YOGA INSTRUCTORS
 | ||
Mindy Ayers-Karam - 200 RYT
BODY WORK SPECIALIST
Mindy fell in love with the practice of yoga in 2006. She felt the powerful effects on her mental and physical body. Mindy was determined to introduce and share the beautiful gifts that yoga brings into one’s life. She soon sought out to obtain a 200 hour Yoga Alliance Certification from the Cincinnati Yoga School, lead by Shashank Lakhia. Through gentle adjustments to students in class, Mindy soon discovered that she had the ability to increase wellness through touch and loving kindness. She furthered her education in Chicago, IL at the Thai Bodywork School of Thai Massage, receiving certifications for over 150 hours of training. She graduates in spring 2011 from SHI Medical Massage School, receiving her Ohio Medical Massage License. She values the importance of the breath, the present moment, self love and mindfulness. Mindy thoroughly enjoys helping each individual improve their overall well-being and feels blessed to be able to do what she loves.
Mindy is also the Body Work Specialist offering Thai Massages.
 | ||
Amber Butterick
Bio to follow.......
|
| ||
Susanna Cruser - 200 RYT
Simply Power Yoga 200 RYT Teacher Training Program
Growing up, I always thought I would be a writer or maybe a librarian. I never excelled at sports, and though I was active, I was not competitive. If I were to get up early in the morning, it would be to read a good book, not to go for a run or take a fitness class. So, why am I teaching hot power yoga? Why do I get up at 5 am in order to take hot yoga classes? I guess I fell in love with the way I feel after really challenging myself in a yoga class. And that’s the key; yoga is all about challenging yourself, not competing with others. It calms my mind like nothing else and leaves me with awesome feelings of strength, energy and confidence. Now that I teach yoga, I try to leave others feeling the same way. I teach a class that I hope is both fun and challenging, where the only thing that is forbidden is taking yourself too seriously. And, though I haven’t achieved my goal as a writer (my manifesto is still a work in progress), I entertain myself by writing the occasional self-deprecating yoga blog that is amusing to myself, if no one else.
|
| ||
Rosa Diaz - 200 RYT
 | ||
Mary DiGiandomenico - 200 RYT
Simply Power Yoga 200 RYT Teacher Training Program
Mary began to integrate both yoga and Pilates in her daily workout regiment six years ago after a serious lower back injury sidelined her. For years, endurance sports consumed this active mother of three. Recovery from a condition called discitis (an infection of the disc) required intense core strengthening. At the suggestion of her physical therapist and determined not to be bedridden from back problems again, Mary has maintained core strength through yoga and Pilates.
Mary just completed her 200-hour yoga teaching certification from Simply Power Yoga. She is marathon runner and triathlete having competed in the Boston Marathon and Lake Placid Ironman. Originally from the Philadelphia area, she now lives in Loveland with her husband and three teenage kids.
 | ||
Gina Fennell - 200 RYT
Co-owner of SPY Central
Co-Facilitator Teacher Training Program
Simply Power Yoga 200 RYT Teacher Training Program
Gina’s teaching is inspired by a lifelong anti-establishment perspective, punk rock, the Buddha and a hope that she can help others navigate the delusions and fear that fuel today’s culture. Although she teaches yoga and meditation to all levels, she is best known for her powerful vinyasa classes. Whether you come to class for improved physical fitness or spiritual liberation Gina’s classes are honest and direct. Yet she provides a compassionate and kind approach to the practice.
“We don’t tiptoe through the tulips in my class. Move your body so that you can sit still and meditate. Free your mind of hatred, greed and self-judgment. Revolution is within.”
RYT Certified through SPY
 | ||
Heidi Fricke - 500 RYT
500 Hour Certified Baptiste Teacher, E-RYT
Heidi is the founder of Simply Power Yoga. After leaving Corporate America, Heidi discovered a whole new way of living. Running is what brought her to yoga. Everyone said yoga improves running. She soon realized yoga had more to offer than just a physical practice. Slowing down and hearing the breathe fascinated her. Slowing down and not running from everything in her life was going to be a new way of living and a challenge. Yoga became a part of her daily practice and life.
Heidi has trained directly with Baron Baptiste and has had the opportunity to assist programs for Baptiste Yoga. Heidi has also studied Anusara Yoga with Siana Sherman and Desiree Rumbaugh.
“I have had the opportunity to train with world renowned teachers. However, I was always looking for more…..something was missing. Then I stumbled upon, Tami Schneider, owner of Cleveland Yoga. Tami encouraged me to go to my first Baptiste Bootcamp in 2007. In Baptiste Yoga I found simplicity, power and authenticity. For the first time in years, I was becoming present to my own life. At that moment, I knew I wanted to share my passion and joy of yoga with everyone.
Yoga and meditation have helped to heal many parts of my life. I teach a playful and challenging class which continually takes students to the edge and out of their comfort zones. I love to watch students unfold on the mats and find their breath. The greatest joy for me is to see the smile on a student's face after they have practiced."
|
| ||
Linda Furlong - 200 RYT
Simply Power Yoga 200 RYT Teacher Training 2013
I live in Loveland, but would rather be at the beach. I am married and have 2 sons, 2 dogs, and a cat. I teach 4th grade language arts and math. I’m a sucker for any stray animal that invites itself to my house. I like nothing more than having a glass of wine with friends and laughing at a good story. I’m not a runner, a marathoner, or an endurance athlete. I’m just an ordinary person who was looking to start exercising again, and who found Yoga, accidentally, about 2 ½ years ago.
After that first class, I knew I had found the perfect opportunity to challenge myself and grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. For the first few months, when prompted to set my intention for the class, the only thing I could think of was “survive”. The class was so physically challenging for me, that when I made it through from start to finish I would think, “If I can get through this, I can get through anything.” And guess what? I was right. More than I ever thought possible, yoga has made me stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally.
To further challenge myself, I entered the Teacher Training program in the Fall of 2012. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that at this point in my life I would be teaching yoga, but here I am. I love that with yoga you can come from where ever you are and whatever happens, happens. There are no expectations, competitions, or rules. I love the community and friends that have become a part of my life thanks to my yoga practice. Now, when prompted to set my intention, I think, “Thrive.” And I know that whatever life throws at me, I can handle. I welcome you to my class with the hope that you find the same things I have… inspiration, motivation, and a place to thrive.
 | ||
Alicia Gerlinger - 200 RYT
COORDINATOR OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EVENTS
Simply Power Yoga 200 RYT Teacher Training Program
Alicia discovered yoga while recovering from a running injury. She was instantly drawn to the physical practice, but fell in love with the essence of yoga; connecting the mind, the body and the spirit. She especially loves the connection to the students at the studio and throughout the community. Her passion for volunteering and helping to plan fundraising events fits into the mission at Simply Power Yoga to make yoga accessible to the everyone, especially to those who cannot come to a studio. Through these efforts, Simply Power Yoga is able to send teachers out into the community and support various charities. Alicia completed Simply Power Yoga’s first 200-YT training program in March, 2012 and looks forward to continuing her yoga journey. She currently resides in Indian Hill with her husband, 3 teenage children, 2 cats and the family dog, Gracie.
“Whatever you give to life, it gives back to you. Love others and love will come back to you.” Auth unknown
 | ||
Jill Greek
Baptiste Level I Teacher Training 2010
I first discovered yoga after being unable to run after having children. I have always been physically active, growing up playing soccer and basketball. A friend introduced me to yoga six years ago, and I have been hooked ever since. Teaching yoga has been a natural extension of my career as a junior high teacher. Once my children were born, I retired from teaching to be a mother. Now I am able to put my love of teaching and yoga together. In 2010, I attended Level I Teacher Training with Baron Baptiste.
“I want people to leave my challenging flow class feeling refreshed, strong, centered and thoughtful.”
 | ||
Juli Heemer - 200 RYT
COORDINATOR OF STUDIO OPERATIONS
Simply Power Yoga 200 RYT Teacher Training Program
"I started going to different types of yoga classes in 2003, as a way to supplement my running workouts. In 2009, I stopped running due to injuries and turned to yoga as my main source of exercise. I was drawn to the physical practice of yoga with the intention of gaining strength. And strength I have gained, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. The mind, body connection was a new concept to me, but one I find intriguing. Going through Simply Power Yoga’s Teacher Training program is giving me new insights about myself, my practice and the mind, body connection.
Being a part of Simply Power Yoga as the Coordinator of Studio Operations gives me the opportunity to interact daily with the SPY Students and Staff."
|
| ||
Casey Hilmer - 200 RYT
Simply Power Yoga 200RYT Teacher Training Program 2013
Owner of Power Ryde
Bio to follow.......
|
| ||
Mackenzie Johnson - 200 RYT
Simply Power Yoga 200 RYT Teacher Training Program 2013
I attended by first yoga class with my mom right after I had played a soccer game. Knowing little about yoga, I assumed that it would be the ideal way to relax and stretch after my workout. Little did I know that it was the workout! I originally considered all yogis to be completely nuts! Despite the immediate resistance I felt towards yoga, probably because I resented the fact that I did not automatically excel at it, I was drawn to it. Whether it was to prove to myself that I could survive it, or whether it was something deeper I was not sure. I knew that I loved the feeling of challenging myself physically, and watching myself constantly discover a new edge, finding strength in areas of my body I had never felt before. Unlike any other physical activity, yoga made me feel alive.
Yoga became more than a workout when I began to recognize yoga as a practice both on and off the mat. The things I was discovering about myself on my mat were transferring into all other aspects of my life, increasing my awareness in relationships with everyone in my life. I cannot put into words the gratitude I have for the amazingly supportive community I found at SPY. Truly a home away from home, both students and teachers have supported me throughout my journey.
In class, I give the opportunity for students to grow by challenging them in hopes that they will choose to find their true strength, and let it shine both in the studio and in other areas of their lives.
|
| ||
Kristin Kauffman- 200 RYT
|
| ||
Amy Kreider 200 RYT
 | ||
Sarina Newstead - 200 RYT
Sarina is originally from England and settled here in Cincinnati twelve years ago with her husband and two children. Being half Chinese, Sarina has always had an interest in Eastern Philosophy and alternative healing modalities.
She walked in to her first yoga class over five years ago, not really knowing what to expect. She was hooked from the very first class. She came away with an overall sense of wellbeing and freedom. Her journey in to yoga began. She attended classes regularly, adding to her addiction of wellbeing while connecting deeper with her mind, body and soul. She found through regular practice she could soothe her SI joint issues and arthritis in the lower back. In doing so she found a sense of emotional release.
She decided to take things further and went through teacher training with Shashank Lakhia, a well known and respected yogi in the area. She began learning the Satyananda (integrative) approach to asana and rich blend of philosophy. Adding to this, Sarina also offers Reiki healing.
Yoga is so much more than the “asanas,” it is a philosophy of life and you can take it as deep as you like. It links breath, movement, and meditation together. Yoga is “union” and “detachment” at the same time. One of her favorite Buddhist quotes reflects this, detachment, “When you let go of who you are, you become who you might be”
Sarina invites you to take yourself on a journey, without a map, compass or destination. Following the open road of self-discovery along the way, finding joy in the present moment.
Sarina enjoys teaching from the heart, sharing the rich benefits of yoga with everyone.
|
| ||
Heather Poast - 200 RYT
|
| ||
Deana Podvin - 200 RYT
Bio to Follow.....
|
| ||
Sherry Ransier
Bio to follow......
 | ||
Hemansu Ranpuria - 200 RYT
Imagine this……Perfect concentration on whatever task you put your mind to. More energy then you need, and all the energy you want. A permanent smile on your face no matter what life throws at you. Living with a healthy carbon footprint. Looking years younger then your age. Resistance against every known and unknown illness. Being able to sit still for hours at a time. Infinite thinking time to plan your karma…..
“Well, actually yoga does not give me any of these. But it does point me in the right direction. It is the perfect balance for the stresses and the self-imposed physical demands I choose to add to my life. I got hooked on yoga after seeing an on-stage demonstration by two of my teachers (Shashank Lakhia and Sarwani Prasad) in 2003. I showed up for class and the very next day expecting somebody to teach me how to touch my toes and do handstands. Suffice to say that these expectations were not met, but I started to learn how to breathe. After attending a couple of hundred classes, I was finally talked into signing up for teacher training in 2009. The goal was to improve my understanding of yoga and accelerate my personal practice. Teaching was not on the agenda but quickly became a passion and a very important component of my yoga journey.”
|
| ||
Kelly Ross - 200 RYT
Simply Power Yoga 200 RYT Teacher Training Program 2013
My name is Kelly Ross and I am a teacher in training at Simply Power Yoga. After dealing with injuries from many years of running, I was looking for something new. A friend encouraged me to try yoga, and for a year I declined thinking in the back of my mind that I am not the ‘type’ to sit around and ‘om’ all day. Something brought me to try a class one day and I was shocked that yoga was actually a great workout! I kept coming back for the physicality of the practice, and then it started to ease my mind and touch my soul. Feeling stronger, more flexible, calmer and overall more balanced, I knew that this was the path for me. I enrolled in the program to become a teacher in hopes to grow my practice as well as inspire others the way my teachers continually inspire me. I will welcome you to my class with an open heart in hopes that you too find a motivating workout and a place to ease your mind. Namaste.
|
| ||
Lisa Sloan - 200 RYT
Simply Power Yoga 200 RYT Teacher Training Program
Fitness and exercise have always been a part of Lisa’s life. Playing various sports both recreational and select since second grade Lisa was always up for trying something new and challenging. Four years ago Todd her husband listened to Girl Scout moms talk about hot yoga with Heidi Fricke owner of SPY. He was the one who actually thought she would like trying a class. He listened to the moms and told Lisa “you would like this type of workout, you should go to one of Heidi’s hot yoga classes”.
It was that first class that made a huge impact. Lisa remembers it wasn’t easy. Falling and feeling silly during the practice and being brought to tears during the end, she worried what people would think if they could see her crying. The tears were good tears, not sad and little did she know this would be a life-changing experience. Continuing to find herself and her practice, Lisa knows that without yoga she would never have finished her hardest triathlon, Chicago 2011. As she crossed the finish line, she realized there was no way she could miss SPY’s first teacher training program starting that same month. Lisa completed her 200 RYT hours in March 2012 and knows this is only the beginning of something BIG!
Believe her when she says “yoga will rock your world and open you up to something new and unexpected!”
 | ||
Liz Thornberry - 200 RYT
Simply Power Yoga 200 RYT Teacher Training Program
SPY Power Kids Program Coordinator
PILATES & YOGA INSTRUCTOR
As the daughter of a professional strength and conditioning coach, fitness has always been a way of life for Liz. Liz first was introduced to Pilates six years ago and was instantly hooked. Liz loved the mind and body connection that Pilates offered and could see results, especially after having twins in 2006. Liz completed Pilates certification with Power Pilates in April 2011. Liz also completed the Simply Power Yoga Teacher Training Program in March 2012. She loves the strength and sense of community that power yoga brings into her life. Her goal for her students is for them to come out of class having better posture, increased strength, and feeling a deeper connection to their core. Liz lives in Loveland with her husband and their three children.
 | ||
Ryan Toft
Baptiste Level I Teacher Training 2012
"I’ve had a keen interest philosophy, meditation, and states of consciousness from a very early age. Throughout my life I’ve also been physically active and competitive in sports ranging from football to wrestling. I found my true passion while serving in the United States Navy as a medic which allowed me to express my compassion for people in a medical service capacity. Yoga was a natural fit for me and encompassed all of which I’d had exposure to; and allowed me to integrate physicality, meditation, and service."
Ryan's classes are organic and spontaneous. He wants you to find your edge and to feel that tangible growth each and every class. Ryan wants his students to come out of their heads and be in their bodies; to become comfortable being uncomfortable. Ryan has completed Level 1 Baptiste Power Yoga teacher training.
 | ||
Gina Weisgerber - Associate Baptiste Teacher
Baptiste Level I Teacher Training 2011
Baptiste Level II Teacher Training 2011
“As the mother of five and the wife of an extreme endurance athlete, yoga is a way of life. What started out as an addition to my marathon and triathlon training became so much more. It has made me physically and mentally stronger. Yoga is a means by which I am able to balance the emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of my life.
I have enjoyed practicing yoga for the past five years and have completed level one and level two teacher trainings with Baron Baptiste Power Yoga. I am an associate teacher with over two hundred hours of Baptiste Training.
Through my yoga practice and training, I have learned to appreciate the value of inspiring and empowering others. As an instructor, I will challenge each individual to have fun with their practice and to realize their highest potential.
My intention is to share my passion for yoga with others.”
|
| ||
Sarah Yanito - 200 RYT
Simply Power Yoga 200 RYT Teacher Training Program 2013
Sarah immediately fell in love with power vinyasa yoga after her first hot yoga class in 2010 at Cleveland Yoga. After 12 years of competitive swimming, Sarah found her new passion for yoga, drawn to the exhilarating, challenging, yet relaxing classes. After moving to Cincinnati for college, Sarah discovered her new home away from home at Simply Power Yoga. "Being a former competitive athlete, I could not get over how well yoga complimented just about any sport. I hope to infuse my own knowledge of athletic training into my classes to inspire students to create something new within their physical and mental practice." Sarah describes her classes as empowering, sweaty, and playful. Sarah completed her 200-YT training at Simply Power Yoga in March, 2013. She will be graduating from the University of Cincinnati College of Business in 2015 with a major in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.
PILATES INSTRUCTORS
 | ||
Amy Bishop
I began taking pilates over 5 years ago after my second child was born. I needed to get back into shape and change my workout routine. I loved it. I thought if I could change my own body I can change all my friends as well. So I began teaching pilates to share what I loved with others. I received my training 3 years ago from Pendleton Pilates, Jillian Littleford and Balanced Body. I continue to train so I can challenge all my students to go beyond what is comfortable in their bodies.
FITNESS COACH
 | ||
Ana Infantino - ACE Certified Fitness Coach
As a former teacher and coach, and a lifelong fitness enthusiast, Ana gracefully combines her love of teaching and her passion for exercise in her work as a Fitness Coach. The mother of four young children herself, Ana particularly understands the demands of post-partum women and mothers managing the busy schedules of children at home. She is able to find creative solutions to keep fitness a priority despite these challenges, just as she's successfully done in her own life. Whether you are looking to gently begin an exercise routine or are yearning to take your fitness to the next level, Ana will customize a program just for you.
Ana role models a healthy lifestyle and mixes up her own workouts to include running, power yoga, spinning, pilates and boot camp and body sculpt classes. She'd be delighted to be a part of your journey to improved wellness by helping you learn to move in the way that most energizes you!
|
| ||
Erin Koehne
Fitness Coach - Simply Strength
Erin is a former Division 1 athlete, high school teacher and Varsity coach. She has had a passion for exercise and fitness for as long as she can remember. After choosing to stay at home to raise her 4 young boys, she decided to begin teaching group fitness classes for a side job. Using her Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education, collegiate workout trainings and coaching experience, she has created an “interval” based class that meets the demands of the busy schedules we are faced with. Her “simply strength” class involves a series of low- to high-intensity exercises interspersed with periods of rest. It combines weights, plyometrics, and bands to help improve speed, physical endurance and mental toughness. It offers the chance to burn A LOT of calories while gaining A LOT of strength. This is a great class to compliment a yoga enthusiast, an avid runner, or a beginner in the fitness world.