Simply Power Yoga

Mindy Ayers

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.

Linda Becker - RYT

Linda was first drawn to yoga for teh physical practice.  She loved how it improved her flexibility, strength and stamina.  It wasn't long until she began to think about deepening her own practice with more intensive training.  She completed teacher training in 2007 and began a life long journey.  Linda wants to share her passion for yoga and wants students to know that yoga is for every-body, every-mind and every-spirit, whether it's a gentle or vigorous approach.

Chara Caruthers - RYT

Born and raised in Southern California, Chara’s yoga journey began in 1993 when she moved from Los Angeles  California to Melbourne Australia and was introduced to Hatha Yoga by her husband to be. Since then,  Chara has traveled, lived, and worked all over  the world building her experience of life and yoga and deepening her belief in the interconnectedness of all things. She began practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in 2005 while living in Buenos Aires, Argentina and discovered an immediate connection most notably to the movement and flow of the discipline. In November of 2007 Chara along with her husband and two children made yet another move landing this time in West Chester OH where she continued to explore the practice of yoga and made the decision to pursue a certification to teach. She is a 500 hour registered yoga teacher specializing in Ashtanga  Vinyasa Yoga, and a Certified Yoga Therapist. I believe in yoga’s ability to heal body, mind and spirit, especially if it’s applied and modified properly for the needs of the individual.  

“I have seen yoga practiced in many different places and the way in which it transforms people and lives has touched me.   Living a somewhat nomadic lifestyle, I’ve found that structure and stability are often missing. Through the practice of yoga I have developed physical, mental, and spiritual strength and clarity which helps me to stay centered, giving me more to give back.  I am very excited to have the opportunity to share my love of life with others through yoga. I look forward to seeing you in class!”

Gina Fennell, RYT

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.”

Heidi Fricke - 500 Hour Certified Baptiste Teacher, E-RYT

Heidi is the owner and founder of Simply Power Yoga.  Heidi moved to Cincinnati in 2007 with her husband Ron and two children, Ronnie and Elisa.  After leaving Corporate America in 2002, Heidi discovered a whole new way of living. Marathon running is what brought her to yoga but she soon realized yoga had so much more to offer than just a physical practice. Yoga became a huge part of her daily practice and life.  Yoga became her passion. 

Heidi has trained directly with Baron Baptiste and his group of Senior and Master Teachers.  She is a 500 Hour Certified Baptiste Teacher.  She has also assisted programs for Baptiste Yoga.  Heidi completed a 100 hour Anusara Immersion with Sianna Sherman in 2010. During 2004-2006, she completed Level 1-4, Yoga for Seniors and Yoga Pre-natal with Beth Shaw. She has also trained directly with Desiree Rumbaugh, Rod Stryker, Bryan Kest and Ana Forrest.

“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 has helped to heal many parts of my life. I teach a very playful and challenging class that continually takes the students to their edge and out of their comfort zones.  I love to watch students unfold on their mats and find their breath. The greatest joy for me is to see the smile on a student's face after they have practiced."

Alicia Gerlinger

COORDINATOR OF TEACHER DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH

BIO TO FOLLOW.......

Jill Greek

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

COORDINATOR OF STUDIO OPERATIONS

BIO TO FOLLOW.......

Darcy Michelfelder - RYT

Darcy’s journey into yoga was (and is!) grounded in an appreciation for the mind-body connection that she has cultivated through meditation, self-inquiry, and yoga practice. The importance of that mind-body connection was acutely demonstrated while, as a mother of 4, she was forced to deal with chronic fatigue syndrome. Her work with holistic health practictioners and gradual return to health was accompanied by exploration into yoga and meditation, which she now considers fundamental to her “whole”-ness and well-being. She was inspired to complete her 200 hour RYT training in 2009 and has been teaching vinyasa-inspired yoga classes every since. Her interest in meditation and self-inquiry lead her to recently obtain Level I Advanced training iRest/ Yoga Nidra^TM, a form of yogic meditation that she is eager to share with students. Darcy lives in Loveland with her husband Rick and 4 children, all of whom enjoy the benefits of yoga and Yoga Nidra practice!

Sarina Newstead - 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.

Hemansu Ranpuria, 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.”

Gina Weisgerber, Associate Baptiste Teacher

“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.”

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.

Liz Thornberry

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. 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.  She is beginning the Simply Power Yoga Teacher Training Program in August.  Liz lives in Loveland with her husband and their three children. 

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!

Bob Guard, RYT

RYT 200 Yoga Alliance and Life Force Level I Practioner. Bob began practicing yoga by following Lilias Folan on television and taking classes with local Cincinnati yogis. In 2009, he expanded his practice and received his 200 RYT via YogahOMe^R. While in teacher training, Bob discovered that yoga could dramatically improve his mood and overall mental outlook. To that end, Bob also recently received a Level I Practioner certification for LifeForce Yoga^R, a dynamic practice developed by Amy Weintraub that relieves the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Bob enjoys seeing students light up with the energy and joy that comes from a regular yoga practice. He is also a poet, his work recently appeared in Sycamore Review, Nimrod, and Poet Lore, Harpur Palate, Quiddity, California Quarterly, and many others.

“Yoga, like poetry, can make the unknown, knowable.”

Bob lives in Anderson Township with his wife of 24 years, Sharon, and his two children, Allie and Sam.

Elizabeth Thornberry

Danielle Toft