Why the Dragon
The Dragon is rooted in the I Ching, the first meditation text that truly spoke to me and continues to inform the work we do on the mat. In the Book of Changes, the Dragon represents Creative Power, a dynamic force of growth, transformation, and right timing. It reminds us that when movement is aligned with intention, potential becomes reality through awareness, patience, and intelligent action.
The Blue Dragon symbolizes wisdom, creativity, protection, and calm strength. It represents adaptability, insight, and inspired leadership while inviting a sense of peace and clarity. This is why our rebirth and rebranding shifted from green to blue, reflecting evolution, depth, and trust in the unfolding process.
Dragon Asana is an invitation to practice with purpose, honor timing, and step fully into your own creative power on the mat and in life.
Desirae Penton-Crosley is a transformational asana teacher known for her alignment-based, life-changing approach to yoga. With over 2,500 hours of training and more than 10,000 hours of teaching experience, she supports students in cultivating awareness, strength, and confidence on and off the mat. Her offerings include alignment-focused yoga, Reiki, and sound experiences that invite deeper connection and embodied presence.
Founder of Hidden Dragon Yoga and former manager of Sanctuary Somatics, Desirae has led nearly 20 teacher trainings and multiple international retreats. Her teaching blends precision, curiosity, and compassion, creating spaces where students can practice with purpose and step fully into their growth.
Leia Morrison is a seasoned 500-E-RYT yoga educator, Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider, certified Yoga for Cancer Survivors teacher, and former studio owner with over 28 years of experience. Her journey began in the late 1990s at Western Colorado University and led her to found Sanctuary Yoga & Pilates Studio in Gunnison, where she taught transformative classes, youth programs, and a 200-hour Yoga Alliance–approved teacher training.
Leia’s classes balance strength, stretch, and nervous-system reset with great music, accessible options, and good vibes. Off the mat, she loves time with family and any adventure that involves being outdoors.
Autumn Brown has lived in the Gunnison Valley most of her life and finds peace in the outdoors through hiking, rafting, skiing, and time in nature. Given the spiritual name Shanti by Swami Satchidananda, she has been connected to yoga from a young age.
A 500-hour trained yoga teacher, Autumn offers alignment-focused classes with mindful sequencing that guide students deeper into their practice physically, mentally, and spiritually. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Ayurvedic Wellness Coach and continues her studies with Joan Hyman at The School of Yoga.
Autumn believes movement is medicine and is excited to bring her Slow Flow classes to Dragon Asana, sharing her passion for mindful movement while growing with the community.
Shelly Clements has been teaching movement for over 40 years in the US and Mexico. A professional dancer, choreographer, and 500-hour trained yoga, meditation, and pranayama teacher, she offers mat classes that blend gentle, mindful sequences with strength and flexibility. Her adult dance classes guide students safely through their full range of motion and creative expression.

A dedicated community builder, Shelly also teaches multilingual middle school students, collaborates with local arts organizations, and enjoys time outdoors with her husband and four-legged family. Inspired by Desirae Penton-Crosley and Dragon Asana, she is thrilled to contribute to the studio and the growing vitality of Gunnison’s downtown scene.
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testimonialS
“Dragon’s 200-hour teacher training program is hands down the best school in the OKC area. Maybe even all of Oklahoma. The studio is welcoming to ALL, and I’m already planning to attend the next 300-hour training.”
Amy Carson
