Crystal was born and raised here in Portland, Oregon. She has a BA in Psychology. In addition to practicing and teaching yoga, she enjoys working at her friend’s super fun bar, Turn! Turn! Turn!, handcrafting candles, and traveling.

“I’ve been practicing yoga since 2000 and loving it! Since 2015, I have over 500 training hours as an RYT certified through Yoga Alliance and Living Yoga.

My classes are intended to provide students with a safe and fun environment to have their own practice. I encourage students to let their bodies tell them where to go, taking a full expression or a modification, for example. In my classes, we will aim to collectively focus on the breath and stay in the present moment, all while giving our bodies a good work out”.

Emily graduated with her 200 Yoga Teacher Training certificate from The White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, California in 2013. She has been practicing various styles of yoga since 2008 and is drawn to the philosophy, spirituality, and accessibility of yoga.

“I am originally from Illinois and moved to Portland to attend the National University of Natural Medicine. I am currently working toward my Naturopathic Doctoral degree to bring a more natural and holistic side to health care. Yoga fits in perfectly into the holistic lifestyle I want to bring to my community.

My yoga teaching style encourages introspection, mindfulness, and meeting your body where it is at each moment. Yoga is for every body and all walks of life, so I show many modifications to cater to all types of yogis! Each class will involve grounding, strength, self-love, compassion, and breath awareness. My hope is for you to leave class feeling happy, healthy, and complete.”

I love yoga as the fusion of breath and movement. Asana and pranayama help me to tap into that space of connectivity where the inner worlds and outer worlds so gracefully intertwine. My practice focuses on self honoring and self reverence, and taking those deep feelings of wholeness out into the world. Yoga helps me to recalibrate, to find the point of equilibrium within and to move from a place of balance and tranquility on and off the mat.

Amanda “B” Barnett has been studying wellness for the greater part of her life. She has a BS in Psychology & studied secular based Mindfulness meditation and Loving Kindness practice with Insight LA. She received her yoga certification through SOLA School of the Contemplative Arts with an emphasis on somatics and anatomy & studied breathwork with Erin Telford. She is an Advanced Reiki practitioner and is currently studying Vitalist herbalism with The Evolutionary School of Herbalism. You can find her at barneyandflow.com

Melissa found yoga in 2009 when she was searching for accessible movement while living with chronic pain. It was a rough start, but she found that when she stuck with the practice, she felt better, physically and mentally. Eventually, she fell in love with yoga as it positively transformed her mind, body & spirit, and she slowly and surprisingly stepped out of the struggle of daily pain. She now truly appreciates how yoga has taught her to tune in to her body and slow down to listen, in a world that rarely allows space for this. She received her 200YTT from the Lotus Seed in Portland, OR in 2014 and Trauma Informed YTT from Living Yoga in 2018. She is also an herbalist & environmentalist, and can be found in various yoga studios around Portland, hiking, rock climbing, gardening, volunteering, or teaching herbalism classes. Her yoga classes include a balance of soft & slow and strong & challenging poses, tailored for all levels, with options to take it up or down a notch. Sharing education, movement and mindfulness as medicine is her passion.

Kelli received her 200-hour RYS teaching certificate from Transcending Yoga, a small yoga school located in her hometown in the south outer banks of North Carolina. In addition to yoga training, she also holds a Masters of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport and Exercise Psychology as well as a Bachelors of Science in Health and Fitness. To complete her MS, she developed and implemented an intervention utilizing Mindfulness in physical activity. She is also a Board Certified Reflexologist with specialized training in Integrated Soul Energy Therapy.
“I began practicing yoga nearly 10 years ago as an elective in college. The universe presented yoga to me at a critical time in my life and it has continued to be a driving force. Throughout my training, degrees and research I have found that my favorite part of yoga is simply to arrive on my mat and ‘do what feels good and leave the rest behind’. I enjoy everything from a 27-sun salutation challenge to an hour-long savasana. For me, yoga is a creative and playful way to be present and express yourself.”

Movement has always been a source of grounding and balance for Jamie, and she has consistently been intrigued by the variety of ways we can master our functionality as humans, in both optimized health and when recovering from illness or injury.

Jamie believes that within the variety of activities one might choose from, it is when we become most curious about how our own mind and body functions in versatility, that we find true optimal health. Movement and mindfulness, carries us through not only specific activities we choose to attend to ‘stay in good health,’ but also through the routines of our daily lives where our choices and decisions have the greatest impact on our well being. Jamie strongly believes that yoga presents an opportunity for us to practice these philosophies and more.

Jamie holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree in Political Science and Psychology from Iowa State University. However, not surprisingly, Jamie found that she would rather move that sit all day.   Having classically danced since the age of two, she was naturally drawn to yoga. However, it was when she determined that she needed to recommit to her own wellness and healing, that yoga became a truly passionate pursuit.

Jamie completed her first 500-hour training with Madeline Huish, of the Yoga Shala of Portland, OR in 2009. She also completed a 200-hour training with Tiffany Cruikshank in Portland, OR, in 2010. Most recently, Jamie completed a 300-hour Yoga Therapy Training with Annie Adamson, of the Yoga Union of Portland, OR in 2017. In addition to teaching public classes, Jamie is a Holistic Yoga Therapist™.

Jamie also holds a Personal Training Certificate through the National Association of Sports Medicine. She has taken countless other classes; all with the inspiration to really help the communities she is honored to serve.

Jamie stands united with those who are against hate and violence. All people are welcome in her classes. For more information about Jamie Busch, go to jamiebuschyoga.com. You can also find her on Facebook at Jamie Busch Yoga or follow her on Instragram at time4u2breathe.

Vanessa stepped onto her first mat over two decades ago. In the years since she feels truly blessed to have been led by some very extraordinary teachers. Teachers whose instruction would inspire her to become a teacher, herself. She received her 200 hour YTT certification from The Movement Center, in 2017, and a Bachelors of Science in Community Health Education, from Portland State University, in 2018.

Built on a philosophy that one’s practice is a personal expression of relationship with self, Vanessa seeks to create an atmosphere supporting the student’s self-discovery. She says, “I see myself as a facilitator, someone who can hold space so that each person can deepen their understanding of what it means to be a spiritual being, living a human existence. We are all the experts of our own experience, I’m just here to share the knowledge that has been passed on to me, in the hope it enhances understanding of that experience.”

Donica has been sharing the joys of movement with others her whole life. She has been a yoga teacher since 2008, a trained dancer from childhood through college, and a certified acupuncturist in the Portland area since 2016, donicaschmidtacupuncture.com.

Healthy movement and food-based preventative medicine are cornerstones of her acupuncture and yoga practices. In her classes, she focuses on alignment, physical awareness, and graceful breathing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, you are welcome to join her vinyasa-inspired classes in exploring your own body’s potential for healing and contentment in movement. Hope to see you soon

Whitney Handrich has been practicing yoga for over a decade, and she was inspired to become a teacher after a year in Asia studying yoga, meditation, acroyoga, and Thai bodywork. She completed her teaching certification in Hatha and Ashtanga yoga in Rishikesh, India, and Whitney is also certified in Kids & Family Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga.

Whitney passionately believes in the healing and transformative power of mindful presence and community, and her classes often incorporate partner and group practice, breathwork, meditation, and self-massage. She also volunteers for Living Yoga and is working to organize classes for foster kids and families, and hopes to help make yoga accessible to all.

Haley completed her 200 hr YTT in 2017 with Dianna Oppenheim at the Karuna Yoga school in Nicaragua. Her training is informed by vinyasa with an emphasis in physical alignment and breath work. In her practice, Haley celebrates authenticity and believes that yoga is a therapeutic tool to heal the physical and mental body and to bring forth an awareness of the present being.

Originally from Lake Tahoe CA, growing up in nature instilled core values in her that have directed her path as a healer and influencer of health. She obtained a B.S. in Kinesiology, pre physical therapy, from Humboldt State University in 2012 and has worked in numerous roles involving health and education including nutrition consultation, work trade for a permaculture farm and community, physical therapy/rehab aide, and more.

Haley moved to Portland last year to study naturopathic medicine at the National University of Natural Medicine. With the healing power of nature, she hopes to integrate her yoga practice into the various therapeutic modalities of a physician.

As a forever student, Yoga is a constant companion that continues to inspire me everyday. Yoga offers me more space for self-compassion, acceptance and possibilities, adding a richness to my life that I am eager to share.

As a teacher, my intention is to hold space that is inclusive, supportive and empowering, inviting curiosity and an exploration of a deeper connection with the body and breath, finding a balance between effort and ease. I teach from a place of gratitude for the practice, with an open heart and mind.

My approach is a blend of strength and fluidity within thoughtful, guided, breath-based flow, honoring the vast tradition of yoga while drawing on a variety of new perspectives of movement, including my background in Pilates and strength-based functional fitness.

Originally from Los Angeles, I’ve had the honor of traveling and living in various places across the US and internationally. I’m delighted to call Portland my home and share my love of Yoga.

Liz trained in the classical hatha style at Himalaya Yoga Academy in Rishikesh, India in 2014. She has been teaching yoga to adults and children in South Korea, China, Dominican Republic, Wisconsin, and Hawaii. 

A Wisconsin native, she recently relocated to Portland to attend National University of Natural Medicine. She is currently in school to become a naturopathic doctor, with the mindset to grow her tools for empowering individuals toward greater health and vitality.

She believes heavily in the power of mind-body and the practice of centering one’s awareness on the present moment. Through yin, restorative, hatha yoga and meditation, Liz aims to help you find calmness despite external noise. Come refresh your body, strengthen your spirit, and nourish your soul.

I strive to create a safe and joyful environment for students to confidently explore their practice and tap into their inner strengths. I enjoy teaching classes based in vinyasa principles with the belief that students find centeredness through movement and breath. My classes tend to be challenging yet accessible, as I incorporate therapeutic elements of music and aromatherapy to supplement the flow. My hope is that you leave my class sweaty, grounded, and with more love for yourself.

Amanda received her RYT 200 hour teacher training from Karma Yoga in Portland, Oregon and has been practicing for over 10 years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from Portland State University and is a Registered Health Coach currently working at Providence Health & Services as a Health Promotion Coordinator.

In 2013 I was struggling, breaking down, numb inside, and depressed. I started attending yoga classes because it was a safe space for me. Yoga was where I could go to cry, to feel, to release all of the shoved-down emotions that were screaming inside of me. In the fall of 2014 a friend suggested I take a 200 hour yoga teacher training with her, and I thought it would be nothing more than a healthy way to fill my time. This journey of teacher training led me to realize my own yoga practice as not only a place for physical release, but deepened my emotional, mental and spiritual practice. Yoga is still the first place I go to explore the deep inner discomfort when challenging emotions and situations arise. After that first RYT 200 I have embarked on a 300 hour training, which I completed in November 2017. Since then, I have delved into teaching Yoga Nidra, Yin, and Deep Stretch and Restore practices. Yoga humbles me, it makes me believe in a power beyond myself, something worth exploring and experiencing. I hope from my classes people leave feeling just a tiny nugget of this vast realm, their own expansive conscious connection to each other and the universe. I hope to hold a space where they feel safe in exploring whatever is happening inside of themselves, or simply a comfortable place to lay on the mat and soak it all in! 

I love to teach children and families yoga because children are natural yogis. They are present and mindful and our most important teachers! I have worked with children in a variety of ways including children with special needs and it is such a joy to practice yoga together.  I studied yoga in Goa, India in 2013 with Lalit Kumar (200 hour YTT) and completed Yoga for the Special Child training at Satchidananda Ashram in Virginia in 2015 with Sonia Sumar. I strive to use yoga as an additional tool for social emotional development and bring social justice themes into our practice as well. I am the founder of Root Child Yoga. Check us out on social media! Let me know if you have any questions or want to talk about child development and yoga!

Megan took her first yoga class in 2008 and knew immediately that she would one day like to share this practice with others. Through yoga she continues to discover a space to be curious about the human body and all its wisdom, clarity of mind and the realization that within each of us exists the infinite capacity of love.

 

She completed her first 200 hour yoga certification in 2011 and continued her studies and certifications in various styles from yoga sculpt, to Street Yoga- trauma informed yoga. Megan is also a birth doula and is passionate about prenatal yoga.  Her personal yoga journey, accompanied by the motivation to share yoga with a more diverse population, led her to study Yoga Therapy with Sarahjoy Marsh. Megan completed 500 hours of study and is a certified Yoga Therapist by The International Association of Yoga Therapists.

 

Megan feels the practice of yoga is an opportunity to embrace and seek greater understanding of one’s body, mind and spirit and to remember our connection to each other.  Her classes are guided by breath awareness with a concentration on mindful, compassionate movement. Megan believes anyone and everyone can benefit from yoga and is continually inspired by her students and grateful to be able to share this journey with them.

Aimee Renteria is from Lake Tahoe, CA.  Growing up in a mountain town, she developed a love for outdoor activities and naturally gravitated towards a health conscious lifestyle. It seemed a likely choice to study health sciences.   As a student- athlete, Aimee graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science, Health Ecology from University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). While studying at UNR, Aimee played soccer for the UNR women’s soccer team as well as coached for various competitive youth soccer travel teams.  As a coach, she utilized her knowledge in health science to develop preventative injury, dietary and strength programs for the athletes. Upon graduation from UNR, Aimee continued to tailor her knowledge and skills at Tahoe Forest Therapy Services, in Truckee CA, as a therapeutic exercise specialist.  Assisting patients and athletes with their individual rehabilitative programs to heal and return to their active lifestyles.  

Davis Massage Institute, Alive & Well, Institute of Conscious Bodywork in Larkspur, CA and Sunshine Massage Institute in Chiang Mai, Thailand presented the next building blocks for practical knowledge.  Through the disciplines of neuromuscular therapy (NMT), neuromuscular reprogramming (NMR) and Thai massage, Aimee gained new insight to her own body, and a better understanding of how these unique techniques assist the body to maintain a pain free state; balancing the musculoskeletal and nervous systems to enhance function of joints, muscles and body mechanics. 

 To practice her new bodywork tools, Aimee found a home in midtown Sacramento at Body Advantage (BA), specializing in therapeutic massage.  Originally, she was working for the owner of Body Advantage, a gifted body worker who was turning away new clients. Aimee came on board to take all walk-ins and new business.  Over the span of six years, a shift from sub-contracted work evolved into Aimee working independently within the BA business model. Her offerings at Body Advantage were; Therapeutic Massage, Thai Massage, Yoga Therapy and a passion to assist her clientele with healthy choices and lifestyle routines.   While living in Sacramento, Aimee was a member of the Associated Body Workers and Massage Professionals as well as the East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce.  

Aimee has recently graduated from the Institute of Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy in Portland, Oregon.  Ayurveda has given Aimee a lens to see health from a different perspective, showcasing natural ways to live a healthy lifestyle and stay away from disease and unhealthy living.  Throughout the six years in her practice in Sacramento, there was a constant thought that more could be done to help people with their alignments. Ayurveda and yoga therapy have provided many new tools to help folks effectively and simply. 

Aimee hopes to continue her studies at Institute of Ayurveda.  Currently she is a teacher’s assistant for the year- long 300-hour program. In the future, she hopes to blend yoga therapy, massage and Ayurveda into a unique holistic blend of healing to offer the communities of Portland, Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.