I learned the yoga from Brad Ramsey in Kona, Hawaii starting in 1984. It was a quantum shift for me. Years before that I had been introduced to yoga at age 15. I had gone to an alternative Highschool in the valley. I got a ride to school was with Hari, the Kundalini Yoga teacher at 6a. She would talk about vegetarianism on the way to class. At that time a seed was planted, I wanted to know about yoga in my life.  Years later, after my Dad died, I sold his van to a yogi/jeweler named Neil. He asked if I had ever done yoga.  I showed him Pachimottanasana. He said he knew the best yoga. It inspired me, and I went to Kona and learned the yoga. After working it out in class, sometime Brad would say, "Almost like a real person." I learned the yoga, swam everyday in the salt water and learned how to become a real person. When I was beginning to learn the 2nd Series, Guru Ji was coming. Linda and I collected Plumeria Flowers to make Malas. I wasn't sure about the whole Guru thing. But Guru Ji's book is named Yoga Mala. To make a Mala is to make a garland or wreath of flowers of devotion. It meant something to me. A Yoga Mala is a connection to the inner, true guru. In 1985 after moving to Santa Cruz and taking Yoga teacher Training / Advanced TT at the MMC, I was privledged to help "Dr. Ray" Rosenthal sponsor Guru ji on his first trip to Santa Cruz. He blessed me, saying "Melissa, You teach!" I taught for for a time privately and early mornings at the VA in Santa Cruz. Then returned to college. In Los Angeles I continued teaching yoga from time to time while working and completing my BFA. After several years, I reconnected with Guru Ji when he came to SF and LA and San Diego on his tours. Then I returned to teaching, to the yoga; to being true to myself as a main priority of my life.