ABOUT FOUNDERS
Elma Panagaki
Elma Panagaki is a globally recognized yoga, Pilates Mat, and barre expert, known for her refined approach to movement, elevated teaching style, and deeply transformative experiences. Originally from Athens, Greece, and based in Los Angeles, Elma brings a unique blend of European elegance and California vitality to everything she creates.
Her journey began in the world of classical ballet at the age of three, where she trained to a professional level, developing a strong foundation in discipline, precision, and artistry. This early immersion in movement continues to influence her signature method, where strength meets grace and structure meets flow.
After moving to Los Angeles, Elma immersed herself in the study of Ashtanga yoga under the guidance of Tim Miller, and further refined her practice alongside world-renowned teachers such as Sharath Jois and Kino MacGregor. These experiences shaped her philosophy of movement as both a physical and deeply internal practice, one that cultivates presence, resilience, and self-mastery. Elma specializes in Ashtanga, Power, and Vinyasa Yoga, as well as Pre- and Post-natal Yoga, Pilates Mat, and Barre. She is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, allowing her to work with professional dancers and high-level clients with exceptional attention to detail, alignment, and performance.
Beyond the physical practice, Elma is a sought-after breathwork expert and neuroscience-based coach, guiding individuals through profound inner transformation. Her work integrates science with intuition, helping clients regulate the nervous system, release emotional blockages, and reconnect with their authentic power. Each experience she leads is designed to be not only effective, but deeply felt.
As the founder of Barre Movement Training, Elma has created a globally recognized certification program that has trained and mentored instructors worldwide. Her approach elevates barre beyond fitness, positioning it as a refined, intelligent, and results-driven discipline rooted in both technique and intention.
Elma’s influence extends across the global wellness and luxury space. She has been featured in leading publications and is a trusted voice in movement, longevity, and holistic well-being. She collaborates with top-tier brands and leads exclusive retreats and events for a discerning international clientele, creating experiences that seamlessly blend movement, travel, culture, and connection.
As the cofounder of SIS Yoga Retreats, Elma curates luxury retreats for women around the world, designed to inspire, elevate, and transform. These experiences go beyond the traditional retreat model, offering a sophisticated space for connection, personal growth, and embodied living.
She has completed the Women’s Leadership Program at Yale School of Management, further expanding her vision and impact as a leader in the global wellness industry.
Elma’s work is defined by one core intention: to guide individuals back to themselves through movement, presence, and power, creating a life that feels as good as it looks.
Sabrina Mata
Sabrina Mata is a Brazilian-born yoga teacher, wellness entrepreneur, and co-founder of SIS Wellness Retreats, recognized for her visionary leadership, disciplined approach, and inspiring dedication to conscious living. Based in Los Angeles, she has devoted her life to guiding people toward physical strength, emotional balance, and inner clarity through yoga, meditation, breathwork, and holistic lifestyle practices. With over two decades of personal practice and more than ten years of teaching experience, Sabrina’s work reflects courage, integrity, and a deep commitment to women’s empowerment and personal transformation.
Her journey with yoga began in 2002 during a period of profound life change, when the practice became a powerful tool for healing, self-regulation, and inner growth. In 2015, she completed her 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training at YogaWorks in the USA, later earning the E-RYT certification. She continued her education with some of the most respected teachers in the field, including advanced studies with Seane Corn, SmartFLOW with Annie Carpenter, and breathwork training with Max Strom. Her passion for understanding the mind-body connection also led her to immerse herself in personal development and coaching programs with Dr. Joe Dispenza and Tony Robbins, experiences that deeply influenced her philosophy of discipline, mindset, and conscious evolution.
Committed to supporting women, Sabrina graduated as Lifestyle and Wellness Coach from Harvard Medical School and is also a certified Perimenopause and Menopause Coach, integrating hormonal health, nervous system regulation, and mindful movement into her teaching. Her work in this field focuses on helping women navigate midlife transitions with strength, knowledge, and confidence, breaking taboos and creating safe spaces for open and empowering conversations.
Sabrina’s path has also been shaped by the courage to begin again. Moving from Brazil to the United States was a defining challenge that required resilience, adaptability, and determination. This experience strengthened her character and became one of the pillars of her work, inspiring others to trust the process of change, overcome limitations, and step into their highest potential with confidence.
Her lifestyle reflects the same values she teaches. Sabrina follows a conscious, holistic way of living, guided by respect for the body, for nature, and for the connection between physical health and mental clarity. She believes that discipline, consistency, and self-awareness are essential tools for building a strong and balanced life.
In addition to teaching regular classes, workshops, and special events in Los Angeles, Sabrina leads international retreats designed to create meaningful transformation beyond the yoga mat. As co-founder of SIS Wellness Retreats, she guides immersive experiences around the world that combine yoga, meditation, breathwork, and cultural exploration, creating safe and empowering environments where women can reconnect with themselves, build confidence, and cultivate sisterhood.
Sabrina is also the founder of Mata Wellness, a lifestyle brand that blends wellness, fashion, and self-care. The brand reflects her belief that movement, style, and selfexpression are powerful tools for confidence and emotional well-being, promoting a modern and conscious lifestyle that honors both strength and authenticity.
Before dedicating her life fully to the wellness field, Sabrina earned a law degree in Brazil and published two books of poetry. She also recently hosted a podcast in Brazil, where she shared conversations about self-development, motherhood, spirituality, and conscious living, expanding her voice beyond the yoga community. These experiences shaped her strong communication style and her ability to inspire with depth, authenticity, and purpose.
As a mother, entrepreneur, and teacher, Sabrina believes that growth is a lifelong journey. Her mission is to inspire people to live with intention, move with awareness, and remember that true transformation begins from within.