Teachers

WHITNEY KATZ completed her 200RYTT in 2015 and is currently working on her 300RYTT. Being bedridden for over three years, Whitney experienced a personal transformation through yoga. Her intention is to help others heal and transform their own mind, body and soul. Whitney’s teaching is playful while encouraging students to embrace their edge with care. She carries the message of community into each class by checking in with individual student needs.

Q - Little known fact? I LOVE poker.

SCOTT KINSLOE, began his yoga journey in an effort to balance a stressful, sedentary lifestyle. Scott became a certified yoga instructor in 2011. With a deeper understanding of yoga’s benefits, Scott decided to leave his management job in 2016 and founded Phoenix Yoga Project a not-for-profit with the mission of contributing to the health and well-being of children and adults with free yoga classes that connect people and strengthen communities.

Q - Favorite inspirational book? Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera.

MAGGIE HOWELL received her 200RYTT in 2015. She credits Maty Ezraty and Seane Corn as her biggest influences. Her classes are easygoing and relaxed, while maintaining a feel of deep reverence for the practice. She savors time with her adored husband, friends and family and delights in traveling the world. She finds that the dichotomy of being an airline pilot and teaching yoga supports all aspects of herself.

Q - Dream destination? Hanalei, Kauai. I dream of living there one day.

LANCE HOAGLAND has been an avid practitioner of Power & Vinyasa Yoga for over 20 years. Creating focus and intention in his classes, Lance believes meditation is an important part of the flow. Having spent 4 months practicing Astanga yoga in India, he understands the roots and origins of an authentic practice. Focusing on breathwork, his classes are vigorous, fun, and combine tradition with a modern mix of poses and sequences. Lance has accomplished several 200 hour teacher training programs.

Q - Little known fact? I have a huge fascination with old world cemeteries.

KATHRYN GONGAWARE has been teaching yoga since 2013. Her classes are playful, fun, and fearless. She isn't shy to take things 'out of the box', complimenting old school fundamentals with new school sequences and music. A former athlete, recovering consultant, and current standup comedian - she aims to cultivate balance between strength and length, sweat and stability, time on and off the mat - about as (un)successfully as anyone.

Q - First contact with yoga? In high school. I rolled my eyes for 75 mins straight.

HEIDI ELLISON CHILDRESS From a musical family, Heidi danced with the San Francisco Ballet and Basel Ballet in Switzerland. Teaching since 2003, Heidi’s classes blend aspects of Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin yoga to create a moving meditation. She believes that through a thoughtful practice, yoga enables us to experience the letting go of tension, to feel the energy we are made of and, ultimately to feel comfortable in our skin.

Q - 3 things you couldn’t live without? My husband, books and music.

DEBBY FRIES After a 25yr career in advertising Debby’s life took a turn when she decided to complete her yoga teacher training. Her goal is to create a life she doesn’t need a vacation from. She loves teaching a strong flow class set to contemporary music, stimulating both body and soul. Her classes begin and ends with breath work, intention and calm: bookending her vigorous flow.

Q - Favorite quote? Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Dr. Seuss

DAVID DUERKOP is a teacher with more than 20 years of experience in meditation and yoga. His accessible, but challenging classes integrate many of the best elements of traditional yoga with modern, practical ideas for finding peace in a noisy world.

Q - A private yoga class to anyone. Who would you teach? My late father. Although he had no idea what a down-dog was, he was a perfect yogi.

ANIA PLACHTA received her 200RYTT in an attempt to marry two things she loves: yoga and having a positive effect on peoples’ lives. She hopes that every class she teaches promotes physical wellness, mental clarity and stimulates inspiration. Ania is also a Reiki practitioner, Yoga Nidra Instructor, certified “rest and renew” restorative teacher and is working on her 500RYTT.

Q - Little known fact? I'm a super nerd and have been DnD mastering for 10+ yrs.

AJA RHODES: Aja completed her 200hr YTT in 2016 and her 300hr YTT in 2019. She also has her Reiki 4 training. Aja hopes to enlighten her students on their ability to be co-creators in their lives by utilizing meditation, affirmations, yoga, and the power of intention. Aja's classes vary from restorative meditations, gentle flows, and challenging vinyasas. They are introspective, light hearted, and balanced.

Q - Biggest passion other than yoga? Art. I am an avid artist and designer.

JACK BERNING: Jack Berning is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor who places emphasis on breathwork, meditation, and detailed cueing. His classes feature creative sequences that challenge and inspire, encouraging everyone to explore new edges in their yogic journey. Jack's teaching style focuses on mindfulness and physical alignment, making yoga accessible and enriching for practitioners of all levels.

Q - 3 million dollars - what would you do: Open a farm to table breakfast cafe.

SAGE SCHROEDER: Since 2018, Sage has been guiding yoga classes for all ages and levels in diverse settings and cultures, across several continents. After studying yoga for two years in India and the USA, Sage offers a fusion of traditional Eastern and Western practices with styles ranging from Restorative, Slow Flow to energizing. Sage is known to often finish class accompanied by gentle guitar and singing.

Q - Best song to Downward Dog to: Cerca de Ti by Hermanos Gutiérrez

SARAH BURNS SENSEMAN: Sarah's training background is rooted in Hatha Yoga, alignment, and Vinyasa. Her instruction often centers around a main theme or class of poses with guided breath cues offered throughout. She loves to create fun, accessible flows that can be enjoyed by every student .Sarah is passionate about using props and modifications. Her favorite part of teaching is creating community!

Q - 3 million dollars - what would you do: Open a yoga studio.