- Favorite food: Thai food
- Favorite animal: Bear
- Favorite movie: Payback (1999)
- Superpower: Strategic clarity under pressure
Our Educators
Coming soon!
Carla is the President and Owner of Healthy For Life Fitness Group and CALM Yoga for 22 years. Carla is a certified Senior Fitness Specialist, Yoga Instructor, Strength & Conditioning for Seniors Consultant & Specialist, Posture & Mobility Specialist, Certified in Mobility & Performance and Functional Fitness. The focus of all classes taught by Carla is to maintain independence as adults and seniors for as long as we can for the rest of our lives.
- Favorite food: Sea bass
- Favorite animal: Cocker Spaniel
- Favorite movie: Forrest Gump (1994)
- Superpower: LOVE
As an Arts & Crafts Instructor at HCA, I support residents across all levels by helping them integrate creativity into their classrooms in meaningful and accessible ways. While my specialty lies in visual arts, I work closely with residents in all content areas to build confidence in teaching through hands-on, engaging, and student-centered activities. My goal is to model how artistic expression can enhance learning, foster community, and support diverse learners—whether in the art room or beyond. I’m passionate about encouraging residents to tap into their creativity, even if they don’t see themselves as “artistic,” and I strive to make every session a supportive space for experimentation and growth.
- Favorite food: Pizza
- Favorite animal: Elephant
- Favorite movie: Ratatouille (2007)
- Superpower: Teleportation
I have been with HCA for 15 years, serving as Art Director & Program Instructor in the Antelope Valley. I’m passionate about teaching art to help students reduce stress, enhance creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and experience its healing benefits. In addition to in-person teaching arts-based classes at Arbor Court and Essex Tower in Lancaster, CA, I also offer online classes through HCA Live in watercolor, cartooning (drawing), and tech help. Outside of HCA, I maintain my own art practice, focusing on illustration, design, and large-scale murals. My freelance clients include Disney, Airbnb, Uber, the National Geographic Society, Airstream, REI, and Bandits Bandanas.
- Favorite food: Kunefe
- Favorite animal: Baby Highland Cow
- Favorite movie: Children of Men (2006)
- Superpower: Flight OR endless paint
Coming soon!
I have been proudly working with HCA since early 2024, offering a variety of creative and wellness-focused classes including exercise, arts and crafts, soapmaking, and breathwork. With a background in theatre, I bring a playful, grounded, and embodied energy to her teaching, making each class welcoming and accessible. I’m passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where participants feel seen, supported, and inspired to explore new skills.
- Favorite food: Sushi
- Favorite animal: Elephant
- Favorite movie: Ladybird (2017)
- Superpower: Empathy