Bend Don't Break

Sara Grzywacz

Terri Koen

Angelena Sweet

Behnam Arzaghi

Kaytee Hernandez

Joel Homme

Gillian West

Todd Cline

Jenna Manders

Tawny Villian

Kaylee Nelson

Lisa Garza

Angelena Sweet

Jesse James

Sara Grzywacz

Amelia Rosenberger

Terri Koen

Andie Darji

Rachel Nayer

Kirstin Koepnick

With over 10 years of practice, I discovered my passion for yoga as a Power Flow instructor! Inspired by my step-mom, who introduced me to yoga, I have completed a 200-hour teacher training and am currently pursuing my 300-hour certification. Designed to sync breath with movement, my sessions promote the fluidity of body and mind for students of all levels. I love crafting upbeat playlists to transform every class into an energetic and uplifting experience. Join me on the mat, and let’s flow to the rhythm of your best self!

Fun fact: I love traveling and have been to over 30 countries 🙂 send me some travel recs!

Christine Grayton

I believe yoga is for every body and Yoga is for everybody. Encouraging the practice of yoga on and off the mat, I take a mindfulness approach to my practice and teachings. Each person goes through different life paths and journeys and where movement – as I like to say, yoga with a lowercase “y” – is important, the mind-body connection is what I find most important about Yoga – with a capital Y. Exploring my own practice for over 10 years, I decided to embark on a yoga teacher training program in 2023 to expand my own practice. Now, I have completely changed careers, stepping away from the corporate world and am now teaching full-time!

Fun fact: I am a self-taught and “self-started” sourdough baker! Bored in the pandemic, I grew my starter from scratch and it’s still going strong to this day! It’s name is Belcher 🙂

Rose

I believe in the magic of alignment, precision, and playful discovery on the mat. In my classes, we’ll blend breath with movement, while using props and modifications, to make every pose accessible and enjoyable. Sequencing stems from Iyengar and Hatha yogic styles and is paired with fun music, a strong sense of community (and humor) and hope to that practices explored on your mat become useful tools in other aspects of life.

Fun fact: Sunblock is my favorite accessory!

AJ Taylor

I’ve been practicing yoga for nearly nine years, and found my passion in power flow and a good, upbeat playlist. Now, I like to teach all kinds of classes, from yin to hot power yoga, with the overall priority of body awareness and gratitude.

Fun fact: I’m a Wilderness First Responder!

Grace Mellor

I started practicing yoga in college while in search of balance and relief. Through a dedicated practice over the years, my mat has become a safe space to be creative and at-peace. I received my RYT-200hr in 2022 to teach others the benefits of yoga I experience. My classes are suitable for all levels, as I hope to inspire students to be curious, grow, and feel safe. With a new playlist every month, my classes are curated to encompass breath to movement, sweat, and mindfulness (with a smile!).

Fun fact: I love to travel, experience new cultures, and try new foods & activities. I recently completed a bucket list item, traveling to 30 countries under the age of 30!

Liv Colman

I’ve practiced yoga for almost 10 years and completed my 200-hr teacher training through Shambhavananda Yoga in Colorado. I believe yoga is for everyone! I offer variations and use props so you can tailor your practice to suit your physical and mental needs. Whether you’re seeking strength or relaxation, I aim to make every class an inclusive and empowering experience for all levels. Join me to find joy and meditation through movement!

Fun fact: I love any kind of outdoor adventure. My favorite (so far) is rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon! I also love to crochet and watch bad reality tv in my free time.

Gabby Ureña Matos

I’m a 200-hour certified yoga teacher and have completed a 30 hour training in yin yoga as well. I like to sequence creative flow classes that get you facing all directions on your mat. I try to encourage and generate an environment of self-trust and growth for students. I make sure to offer variations whenever I can and remind you to always ask your body what it’s looking for in practice today before your mind wants to take over!

Fun fact: I can spend almost all day in the kitchen and love a good cooking project! I’m currently trying to get into winter bathing despite being the first person in the room to feel cold. I also weirdly can do the Road Runner “meep-meep” really well.

Lynnith Rubin

I’m a mover, musician, and teacher of teachers. I’ve taught yoga, flexibility, mobility, breathwork, acroyoga, and inversions to yoga-teachers-in-training as well as beginners. I teach with longevity in mind, encouraging students to find their edge while also listening to their bodies so their joints can be healthy and allow for participation in athletic endeavors well into old age! One of my most proud teaching moments was when my 50-year-old private client did his first ever handstand, breaking through years of limiting beliefs about his strength and ability. My objective is to empower people to learn the tools they need to feel good in their own bodies; consciously cultivating health and happiness from within.

Fun fact: In a former life chapter, I was a professional flute player!

Mary Reynolds

Teaching yoga for over almost 25 years. Specific experience and interest in trauma-informed yoga, spiritual movement, and mindfulness practices with womyn of all ages.

Fun fact: I start most of my days with a 2 minute cold shower, even in the dead of winter. And when I’m able to, I’ll jump into a cold lake or ocean.

Raquel A. Perez

As a yoga instructor, I use my voice to guide students with their own yoga journey, a moving meditation practice for wellbeing. As a student, I listen to grow and improve on my journey. As we age, daily yoga practice with a special focus on balance, strength, and meditation is crucial. I have been a climber longer than I have been a yoga practitioner, and intertwining both to avoid injuries, increase range of motion, and above all have fun, is my ultimate goal as a yoga instructor.

Fun fact: Rocks for me are more than just a thing to climb! I’m a Geologist!

Morgan Kelley

I’m a certified AcroLove Acroyoga teacher, and have been practicing acroyoga since 2016. I am passionate about pushing boundaries and nurturing students personal growth, and will encourage you to explore the outer edges of your comfort zone through attainable yet challenging moves and transitions. I love L-base washing machines, but can also be found challenging myself though icarian pops, standing and group practices. My goal is to share the transformative power of acroyoga, foster personal growth, and build a strong sense of community in every class.

Fun fact: I recently started horseback riding again after a 10 year hiatus, so on weekends when I’m not doing acro you can probably find me at the barn!

Jill Rodgers

I have invested in lots of learning since my initial certification, and am now an RYT-500 with over 4,000+ teaching hours under my belt. My continued studies usually focus on the anatomy and mechanics of yoga and I strive to convey that knowledge during practice to help students build a better understanding of their own bodies. I love that postural yoga provides a chance to work all areas of the body, to practice building strength at end ranges, and connects us to the rhythms of our breath and our heartbeat. I hope to be a guide on the path that leads yogis back to themselves.

Fun fact: I love cultural performances of all kinds, and take advantage of city living by enjoying as much dance, theatre, concerts, and films as possible.

Margaret Kobs

I’ve taught yoga for a culmative 4 years now and have cherished every single moment. I taught students at the fitness center in college, for various friends and fundraisers, and now teaching the lovely members of Boston Bouldering Project.

Fun fact: I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in the Summer of 2023 and it was epic to say the least. I’m so grateful for pranayama – yoga breathwork got me through the alpine start final push!

Hannah Howard

After practicing for over 10 years in a variety of styles, I completed my 200-hr training in May 2024. For me, yoga is all about meeting your bones in a new and exciting way, and in all of my classes I enjoy seeing how individual anatomies adapt to postures. Yoga is the thing that gave me strength and flexibility after spinal surgery, and I love that both creative sequences in power yoga and supportive rest in restorative yoga deepen my relationship with my breath and alignment.

Fun fact: Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and I spend entirely too much time each morning making myself an extensive Mediterranean style spread. If you ever need olive recommendations, I’m your girl!

Andrew Atwell

Andrew is certified in the Baptiste Power Yoga Methodology, and has trained for 8 years with Bethany Lyons of Lyons Den Power Yoga.

Drawing from an extensive background in a wide-variety of movement practices (i.e.. martial arts, surfing, trail running), he strives to lead athletic classes that gently encourage students to leave their comfort zone and step up to their edge of possibility.

Jenny Baik

Jenny found her way onto the mat over 15 years ago as a means to rehab from physical injuries and ended up falling in love with yoga’s emphasis on the mind-body-breath connection.

Jenny seeks to guide practitioners toward a balance between effort and ease, with revitalizing sweaty flows complemented by relaxing deep stretches. As a lifelong singer and musician, she often incorporates mantras and instruments into her classes to cultivate a more sensory-rich experience.

She’s studied different yogic/meditative disciplines across the US, Korea, Japan, Mexico, and Spain, where she completed her 200-hr training in Ashtanga Vinyasa.

Angelina Fiorini

Angelina blends different yoga styles such as Katonah, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative to create a unique, well-rounded experience.

She has a focus on making yoga accessible to everyone, especially beginners.  Her yoga meets you where you are.

Angelina received her 200 RYT certification from Sky Ting Studios (NYC).

Emily Faber

Emily is a 200 RYT who strives to lead classes she describes as  “flowy, playful, and full of surprises”.

Creativity is one of her strengths and it comes through in the thoughtful ways she leads students through a flow.

While vinyasa is her speciality, she has also studied Bhakti, Yin, and Katonah Yoga and is able to draw from a huge wellspring of inspiration to feed her students body, mind, and soul.

Britt Gendron

Ashley Hutchinson

Ashley’s journey along the Yoga path started 10 years ago, having first been drawn to the practice as a way to find peace through movement.

Through yoga practice, Ashley found an opportunity to look at the world through a new lens, and apply the practice of yoga to life off the mat.

To Ashley, yoga is breath, presence, and movement combined to create a meditative exploration of the body and mind.

In a class with Ashley, expect to find strong flows threaded through with thematic principles derived from Yoga philosophy. She is 200 RYT certified.

A Columbus, OH native, Ashley now resides in Brooklyn and when off the mat can be found reading a book in the park, riding her bike around town, or at the nearest Italian restaurant diving into some pasta and a good Cabernet.

Corey Kreisel

Corey is a yogi, climber, and forest creature who believes in movement as medicine and the art of possibility. His classes embrace the meeting point of playfulness and reverence, inviting students to pray with their whole body and reconnect to their embodied intuitive wisdom.

At the heart of his teaching is the understanding that yoga offers us a path back to our truest selves and to each other—a collective practice of reuniting that feels like the most important work we can do. Corey completed his 200-hour teacher training at Vive Yoga in Jacksonville, Florida.

Emily Oberwetter

With a background in competitive sports, Emily is ashamed to admit that she once found yoga to be “slow” and “boring”. However, thanks to instructors who challenged her to embrace the discomfort of deliberate and intentional movement, she realized that yoga is not only a physically challenging practice, but one that grants her the much-needed space to slow down and connect with mind, body, and breath.

In her classes, Emily provides her students with room for growth by layering thoughtful music and heat with sequences that surprise, delight, and invite students to explore their perceived limits. Emily earned her 200 hour RYT in Hatha Vinyasa at Lakshmi Rising School for Yoga & Wellness in Costa Rica. She incorporates elements of Baptiste Power Yoga and the traditional 26×2 Hot Yoga sequence in her classes.

Caro Plaitu

Caro Platiau is a rock climber, yoga teacher, and climbing coach, with over a decade of experience in yoga, massage, and body work. She lit a fierce and immortal passion for anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology in 2008, and has since completed a degree in contemporary yoga studies, over 500 hours of yoga teacher trainings, and over 500 hours of body work trainings.

She has traveled extensively to climb in Europe and the North America and cares deeply about climbing with friends and family.

Since his birth in 2023, Caro and her husband Bam have brought their son (AKA Ravel the Gym Baby) to the Gunks, Hueco, Fontainebleau, and Albarracín.

Maddie Singleton

Maddie is a yoga teacher, fitness professional, and climber with more than 12 years teaching experience.

After completing her 200 RYT training in vinyasa at age 18, she studied other methodologies such as Iyengar, kundalini, mandala vinyasa, bhakti, restorative, and yin.

Her teaching style is eclectic, inspired by traditional yoga philosophy, as well as ordinary life and nature.

She’s fascinated equally by physical challenge and subtle work, and loves to combine the two to bring about a more sincere connection to self.

Gioia von Staden

Gioia von Staden is a yoga teacher and dancer based in Brooklyn, New York. She is originally from Royal Oak, Michigan, where she began her practice 10 years ago. She received her 200 Hour RYT in 2020 through Yoga to the People and has been teaching ever since.

Her classes draw from her background in dance, focusing on finding alignment, strength and joy through movement. For Gioia, yoga is an opportunity to tune into the nuanced experiences of the body and the mind, so that we can begin to live more present, grounded lives.

Outside of yoga you can find Gioia dancing, eating good food and getting outdoors as much as she can!

Kate Hardy

Yoga welcomes all, and I want to be an instructor that students feel at ease with as soon as they step into our yoga space! In my Power Flow classes, my teaching style emphasizes a variety of options & intentional breath cues for your practice to be accessible, mindful, and joyful. I hope to see you on your mat soon!

Karen Tao (she/her)

I’m a Registered Yoga Instructor 500, certified meditation teacher, and even certified in sound healing and vibrational therapy! I enjoy making yoga and healing something everyone can dive into. I love a yoga session not just for the body, but also for the mind and soul. I love weaving mindfulness and sound into my yoga classes—it’s like creating a whole universe of zen vibes!

Andrew G.

Outside of the yoga studio walls, I am a professional drummer/percussionist. My yoga instruction and musical life complement one another.  I strive to create a practice for any and everybody, bringing a sense of improvisation to “read the room” for a well-rounded asana practice.  I trend towards a slower flow style which will leave you feeling stronger and more integrated. Music is key to my practice; I take pride in creating playlists that create a mood, pulling inspiration from a myriad of genres, everything from jazz to soul to Brazilian  and beyond.  Hope to see you in class!   

I enjoy speaking and studying languages, primarily Portuguese and Spanish, and having either lived or spent considerable time in Brazil, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.  

Thursday Flow 4pm

Marissa T.

Marissa is a yoga & fitness instructor teaching for over 5 yrs in the Minneapolis & metro area. Her classes focus on mindful, functional movement creating challenging yet accessible classes for all ages, bodies & abilities. Her teaching style includes anatomical cuing, options and variations & fun, unique tunes. Marissa encourages personal reflection with consistent reminders of bodily awareness, to emphasize presence, integrity, and autonomy, empowering students to find their own authentic practice.

Emma E.

I began my journey in yoga in 2017 as a way to enhance my climbing capabilities. Since then, I have developed a deep love for the practice and its impact on my mental and physical well-being. With over three years of teaching experience in a variety of settings, I aim to create classes in which students of all capabilities and backgrounds can find both challenge and ease.

Loves hiking, trail running and being outdoors. Could subsist off peanut butter alone if given the opportunity

Sunday Align 9am & Flow 10:30am

Billie O.

I’ve been practicing yoga for 10+ years. The heart of my teaching philosophy is to honor the body. I believe in the power of asana (shapes) to bring the mind, body, and spirit into alignment. My teaching is rooted in functional yoga, emphasizing bodily sensation rather than aesthetic appearances. I am passionate about expanding accessibility and approachability in yoga spaces. 

When not teaching, I write emails for a living. My three-year-old foster son is better at climbing than I am and I really (really) love coffee.

Julia A.

As a Certified Yoga Instructor, I am passionate about Yoga as a form of moving meditation and see it as a path to becoming a better human. My background in dance coupled with my training in numerous Yoga and wellness modalities, inspires me to infuse a sense of creativity and mindfulness into my classes. 

When we consciously, and compassionately, connect our bodies, breath, and minds, we tap into a freedom and flow that quiets the mind’s chatter, bringing us into the present and the wisdom within. My goal as a teacher is to compassionately walk alongside you in your practice, creating opportunities for you to explore a path of self-empowerment, connection, and peace. 

I love backpacking and have thru-hiked the 300+ mile long Superior Hiking Trail. When I’m not in the Yoga Studio I might be hiking, traveling, crocheting, dancing, playing my ukulele, or spending time outside under or in the trees.

Tuesday 7pm Hot Power Flow & 8:30pm Restore

Kate J.

Kate has lived many lives; from a bartender, to a tattoo artist, to an EMT. It was severe illness that brought her to Yoga, and what inspired her to change paths to share the teachings of Yoga with others. Yoga goes beyond physical strength and flexibility; Yoga creates mindful, compassionate humans. And while Kate hopes that you walk out of class, carrying your Yoga with you off of your mat, she also hopes you have felt a sense of community and home within our walls. 

Kate has been with MBP since we opened in 2017, and has been our Yoga & Fitness Manager since 2021. If she’s not at MBP, she’s probably at home loving up her children and dogs, hosting a kitchen dance party, or nursing a broken bone (iykyk).

Lacie L.

I found yoga at a low point, and it saved me in many ways. Since that first class I have been an avid student. I attended my first teacher training in Minneapolis in 2015, the following year traveling to Rishikest, India for an advanced training. My teaching philosophy is to explore the practice of yoga for the whole being by integrating meditation, breath work, and, of course, completely nerding out in explorations in anatomy. My mission as a teacher is to pass along tools so others create connection, groundedness, and flexibility, not only in their bodies, but in their daily lives.

When I’m not teaching yoga, I’m working as a health coach to help people integrate movement and activity into their lives. You can also find me at home baking, reading nonfiction, and snuggling my rescue bulldog.

Wednesday Flow Express 6:15am & Friday Restore Express 6:15am

Lauren T.

Lauren is a seeker and a wanderer. She loves sunbeams, stargazing, water, movement, mystery, the moon, bad jokes, soul music, cool showers, earth, beets, thunderstorms, handstands, matches, bicycles, traveling, twisting, playing, exploring, loving. A yoga teacher, reiki practitioner and massage therapist in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she is eternally inspired by her travels and the wildness of nature, and the ways in which both inspire a move towards equanimity in fluid and often unpredictable states. Lauren’s personal practice is informed by balance between sweet strength and a daring softness, often calling upon the elements of nature to provide the necessary medicine of the moment. She believes that the most true and potent expressions of ourselves come from a place of curiosity and play, and teaches an intuitive class emphasizing breath, alignment and connection. 

Lauren is generally pretty quiet, but a HUGE sing-talker once you get to know her!

Saturday 9am Flow & 10:30am Power Flow

Stephanie K.

Teaching yoga has been my chosen career path for 11 years already! I am an E-RYT 500 with additional certifications in adaptive, yin & aerial yoga. I truly believe yoga is for everyone, so no matter the style of yoga I’m teaching, it’s from an adaptability lens. I would consider my “specialty” to be working with chronic pain & physical limitations.

Fun fact- I am dog mom to a retired professional stunt dog!

Monday Flow 7pm &  Restore 8:30pm/ Wednesday Align 7pm & Restore 8:30pm

Ted R.

Ted Roseen has been teaching his unique blend of yoga around the Twin Cities for over 20 years. This mix of the biomechanics of Iyengar, strong poses and repetition of Ashtanga, and the gentle flow of Vinyasa creates a fun, yet challenging balance for students of any level.  As a marathoner, triathlete, and rock climber, Roseen understands the importance of an open body, the benefits of a positive and quiet mind and the powerful resource that is tapped when that open body and quiet mind are connected.  But, what really sets his class apart from most other yoga classes is the pure, unadulterated fun.  In a world of furrowed brows and rounded shoulders, Ted helps to set you free from work, home, traffic, meetings, bills, kids, relationship dramas, and the like, and lets you remember what it’s like to play and to explore with a childlike curiosity, and a non-competitive lightness, not to escape yourself, but to return to yourself.

Tatiana M.

Tatiana’s mission is to help others feel and heal by merging her career as a mental health counselor with her passion for yogic practices. Her classes emphasize curiosity, nonjudgmental self-awareness, and the link between your mental and physical well-being. Tatiana offers specific cueing from the ground up to encourage you to become rooted in your mind-body connection and learn tools to use both on and off your mat. 

Tatiana obtained her 200 HR YTT in 2020 and completed a subsequent 300 HR training in 2022 in Tampa, FL before relocating to the Twin Cities. 

Catch Tatiana on Wednesday nights for 7pm Restore

Anna G.

Anna has been teaching yoga and fitness for over 10 years and joined the MBP family in 2021.

She offers challenging yet accessible classes with a focus on breath to movement connection, alignment, and creative sequencing. Anna’s classes always follow a traditional arc, often to a peak pose, with music to match the energy of the flow. 

By day, Anna is an online school teacher and in her free time she loves to cook, travel, and be active outdoors.

Catch Anna on Tuesdays for 4pm Power Flow

Zoe J.

Zoë Jennings (she/her) is a fitness instructor, actor, and playwright based out of Minneapolis who has been practicing yoga for over 10 years. She completed her 200 hour Vinyasa training with Boreal Bliss. Zoë believes that actively honoring the mind-body and body-earth connections are deeply important to a creative and fulfilling life. She lives to learn, laugh, and explore, and invites you to embody the role of perpetual student alongside her.

Catch Zoe on Mondays at 12pm and Thursdays at 6:15am for Flow Express

Vanessa W.

In 2018, a close friend encouraged me to explore the art of yoga. I was initially hesitant, feeling uncertain about my place in a community where people of color were underrepresented. However, my apprehension dissipated when I met a teacher who radiated warmth and a sense of belonging. Together, we practiced deep breathing and movement , and I soon found myself moving with grace and serenity.

As destiny would have it, I am now a certified yoga instructor. I received my 200 HR yoga teacher training through Yess Yoga in 2023. I am proficient in Vinyasa and I love to add in the things I have learned from my Restorative and Yin training. My ultimate goal is to create a sanctuary where people of all backgrounds can let go of their inhibitions and embrace their true selves. Although my journey as an instructor is ongoing, I am excited to share my passion and learn from the unique stories of others.

Catch Vanessa Monday and Tuesday mornings at 6:15am for Flow express

Lydia S.

Lydia started her yoga practice at Minneapolis Bouldering Project during the start of her undergrad back in 2019, and is now an instructor at the gym where it all began. She cherishes the artistry, intentionality, and ever-present opportunity for growth that both personal practice and teaching offer. 

Catch Lydia Sunday mornings for 9am Align and 10:30am Power Flow

Val R.

Val received her 200hr RYT through Yess Yoga in Minneapolis, and has been guiding yoga, meditation and fitness classes at various studios, community spaces and corporate events ever since.  Focused on inclusivity and trauma-informed practices, Val offers a variety of supportive, inclusive techniques. Outside of teaching, Val loves to cook, travel and attend live music! 

Catch Val Tuesdays at 12:00 and Fridays at 6:15am for Barre, and Wednesdays at 12pm for Express Flow.

Natalie T.

I was drawn to yoga because of the sense of stillness and peace that I found through my practice. Moving with my breath helps me to stay present, and I play with breath to movement throughout my classes in hopes that others experience this as well. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I use my knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics to help students find strength and stability in their poses.

I love to travel and be immersed in nature, and have a particular obsession with Yosemite. I also enjoy painting, drawing, and singing in the car.

Laura Arlint

My hope is to create a sanctuary where everyone can simply be. A space where you can discover your true nature. As a 500-hour certified Yoga Instructor, I’ll guide you through invigorating practices that unlock your strength, reveal your potential, and illuminate your authentic self.

Fun Fact: I have visited 7 Baltic and Nordic countries in 11 days.

Caitlin Barner

Movement is medicine! I deeply believe that moving our bodies in a fun way is the key to a healthy & happy life. I loveeee to bring a fun & vibrant energy to my classes. My favorite part about teaching yoga & fitness is the community that comes together to move, sweat, & enjoy a moment away from their busy lives. In my classes you’ll find fun, dynamic sequences with poppin’ music & a few laughs along the way!

Fun Fact: I recently started a podcast to share more about mindfulness, movement, and all things “woo woo” – it’s called the Spiritually Active Podcast, and when I’m not working, you can find me recording episodes with amazing people!!

Jill W.

Through sports, injuries and outdoor adventures, I learned so much about what my body and mind can achieve. I obtained my fitness and yoga certifications in the past 10 years in an effort to help others to push themselves outside of their own comfort zone and find joy in movement.

Fun Fact: I am a former police officer.

Samantha

What a gift it is to serve others! My teaching is rooted in my Love for Yin yoga! I have over 300 hours of training as well as many years of studying Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Fun Fact: I started my fitness journey as a competitive bodybuilder. My body was getting strong but really tight and I started getting injured. I turned to yoga but I was too ego driven to let my fellow competitors know I was a closet yogi. When I started to out perform my peers they started questioning me! I came out and told them it was yoga!

Noé K.

With a decade of teaching experience in Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga, along with handstands and animal movement, Noé’s yoga classes are a blend of challenge and accessibility. His journey into yoga was sparked by the profound realization that the body and mind are intertwined; how we treat our body deeply affects our thoughts and emotions.

Jennifer W.

As a massage therapist, yoga teacher, freelance proofreader, avid climber and mother of an active teenager, I am perpetually on the move. I love practicing and teaching Myofascial Release more than any other yoga style because it is one of the most effective, flexible and accessible practices I have found for releasing tension, reducing stress, supporting connective tissue recovery, and balancing an active lifestyle with intentional rest and presence.

Chelsea F.

My teaching style is rooted in a sense of play and curiosity. I believe transformation happens when we can experience, feel, and realize from within. The invitation in my classes is one of homecoming – of coming into a more intimate relationship with yourself.

Wei-Ming L.

After practicing yoga and climbing for 15 years, I aim to provide a class experience that harmonizes body, heart, and mind. My approach weaves yoga philosophy, movement, and a smattering of humor into a practice that is as much a work out as a work “in.” Major influences along my study of yoga include Paramahansa Yogananda (of whom I am a disciple), Lorelai Gillmore, and Nicolai Bachman’s exposition on the Yoga Sutras.

Caitlyne C.

Caitlyne’s classes beautifully intertwine breath and heart-centric practices, enabling students to embody their present experiences. With a focus on somatic awareness, these sessions inspire a profound connection with oneself, fostering personal growth through movement. The belief that we become the teachers we once sought adds a transformative dimension to the journey Caitlyne guides her students through.

Carly B.

Since my original yoga teacher certification in 2015 I’ve focused my advanced training on trauma-informed and community-oriented yoga, which has led me to teach in a variety of non-traditional yoga settings including the International Rescue Committee and the Emily Program, in addition to traditional yoga studios and climbing gyms. My experience working with a wide array of students over the years has shaped my approach to teaching; I focus on returning agency to the student through inclusive, invitational, and non-hierarchical instruction that offers opportunities for exploration along the spectrum of effort to ease.

Ane C.

Ane approaches her teachings from the functionality of movement. In her classes she allows moments of freedom within the structure for exploration, and creates fun and spicy flows focused on Awakening Yoga. Ane’s goal is for the practitioner to find awareness within and to use that as a means to get to know their self better.

Julia A.

I’m a certified yoga instructor and have been teaching different varieties of vinyasa since 2018. I studied Neuroscience in university and am fascinated by the mind-body connection in movement and meditation. I’m passionate about helping my students find balance in their practice, and aim to create yoga flows that are both challenging and nurturing. My classes inspire you to be curious, open minded and compassionate as you invest in both your body and mind through yoga. They offer insight into your own body so that you can learn how to feel best in each posture and lovingly connect to yourself and your surroundings.

Dominique L

I am a huge advocate of having a well-rounded movement practice. I teach yoga, strength and conditioning, core and myofascial release classes at SBP, and I encourage my students to come take different classes with me! I am passionate about helping folks improve their movement capacity by incorporating strength, mobility, recovery and mindfulness into their daily routines.

Deborah C.

I combine my professional backgrounds in health and the arts to teach classes featuring movement, sound and dance as tools for wellness. As a board certified Chinese medicine practitioner, I believes there is great power in connecting each person back to themselves and to the natural rhythms of the earth.

Madeline K.

I am a yoga teacher that leads from the heart, offering a practice accessible to all bodies, ages, and abilities. With over 400 hours of instruction and 10 years of study, my teaching focuses on inclusion, safety, and anatomical accuracy. My classes incorporate philosophy, pranayama, and thoughtful sequencing, while weaving in elements of Ayurvedic Medicine. I am also trained in Reiki, Sound Healing, and Breathwork Facilitation.

Taylor E.

Taylor is a 200hr E-RYT as well as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has been teaching yoga since 2014, and a PT since 2022. She loves dynamic movement focusing on challenging students of all levels, and encourages a connection of breath to movement in all her classes. Expect a challenging class, but also options that are accessible for everyone.

Dylan H.

I think moving with other people is one of the most energizing experiences, and to have the privilege of directing and influencing that movement, feels impactful to me. Every person and body is different. We all need different things to create balance, strength, longevity, and overall health – but what we do all need is a place to belong. It’s why I love teaching groups of people – community and relationships are the best elixirs for life’s challenges. And when you get to move and sweat and laugh AND watch yourself and others grow and get stronger…I truly don’t know that there is a better experience.

My background is in sports, primarily soccer. I grew up playing soccer and volleyball competitively, long distance running, and then found weightlifting in my early 20s. Once I added weightlifting to my cardio practices, I unlocked a confidence within me that both empowered me and helped me embrace my body as it is, not for what it looks like. Yoga has been a later in life love, and I couldn’t be more grateful for a practice that frees me to slow down, notice sensations, and connect to my breath as a moving meditation.

Really – I just love moving in all ways. My goal now is to share that love with as many people as I can, along with move my own body with enjoyment and longevity in mind.

Devon F.

Originally a dancer, Devon has been teaching Yoga for the last 12 years and Strength and Conditioning for the past 8 years. Her education includes a BFA in Dance and Exercise Science as well as a Master of Science in Nutrition. After school, Devon earned certifications in Yoga, Meditation, Restorative, SFG Kettlebell, Indoor Rowing, and Functional Fitness (CFSC). You can find her at Fremont teaching both yoga and strength and conditioning classes!

Aubrey J.

I have been teaching and climbing at SBP since 2013! My teaching style is creative and deliberate, with monthly themes to help students develop a deeper understanding of their unique body and the yoga practice.

Dominique L.

I am a huge advocate of having a well-rounded movement practice. I teach yoga, strength and conditioning, core and myofascial release classes at SBP. I encourage my students to come take different classes with me! I am passionate about helping folks improve their movement capacity by incorporating strength, mobility, recovery and mindfulness into their daily routines.

Hannah

After working in the fitness industry for many years, Hannah obtained her RYT-200 certification in 2019 to dive deeper into her practice. From Los Angeles to Texas and now Seattle, she’s taught in a variety of venues, including studios, breweries, corporate offices, and parks. With a focus on form and funky flows, her classes are accessible for beginners, engaging for more advanced yogis, and welcoming to everyone!

Natasha

Natasha discovered yoga and meditation in 2016 while navigating grief, initially hoping it would offer an instant solution. However, through the practice she found a lineage passed from student to teacher for thousands of years that offers a tried and tested path. Her transformative journey began at Three Jewels Enlightenment Studio in NYC, where she met her teachers, Coco, Hector Marcel and Rachel Webb. Since then, Natasha has accumulated over 600 hours of training in yoga and meditation. Natasha’s teaching is centered on fostering a deep connection with the breath and mind. She uses honesty and compassion to create spirited classes that empower students to meet the practice just as they are. Natasha’s classes are designed to incorporate inner and outer methods as vehicles to self-reflection and freedom.

Heather

Heather is a 500 hour certified trauma informed instructor with over 2 decades experience teaching and training students. Her classes are a reflection of her devotion and deep love for the practice. Her classes weave together the philosophy of yoga with embodied movement, purposeful breathing techniques and mindfulness. She seeks to provide an experience that nourishes the body, calms the mind and soothes the heart.

Fiona

Fiona’s been teaching yoga, and leading yoga teacher trainings for over a decade. She teaches various modalities, incuding yin, hot vinyasa, psych-sensitive, and pre/postnatal care. She moved to Seattle from Brussels, Belgium as a teen and was inspired by personal orofessional challenges to pursue more of her passions. Fiona focuses on creating community and spaces that invite you to feel into yourself and to shake off the day. She leads somatic and sound ceremonies at soundflower.co locally and internationally, and her hope is to collaborate with you to replenish your body, mind, and frequency. As a climbing hobbyist she enjoys sequencing to motions that compliment both yoga and climbing. She’s stoked to meet you on your mat!

Liz

Whether encouraging students to challenge themselves or guiding them towards softening, Liz brings focus to the present moment, body awareness, and self-love, all in service of making life feel lighter. She deeply believes that the more people we have doing yoga, the better the world will be. For the past decade, she has worked towards these goals through developing her own yoga practice on and off the mat, teaching yoga classes, and leading yoga communities in Houston and Seattle. Liz is a 500-hour RYT and E-RYT 200 who began teaching in 2013. Her teaching journey started with Power Yoga, and has been refined by practicing and training in a variety of styles, including Yin Yoga, Devotional Flow with Sarah Montross, and Restorative Yoga. Outside the studio, you might find her spending time in the sun, singing, making music, dancing, trying to make people laugh, and eating pizza.

Laura

Laura is a professional dancer, certified Pilates, yoga and barre instructor, and registered nurse from upstate New York. She’s been teaching movement to all ages since 2017. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing when a client feels confident in their movement abilities! Outside of the studio Laura enjoys climbing, taking long walks and cooking

Jenna

Jenna uses inclusive, invitational instruction to teach creative flows to her students. Her classes inspire curiosity, compassion, and a sense of play. In class, she incorporates yoga philosophy, pranayama (breath), and meditation. She aims to help her students explore balance and strength, both physically and mentally. Her intention in class is to cultivate deep connection to self, breath, practice, and others.

Tyler Brent

Tyler (she/her) is an experienced group fitness instructor as well as a 200-E-RYT yoga instructor with over 1,500 teaching hours under her belt. She’s been teaching yoga and fitness since 2017 and falls in love with instructing more each day. Tyler is DC Bouldering Project’s Yoga & Fitness Manager so you can almost always find her taking classes, teaching classes, and climbing. When Tyler isn’t at the gym, she’s probably singing Taylor Swift to her cat, reading in the sun, and/or mobilizing her community around what she’s passionate about – from social justice to karaoke to finding the best ramen in the DMV. 

Aaron Curtis

Aaron incorporates multiple styles of yoga into his classes. In a typical class – you can expect to build heat with music by artists like Fred Again and Chris Luno, guided tutorials for arm balances and inversions, and science based breathing techniques to support activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Whether you’re new to yoga or have a more advanced practice, Aaron strives to find modifications and options that meet each practitioner where they are.

Albert "AJ" Custard

Meet AJ, a dedicated and certified yoga teacher (RYT 200) and attorney from Washington, DC, who found solace and peace in yoga amidst life’s chaos. AJ’s inclusive Vinyasa classes blend creative breath sequences with elements of anime, empowering students to listen to their bodies and embrace self-care in a nurturing space. Join AJ for empowering yoga classes promoting self-exploration and diversity, cultivating a community of resilience and transformation. His classes also might have the best playlist 😉

Angel Gonzalez

Angel discovered yoga in college and was drawn to it because it provided a profound sense of clarity, guidance, and release during a difficult time. Angel teaches yoga because it can be a powerful avenue for self-exploration and discovery. He aims to bring awareness to sensations, thoughts, actions, and reactions to understand the habits and patterns we can cultivate to support clarity, compassion, friendship, inner peace, stability, and strength.

Angela Waddill

Casey Williams

Casey Williams has been a 200-hour registered yoga teacher since 2015. As a former competitive dancer and Crossfit athlete, Casey brings creativity and strength to her flows so that each class is unique and challenging. She believes yoga is for every body, and strives to make each class accessible, whether you’ve been practicing for years or stepping onto the mat for the first time. Casey lives in Washington, DC. 

Christian Torbett

Christian is a multisport athlete who grew up in East Tennessee, and was exposed to yoga at a young age. Just prior to moving to the DMV area, he completed his RYT200 instructor certification in hopes of sharing his passion with others.

Christian’s favorite aspects of being an instructor are showing up for others and fostering community. His classes range from upbeat and intense power vinyasa to mellow and restorative sequences, paired with music of all genres from pop hits and EDM to indie rock and lo-fi vibes. He ensures all classes are accessible to anyone regardless of experience by offering ample modifications and personal assistance.

In addition to yoga, Christian finds balance in his fitness lifestyle by incorporating swimming, biking, running, weightlifting, and outdoor activities like hiking and paddleboarding. Along with fitness, Christian enjoys cooking, being creative and spending time with friends and his dog, Sinatra.

Elle Sullivan

Elle Sullivan (she/her) ERYT-200, RYT-500, YACEP  teaches a variety of formats for students of all levels with the intention to honor every individual on their unique journey. With an emphasis on accessibility, practice on the mat is about chasing sensation rather than specific aesthetics. Elle believes the adventure of exploring strength and balance in our bodies and minds is rehearsal for our continued growth off of the yoga mat.

Denesia Rodgers

Born in beautiful Port of Spain, Trinidad, and Tobago, and raised in vibrant northern New Jersey, Denesia brings a unique blend of cultures and perspectives to her teaching. Denesia’s personal journey with yoga began in 2013 when she started practicing to help manage her lifelong struggle with scoliosis. Little did she know that this ancient practice would become her passion and source of healing. Yoga quickly became a transformative force in her life, nourishing her mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, Denesia welcomes you with open arms and a compassionate heart. Denesia encourages her students to embrace the idea that every body type is different and that yoga is accessible to anyone. She specializes in Prenatal, Postnatal, Hatha, and Vinyasa Flow Yoga. Yoga has been a considerable part of her path to healing, and sharing this practice with others has been her overall mission.

Felicia Taliaferro

Felicia “Fela” Taliaferro is a Yoga Therapist, Wellness Consultant, and more. She is a

passionate advocate for the transformative power of yoga. With nearly a decade of experience

guiding individuals of all shapes, backgrounds, and capacities on their yoga journeys, Fela has

become a beacon of healing and empowerment in the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and

Virginia) and internationally. Fela’s dedication to the art and science of yoga therapy is underscored by her academic achievements. She holds a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy from the prestigious Maryland University of Integrative Health. This integrative approach to yoga therapy involves harnessing

the ancient wisdom of yoga to address physical, emotional, and mental well-being, making it a

potent tool for holistic healing.

Freddie Montgomery

Freddie (he/him) is a breath-led, alignment-focused yoga practitioner in DC, originally from Miami, FL. He loves exploring how engaged postures and pranayama can release tension and deepen awareness. As a recovering marathoner with scoliosis and tight hips, yoga has become a sanctuary for reconnecting with his body and navigating life with more ease. His eccentric, Gemini-influenced flows, fire playlists, and grounded, restorative guidance will keep students on their toes and guide them to meet stress, anxiety, and uncertainty with a steadier breath and a softer heart. His 200-hour YTT certification was obtained with Albina Rippy, Chris Parkinson, and Julia Romano at Bouldering Project and VIDA Fitness.

Griffen Saul

Griffen (he/him) is a devoted practitioner and teacher of yoga. He completed his 200 hour YTT with Flow Yoga in Washington, D.C. with the support of numerous respected teachers from diverse lineages. He is deeply passionate about holding space to foster individual and community healing, as well as cultivate strength and power in the mind, body, and soul. In Griffen’s class, you can expect to practice various pranayama techniques to connect with your breath, explore playful movement. and move towards developing a more loving, compassionate relationship with yourself. Off the mat, you can find Griffen rock climbing, hiking, or gardening.

Jackie Powell

Jackie has been teaching yoga to all ages and abilities (0 – 100+!) since 2013. She is trained in power and alignment flow yoga and adapts her knowledge of movement and mindfulness to meet students where they are in their practice. In her personal practice, Jackie loves exploring new movements and poses and encourages her students to do the same. While she loves to challenge herself and others to find new edges in their physical practice, she is keenly aware that the physical yoga practice is a means to greater self awareness and self actualization. Jackie’s intention is for every student to find a deeper and more compassionate connection to themselves, physically and emotionally.

Jesica Thavarajah

Jesica started teaching yoga in 2019 to expand her own practice and to support trauma healing in the humanitarian/aid space. Her teaching style is based on philosophies and practices from around the world which focus on building a sense of inner peace. She is also an avid student of neuroscience and somatics which she weaves in to the practice. Her classes focus on breathwork and mind-body connection as a way to build strength and mental and physical endurance. Her favorite parts of teaching are watching growing practices and the peace in the room after savasana

Jess Gioe

Jess Gioe is an E-RYT 200 who has led students through 4000+ hours of practice since receiving her certification in 2017.  Jess brings her love for a variety of traditions including rocket vinyasa, prana flow, and mindfulness meditation to her classes. Coming from a perspective of managing chronic pain, Jess prioritizes joint health and progressive depth in her creative sequencing while cultivating an environment for students to challenge themselves. She strives to hold space for an experience that is meditative yet playful, welcoming yet disciplined, and challenging yet restoring. Expect a breath-focused class set to a vibey soundtrack with plenty of multi-level options provided through strengthening flows and deep stretches.

Kris King

A lifelong student, Kris first came to yoga in 2012 and has continued her practice and study over the past decade as a way to explore and rekindle a loving relationship with her body, mind, and spirit. Kris graduated from the Swastha Yoga International 200 Hour Teacher Training in 2022 and the Past Tense DC Yoga Immersion Program in 2023. Her classes combine joyful movement with energetic breathwork (as well the occasional dance party or two). Off the mat, Kris is also a writer, creative teaching artist, and nonprofit administrator and you can find her facilitating creative and movement based programming in and around the DMV area.

Kate Keefer

Kate is a yoga and fitness teacher and  loves being able to build strength both physically and mentally, through all forms of movement. She teaches yoga, hitt, and restorative classes. If you enjoy EDM, strength based coaching, and some dad jokes – Kate’s class is for you!

Mahima Gupta

Mahima is a certified 200-hr yoga instructor. Mahima first came to yoga for the physical benefits hoping to become more fit. As her body became stronger and healthier, she soon discovered that her yoga mat was a place to find a sense of contentment, self awareness and mind body connection. When Mahima is not on her mat, you can find her painting, outside in the sun,  or baking!

Marissa Cole

Marissa (she/her) is both a dedicated student and teacher of Yoga. Coming from a 250-hour YTT program that fuses many different types of yoga philosophy with traditional vinyasa practice, Marissa is excited to work with DCBP members of all different yoga backgrounds and experience levels! She’s especially excited about using yoga as a way to help people strengthen their body for other physical activities they’re passionate about like climbing, running, and weight lifting, etc. Her personal journey with yoga has helped her to find a way to challenge herself both physically and mentally while acknowledging that progress is found in the smallest of moments, including failure. Outside of the classroom, you can find Marissa experimenting with new cooking/baking recipes, hiking, or buying more plants to feed her obsession.

Pele Solell

Pele took her 200-hour yoga teacher training after informally teaching yoga to her cohort throughout the Peace Corps. Since then, she has been teaching classes in gardens and at different studios in DC. As both a health care provider and yoga teacher, Pele is always focused on encouraging bodily awareness and good body mechanics with students. Her classes are creative, flowy, and invite mindfulness. As an avid rock climber, Pele is a fan of shoulder openers, hands-on back adjustments, and hip mobility. Pele enjoys inventing new dishes with whatever she has in the fridge, gardening, and biking.

Sarah-Jane Nunes

Sarah began practicing yoga in 2000 when chronic back pain led her to search for pain relief through

increased strength and flexibility. Practicing solo for years she began taking public classes after moving

to DC in 2006 and found them to be the perfect counterbalance to a hectic work life. Completing her initial teacher training 2010 she found she enjoyed instruction in a way she hadn’t anticipated. Hoping to share her interest in asana, anatomy, pranayama, and meditation, she has the ability to create a warm, welcoming, light- hearted atmosphere in class. Yoga both on and off the mat has become a cornerstone in Sarah’s life; ebbing and flowing as life circumstances change. Today, she still strives to provide a space for learning, growth and experimentation, and to convey how awareness on the mat can be incorporated into every phase of life.

Stephanie Scafa

Stephanie Scafa has been practicing yoga for the past twenty years, and teaching since 2018. She is drawn to asana practice as a way to feel fully in her body. Steph is a naturally happy and curious person, and she finds yoga allows for a deeper connection with herself and others. She gravitates toward teaching “the extremes” – slow, deep practices of the yin tradition and also higher intensity, energetic classes more associated with vinyasa flows. In class you can expect to use lots of props in different ways that encourage growth and exploration, and sometimes laughter 🙂 Steph received her RYT-200 certification from Everyday People Yoga in Eugene, Oregon.

Yasmeena Nolan

Yasmeena is a certified instructor in Hatha and Vinyasa yoga. She believes that “joy, movement, and vulnerability come together to create play — an overlooked but essential part of humanhood.” In her class you’ll experience creative sequences, funky transitions, and variations for all different levels. Her classes provide lots of room to explore and be curious, so you can truly make your practice your own. She aims to share yoga in a way that empowers others to explore without judgment and find pleasure in the process of doing it. Getting to design alt-indie playlists to flow to is just an added bonus!