Bio, Press, and Testimonials:

Leslie Porter has been a dedicated instructor and practitioner of yoga, meditation, and Pilates for well over a decade. Teaching in colleges, studios, and private sessions, she is known for creating a compassionate, accepting, and playful environment that supports students of all ages and experience levels in discovering their own unique radiance and wisdom. Having a multidimensional understanding of the human experience, her expertise with alignment and anatomy, emotional trauma, energy work, meditation, physical injury, dietary supplementation, and stress reduction techniques has lead to frequent referrals from a broad spectrum of healthcare professionals including physical therapists, nutritionists, pychologists, and acupuncturists.

A gifted teacher, Leslie is also a committed student, having trained with Marie-Jose Blom Lawrence (Pilates), Ana Forrest (Forrest), Judith Lasater (Restoratives), John Friend (Anusara), Yoga West (Kundalini), and Jack Kornfield (Vipassana Meditation). She frequently attends retreats and workshops and has personally studied with well respected practitioners of an array of spiritual traditions including Sufism, Sikhism, contemplative Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, and Hinduism.

Aside from being a professional instructor, Leslie is a recognized local artist and philanthropist as well as an accomplished vegan chef and salsa dancer. She has won numerous awards for her photography and has exhibited her mixed media creations in galleries throughout northern and southern California. She is the founder of her own non-profit organization called Service with Spirit, a representative for the Art Mentor program at Santa Monica College, and a volunteer worker for A Place Called Home, an organization that helps at-risk youth in South Central, LA. At present, Leslie is compiling a collection of her favorite vegan recipes and drafting her first book about the usefulness of yoga and meditation in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

Press:

New Article! Leslie Porter's Meditation Class reviewed on stylishguide.com

Leslie Interviewed on the chakra system /Californiapsychics.com

Testimonials:
To add a testimonial, please e-mail leslie@leslieporter.com

"I seriously notice such a difference in my behavior, specifically my reactions to people/situations. I am able to transcend my feelings and my responses in a more productive and gracious manner, and in turn I am enlightened by my own power. I completely credit your teachings. It has been such a gift, and I am sure you hear similar responses from many of your students, but I guess there's nothing wrong with a surplus of expression of gratitude. So, again thank you for all the lovely vibes that you spread! I look forward to deepening my practice, and learning more!" ~Maggie Brawley, 2011

"Had my bone density scan on Friday and am pleased to report that I have improved slightly in some areas, but the most fantastic thing is that the neck of the femur on one side has significantly improved to a point that I'm out of the osteoporotic range and back in the osteopena category.  In another words, I think I'm getting younger!  (and today is my 65th birthday) So thank you for guiding me through all the movements I've come to love - even the torturous ones that I say are good prep for possible abduction! (I should bite my tongue)." Marilyn Kass, 2011

"I have been taking Pilate's with Leslie only a short time, but want to express how completely aware I have become in my body. She is extremely dedicated to ensuring her students are doing the exercises correctly and with proper alignment. She is funny and quick, with the ability to hone in on her students that need further assistance while maintaining the flow of class. I plan on taking more classes to further my home practice and integrate all I have learned in my daily life. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her for any level of student. She creates the trust, comfort, and professionalism that is vital for studying the discipline of Pilates. I am grateful that she is here and so is my body!" Leslie Bauer, Massage Therapist.

"There are so many things that I love about these retreats with Leslie. There is always a sacred connection with nature, an energy that you can feel in the places that she holds retreat. Time slows down for me in these places. I can breathe easier. The practice sessions that she creates, whether they are yoga, meditation, dance or art therapy, are all geared towards giving you the opportunity to achieve growth through release of the unnecessary, an invitation to welcome in healing energy, and safe, precious moments of expression of the self, connection to the basics of you. I come away from these retreats knowing more about myself, trusting myself more, and with affirmations that help me in my life when I leave the retreat. All of this in such a warm caring community, with an amazing gentle and wise teacher who is truly genuine, and is very supportive and attentive to each participant. Every retreat she creates is unique, and I am thankful for each new experience I have had." Eileen Berbeo, Artist and Student

"Thank you for a magnificent experience. My first retreat & I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted off me. Your presence and voice brings serenity to my soul. I will see you in the next retreat in L.A." Liz Lopez

"Leslie provides an environment that makes you feel safe and free to explore all that yoga has to offer. She is without judgment and full of encouragement". Molly Messmer

"Since I have been working with Leslie these last two years, I have become stronger physically-much more toned and limber. I like that she emphasizes the breathing and spiritual part of the yoga practice. It has helped me handle stress better and I'm able to be calm in stressful situations. I just remember to 'breathe'. Leslie is a wonderful teacher and mentor. Thank you for teaching us what you have learned from your practice." Charlie Warner

"The wonderful thing about Leslie is that she creates a safe space for her students to explore the opportunities that yoga offers. She does so with compassion, caring, humor, and a solid grounding in years of training. My time with Leslie has been both delightful and challenging, and I couldn't be happier to have her as a teacher." Samer Rabadi, human rights activist for Amnesty International

"As an art therapist I give daily of myself to assist those in need. I am regularly confronted with reactions to anger, sadness, and pain. My job is to listen and metaphorically hold my clients emotions so they can feel containment and relief. I do not always realize consciously the stress and anxiety I carry as a result of this listening. I still remember the first time I felt a passionate wave of emotion while doing yoga in Leslie’s class. After a few classes I realized that Leslie’s approach to yoga created an environment I had not experienced during my five years of yoga practice. The reinforcement of safety, expression, and stability that Leslie communicates allows me to move my body and listen to my inner self in a new way. This listening transcends the yoga studio and encourages me to nurture my inner strength and self care in my daily routine, relationships, and life". Patricia O'laughlin, Art Therapist