Woman sitting on the floor in a yoga pose with legs spread wide apart, hands pressed together in prayer position, wearing black clothing, jewelry, and tattoos, in front of a white backdrop.

Meet Erica

Erica Garcia Abergel is an ERYT 500 yoga teacher, trainer, and continuing education provider with a personal practice spanning over three decades and more than 10,000 hours of teaching experience. She is also a 285-hour Certified Masters of Wisdom and Meditation Teacher.

As the founder and director of the A.L.M.A. Institute—a center for yoga and holistic education originally based in Yonkers, NY—Erica has trained, mentored, and inspired hundreds of yoga teachers and students. She is now bringing her offerings to Puerto Rico, where her journey continues with a vibrant new community.

A Nuyorican Sage with Soul

Often called “La Doña,” Erica is one of the rising Latina faces of yoga. She has skillfully made ancient yogic teachings accessible, relatable, and deeply personal for people from all walks of life. Her approach is both grounded and soulful—rooted in humor, honesty, and the belief that yoga doesn’t have to be so serious.

Like many, Erica’s yoga journey began with self-study. Unable to find teachers who reflected her experience, she immersed herself in old yoga books and self-practice. After surviving 9/11, she was left feeling like a shell—disconnected from her spirit. In her healing, she turned inward, discovering that movement and breath could guide her back home to herself. It was then that she knew: yoga had to be accessible to all.

  • DErica’s teaching style is vibrant and heartfelt—infused with her love of Iyengar, Vinyasa, Kundalini, music, and the chakra system. Her classes are known to “make your chakras do the cha-cha,” a joyful reflection of her belief that transformation can also be fun.

    She has been a fierce advocate for diversity and equality in yoga spaces, and her students often describe her classes as an experience—a blend of spiritual awakening, empowerment, and laughter.

    Beyond yoga, Erica is also a certified Health Coach (2012), Reiki Level I/II certified, and the former NYC Regional Coordinator for Y.O.G.A for Youth. She has trained under respected teachers including Krishna Kaur, Seane Corne, Hala Khouri, Suzanne Sterling, Raji Thron, Anodea Judith, and Davidji.escription text goes here

  • Erica is the author of two transformational tools:

    • The Compass Leads the Way / La Brújula Marca el Camino — a 30-day meditation journal.

    • The Prophetic Planner — an undated life and manifestation planner.
 Both are available on Amazon worldwide.

    She is also a corporate wellness speaker, mindfulness facilitator, and wellness coach offering one-on-one or group coaching in both English and Spanish.

    Building Community in Puerto Rico

    Now based in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Erica is co-owner of El Segundo Nivel, a yoga and co-working wellness space she shares with her husband. There, she offers:

    • Daily yoga classes

    • Group life coaching workshops

    • Personal wellness retreats

    • Yoga teacher trainings

    • Corporate wellness programs

    Booked via bookings@yamatalent.com.

  • Erica’s work has been featured in:

    • Mantra Magazine (2014 & 2018)

    • NY Yoga + Life Magazine — “Inspirational Teachers We Love in NY” (Spring 2016) and the cover of the 2019 Goddess Issue

    • Jade Yoga Mats 2019 Calendar (July Model)
 She has also been a featured presenter at major yoga festivals including Ahimsa Yoga & Music Festival and SoulFest NYC (2016–2019).

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