Welcome to Mountain Gal Yoga, My name is Pilar Svendsen and I am passionate about Yoga, the Outdoors, Travel, and Mental Health! Raised in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I am forever chasing opportunities to practice yoga, get outdoors, and climb mountains.

I started practicing yoga in 2009 when I signed up for a class at West Valley Community College and found that Yoga was the only way for me to pause and slow down. I had no idea then how yoga would transform my life by working through stress, grief, and anxiety. Yoga has truly led me to live a vibrant and healthy lifestyle.

I’ve spent the last 15 years exploring several styles of Yoga: Vinyasa, Hot Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Chair Yoga. In May 2020, I obtained my 200-hour Yoga Certification through Breathe For Change under the guidance of the amazing Michelle Cordero. In November 2023, I completed a 300-hour Yoga Certification with an emphasis in Chair Yoga and Restorative Yoga led by Breathe For Change. I am proud to have accomplished the 300 Hour Teaching and Leadership Yoga Training which also featured the TEACH method: Trauma Informed, Equitable, Accessible, Community-Based, and Healing-Centered curriculum. Together, both Breathe for Change certifications meet the requirements for registration with Yoga Alliance and I am an approved 500 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).

I do my best to honor the origins and culture of this practice and I am still learning. I have completed continuing education in special topics including Yoga Philosophy, Meditation, Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Trauma Sensitive Yoga.

From 2020-2022, I had the privilege of offering Free Yoga for Educators through the Santa Clara Unified School District. I continue to offer In-Person Yoga classes for Adult Education with the Santa Clara Unified School District in addition to my Online Presence through Mountain Gal Yoga.

Welcome to Mountain Gal Yoga. I cannot wait to flow with you on the mat!