Rodney Yee

Rodney Yee, an American-born Asian from California, embarked on his yoga journey in the 1980s with a focus on studying the intricacies of the human body. Over time, his exploration expanded to encompass the realms of mind and spirituality, driven by a practical and inquisitive approach. Yee's pursuit of wholeness began during his high school gymnastics days and was further nurtured through the study of philosophy and physical therapy at U.C. Davis and U.C. Berkeley. He left college to pursue a career in dance, performing with the Oakland Ballet Company and the Matsuyama Dance Company of Tokyo.

Yoga served as the synthesis of Yee's diverse interests, embodying his deep yearning for completeness. He built a strong foundation in Iyengar Yoga at The Yoga Room in Berkeley, CA, and the Iyengar Institute of San Francisco, where he learned from influential teachers like Donald Moyer, Manouso Manos, and Ramanand Patel. In 1987, Yee co-founded The Piedmont Yoga studio with Richard Rosen and Claire Finn. His prominence grew as he featured in the Yoga Journal calendar in 1989 and 1991, leading to a successful video career under Healing Arts, eventually becoming part of the Gaiam Company. His appearance on Oprah in 2000 further propelled yoga into mainstream culture. Yee and Colleen partnered with Donna Karan to establish UZIT LLC, which combined Yoga, Reiki, Essential Oils, and Meditation to benefit all.

In 2003, Yee relocated to Sag Harbor, NY, to be with his partner Colleen Saidman. Together, they have created a blended family with their children, Evan, Adesha, Rachel, and Johanna. Colleen and Yee's love for one another and passion for teaching has only intensified with time. They are actively involved in teaching at Colleen’s studio, Yoga Shanti, and offer classes, workshops, retreats, and Teacher Trainings worldwide.