Instructors
Britt (she/hers)
Britt’s yoga journey began when she was 17 and, like any lifelong relationship, it has had its ebbs and flows. Both her practice and path to teaching have been long and winding, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. This means that she has gone from home video practitioner (shoutout to Rodney Yee, P90X yoga, and eventually Adriene), to intimidated back row yogi, to practicing at the front of the class, to teaching, and then back to doing home yoga with the Zoom camera off. Wherever you are on your yoga journey, Britt is ready to meet you and wants you to know that you are welcome and encouraged to show up exactly how you are. She has seen the way that yoga can heal and wants to share that with whoever shows up. Britt believes in being size, body, and ability inclusive and offers classes to meet you where you are. Britt began her yoga teacher training in January of 2017 with 21st Century Yoga on the Mat and re-started, then completed, her training with Yoga Oasis in 2020. She is RYT-200 and yoga hour certified. Aside from yoga, she practices aerial silks, enjoys a good crossword, and loves corresponding via snail mail.
Chrissy
Chrissy is passionate about helping others move and groove in a way that is empowering both physically and mentally. She grew up trying nearly every sport/physical activity you can think of, from cross country running to Taekwondo, but always felt something was missing until she found yoga. Since then she has explored many different styles, and eventually discovered her passion for power and vinyasa yoga teachings. She initially began with a focus on just physical practice, but over time found these styles helped her with strengthening and deepening the mind-body connection as well. Yoga provides such an incredible opportunity for healing, discovery, and self-love, and as a teacher she aims to help others develop a consistent practice that brings them inner peace and a positive connection to their bodies. She received her RYT-200 certification from YogaOasis. Get ready to get sweaty in her power yoga and vinyasa flow classes that are paired with music to keep you smiling and having fun. See you on the mat!
Hagen
Hagen is a new yoga instructor to 4th Ave Yoga. He has been an initiated practitioner of Hinduism within the Vedanta Society since the age of 19, which provided an in-depth understanding of the practices and processes within Yoga; and was the introduction of yoga practice within his own life. He soon fell in love with the way that yoga practice not only provided physical relief but also a meditative atmosphere to work within oneself. Hagen completed his 200-hour RYT teacher training in March of 2021 through Sivananda Hatha Yoga, which provided a traditional teaching environment which emphasized asana, breathing practices, and yogic philosophy in the Hatha yoga system. His hope is to reach people through the practice of yoga to help them align with the most genuine and best versions of themselves.
Jessica
Jessica began her interest in body movement with classical ballet and modern dance. After a short career in dance she became interested in the psychology of movement, and assisting people through movement therapy. Jessica began practicing yoga in 2007, attending Nosara Institute in Costa Rica for 200 Hours of yoga teacher certification. Her quest to learn more about teaching yoga led her to complete her 500 hour certification at Kripalu School of Yoga. Jessica then discovered Baptiste Power Yoga and fell in love with its more physically demanding aspects, completing 400 hours of Baptiste Yoga Teacher training.
Although she loves the physical workout Yoga provides, Jessica has also been inspired by the serenity and strength yoga has provided in her own life. Her goal as a yoga instructor is to use her skills to assist others in finding their own inner peace and strength, but also to have fun and not take life too seriously.
Joel
I have always believed in the healing nature of physical movement. Since I began running marathons in college, I learned that intentional movement in any way, shape, or form can not only improve my physical state but also my mental wellness. This is why I became a certified personal trainer and certified group fitness instructor – to encourage clients, community, and every BODY to find joy in being active and improve their lives.
Initially my yoga practice was hyper-focused on stretching and soothing sore muscles – but years later it became a more spiritual and intellectually enticing practice. This is why I began my journey to become a yoga instructor specifically focusing on Vinyasa yoga. Studying under My Vinyasa Practice based in Austin, Texas, I am nearly complete with my 200 hour yoga teacher training. Part of my studies so far in Yoga have afforded me a certification in Ayurveda Nutrition also through My Vinyasa Practice. I impart the knowledge I’ve accrued (strength training, marathon running, indoor cycling, TRX suspension training, yoga) onto my clients/classes – often mixing elements. This prompted me to begin Exhalo Fortis – a wellness resource I developed that provides encouragement, support, and information to my clients and to anyone wanting to follow a healthier, more active path. Check it out!
Judie
I’m teaching yin yoga at 4th Avenue Yoga. I began practicing yoga in 2007 at a small studio in Philadelphia, Wake Up Yoga. The school was run by a student of K. Pattabhi Jois and a student of B. K. S. Iyengar. My teachers wove yoga philosophy into every class. We practiced all 8 limbs of yoga. Asana was not to be confused with yoga. Yoga is more subtle and the seven remaining limbs are still where my heart is. The practice was experiential and the experience offered peace of mind. I soon became a more patient and kind person and most of my relationships improved.
I began teacher training two years later and graduated in 2010 with a 250 hour Foundational Yoga Teacher Training Certificate. Guest teachers at WUY included: Manorma | Sanskrit, Paul JJ Alix | Yoga Sutras, David Keil | Anatomy, Michael Carroll | Meditation. This is name dropping…
My gratitude goes out to my teachers and my teachers’ teachers!
When I began a 500-hour teacher training in 2012 at the Himalayan Institute, I initially thought I’d chosen the wrong program. The teachers were not teaching any advanced asana! We spent a lot of time lying on the floor in systematic relaxation. Recently a student at 4th ave yoga said, ‘Judie I did not get it (yin Yoga) at first. I came to class and my files were all over the place, now they are alphabetized and color coded’. That’s the effect of systematic relaxation. It’s moments like those that fuel my teaching.
Kendall
Kendall, RYT-500 began practicing yoga at the age of 17 years old and has since been driven to continue her learning on the practice of yoga. She is passionate about providing love and energy throughout all her classes. When she is not teaching yoga, she is teaching kindergarten, enjoying quality time with loved ones, going on road trips and being outside.
Laura
Laura began practicing yoga over a decade ago and quickly fell in love with the practice and it’s ability to calm the mind and root awareness back into the body. She whole heartedly believes in the power of yoga to help people heal and return to their true, loving nature. She recently completed her 200hr training and is so very grateful to be able to share the benefits of this practice with the 4th Avenue Yoga community.
Meg
Meg believes movement is medicine. On her mat for the first time, Meg was able to abandon her racing thoughts and find freedom on her mat to explore with her body instead of her mind. Meg’s curiosity and inability to sit still began to align with her own healing process when she discovered the practice of yoga. Her movement was not the problem, it was the solution. Meg has been practicing yoga for about 9 years since she left her college cross-country career behind and began to look for a new community of movers. She fell in love with the sense of union between mind, body and soul cultivated in the yoga practice and the welcoming community of yogis she has always held close to her heart.
Meg received her 200 Hour Yoga Certification in July 2017 in Boston, MA. Her goal as a yoga teacher is to help students cultivate body awareness and body intelligence through the practice to ultimately tap into their emotions and true sense of self love, curiosity, confidence, and creativity. Tapping into emotion rather than feelings allows someone to discover their true north, and use the body to respond rather than react. Besides yoga, Meg loves to take long runs in the desert, paint, meet new people, ski the mountains, and listen to podcasts.
In class, Meg assists her students to feel safe, find their strength, and move into the bodily and energetic sensations of the asana practice. She teaches all levels, from restorative to heated Vinyasa and Hatha flow. Meg also plans and teaches wellness events dedicated to fostering connection and engagement in communities through her business, Sweet Squeeze Events.
Robert
I aim to provide accessible and evenly paced classes. Sequences are approached in a manner that lends itself to all levels. Whether you are looking to push your edge or relax your practice, I welcome you.
RYT 500 – The devotional school of yoga, YogaOasis.
Sarah
Sarah has always been an eclectic soul. Believing in the transformative power of the healing arts and energy work naturally lead her to complete a 200-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training program through The Yoga Connection.
Sarah’s classes are rooted in creativity – a combination of her studies in dance and various teaching certifications. She guides her students through the power of music, mindful movement, and meditation.
Her goal is help you to unwind and to embody the cosmic journey of self-discovery. Sarah holds an inclusive safe space and invites her students to come as they are.
RYT 200 – The Yoga Connection
Shiloh
Throughout my life Yoga has always been around as a resource for me to be able to come back to my Self. To acknowledge the eternal flame that resides deep within my core. Something that is both inherent to me and greater than me.
My hope is that you are able to spend time with your own divine light during our practice. We can achieve this through connection to the breath, movement in the body, hearing a beautiful piece of music, and so much more.
I look forward to seeing you in class and creating space with you!
Sibu
Practicing yoga has helped me to find strength within myself. I use that strength to surmount the challenges of life.
Hope to see you in a class soon!
RYT 200, yogahour certified through YogaOasis
Tamara
As a yoga instructor and a yoga practitioner, I find there is always something to learn, on and off the mat. I have been practicing yoga for almost twenty years, became certified to teach yoga in 2021 (RYT-200), and continue to study with my teacher Darren Rhodes and others. As my asana practice deepened, I began to feel overwhelming gratitude for movement and breath. I continue to be amazed by the way yoga practice can give the mind a rest, invigorate the body, soothe the nervous system, and shine a light on the connection to the self and to others. I love to practice alignment-based Hatha yoga as well as power and flow vinyasa style yoga. I also love to spend time with my two children and I love to create all kinds of arts, crafts, foods, and music!
Tara
My teacher says “Shape Shift to State Shift”. This is a foundation within my yoga practice and philosophy of teaching. My first yoga class was in highschool gym. I liked it because I could make cool shapes with my body. Since then, I have practiced for many years in styles including vinyasa, ashtanga, Hatha, yin, etc. As a (previous) rock climber and long distance runner, I found yoga to be a useful tool to help me with flexibility and strength. Over the years, yoga has become deeper than the physicality of each pose. I find that my practice now moves off of my mat and into every part of my life: the physical, mental and spiritual. As a yoga teacher, my goal is to bring awareness to foundational alignment within each pose to create sustainability and connection with the body. Using the poses and the breath, I aim to facilitate a space of internal awareness and reflection. RYT 200