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Meet Our Instructors

Meet our knowledgeable instructors who are dedicated to cultivating a safe and supportive space to guide you on your yoga journey. Each instructor brings a unique blend of experience, passion, and expertise, ensuring that you receive personalized attention and support. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi, our team is here to inspire and empower you every step of the way. 

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Kayla Mccarthy-Assha

Kayla began her yoga practice in 2014 as a college student seeking relief from anxiety and overwhelm. What started as simply stress management evolved into something far more transformative, it became a practice that recalibrates the body, restores balance, and reconnects us to who we are beneath the noise.

 

With a background in molecular biology and pre-medical studies and nearly a decade as a high school teacher, she brings both scientific understanding and real-world experience with stress, resilience, and the nervous system into her work. Together, these experiences shaped her grounded, science-informed approach to healing.

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In 2020, Kayla became a certified yoga instructor and has since completed her RYT-500, along with additional certifications in Yin, restorative, and prenatal yoga. Her teaching bridges ancient wisdom with modern understanding of breathwork, fascia, and trauma-informed care. She believes spirituality and science are not opposites, but partners in healing.

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Her true passion is creating inclusive, judgment-free environments where the focus is less on performance and more on presence. She built this space as a container for transformation, a place to soften, strengthen, restore, and remember yourself, where peace, presence, and  spiritual growth are embodied, not just imagined.

Hi my name is Heather Tortora. I have been a student at Akasha Yoga Room since Kayla opened and have enjoyed being a part of her practice and practicing alongside so many beautiful yogis!

 

My journey with yoga began over 20 years ago practicing with many wonderful teachers in NewYork, Michigan and now Florida!

 

I became certified to teach the Sivananda path of Hatha yoga in 2003 but have enjoyed many other paths including Iyengar and Anusara yoga.

 

I am honored to be asked to teach for Kayla and look forward to sharing my yoga with each of you! Namaste. 

Heather Tortora

Owner, Yoga Instructor

Yoga Instructor

Manching Tom

Yoga Instructor

Born in China, grew up in California, Manching taught in New York for over 20 years
before relocating to Florida.


As a former professional ballet dancer, she found her passion in yoga while recovering from a serious ankle injury. With extensive experience guiding students of all ages and abilities, Manching’s classes are designed to be accessible, mindful, and grounding.

 

She believes every student is unique with individual strengths and growth potential; yoga should meet every student exactly where they are. Through breath, movement, and awareness, she creates classes that support physical well-being, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of connection— both within each individual students and with their community.

Looking for more options for booking?

 Private, partner, and small group sessions are available. Let us host your next ladies' night, bachelorette party, birthday party, or self-care celebration!

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Call, text, or email us for availability and options.

Our contact information can be found here.

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