Kiersten K Mooney is a Certified Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher and a E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher). Kiersten’s students enjoy her lighthearted perspective, grounded by insights that help sustain them through an intense practice. Her strong background in physiology enables her to assess a student’s current picture of health and/or limitations, guiding them into effective adjustments for their needs. Kiersten’s classes gracefully blend a sense of self-acceptance with an invitation to exceed any unnecessary self-imposed limitations. The core of her personal practice and teaching is Baptiste Power Vinyasa Flow, an energizing sequence of yoga postures designed to facilitate physical and spiritual transformation.

Kiersten Mooney graduated with a double BA in Sociology, Exercise Sports Science and Sports Medicine (University of Miami) and went on to graduate studies in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition. She has been a certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer since ‘92, has done extensive research in sports-specific training and has been published in the field and she is a Colorigized Wellness Trainer. Kiersten came to yoga in ‘96, recognizing a potent fusion of physical, emotional, and spiritual empowerment.
She is an ongoing student of Baron Baptiste and has also trained with Tias Little. Kiersten is a lululemon ambassador. “Teaching is a service. I hope that students feel like they’ve been given more than a class- that they’ve been given an experience”.

Testimonials
“You are YOU when you teach! Alive, happy, connected, accepting, and grounded. Your teaching style is genuine and sincere. I feel a lot of warmth and happiness vibrating from you. You provide inspiring words during your class that are lasting words with evolving thoughts- something to bring home to apply now, today, tomorrow. It is clear that you are the teacher but you are still one of us. You connect to people.” Christine Miles

Kiersten’s Mission

My mission is to serve and ensure the well being and thriving of the BV community as a whole.  I am committed to the continual growth, success and expansion of the programs offered.  I support and uplift every member of the BV Team to be successful and a bright leader for the rest of the community.

Favorite Quote

“Don’t ask what the world needs.  Ask what makes you come alive, for what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Dr. Howard Thurman

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Director and ERYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher), Michelle Ploog began a regular yoga practice at age 13. Her yoga practice has connected her to inner clarity, spontaneity, and joy. The intention of her teaching is that it may create a similar growing experience for her students.

She has completed Baptiste Basic Teacher Training, Level 1 & Level 2 Baptiste Teacher Training, and is a certified Vinyasa and Kripalu Yoga teacher as well as Yoga Trance Dance, Pilates, and an ACE Certified Personal Trainer. A few people she has studied with are Yoganand Michael Carroll, Shiva Rea, Tias Little, and Baron Baptiste.

Michelle has been given the opportunity to work with professional athletes, artists, musicians, and television personalities.  She unties the yoga community as a lululemon ambassador.   As a writer for an online health and wellness database, www.askinyourface.com, she writes articles on yoga alignment and spirituality.  Michelle’s classes are intended to challenge the body and soothe the soul, leaving one feeling balanced and refreshed.

Testimonial:

“Michelle treats every class, every student, every being equally. It is through her constancy that she is able to create an utter feeling of peace in whoever is lucky enough to cross her path. Her deep love and commitment to her personal yoga practice and students translates into classes that leave you feeling fresh, rejuvenated, relaxed and at peace. Whether you’re in the mood for an upbeat class or a deeply introspective flow, Michelle can give you whatever you desire.” – Yana V.

Mission Statement

My mission for Bala Vinyasa Yoga is to empower, inspire and uplift the entire community through clarity, love and openness.  I commit to uphold the quality of instruction, communication, and customer service while also leading Bala Vinyasa Yoga to new depths of transformation and growth.

Favorite Quote

“The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are. You trade in your reality for a role. You give up your ability to feel, and in exchange, put on a mask. The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are.” -Jim Morrison

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Maryann was introduced to yoga in her twenties but she did not practice regularly until 2007 when her daughter opened bv yoga. Timing couldn’t have been better as she had dropped all physical exercise after developing bursitis at age 50 that spanned 4 years resulting in loss of muscle tone, flexibility and strength so at 60 she was truly starting anew.

Maryann has trained with Baron Baptiste – Level 1 Teacher Training and Baptiste Power Yoga Assistant Training Program.  Today, Maryann enjoys working at the studio full time, teaching classes and enrolled in the 200 hour Teacher Training as well as assisting in class.  “It truly has been an opportunity to share and give encouragement to anyone who is struggling due to physical setbacks.”

She is also a volunteer Gurardian Ad Litem since 96’.

Maryann’s Mission

My mission is to be fully supportive and present to the needs of students and staff.  I aim to mindfully tend to the daily operations and business tasks in an easy, efficient manner.  It is my commitment to supply the best possible products in the retail shop and to excel in all aspects of customer service – everyone is important and needed.  My goal is to see that the overall cleanliness of the studio is kept to high standard.

Favorite Quote

“When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die.”  -Eleanor Roosevelt

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It is easy to leave your ego at the door with Debi as your teacher. Her students describe her as a positive and inspirational teacher, a technical master, and “lots of FUN!!!”

Debi’s understanding of yoga is truly awe inspiring. She has meticulous, extensive knowledge of each asana and its effects on the mind and body. She educates her students on how the muscles and bones move to make it happen, sometimes in slow increments and sometimes in bursts of awareness. With total acceptance of where her students are in each class, she skillfully guides them toward total integration of mind, body, and spirit. She masterfully balances instruction to the individual student while creating a supportive community environment. Debi takes yoga very seriously and integrates its teachings into her daily life and although she is serious about yoga, she does not take herself too seriously.

Debi began her yogic journey in 1986 and has been inspired by many teachers and students along the way. She draws from her yoga practice, life experiences, family life, and career as a psychotherapist to enable students to connect yoga on their mat to their daily lives. Debi is blessed to have studied with Tias Little, Rodney Yee, Aadil Pakhivala and David Swenson, all of whom teach by walking the path of the yogi. Debi is also grateful to her family at Bala Vinyasa Yoga who work together to create sacred space for all of us to grow and travel the yogic path together.

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Certified Bala Vinyasa Yoga Teacher

Celena Marshall was introduced to yoga by her mom in 1990. Yoga became very inspirational and grounding as well as a creative outlet. As a competitive runner, yoga allows her body to stay healthy, flexible and strong as she continues to compete in many annual runs.

With her love for the breath and anatomy, Celena brings an in-depth understanding of the body, both intuitively and intellectually. Celena graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Art and Graphic Design from Florida Atlantic University, has worked as a graphic artist and marketing director for over 8 years in addition to teaching yoga for the past 6 years. During her earliest years of practice she studied restorative yoga as well as pranayama, breath work. Later, she became more interested in the anatomy of the postures and how the body moves from one pose to the next. She loves to combine yoga with her passion for running. Celena became certified in 2002, completed 200 hours and is a member of Yoga Alliance.

In 2002, Celena began teaching in Clearwater, FL and three years ago moved to Southwest FL. Celena’s style of teaching is creative, dynamic, invigorating, empowering, and infused with music, breath, and laughter. Her approach of body awareness and alignment prevents injuries and allows students to dive deeply into themselves. Celena sees pranayama as the process for opening up the many energy channels that run throughout the body during asana (posture) practice. From this view, Celena’s classes are challenging yet replenishing, deep yet light-hearted, and innovative while also honoring the traditional roots of yoga.

Mission Statement

My mission for teaching is to be a student first, and teach from that space of endless possibilities, completely open to more.

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Meredith B Musick, BA, LMT received a degree in Anthropology from Drew University in 1986, and began teaching Yoga and practicing Massage Therapy in 1993. After several years working with a chiropractor and furthering studies of the spine, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi Massage and Yoga, Meredith graduated from the Florida School of Massage adding different therapeutic modalities enabling her to be an outstanding therapeutic and rehabilitative practitioner as well as teacher.

Meredith began her yoga studies in the Iyengar style. In 2002 Meredith began studying with master PurnaTM Yoga teacher Aadil Palkhivala, and continues to evolve under his renowned and amazing guidance several times a year. Purna in Sanskrit means whole or complete and addresses all eight limbs of Yoga. Other teachers that she has studied with are Lillah Schwartz, Donna Farhi and Tias Little.

Meredith’s classes emphasize flowing with breath and specific series for daily practice for all levels. She encourages unique expression found by looking deep within, with reverence to limitations and injuries. Yoga is by far the most profound, effective and long term method to healing injuries. It is a lifestyle, commandeered by you, your Self. While other modalities like massage are effective and worthwhile treatment, Yoga uses all aspects of human experience to teach us to heal ourselves. Meredith’s compassionate nature and playful introspection make for safe, informative and user-friendly classes while encouraging passion and fire to each student’s experience.

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Hanna Riley’s yoga practice has taught her that strength isn’t all about willpower- but rather willingness. She teaches in the style of Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga, encouraging her students to challenge their edge with curiosity and kindness. She lives in constant awe of striking the balance between the miraculousness of living on this globe spinning in space and staying grounded in the practice of everyday life. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance.

MISSION STATEMENT
My mission is to live and teach from the place where Mother Teresa’s words, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier” are a reality. I will do this by listening, loving and living in the present moment.

FAVORITE QUOTE

“You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are!” -EckhartTolle

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Certified Bala Vinyasa Yoga Teacher

For Christine teaching yoga ties together her love for people and power yoga.  She believes that yoga is not necessarily about the pose or the training, although important, but rather the connection to one’s heart and to other beings. Christine is inspired by all yogis who continuously show up on their yoga mat despite life’s challenges. With simplicity and compassion she challenges her students to empower themselves by moving up to their edge one step at a time. Her wish is for each person to find equanimity and self-love through the union of the body, soul and mind.

Every day, Christine thrives on living life through these words: “The time to be happy is now, the place to be happy is right here and, the way to be happy is by helping others.” Unknown.

She attended Baptiste Teacher Training Level 1 and Baptiste Assisting Training Program.

Testimonial

“It is through Christine’s quiet authority, endless passion and great skills that I have found within me a true love for yoga. She brings so much life and appreciation to this wonderful art”. Melissa M.

Christine’s Mission

My mission is to breath enthusiasm for yoga through our community, to embrace students with respect and understanding while empowering them during their practice, and to be present and attentive to all.  I commit to providing a physical challenge to participants in a joyful atmosphere and to inspiring them on the benefits of yoga.  I commit to supporting members of our BV family and to making our life good.

Favorite Quote

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.” -Lao Tzu

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Certified Bala Vinyasa Yoga Teacher

Lynda Waterhouse, RYT, first studied yoga as a college student.  After many years of training in aerobics and weights, she rediscovered yoga and has been avidly practicing ever since.  She has attended numerous workshops and teacher trainings in various forms of yoga including the teachings of Doug Keller, Tias Little, Aadil Palkhivala, David Swenson and most recently Baron Baptiste.   Her primary training, Anusara yoga, with teachers John Friend and Betsy Downing, is the basis for her alignment oriented yoga style and teaching.  Lynda is furthering her studies and currently enrolled in the BV Yoga RYT 200 hour teacher training.  Lynda’s classes are challenging, energizing and unfold creatively in response to the needs of the students.  Lynda looks forward to seeing you on mat and will inspire you to be present and to live more fully in the moment.

Testimonial

“I was fortunate as a beginning yoga student to have received instruction from Lynda. She ensured that I could properly execute each pose before introducing one that was more challenging, and I am thankful to have a solid understanding of the fundamentals today. As I gain experience and attend Lynda’s more challenging classes, the emphasis on proper execution continues. It is Lynda’s knowledge of the tremendous health benefits for both the mind and the body that she uses as the basis for her instruction that continually encourages me.” -C. HIll

Mission Statement

My mission is to gracefully and powerfully serve and support every individual’s transformation that comes into BV Yoga’s sacred space by teaching, mentoring, communicating and sharing Yoga to the best of my knowledge.  I am committed to fostering a safe and nurturing environment to create spiritual awakening, emotional growth and physical unfolding.  I promise to playfully uplift and encourage all who enter BV Yoga to open their hearts to the beauty that will be found while just being present.

Favorite Quote

“Be the change that you want to see in the world.” Gandhi

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Yoga has been an instrumental part of Jacqueline’s life for more than  15 years.   She is a certified Power Yoga Instructor, studying under Brian Kest. Jacqueline has completed Level I and Level II Teacher Training with Baron Baptiste and is excited in her journey towards ‘Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Certification’.  She brings yoga into her life everyday and strives to ‘live’ yoga.
Her yin yoga training brings a softer side to her power background. Jacqueline’s goal is to  bring compassion, love, gratitude and, empowerment into her teaching, and she tries to guide each student to honor themselves in  their practice.

Mission Statement

Being of Love & Power, I hold positive and loving space to empower my family, friends & community to reach for their fullest potential and aim for unlimited possibilities.

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