Kiersten K Mooney is owner of Bala Vinyasa Yoga, a Baptiste Affiliate Studio and Registered Yoga School.  She is a Senior Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher, an E-RYT200 – RYT500, and leads an accredited 200-hour yoga teacher training program annually.  She is active with the Africa Yoga Project, both as a Mentor and supporter.  Because of her continued impact on the Naples community, she has been recognized as an active lululemon athletica ambassador for two consecutive years.  She supports Bala Vinyasa Yoga’s teachers in giving back to the Naples community through a monthly community service leadership program.  She taught several workshops at the Baptiste Power Flow Immersion and Yoga Journal Conference in Estes Park, Colorado in 2011.

Kiersten began practicing yoga in 1996. The depth of the practice and the union of physical, emotional, and spiritual empowerment kept her coming back to her mat again and again. Students enjoy her lighthearted perspective, grounded by insights that help sustain them through a powerful practice. Her strong background in physiology enables her to safely and effectively guide her students to their edge while allowing the space to support their growth. Kiersten’s classes gracefully blend self-acceptance and challenge, encouraging students to exceed self-imposed limitations to facilitate physical and spiritual transformation.

“Teaching is a service. I hope that students feel like they’ve been given more than a class, that they’ve been inspired, empowered and received an experience they can take off of their mat and implement into their lives.”  She encourages her students to awaken to their personal power, to be on a mission to create the life that they want to live and to be bold enough to live it therefore making a significant contribution in the world.

After graduating with a double BA in Sociology and Exercise Sports Science and Sports Medicine from the University of Miami, Kiersten went on to graduate studies in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition. She has done extensive research in sports-specific training, has been published in the field, and has trained professional athletes. She has been a certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer since ’92 and received her Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga teacher certification in 2008 and is a Baptiste Program Leader Body leading workshops and events on Behalf of the Baptiste Power Yoga Institute.

Testimonial
“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 M

Mission Statement

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

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  Maya Angelou

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Leigh is a certified Bala Vinyasa Yoga Teacher, RYT, and the director of Bala Vinyasa Yoga.  She has attended Baptiste Level 1 and 2 Teacher Training and is working toward her Baptiste teacher certification.   In 2011 she was given the honor of being named a lululemon athletica Ambassador.

Leigh began practicing yoga in 1996, drawn to the calming nature of the practice and the physical expansion through breath and mindful movement.  Since moving to the Naples area in 2008, she has graduated from BV Yoga’s 200 Hour Teacher Training Program, participated in and led the 40 Days to Personal Revolution program, attended Baptiste Level 1 and 2 Teacher Training and is working toward her Baptiste certification.  Her classes are physically challenging yet lighthearted, encouraging students to look within, with open hearts, minds and spirits.  Her Pilates background provides a deep understanding of building a yoga pose from the core, creating stability and strength.  “Yoga has made me physically strong and mentally flexible.  I am empowered every time I get on my mat.  My yoga practice has deepened my gratitude for life and has taught me that I have the power to create the rich and rewarding life that I want to live. ”  With the intent to serve, Leigh strives to guide students to discover their inner strength, move through self-limiting thoughts, and explore possibility.

A graduate of DePauw University with a BA in International Business, Leigh’s professional experience ranges from Arthur Andersen staff auditor to corporate and product public relations manager at Internet media companies.  In 2000, she left her public relations role at an Internet media company to follow her dream of sharing the empowering benefits of movement and fitness.  As a personal trainer and Pilates instructor, she helped open a large fitness center in San Francisco where she was director of operations and personal training director.  She is a fully certified Stott Pilates® teacher and later managed a Pilates studio in Palo Alto, CA.  Leigh is thrilled to have the opportunity to combine her professional experience with her passion to share yoga.

Mission Statement
My mission is to serve BV Yoga students, the community, and the BV Yoga Team in creating personal vitality and a vibrant community.  Through yoga – both on and off the mat – I wish to inspire the lives of others, as I have been inspired.  I am committed to generating a launch pad for personal growth and expansion for each and every student and the community.

Favorite Quotes
“You don’t attract what you desire, you attract what you are.” – Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” – Booker T. Washington

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Debi Grilo is a Certified Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher, E-RYT and the Director of Teacher Development at Bala Vinyasa Yoga, promoting the growth and development of the teaching team.  She co-facilitates Bala Vinyasa Yoga’s 200 hour teacher training program annually.  Debi is a mentor for The Africa Yoga Project and helps lead a weekly complimentary yoga class for people in recovery from substance abuse.

In Debi’s classes, the space is created for transformation, recognizing that our yoga mat is a mirror for the rest of our lives, seeing where we have blocks and within this we all have the power to break through and create the life we want. Debi is a positive, inspirational teacher with an in-depth knowledge of yoga alignment and philosophy.  She is able to seamlessly land you in your body, connect you to your spirit and generate possibility.

Debi shares from herself freely, drawing from her own yoga practice, career as a psychotherapist, motherhood and family life. She comfortably moves from teaching a powerful vinyasa class to a deeply meditative restorative practice, incorporating alignment, therapeutics and personal growth.  She masterfully balances instruction to the individual student while creating a supportive community environment.  Debi’s classes are impactful, challenging students both physically and spiritually.

Debi began yoga in 1986 and her took her first teacher training in 1997 at The Kripalu Yoga Center.  Debi has been an on going student of Baron Baptiste since 2008. She has also studied with Tias Little, Rodney Yee, Aadil Pakhivala and David Swenson.  Debi graduated from Adelphi University in 1993 with a Masters in Clinical Social Work and holds a LCSW in the state of Florida.  “I believe in yoga’s ability to not only transform our bodies, but also our lives and I am honored to pay it forward!”

Mission Statement

My Mission is to lead by example with integrity and personal fortitude. I will challenge myself and others to uphold the bar of excellence. I will hold the space for transformation and inspire others to shine at their fullest potential.

Favorite Quote

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning how to dance in the rain.” — Vivian Greene

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After years of forcing herself through unsatisfying fitness classes, Angela finally found yoga in 2001.  With a background in ballet, Angela immediately felt she’d found an enjoyable way to keep fit.  Within a few weeks, she realized she’d found so much more.

Since then, Angela has studied several styles of yoga in many different studios with lots of different teachers – both David and Doug Swenson, Tias Little, Ravi Singh and Ana Brett, and the Bala Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training.  No matter who, what or where the class, Angela is always humbled by the intelligence of the body, the grounding of the breath, the sweetness of being entirely in the present moment.
Mission Statement
My mission is to ensure that every person who enters the studio feels welcomed and at home, and to keep the administrative aspects of the studio running smoothly and invisibly so that the teachers and staff can focus on sharing their shine with the Bala Vinysasa Yoga community.

Favorite Quote
“If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work.”  Thich Naht Hanh

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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Angie found her new passion for yoga after her first power yoga class in 2009.  The next day she began the 200 hour teacher training program at Core Power Yoga in Minneapolis and became a Registered Yoga Teacher. Angie has continued her training with Baron Baptiste, completing Level One Teacher Training Bootcamp and hopes to attend Level Two in May 2011.

Angie is also a tremendous strength and conditioning and performance enhancement specialist who has enjoyed over 15 years of success in the fitness, wellness, and sports medicine industry.  She is a Titleist Performance Institute Level Two Golf Fitness Instructor, a NASM certified personal trainer, and has hands on experience with orthopedic and sports injury rehab as a Physical Therapist Assistant.  She has also enjoyed working as a health and physical education teacher at the secondary school level.  Angie has a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota and obtained her Masters of Art in Teaching from Hamline University.

Mission Statement

My mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone I come in contact with by allowing the love and joy that is inside of me to come alive. I commit to reaching my full potential as a yoga teacher, yoga student, and as a spiritual being.  My intention is to inspire others to explore and challenge their boundaries and begin to tap into the immense benefits of yoga.

Favorite Quote

“Until you spread your wings, you’ll have no idea how far you can fly.” -Author Unknown

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Yoga has been an instrumental part of Jacqueline’s life for more than 15 years.  She has completed Level I and Level II Teacher Training with Baron Baptiste and is an Associate Baptiste Teacher working toward her certification.  She is also a certified Power Yoga Instructor, studying under Brian Kest.  Jacqueline 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.

Favorite Quote

“Life is short! So be happy, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably and never forget who you truly are.” – Baron Baptiste

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Mollie is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with an excitement for life and learning.  She completed her first 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification in 2009, and received her second this year through the YogaWorks program in Los Angeles.  She recently completed Level One Teacher Training with Baron Baptiste and is participating in the Bala Vinyasa Yoga 200 Hour Teacher Training CertificationProgram.  Mollie continues to grow and learn in yoga as a teacher and a student.

Mollie discovered yoga in college, but it was not until many years later that she found Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga and experienced the transformative possibilities of the practice.  Though she has studied and practiced many styles of yoga, Mollie is continually drawn back to the Baptiste community as it has inspired her to live her life with power and freedom.   With her expansive knowledge of the body and yoga, Mollie teaches a playful, fun, and challenging class.  She is excited to challenge you to tap into your own power, and to find the fullest expression of your authentic self, on and off the mat.

Mollie graduated from the University of Georgia in 2004 with a degree in Cultural Anthropology and worked for the University leading study abroad trips to New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji.  She led teenage adventure travel trips to Costa Rica and has a passion for travel, yoga, service, and the environment.  Mollie and her husband moved to Uganda in 2009 to work with refugees on income generating projects and education.  Together they founded a non-profit organization, Global Ties. They continue to work to support and facilitate the growth, education, and

Favorite Quotes
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure that you seek.” – Joseph Campbell
“The highest form of practice is to live from love in every moment, to offer it to everyone always, and to let it move through you like the breath.”

Tara Kalajian is a 200Hour certified Bala Vinyasa Yoga Teacher.  The Baptiste style has influenced Tara’s yoga practice by allowing her to become more present in her practice, and have faith in herself to take risks both on and off her mat.

In class, she invites students to explore more about their bodies, and to drop what they know, and start feeling what they feel.  Combining her knowledge of anatomy with her passion for Yoga, Tara offers a safe and open space for students to deepen their practice, and try something new!

Tara’s received her BS in Kinesiology from The College of William and Mary, and went on to complete her MS in Exercise Physiology from the University of Florida.  Tara has also been a Personal Trainer since 2006 and began teaching yoga in the university setting where she impacted her peers by exposing them to yoga.  She recently opened her own CrossFit affiliate in Naples, and continues to inspire others to create the life they want to be living!

Mission Statement
My mission is to share my experience and transformation with yoga to inspire others to see what is possible for them.  I will use my knowledge and background in physiology to guide students to explore deeper in their body.

Favorite Quote
“Your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself” – Chip Wilson

Susie Lentz is a 200Hr certified Bala Vinyasa Yoga Teacher and attended her first yoga training with Baron Baptiste in September 2011.   Through the Baptiste style of yoga, Susie learned to believe in herself.  She discovered that by being a “Yes” when faced with opportunities that seem challenging and out of her comfort zone, she experienced amazing transformation and growth on the other side!

When teaching, she motivates and inspires her students to have fun and leads them from her heart.  She challenges them to listen to their bodies rather than compete with their minds in finding the perfect pose. Susie’s classes are powerful and empowering, weaving together the mind-body connection on and off the mat.

Susie is inspired by others and truly enjoys teaching every day.  She has been teaching Group Fitness since 1998 and holds AFAA Group Fitness, Johnny G. Spinning, and Yogafit Level 1, 2 and 3 certifications.  No matter whether it’s a spin, yoga, step or body toning class, she is consistent in guiding her students to believe in themselves.  In her free time, Susie enjoys reading, being outdoors and spending time with her two children.

Testimonial
“Susie is an awesome, energetic, heart-centered and fun natured teacher.  I love attending her classes because she makes me feel really good.”  ~ Laurie Martin

Mission

My mission is to inspire others to be open to through yoga as a new way of being, to live a healthier and happier life, both physically and emotionally.

Favorite Quote
With realization of one’s potential and self-confidence in one’s own ability, one can build a better world……Dalai Lama