Meet the instructors
Tess Collins
Date & Time: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Mondays 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Fee: $12 JFGM Members, $32 Non-members (per session) | Includes admission
For almost a decade, Tess Collins has been facilitating Mindful Movement experiences through 16 different countries' rooted cultures. She's excited to be sharing time with the San Diego community, connecting with surrounding nature, and continually researching what freedom in the mind/body can look and feel like, and from that, how to support & empower others through these various systems.
Open Level- anyone is welcome, from beginners to seasoned movers. Each class will be catered to your specific needs. We will meet in the lower gardens on the deck surrounding the beauty of nature to connect to our own inner nature. This class emphasizes grounding, building heat, an opening of the mind/body, exploring within, and relaxation. Elements include yoga asana (poses), qi gong and acu-pressure, release techniques, and meditation forms.
Ruth Nazarian
Date & Time: Thursdays 9:00AM-10:00AM
Fee: $12 JFGM Members, $32 Non-members (per session) | Includes admission
Ruth Nazarian discovered yoga decades ago when looking for a way to manage several autoimmune diagnoses and chronic stress. As she learned how to heal herself, a passion grew to help others on their wellness journey. With over 1,000 hours of training in various styles of yoga, meditation, energy work and stress management, Ruth enjoys guiding students to connect with their bodies, enjoy more freedom of movement, release tension and achieve deeper states of relaxation. Ruth is also a certified Nature Therapy Guide and outdoor enthusiast. For yoga guests at the Japanese Friendship Garden, she is teaching a gentle Hatha Flow that is appropriate for all levels. The class ends with a soothing sound bath that harmonizes with the garden’s natural symphony.
John Ortiz
Date & Time: 2nd and 4th Mondays 9:00AM-10:00AM (until the end of June 2026) Fee: $12 JFGM Members, $32 Non-members (per session) | Includes admission
John Ortiz is San Diego's own Neighborhood Sound Healer. East coast by nature, John blends his Yoga Teacher Training from Montclair, New Jersey (2016) along with his Atma Buti Sound Healing ( 2018) into a Traditional yet Creative Vinyasa practice tailor made for beginners and seasoned practitioners, alike.
New instructors, starting from July 2026
Date & Time: 2nd Mondays 9:00AM-10:00AM
Fee: $12 JFGM Members, $32 Non-members (per session) | Includes admission
Shannon French is a yoga instructor and wellness practitioner with over 20 years of experience in massage therapy, anatomy education, and holistic healing. As the founder of Zen Diego Wellness, a San Diego-based mobile wellness business, she creates inclusive experiences through yoga, sound healing, meditation, and mind-body wellness practices.
Her teaching style combines mindful movement, breathwork, and body awareness with a strong foundation in anatomy, creating classes that feel supportive, accessible, and welcoming for all levels.
Date & Time: 4th Mondays 9:00AM-10:00AM
Fee: $12 JFGM Members, $32 Non-members (per session) | Includes admission
India Bee is the founder of the Bee Restful Barn, a private nature sanctuary in Mission Hills, San Diego, where she offers yoga, yoga nidra, and sound healing for those seeking deep rest and nervous system restoration.
A senior yoga teacher with over 14 years of devoted practice and teaching, India holds an E-RYT 500 and completed a Yoga Therapy Training in 2013. She brings a therapeutic, grounded approach to every class by guiding students through movement, breath, and stillness in a way that is accessible and nourishing for all levels. She is also a certified yoga nidra facilitator and sound healer.
*Refunds or credits will not be given less than 7 days before the class
Sub/Cancellation Schedule
7/6 Shannon subbing
7/20 India subbing