Born and raised in the South of Russia on the Black Sea, Polina grew up with a connection to nature and a deep love of active, outdoor living.

Her grandmother, who had a profound impact in her early life, taught her to recognize the spirit in the natural world, and instilled in her a belief in the healing powers of the body. Polina witnessed her grandmother’s commitment to morning devotional practices (sadhana). She saw how she ate a healthy vegan diet, healed herself and her family with natural remedies, and taught compassion, love, and kindness toward all. Later, Polina would come to realize that this is, in fact, what yoga is all about.

After completing her Master’s degree, Polina moved to New York City, where she discovered yoga. In 2014, she completed her 200-hour Teacher training. This training lit a fire within her, a desire to go deeper into this practice that was developing in her a growing sense of calm and peace. She continued her education with a 300-hour program, culminating in Rishikesh, India, with mentor and master teacher Kia Miller. The course changed her life; it allowed her to let go of painful experiences from the past and realize her power create change. From that moment, she knew she wanted to share the gift of yoga with as many people as possible.

An avid surfer and snowboarder, Polina’s adventurous spirit and love for life infuse all of her yoga classes with joy and enthusiasm.