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 30 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 awakening into grounded, everyday life.

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Education

  • M.A. International Peace Studies — University of Notre Dame
  • B.A. Biology — San Diego State University
  • E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher Certification

Advanced Trainings & Professional Development

Trauma, Somatic Studies, and Parts Work

  • Somatic Experiencing 3-year professional trauma healing training for S.E.P (2004 – present)
  • Biology of Trauma Professional Training Program with Aimie Apigian (2023–present)
  • 21 Day Journey to Calm Aliveness & All Parts of Me — Dr. Aimie Apigian
  • Transformational Coaching Training Program (2018)

Spiritual Awakening & Mutuality

  • Effortless Mindfulness & Parts work Teacher Training with Loch Kelly (2025-2026)
  • Advanced Core Group with Thomas HĂĽbl (2020–2023)
  • Timeless Wisdom Training — Thomas HĂĽbl (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

Professional Background

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

  • White Dragon Kung Fu and Tai Chi training (2026)
  • Francis Tang Soo Do training (1986 – 1994)
    â—¦ Black Belt Instructor
    â—¦ Western Regional Sparring Champion
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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”
  • Published Personal Essay of Awakening in Kosmos Journal
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