university. She received her B.A. in Criminal Justice, Political Science, and Philosophy before pursuing her Masters in International Studies. She explored living on the west coast from L.A. up to Eugene before settling on the coastside with her husband, Scott, and daughter, Bella. Sabine works in the Ad Tech & Advertising industry but also likes to spend her time immersed in travel adventures, hiking, theater and music. Don’t be surprised to catch her dancing, she’s been known to get down on the floor for a dance-off or two.
Sasha Trope, instructor
gentle / hatha / yin / meditation / retreats / RYT-200
Sasha is a versatile instructor who centers her yoga practice and teaching style around curiosity and exploration. She has spent her fair share of time in hot and “power” yoga classes, and during the pandemic her own practice took a softer turn, inspiring her to complete her 50hr Yin certification. She now teaches slower classes like yin, restorative, and gentle. Sasha’s true speciality lies in mindfulness practices. She is certified in Dynamic Mindfulness and is currently immersed in a 2-year Mindfulness Meditation program. You’ll find her weaving mindfulness into all of her offerings whether she’s teaching meditation or asana.
Sasha has been making her way west for the past decade. She grew up on the East Coast before landing in Colorado where she attended CU Boulder, double majoring in Psychology and Journalism. Her work with youth brought her to Berkeley, before eventually landing in Sky Londa. She works as an Education Consultant for SFUSD overseeing their district-wide Special Olympics programs.
Her interests outside of mindfulness and yoga include outdoor adventures. She lives in the beautiful redwoods and while she loves her nourishing mountain home, you’ll often find her traveling the globe to experience new landscapes. She loves to camp, hike, and spend time at the ocean with a good book in hand.
In Loving Memory: Suzette Hallett, instructor 1949-2023
hatha / restorative / RYT-200
Suzette’s debut as a compassionate and dedicated restorative teacher landed right in Swell’s popular Restorative class. Suzette first practiced yoga in her 20’s at the local YMCA. After a desire to teach was a seed planted in her 30’s, she complete YTT in 2021 and fully realized that dream. Suzette practiced and enjoyed most any style of yoga, though following her intuition led her to teach Restorative. Suzette was certified in Level II Reiki, a gift she brought to her classes.
A native to Southern California, Suzette completed accounting and business classes at UCLA and had 20+ years of experience in accounting. She moved to Northern California with her husband in 1993 and once they settled in El Granada, never looked back. Before retiring in 2012, she worked in the CUSD personnel department.
Suzette was always moving, with interests in hiking, biking, gardening, cross stitching, and cooking, with a gift for creating incredibly nourishing meals. Suzette shared her home with her husband and Paloma, former feline resident of Enso Yoga Studio on the coast.