Background & Training
Geri Portnoy, M.A., E-RYT 500
Geri Portnoy is a spiritual awakening guide, somatic educator, senior yoga teacher, and founder of Yoga Del Mar and Yoga of Awakening. For over 25Â years, she has integrated yoga, nervous system healing, embodiment practices, meditation, trauma-informed approaches, and spiritual inquiry into transformational programs, retreats, and private mentorship.
Her work bridges modern trauma healing, parts work, contemplative practice, embodiment, and spiritual awakening into grounded, everyday life.
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Education
- M.A. International Peace Studies — University of Notre Dame
- B.S. Biology — San Diego State University
- California Teaching Credential — Biology and Chemistry
Advanced Trainings & Professional Development
Trauma Healing and Parts Work
- Somatic Experiencing 3-year professional trauma healing training for S.E.P (2024 – present)
- Biology of Trauma Professional Training Program with Dr. Aimie Apigian (2024–present)
- 21 Day Journey to Calm Aliveness & All Parts of Me — Dr. Aimie Apigian (2023)
- Trauma Healing Training — Luis Mojica (2021)
- Transformational Coaching Training Program (2018)
Spiritual Awakening & Mutuality
- Effortless Mindfulness & Parts work Teacher Training with Loch Kelly (2025-2026)
- Advanced Core Group with Thomas Hübl (2020–2023)
- Timeless Wisdom Training — Thomas Hübl (2018–2020)
- Evolutionary Collective “We Space” Core group and Teacher Training (2014-2017)
- Waking Down in Mutuality Teacher Training Program (2009-2011)
Nature-Based, Depth & Initiatory Trainings
- Four Winds Shamanic Practitioner Training and trip to Peru (2010-2012)
- Hidden Wholeness Training Parker J. Palmer’s work (2009)
- Wilderness-Based “Spell of the Sensuous” Training with David Abram (2007)
- Nature-Based Map of Human Development Training with Bill Plotkin (2006)
Yoga Teacher Trainings
- Anusara Yoga Teacher Training with John Friend (500-hour certification, 2010)
- Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training with Tim Miller and Eddie Modestini (1999)
- YogaWorks Teacher Training with Maty Ezraty and Lisa Walford (1997)
Professional Experience
A Lifetime of Teaching, Healing & Awakening
2011–Present
Founder — Yoga of Awakening
Created transformational programs integrating:
- Spiritual awakening
- Nervous system healing
- Somatic embodiment
- Yoga and meditation
- Private mentoring and group work
1999–2022
Founder — Yoga Del Mar
Founded and led a community-centered yoga studio in San Diego County offering:
- Yoga classes and trainings
- Meditation programs
- Retreats and workshops
- Embodied spirituality and awakening teachings
Education
Former Public School Educator
Taught:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Human physiology
- Science
- Peer mediation and conflict resolution
Served in Teach For America, Los Angeles Unified School District, and San Diego public schools.
Youth & Nature
Outdoor & Environmental Education
Led wilderness and environmental education programs for youth and schools throughout Southern California.
Martial Arts Training and Teaching
- Qigong training, Master Mingtong Gu (2026)
- Francis Tang Soo Do training (1985 – 1994)
â—¦ Black Belt Instructor
â—¦ Western Regional Sparring Champion
Speaking & Publications
- Author, Embodied Everyday Awakening: a guide for spiritual awakening in the midst of daily life
- TEDx Talk: “We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For”
- TEDx Yoga Presentation: “Building the Architecture of a New Culture”
- Article in Kosmos Journal of Transformation: in "Dark NIght of the Soul: Crisis and Opportunity of Our Times"
