Nayantara Rodrigues

B.S., Criminology, M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy

LMFT, YTT 200

Founder & Board Member

Namaste For Compassion (NFC) was created to help those with limited means find a more fulfilling life through yoga. Nayantara, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, professor, wife, and mother, believes in yoga's restorative power and its accessibility as a tool for well-being. Her commitment to NFC stems from her observation as a mental health professional that at-risk groups need accessible wellness tools.

Elizabeth Brister

B.A., Communication and Public Relations, M.S., Healthcare Analytics

President

Elizabeth, President of NFCCV, combines analytical expertise from her healthcare background with heartfelt compassion to champion yoga's benefits. Beyond yoga, she's a pickleball and golf enthusiast, creative cook, and dedicated volunteer. As a board member of Fill the Needs, she actively supports disaster relief efforts. Known for her problem-solving skills and mentorship, Elizabeth leads with a balance of intellect, empathy, and a drive for positive change.




Carmo Rodrigues

B.S., Information Systems, MBA

Vice President

Carmo practices yoga to exercise his mind and body. He has also observed how the practice of yoga changes people from the inside out. He enjoys many blessings through his accomplishments at work and the love of his family. Yet, he still yearns to contribute to the betterment of communities, locally and globally. Through his involvement with NFC and his partnership with his wife, Nayantara, Carmo aspires to fulfill his desire to give back to this world.

CRYSTAL UYENO

B.S. Philosophy of Religion, E-RYT 500, Certified Pilates Instructor

Board Member

Crystal's yoga journey began in 2014 as a way to cope with anxiety and depression. Discovering its therapeutic benefits, she became an instructor to share her passion and help others find inner peace. Crystal joined NFC to further her purpose of helping others, encouraging them to integrate yoga's teachings into their daily lives and supporting community fundraising. Beyond her work with NFC, Crystal is a wife, mother, and Lululemon legacy ambassador.

Donald Turnmire

M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy, LMFT, YTT 200, TCYM

Board Member

Donald aims to spread the practice of vulnerability, believing that yoga and meditation foster compassion, self-acceptance, love, and calmness. He's passionate about yoga's transformative power to connect people to themselves and others. His membership in NFC stems from his belief in the synergy between social action and yoga. As an LMFT, Donald incorporates mindfulness and movement through his training in Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method.




PHAVEN Berhe

B.S. Business Administration, YTT 200

Treasurer

Phaven's deep commitment to helping at-risk youth is inspired by both her father's work and her yoga practice, where she continually learns about balance and selflessness. Her involvement with NFC allows her to combine her belief in the benefits of yoga with compassionate charitable giving. In addition to her work with NFC, Phaven is a dedicated wife and mother to three children.

Michelle Gonzales-Amely

M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy, LMFT

image1.JPG

Secretary

Michelle's yoga journey began with a focus on fitness, but through a clinical study at UCLA, she discovered the profound impact of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness on mental health and mindset. Despite the demands of motherhood, she integrates mindfulness into her daily life and professional work as a mental health specialist focusing on motherhood. As an NFC member, Michelle expands her capacity to support others in finding resources and developing skills for improved mental well-being, and she values NFC's fundraising efforts for local and global causes.