Sophie Boller received her teaching certificates from B.K.S. Iyengar.

Sophie discovered Iyengar Yoga in early 1995 at the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles (IYILA), which became her home for the ensuing 25 years. 

After attending all regular classes at the Institute during the first 5 years, Sophie underwent the Institute’s 3 year teacher training program under the supervision of Manouso Manos (one of B.K.S. Iyengar’s oldest and closest student), followed by several certification assessments and ongoing teacher training.

As soon as she became certified, Sophie was invited to become an IYILA teaching staff and served for many years as Membership Chair and President of the Iyengar Yoga Association of Southern California.

In 2015, Sophie underwent a second 3 year teacher training, again under the supervision of Manouso Manos at IYILA, in the art of observation and adjustment of complex cases.

Sophie travelled regularly to Pune, India and across the US to study with B.K.S. Iyengar and Geeta S. Iyengar.  As of now, Sophie continues her studies and training with Manouso Manos, her mentor for the past 25 years.

Sophie has taught yoga to thousands of students since 2000. Her teaching positions have included the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles, Santa Monica College, the Wilshire Temple, primary and secondary schools (both public and private and in the Montessori system), and the Iyengar Yoga Center of Montmartre (owned and operated by her).

Sophie has found that teaching students aged 4 to 92, from all walks of life and in all stages of life–from young athletes to pregnant women and war veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan–is extremely enriching and makes her a better student. 

Firmly grounded in the notion of Parampara, the transmission of a lineage, as in a heritage received and passed on, Sophie believes that yoga is a neverending endeavor, in which one needs to have an anchor as well as a rudder. An anchor to be grounded in stable and firm position when needed, and a rudder for it is our human destiny to sail across life and adjust to the turmoils encountered while keeping a steadfast course.

“ A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are built for. ”

– John A. Shedd, Salt from my Attic