Our Teachers
Nathan Skipper
Nathan Skipper (he/him) has practiced yoga for over twelve years until recently deciding to teach. His mission is to support as many people as possible in achieving their physical and spiritual goals through the incredible journey of yoga. Devoted to bringing health, vitality, and peace to his students by inspiring them through the joys of yoga asanas and embracing the yogic lifestyle. His true passion for yoga fuels his desire to create a welcoming, peaceful, and interactive environment for all his students. When not on the mat Nathan spends most of his time chasing three young kids around and spending time in the great outdoors.
Rachel Zitin
Rachel Zitin (she/her)is a native Ashevillian who has been living in Rome, Italy for the past 15 years. She works as an Embodiment Coach, holistic Italy Travel Expert, and a Retreat Leader (in Italy and beyond). She began her yoga practice in 2011 to recover from an injury, and her deep journey into yoga took off from there when she realized the benefits that the practice has both on and off the mat. For her, yoga is, and always has been, a combination of self-acceptance, embodiment, and trusting your own inner knowing. In January 2018 she completed a 200-hour teacher training with Zuna Yoga in Bali, Indonesia and began teaching as soon as she returned to Rome. She has since completed a 100-hr Yin/Yang Training in Bali (2022) and numerous mini-trainings and workshops on Yin, Restorative, Nidra, and meditation. Her teaching style connects to the joy and exuberance inside and gives her students permission to embody their bodies. She is both playful and deep, encouraging her students to feel comfortable, nourished, and inspired to go deeper inside themselves. Her focus is on gently aligning breath with movement and helping students find the space where they can flow, trust themselves and follow their own inner guidance.
Joe Taft
Joe Taft believes in the transformational power of yoga as a life practice. Joe (E-RYT500) is a former Certified Anusara® Yoga instructor who has dedicated himself to the practice of yoga since 1997 and has been teaching since 2001. Although Joe's classes are alignment-based, they are usually accompanied with an upbeat, playlist and heart-based philosophical themes through storytelling and mythology. In his classes you work hard, but always end with pranayama (breath work) and/or mediation to allow for deep relaxation. Joe’s in-depth knowledge of body mechanics and his innate understanding of the complexities of movement, allow him to guide his students more fully into their own bodies and lives.
Rachel Pearlstein
Rachel (she/her) is a dedicated yoga teacher who strives to create a safe, non-judgmental space where students can bring their whole selves to the mat, however they are feeling on any given day. Her journey with yoga began at the age of 16 when she took a yoga elective in high school. She immediately connected with the sense of calm and quiet it provided, as well as the feeling of strength and ease in her body. Over the years, yoga has become more than just a practice—it is a way of life, a source of grounding, and a global community that feels like home. Rachel is trained in and continues to study Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga, embracing each style for its unique benefits rather than favoring just one. For her, yoga is a way to connect with and care for her body, build both physical and mental strength, and cultivate moments of peace and stillness. In addition to teaching yoga, Rachel is a clinical social worker and therapist, and she deeply values the intersections as well as the distinctions between these two fields. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time in nature, singing and playing music, and forming meaningful connections with others. She looks forward to meeting new students and sharing the practice of movement and breath.
Jo Aparicio
Jo Aparicio (she/her) is a highly experienced and dedicated Ashtanga yoga teacher with over 8 years of practice and teaching. She began her journey into the world of yoga 10 years ago, initially exploring various styles before finding her true passion in the traditional Ashtanga method. Having trained under the guidance of renowned Ashtanga masters, including Patrick Nolan and Kino McGregor, Jo Aparicio is well-versed in the authentic principles and techniques of this dynamic and disciplined practice. Jo's teaching style is deeply rooted in the traditional Mysore method, emphasizing a personalized approach that respects each student’s unique journey and capabilities. She believes in the transformative power of Ashtanga yoga, which not only strengthens the body but also cultivates mental clarity and spiritual growth. In her classes, students can expect a blend of rigorous physical practice, mindful breathing, and meditative awareness. Jo is known for her ability to create a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging students of all levels to explore their potential and embrace the practice with dedication and joy. Beyond the mat, Jo is passionate about the holistic aspects of yoga, incorporating elements of Ayurveda, meditation, and yogic philosophy into her teachings. She has led numerous workshops, classes, and teacher training programs, both locally and nationally, helping students deepen their practice and expand their knowledge. When not teaching, Jo continues to enrich her own practice through ongoing studies and personal sadhana (spiritual practice). She is a firm believer in the lifelong journey of learning and self-discovery that yoga offers. With a heart full of compassion and a deep commitment to the yogic path, Jo inspires and guides her/his students to live with greater awareness, balance, and harmony.
Mackenzie McDonald Wilkins
Mack (he/him) is a Yogi, bodyworker, herbalist, and musician, inspired by indigenous wisdom traditions from around the world, he is passionate about collective healing and awakening.
Hannah Gallagher
A lifelong yogi and spiritual student, Hannah (she/her) has shared movement and meditation globally for ten years. She is certified in Prana Vinyasa by founder Shiva Rea, Hypnotherapy by Dr. Brian Weiss and Thai Therapeutic Massage by the Shivagakomarpaj School. As a Somatic Therapist, she offers trauma informed sessions to calm the nervous system, balance the energy flow and harmonize with the natural healing state. Hannah’s gentle and empowering presence invites practitioners to deepen their body mind awareness and enjoy the fullness of life.
Kari Parker
Kari (she/her) is an ex-athlete, over two decades long corporate finance Vice President, and animal lover who prefers water over mountains, sun over the moon, and summer over winter. Kari has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and teaching for nearly half of that. Having studied and taught several styles of yoga including yin, restorative, power vinyasa, and Nidra, her specialty and passion is her own niche of vinyasa she calls strength-based vinyasa. In Kari’s classes, you can expect to be challenged and get sweaty with no pressure to do anything outside of your comfort zone. Kari cues to a feeling in a pose versus alignment since all bodies are different, provides modifications but empowers her students to make their own decisions during class, brings lightness and fun to class, and asks you to keep an open mind to what you think yoga is.
Sue Ann Fisher
Sue Ann (she/her) has been immersed in the practice and teachings of yoga since 2010, dedicating her life to sharing its transformative power. In 2012, she moved to the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga to deepen her understanding of classical Ashtanga yoga. Rooted in the practice of Karma Yoga, the Centre nurtured Sue Ann’s passion for service and community building. Sue Ann’s classes blend precise alignment with an emphasis on postural benefits and cultivating inner peace. Her goal is to help students feel empowered, more flexible, and deeply connected to their bodies. She finds joy in the challenges yoga presents, both physically and mentally, and draws daily inspiration from her ongoing yoga journey. Sue Ann holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies/Education and a Master’s in Public Health. These academic foundations naturally inform her teaching, adding depth and a holistic perspective to her classes. A lifelong learner, Sue Ann is committed to growing and evolving, both as a teacher and student. Her yoga journey began with a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Hawaii under Nadia Toraman, with instruction from Chuck Miller. She later completed an 800-hour Vijnana Yoga Apprenticeship with her teacher Cathy Valentine, a mentorship that continues to guide her path. Sue Ann’s offerings reflect her love for learning and her dedication to helping others find strength, flexibility, and peace through the transformative practice of yoga.
Paulina Schau
Paulina (they/them) is a queer and non-binary full spectrum doula and perinatal yoga teacher residing on occupied Cherokee land. Yoga has played a consistent role in Paulina’s life, they’ve found that while life can bring unpredictable ups and downs, they enjoy the consistency that yoga provides and the ability to have a practice which can help provide centering and grounding in ones' body. Paulina is very passionate about being a continuous student in the world of birth as well as staying open to what yoga has to teach us. Combining yoga and the perinatal space is a meeting of two of their greatest passions! Paulina describes their teaching style as inclusive and affirming, evidence-based, community-focused, with a dash of light-hearted humor, and a sprinkle of mountain magic. They look forward to meeting you on the mat soon! You can connect with Paulina on Instagram @everybodydoula or learn more about their offerings at www.everybodydoula.com
Chelsea Trinka
You will recognize Chelsea (she/her) around the studio by the purple streak in her hair and the sparkle in her eye. She has an infectious optimism and loves collaborating and bringing out the best in others. She is also a mermaid at heart as well as a retired scuba instructor, so when she is not on the mat you likely find her under the water or on the beach near her other home in Mexico (si, se habla español). She is an experienced meditator with a 20 year history in studying mindfulness and meditation through the Theravada lineage of Buddhism. She has spent an equal number of years on the mat studying asana, pranayama, and somatic connection through yoga. Her classes blend these two related schools for a practice steeped in philosophy and curiosity, approaching each new moment without judgment and experiencing it fully.
Kim Drye
Kim Drye (she/her) is a highly experienced and skilled yoga instructor with a passion for promoting alignment, therapeutic healing, and restorative practices. She is the proud owner of West Asheville Yoga, where she leads classes and fosters a welcoming environment. Kim's teaching style revolves around themed slow flows, incorporating detailed technique and alignment breakdowns to enhance her students' understanding. Since 2011, Kim has been offering classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings under her brand HereNowYoga. Among her most beloved offerings are "Yoga on the Mountain" and "Restorative Yoga and Hot Stones." Additionally, Kim provides private therapeutic sessions tailored to seniors and individuals seeking adaptive practices. She strives to meet her students wherever they are on their personal journey of self-discovery. One of her specialties is conducting "Weighted Restorative" sessions, utilizing Ravi weighted blankets as a therapeutic technique to alleviate anxiety, ADHD, and other neurodivergent tendencies. Kim is a co-founder and works closely with Asheville Wellness Tours (https://ashevillewellnesstours.com/), serving as a yoga hiking guide, goat yoga instructor, bachelorette and wedding yoga teacher, and private instructor for Airbnbs and vacation homes. She draws inspiration from her extensive training, primarily within the Iyengar tradition. Notable instructors who have influenced her practice include Lillah Schwartz and Cindy Dollar from Asheville, NC, as well as nationally recognized master teachers Matthew Sanford, Roger Cole, and Aadil Palkhivala. Her certifications include a 200-hour training from the Asheville Yoga Center under Stephanie Keach in 2008, and a 500-hour Yoga Therapy certification from Lighten Up Yoga with Lillah Schwartz between 2009 and 2013. Kim strongly believes in the interconnectedness of all beings and advocates for the transformative power of yoga asana and meditation as tools for deep self-study, leading to the discovery of joy that resides within every heart.
Eli McNamara
Eli is a multidisciplinary artist, Bhakti yogi, and Thai massage therapist who supports her students and clients to clear the body's energy channels and cultivate deeper intimacy with the breath. Her approach to these somatic practices is suffused with Bhakti, the devotional heart of Yoga, and she holds the classroom space as a communal altar with prayerful intention, often incorporating mantra, song, and poetry. Eli treats Yoga as spiritual technology, and asserts that through our practice, we are doing our most important work: breaking karmic bonds, tapping into our own sovereignty, becoming more aligned in our soul’s purpose, and cultivating overall wellbeing. Eli's classes will empower you with the knowledge and tools to feel confident in developing or recommitting to a home practice, where relationship with Self and Source can be most intimately explored. In addition to Thai Yoga bodywork, Eli also offers therapeutic massage on the table, one-on-one private Yoga sessions, coaching to free the voice, and Thai massage workshops for couples or in the classroom. Visit www.eli-thai.com to learn more about her offerings. Eli is a licensed massage therapist [NC LMBT 20839] and registered Yoga teacher [RYT-200, PYTT-85, Heart of Yoga-200].
Crista Rose
Hi sweet souls, I’m Crista Rose—a yoga and mindful meditation teacher, Reiki practitioner, and lifelong student of the human experience. Born and raised in Ohio, I now call Asheville home after a sun-kissed chapter in Florida and a transformative study in Bali, where I deepened my understanding of yoga’s roots, refined my teaching, and explored what this practice truly means. My offerings are a symphony of sensation—guided by breath, shaped by movement, and rooted in presence. I share yoga from the heart, with a nurturing and compassionate spirit, always inviting curiosity, play, and self-acceptance. Whether you're flowing through challenge or resting in stillness, my intention is to hold space for you to reconnect with your inner rhythm. I specialize in Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and Restorative styles. My background in psychology and certifications in mindful meditation and Reiki inform everything I do, from the mat to my work beyond it. Through Rising Rose Yoga, LLC, I offer gentle, personalized support in the form of life coaching and private yoga sessions—tailored spaces to explore growth and inner clarity. Off the mat, I manage global education programs for people living with and impacted by Parkinson’s disease—creating space around the world to explore healing, empowerment, and connection through yoga and mindfulness. Nature is my greatest teacher. You’ll often find me barefoot in the forest, swimming in open waters, basking in moonlight, or seeking sacred solitude in the sanctuary I call hOMe. I hope I have the privilege of meeting you this festival season! With rising love, Crista Rose.
Julien Elizabeth
Julien Elizabeth (she/her), a dedicated yoga teacher and astrologer, guides students through transformative experiences both on and off the mat. Recognized for her grounded, calm presence and insightful instruction, Julien’s classes are designed to empower students of all levels to explore their potential. Julien leads a variety of classes, workshops, and retreats around the world, each designed to foster alignment, profound presence, and a greater sense of embodiment. Whether through flowing sequences, astrological experiences, or the stillness of meditation and Yoga Nidra, she is dedicated to helping others find balance and deep personal connection. She believes yoga is not just a practice but a regenerative journey that nurtures and sustains life.
Allison Jordan
Allison (she/her) believes everyone is a leader. Regardless of our titles, we are all leading our own lives. The eight limbs of yoga are a way to connect deeply with your inner knowing, your inner guide, your inner leader. Allison is always on a learning journey and a student first. She has been practicing yoga since 1998 and guiding others since 2016. In 2015, Allison practiced yoga every day which opened up her path to teacher training. After recognizing that asana made her a better, gentler, kinder yet stronger person both mentally and physically but particularly mentally, she achieved her 200 RYT with Yoga Alliance and a second YTT in 2021 that was centered in social justice and equity. She sees herself not as a teacher but as a guide encouraging you to listen to your body as your first teacher. She recognizes that yoga is more than asana and works to bring the 8 limbs of yoga into her class and her life. Allison encourages students to be where they need to be on that day and believes strongly that it is “your body, your mat, your practice”. Outside of the yoga studio, you can find Allison in the woods leading yoga backpacking retreats, reading books by the fire or coaching and supporting leaders.
Veronika Jerdetski
Veronika Jerdetski (she/her), RYT-200, BA is inspired by how mindfulness practice on our mats seeps into mindfulness in our daily actions. Her yoga offerings include Slow Flow, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra and meditation. Veronika strives to create a safe space for everyone to find grounding, nourishment, connection and let go of expectations, striving, stresses and fully drop into a practice of self-care and rejuvenation. Yoga brings the mind, body, and spirit into alignment - which is really important for anyone who wants to live up to their highest potential. The biggest benefits Veronika has experienced from a consistent yoga practice are pain management, clarity of mind, becoming more aware and ligned with the spiritual self and developing the ability to create calmness throughout her daily life. Veronika enjoys sharing what she has learned with others, and leads with empathy and compassion. Outside of yoga, Veronika thrives when she is able to spend time hiking in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. She also enjoys traveling, writing, and diving deep into the exploration of mental wellness. Veronika has been practicing yoga for over a decade and completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training at Asheville Yoga Center in March 2019. Veronika holds a Bachelor's degree in International Studies from Colorado University in Denver and has several years of experience in Event Planning and Operations Management at a wellness retreat.
Elizabeth Ern
"While we teach, we learn," said the stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger. "Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care," John C. Maxwell. Beth has kept these sentiments close to her heart thru decades as a Yoga and wellness professional in Laguna Beach, southern CA, and now Asheville, NC. Over the years she has facilitated hundreds, if not thousands of classes, both group and private, and has worked with people of all different socio-economic status thru her 30 years as a resident in Laguna Beach, CA and in her 13 years as a Wellness associate at a 5-star resort and spa also in Laguna Beach. Yoga became her primary focus when she, as a student, personally experienced the vast and deep benefits of the practice. She finds that our 6 senses, (the sixth being proprioception,) are tremendous gifts and utilizes them in her teachings to enhance the yoga experience and deepen the connection of mind/body/breath/ and Universal consciousness. ElizaBeth has a BA degree in Ergonomics and Physical Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara and many certifications for continued education in the field of yoga and wellness.
Erin Gahan Clark
Erin Gahan Clark (she/her) is grateful to be on this planet and engaged in the great work of waking up! Using all the senses through the practices of asana, pranayama, meditation, yoga nidra, altar making, chanting, prayer, ritual and ceremony, Erin strives to facilitate a safe space for individuals to move inward. She has been studying and practicing asana (yoga postures), meditation, pranayama (breath work) and devotional practices (altar making, chanting, singing & ritual) since 2000. She has been teaching others since 2007. Erin pulls from a variety of sources, traditions and inspirations to build a safe container encouraging self-exploration, connection and cultivation of body, breath, emotional and thinking-mind awareness. Erin received her 200-hour yoga teacher training certification in the Vinyasa style of yoga from Dhyana Yoga in Philadelphia and went on to complete her 300-hour advance yoga teacher training certification through Jivan Yoga Teacher Training in the Sivananda and Anusara inspired styles of yoga at Baltimore Yoga Village. In 2018, she learned the art of guiding yoga nidra practices with the Amrit Institute. She is currently studying Druidry with the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Learn more about Erin: www.sacredsurrendering.com.
Kate Callaghan
Kate Callaghan grew up as a dancer, soccer player, and figure skater in Boston, MA. She has been teaching yoga since 2009 when she moved to Berkeley, California, and taught at several studios including Corepower Yoga. She completed her 500 hour Therapeutically Oriented teacher certification in 2019 at Asheville Yoga Center and loves applying alignment and therapeutic concepts into her flow classes. After a hiatus teaching in studios after having 2 kids, Kate is excited to call West Asheville Yoga her home studio.
Leslie Rhinehart
Leslie Rhinehart (she/her) is an Asheville native and is excited to share the gift of yoga with all. Leslie discovered yoga after finding herself physically, mentally and emotionally depleted. She decided to try a Restorative Yoga class. After that class, she realized that the study and practice of yoga was a path to help her regain balance in her life. Leslie wants to share the beautiful transformative practice with others. This sent her on a continuing journey to practice, learn and share the joy of yoga with others. She considers herself a servant and life long student and is grateful to share and learn yoga with her community.
Sommerville Johnston
Sommerville is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, wilderness guide, yoga instructor, and founder of ARC. She is passionate about facilitating opportunities for individuals and groups to connect with the natural world, to explore their inner-landscapes, and to discover within themselves a strength and beauty more powerful than they previously knew. She has worked in the mental health field since 2010 and in the outdoors since 2000, incorporating curiosity, humor, deep compassion, and respect into her various roles. Sommerville enjoys exploring the trail, rock, and water of her home in the Southeast, as well as continuing to learn from new places and people around the world.
Hannah Patterson
Hannah (she/her) is a tiny little magical human. She has an uncanny ability for making people feel comfortable in their own bodies—both in the yoga studio as an instructor and in front of a camera as a professional photographer. Hannah completed a 200 hour alignment-based training program at HereNowYoga in Birmingham. You can expect to find a variety of postures and styles when she leads a class. In addition to her yoga practice, Hannah fills her days with acro-yoga, plants, hooping, and her pups.
Sierra Hollister
Sierra Hollister (she/her) is a mother, runner, green yogini and a dirty, tree hugger. She was incredibly blessed to start her Kundalini journey at Ahimsa Ashram and to be able to study directly with Yogi Bhajan. She has had yoga angels sprinkling lucky yoga dust at her feet since 1990. In addition to Yogi Bhajan, Sierra has been inspired and shaped by the teachings of Patabhi Jois, David Swenson, Sarah Powers, Sean Corn, Snatam Kaur and Gurucharan Singh Khalsa. As much as Sierra loves asana, pranayama, mantra, and meditation- she finds her daily yoga guidance in the words of Aadil Palkhivala- “True yoga is not about the shape of your body but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been; yoga cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose, and for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embodied."
Mackenzie Thomas
Mackenzie (she/her) believes in a holistic approach to health and wellness which has led her to pursue a career in yoga and massage therapy. Her dedication and love for yoga and massage compelled her to complete a 230-hour teacher training program at the Asheville Yoga Center in 2009 and a 675-hour program at the Asheville School of Massage and Yoga in 2013. Her yoga classes focus on an integrated blend of vinyasa flow, breath centered moving meditation, pranayama, restorative and yin practices. Her passion is to create a space for people to reconnect with themselves, deepen their awareness, and navigate the practice physically and mentally, on and off the mat. Mackenzie keeps busy in her massage therapy practice and teaching yoga. Otherwise, you can find her hanging out with her 3 and 5 year old daughters, walking her dog and riding bikes around town with her family. For more information about Mackenzie you can visit www.mackenzieyogamassage.com
Susan Kraft
Susan Kraft (she/her) has been practicing yoga since the mid-1990s and teaching since 2006. Her teaching is informed by a life-long interest in both creative and therapeutic movement practices, including Alexander technique, Feldenkrais Method, Modern Dance and Pilates. Since her initial 500-hour training with Cyndi Lee’s OM Yoga, Susan has been exploring the interrelationship of Yoga’s 8-limbed path with Buddhist practice. She is also a certified Mindfulness Teacher through Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach’s two-year Teacher Training program. Other foundational trainings include two years of Embodied Anatomy with Amy Matthews and Yoga for Back Care, both with Alison West and Gary Kraftsow. You can learn even more about her extensive background on her website https://sk-yoga.com/susan-kraft
Emma Berger-Singer
Emma (she/her) has been working with children in a variety of settings for over 10 years. As a children’s art teacher for many years, Emma loves finding ways to help kids connect with their creativity. She holds an NC teaching license in Elementary Education, a 250-hour yoga certification, and is working on her 500-hour yoga certification through Asheville Yoga Center. Over the years she has seen the many therapeutic benefits of combining two of her passions, yoga and art. She loves using these modalities to help children explore the unique and creative gifts they have to share within themselves and the world around them. Through these practices of movement and making, Emma hopes children have fun and gain essential tools that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Emma loves spending time with her family and three young children, moving and calming her body through yoga and intuitive movement, playing with watercolor and other art mediums, and cultivating community. She is so excited to continue connecting with families and sharing her experience, knowledge, and creativity with the community! Emma is also the founder of Asheville Kids Yoga & Art where she offers group classes, school programs, private lessons, and special events.
Tori Allenspach
Tori (she/her) is a yoga teacher and writer, who enjoys embracing the facets of yoga that go beyond the poses by weaving poetry, philosophy, and storytelling into her classes. She believes in doing less with more intention, that faster isn’t always better, and that yoga is for everyone and every body. Her background working in mental health has furthered her development in fostering an inclusive and wholesome approach to her teachings. Tori has worked with yoga students from ages 2-80 in public schools, mental health treatment centers, homeless shelters, and memory care facilities. She has studied vinyasa yoga, and is currently enrolled in her 300 HR training under the lineage of Bhakti yoga with Janet Stone. Nature is her greatest teacher- she draws inspiration for her classes from anything from time spent running around the mountains to forgetting about the dirty dishes in the sink!
Tara Eschenroeder
Tara (she/her)— A 500 hour E-RYT, 200 hour E-RYT, RCYT, YACEP, certified coach and mentor, and self-published author —is an accomplished teacher who was voted as one of the top three yoga instructors by Richmond magazine. With some teachers, the lessons are planned. They are practiced. They are rehearsed. And they are perfected to a tee. But Tara Eschenroeder offers a different experience. Teaching was Tara’s Dharma long before she realized it. She grew up with a bow and arrow in her hands, learning to pull back with just enough aim and control to send her arrow into the abyss, knowing and trusting it would hit its intended mark. And so she enters each class, each workshop, each lesson.. Having prepared her body and mind to become that bow - that vessel - that lesson…letting that arrow fly... Weaving its way into the provided space and landing wherever it is intended. Tara felt that call in 2007 when she first felt the spark of a tiny flame. And instead of approaching that flame fearing the heat, she chose to approach it with love, stoking the fire that was burning within for her passion of yoga. By the end of 2009, she received her 200 hour RYT under Arlene Bjork and Grace Yoga Training Systems. She continued to follow what she knew and trusted her path to be, and she obtained her 500 hour RYT through Om On Yoga under the guidance and wisdom of Jennifer Elliott. When practicing with Tara, no two classes or workshops are ever the same. Students are not told what to do, they are empowered to listen to their own bodies. And while there are general cues throughout of “warrior” and “downward dog” (almost always accompanied by their Sanskrit name), one is also just as likely to hear cues of “listen to the animal within,” “move through honey, “ride the wave of your breath,” or, simply, just an encouragement to “dance.” Her mentoring and life coaching sessions follow a similar pattern. Mentees are not told what to do but instead empowered to listen within with offered guidance- never forced, and always an open-minded invitation to explore. Tara’s Psychology degree from James Madison University, Elementary Education License from Mary Baldwin College, and coaching certification from Yoga2Life give her a studied foundation for helping others, but it’s her natural instincts and open heart that help students see the best in themselves. Asheville, NC is Tara’s hOMe, and she spends much of her time around the country and outside of holding workshops, retreats, classes, and presenting at festivals. She has also received additional teaching credentials with Project Yoga Richmond and YoKid Stretch Your Limits, as well as serving as a proud Ambassador for Lululemon Athletica. Yet, so much of her teaching is done off of the yoga mat. Tara openly and outwardly lives the teachings has been inspired to share. Just as she would encourage a student falling out of a pose to take themselves lightly, she does the same as she navigates through challenges. And just as she would encourage a student to trust themselves as they spread their wings into something new on the mat, she is a living example of trusting what she knew was her calling as she spread her own wings. She approaches life with that same love that she used to approach that initial flame, and she encourages each person with whom is comes in contact to do the same. And by doing so, she is living out her truth and her Dharma of being a vessel of blessing.
Sadie Chanlett-Avery
Teaching yoga for 20 years, Sadie Chanlett-Avery (she/her) blends strength training, yoga asana, and relaxation techniques. Her marquee event is an annual culinary yoga retreat to Italy. Formerly the In-house Yogi at Clif Bar & Co., she led employee wellness programs and conducted corporate yoga events across the country. She holds a Master of Arts in Holistic Health Education, was named an Athleta sponsored athlete, and has a pile of yoga and fitness certifications in a box somewhere. Her classes are inclusive, therapeutic, and fun.
Cat Matlock
Cat Matlock (she/her), Founder of FreeBody Therapeutic Massage Clinic (https://freebodynow.com), Founder and former owner of West Asheville Yoga, is a chronic pain specialist known for her deep knowledge of anatomy. She blends the use of therapeutic rolling (think foam rollers and balls) with strengthening and opening yoga, breathing practices to soften the nervous system, and guided meditations for restoring balance and harmony at all levels of being.
Cat is an Advanced Instructor of Therapeutic Yoga through Integrative Yoga Therapy, a graduate of Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy™ and a certified facilitator of Overcome Anxiety™, a therapeutic yoga series designed for people with high stress, anxiety, and panic disorder. You can find her rolling videos on YouTube under her name, Cat Matlock. She is a massage therapist specializing in Trigger Point Therapy with over 28 years of experience.
Cat is also a sacred music recording artist and lifelong student of mantras. Her teachers include Dr. David Frawley, Namadeva Thomas Ashley-Ferrand, Gil Hedley, Tom Myers, Genevieve Yellin, Joseph and Lillian LePage, Maria Mendola, Ellen Saltonstall, Rajeshwari Gretchen Carmel, and Maya Tiwari.