susannah bruder

Susannah Bruder is a seasoned Yoga educator, practitioner, and wellness guide with nearly four decades of dedicated experience. Since beginning her journey in 1986 under the guidance of Antonio Sanchez at San Francisco Yoga Studio, Susannah has developed a richly layered approach to classical and contemporary Yoga. In 2024, she celebrates 30 years of full-time teaching—a testament to her enduring presence and impact in the Bay Area and beyond.

Depth of experience and approach

Susannah's teaching integrates principles from Shadow Yoga, Hatha, Iyengar, Astanga, and the Vedic tradition. Her work is grounded in personal experience and daily practice. She brings a unique ability to tailor instruction based on the lived needs of students—from asana alignment to restorative practices. Her classes are enriched by insights from three decades of retreats, teacher trainings, and direct mentorship.

Yogasita and legacy of teaching

As founder of Yogasita in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill, Susannah cultivated a community where Yoga was seen as both a seed-planting journey and a tool for personal transformation. “Sita,” a Sanskrit word meaning “a furrow for planting seeds,” reflects her intention to help students cultivate depth and balance. Between 1994 and 2013, she led weekly classes, intensive workshops, and multiple teacher trainings. In 2013, she was voted Best Yoga Instructor in the SF Bay Guardian’s “Best of the Bay,” affirming her leadership and excellence in the field.

Holistic offerings and community reach

Beyond studio settings, Susannah has worked privately with individuals, families, and corporate clients, offering in-person and Zoom-based sessions. Her extensive background includes teaching at revered institutions like Piedmont Yoga Studio, Sanchez Street Studio, The Mindful Body, and Studio 610. From the late 1990s to 2010, she also hosted popular retreats in Baja, Mexico and Northern California’s Oz Farm.

Professional ethics and advocacy

Susannah is recognized not only for her skill but also her courage. In 2001, she publicly challenged ethical misconduct within the yoga teaching community, taking a stand for student safety and teacher accountability. Her principled stance underscores her dedication to trustworthiness and professional ethics—key pillars of her approach to teaching Yoga.

Personal life and philosophy

A lifelong nature lover and runner, Susannah finds restoration in the trails and coastlines of the American West. She lives in Potrero Hill with her husband Brad and their golden retriever, Luna. Her Yoga is unbranded—rooted in tradition, cultivated through practice, and shaped by each student she teaches. She continues to offer guidance with humility, clarity, and heart.