Melanee Cooper is an excellent yoga teacher. As a student of yoga since 1998, I have had the opportunity to take lessons from many different teachers and believe that Melanee is a gem. Her knowledge as a yoga teacher is evident in her sequence of poses, her adjustments to my positions, and her understanding of the right length of time to hold a pose. Melanee is sensitive to each student’s needs and limitations. She has an extensive knowledge of yoga, the human body and mind, and I recommend her classes to both beginning and advanced yoga students.
– Trish

I‘ve been taking Melanee’s mindful yoga class for three years and my regard for her teaching only grows. Melanee is warm and engaging, with a ready smile and natural ease. She moves her students seamlessly through a mindful, balanced flow of asanas, offering individual attention and helpful, non-intrusive assistance in deepening our practice. Her dedicated, conscious, accessible approach to yoga is a reflection of who she is. I am so grateful to have found her!
– Anne

“I have suffered with joint pain for more than a decade now. Ever since, I have experimented with my diet, seen a range of physicians, undergone a plethora of medical tests, and have taken a lot of medication with plenty of side effects. Melanee so very kindly worked with me to shape a diet free of allergens and develop healthy breathing and stretching practices to alleviate pain and anxiety associated with the inflammation. Without her coaching, encouragement, and creative recipes, I would have probably lived another full decade without being fully able to commit to cutting out foods that cause me pain. I also would have struggled to carry out a daily routine of stretching and breathing that makes all the difference to the rest of my day. With Melanee’s help, I have changed my career and am developing a sustainable path that will help me get my health – and my life – back. Thank you, Melanee, I am so very grateful for what you do!”
– Emily

“I have been practicing yoga for 10 years w/many teachers (mostly Singapore & Germany) prior to moving to Santa Barbara. I have been taking Melanee’s mindful yoga class for about a year now. Melanee has an incredible talent for connecting with people and takes pains to learn about (and remember!) the needs of each student. She crafts her class, which has a natural flow to them and one passes from pose to pose as if by instinct. There is never any rush to move through the practice and at least for me- this translates into no possibility of injury.”
– C.M.

“As a Doctor of Chiropractic I am always on the lookout for well-being opportunities. Healthy Zen is just that! Through her yoga teaching Melanee offers experienced support for her students to gently meet their edges and grow. As a health coach Melanee guides her students and clients through the often overwhelming world of nutritious eating with compassion and grace. She gives one on one counseling as well as delicious healthy recipes creating a safe and yummy environment for people to let go of food addictions and live a healthier, happier personal world.”
– Monika M.

“I was new to Santa Barbara and missing my yoga class back home when I happened on Melanee’s class. I knew I was in the right place almost immediately when she greeted me with a warm smile and a gentle hug. The class is a perfect combination of mediation and movement. Melanee pays attention to the needs of each student, encouraging us both to grow and to respect ourselves as we are in the moment. I look forward to class every week, and carry it with me the other days. Melanee has helped me feel at home here and with myself. ”
– Deb M.

“This cleanse is an effective and inspiring program for learning ways to claim a healthier relationship with food. The tour of the Farmer’s Market was fun, but more importantly, a great introduction to the wide variety of fruits, vegetables, juices available for integration into our daily meals. I found it to be a pleasurable experience which I intend to repeat!”
– Julie S.

“I’ve been a yoga student of Melanee’s at the SBYC for 1 year and attend her mindful yoga class 2-3x a week. Melanee skillfully guides her students through mentally and physically challenging exercises, in a safe and nurturing environment. Her passion for yoga is evident in her teaching and also in her way of living.”
– R.M.

“Melanee is a caring compassionate & committed instructor who is quite in tune with her students’ needs. (She) Melanee often reminds us some basic, yet vital elements of our yoga practice that also translate to living daily life in a more meaningful & enriching way…. physically, mentally and spiritually.”
– Bob L.

“Melanee truly teaches from the heart with a deep experience and intuition on what her students need to know in order to develop their own practice.”
– R.G.