Dora Elena Hasenbein is the director and co-owner of Yoga Darśana. She was born and raised in South America and lived in Germany. Dora graduated from the three-year Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Program of Southern California. She is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher at the Intermediate Junior II Level and a Certified Yoga Therapist. She studied yoga philosophy at Loyola Marymount University and continues to study yoga philosophy. Dora practiced and apprenticed the study of Iyengar Yoga with Karin O’Bannon. She continues studies and mentors with Gloria Goldberg and with senior teachers. Dora served on the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (IYNAUS) Ethics Training Committee. She is passionate about sharing her love of yoga and believes it is accessible to everyone.

Wolfgang is co-owner of Yoga Darśana. He was born and raised in Germany. He studied art and received his degree from the University of Berlin. Wolfgang started studying yoga philosophy and meditation in his teens. He was influenced by the writings of Hermann Hesse and especially after reading Siddhartha. After studying yoga with senior Iyengar yoga teachers, he has been teaching gentle yoga and meditation since 2004. Wolfgang shares his understanding of yoga philosophy and meditation with all students.

Dewey was born in Chicago, and studied at University of Illinois, Chicago receiving a BFA in Industrial Design and a BFA in Sculpture. He moved to Los Angeles to attend CalArts and received an MFA in Art. He is current faculty at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Dewey has been a student of Iyengar yoga for over 20 years. He is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher and continues his studies with several senior teachers.

Vanessa discovered yoga as a student at CSULA and continued her practice after graduation. She is certified at the Iyengar Intro I/II level. Outside of the studio, she works as a wardrobe stylist for award winning television programs and films. She finds great fulfillment in being able to pursue both her passions for styling and yoga. She continues to teach and study in Los Angeles with occasional visits to Pune, India.

I started my yoga journey at the age of 15 due to issues with anxiety. As much as I resisted practicing yoga, it continued to permeate throughout my life. I welcomed practicing and learning Iyengar yoga at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles under the care of Karin O’Bannon. I found yoga again before I became pregnant and I am studying with Dora Hasenbein and Suzanne Simon. I am currently Yoga Darsana’s Marketing Director, an educator, and teach teen yoga. I received my 200 RYT with YogaWorks in August 2020. When I’m not practicing yoga, I enjoy gardening, calligraphy, outdoor activities with my family, and creating my own beauty products.

Crystal's path of yoga commenced under the tutelage of Dora Hasenbein. Crystal is motivated by connection to the self and with others. The practice of Iyengar Yoga has given her the opportunity to delve deeper into how connection is manifested. She is currently studying for the Iyengar Intro I level certification. Outside of the studio, she works as a Technology specialist for an Investment firm, dabbles in art and loves spending time with her friends and family.

Lily first discovered yoga in her early 20s in college. She dabbled with different disciplines of yoga before closing that chapter in her life only to later revisit the idea of yoga after years of personal struggle with anxiety. Through the practice of Iyengar Yoga, she discovered that it offered her a rich path to transform on and off the mat. She began her practice and studies in 2023 under the mentorship of Dora Hasenbein. She is currently studying for Iyengar Yoga Level 1 certification. Lily seeks to cultivate mindful awareness through yoga practice so that it may lay the foundation for others to discover their own path to enlightenment.

Elaine’s journey with yoga began simply as a way to find a consistent weekly activity. After exploring a variety of fitness practices—including circuit training, indoor cycling, barre, HIIT, Zumba, and pilates—she found that yoga was the practice that truly resonated with her. As her practice grew more consistent, so did her appreciation for the depth of yoga. Over time, she discovered how yoga could support both physical strength and mobility while also creating greater mental clarity, balance, and presence. What began as a recreational activity gradually became a meaningful practice and an integral part of her life.

Elaine is currently pursuing her yoga certification under the mentorship of Dora Hasenbein, deepening her understanding of alignment, precision, and the therapeutic benefits of yoga. Outside of her yoga practice, Elaine enjoys relaxing at the beach, discovering new cafes and restaurants, cooking, and traveling.