Katy Knowles
Katy is co-founder of yogahOMe where the journey in Cincinnati began. Katy has lived, practiced & studied yoga with numerous master teachers throughout the US. Katy’s classes range from gentle to power, meditation to fusion with sounds. She says, ‘It is as much a pleasure to teach someone their 1st sun salutation as it is to teach a power vinyasa class.” Her Dharma is to share and spread the yogic teachings. Yoga has been part of Katy’s life since the age of 16 when she discovered transcendental meditation. As a dancer, many teachers brought dance to yoga & yoga to dance. Katy co-owned a Dance & Art Studio in Colorado Springs where Hatha & Kundalini yoga were taught. In 1985, Laura Jane Melencamp touched Katy’s heart with the practice of vinyasa flow yoga and the deeper truths of yoga. Along with Laura Jane, Rod Stryker, Lilias Folan and Shashank Lahkia continue to guide & influence her teachings and keep her grounded, joyful & present. Katy is working on her Master Parayoga Certification with guru Yogiraj Rod Stryker. Katy’s husband David, and her 3 boys – Dave, Eric & Sam – are her Sanctuary and hOMe. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti OM!
Lilias Folan
Lilias Folan, known as the “First Lady of Yoga” since her groundbreaking 1972 Yoga series Lilias! Yoga and You, has been regarded as America’s most knowledgeable and respected yoga guru. Through her television shows, books, audio tapes, videos, workshops and seminars, Lilias has spent the past 27 years helping people learn about the benefits of yoga for the body, mind and spirit. Click here to learn more about Lilias Yoga!
Amber Riley
Love at first crow. Amber took her first yoga class at Charlotte Yoga in 2006 and vividly remembers the teacher flying into crow right in front of her. She was inspired to take flight herself, eager to absorb and learn from that point on. Amber received her 200 hour certification from Yoga hOMe in 2008, and is so blessed to have such wonderful teachers and sangha at Yoga hOMe. Sharing the love, light, and fresh breath of air that yoga has provided her is a goal of her teachings.
Bridgid McCarren
Bridgid McCarren took her first yoga classes in college but it wasn’t until 2009 that she truly began to understand the power of a dedicated yoga practice. While recovering from a hip injury sustained during practice of her first love– distance running, Bridgid was able to find healing, strength and flexibility through her yoga practice. Bridgid completed the empowering yogahOMe 200 hour teacher training in 2010, and the wonderful gift of the teachings of Rod Stryker, Lilias Folan, Kathryn Templeton, Katy Knowles and Shashank Lahkia. She now teaches vinyasa flow yoga and hot power yoga at 3 yogahOMe locations and also teaches private yoga classes. Bridgid feels blessed and greatful to be practicing and teaching in Cincinnati’s wonderful yoga community.
Christy Dorger
Christy Dorger started her yoga journey 9 years ago when she began taking Ashtanga classes. It was love at first class, connecting to the mind-body-spirit philosophy. When yogahOMe-Mariemont opened, Christy began practicing there and found new inspiration in Vinyasa Flow. Christy was certified through yogahOMe’s 1st Teacher Training program in 2007. She currently teaches at yogahOMe’s Oakley and Mariemont studios, and teaches Corporate classes at Dunhumby USA.
Diane Faul
Diane began her studies of yoga in 1972. In her early years she was inspired by, and fortunate to study under, renowned yoga instructors Indra Devi, Lilias Folan, and Amrit Desi. Lilias continues to be a guiding light for her yogic journey. Diane is a CYTA certified yoga instructor receiving her training and 200-hour certification through yogahOMe and certification with the YogaFit organization. Through her yoga practice, Diane became aware of and interested in energy work, which led her to her certification in Healing Touch in 1999. Diane’s passionate teaching style reflects her eclectic background drawn from many teachers throughout her years of practice. She is deeply grateful for their support, guidance and wisdom. Diane believes that practicing yoga practice on a regular basis creates a holistic balance between the physical, mental and spiritual self. In the classroom, Diane brings a gentle approach to teaching. Her classes are heart-centered and she focuses on the success of each individual student. Diane strives to touch the hearts of others in a positive way, and her motto is, “Do everything for the joy of doing it.”
Gail Zimmer
After relocating from Milwaukee, WI to Cincinnati, OH in 1996, Gail was inspired to become a Group Fitness Instructor. Her journey began with high impact aerobic formats such as Step and Kickboxing but as her body began to show signs of wear and tear she changed gears and found Spinning and Pilates. In 2005 she walked into a Yoga training looking to fulfill the continuing education credits needed to maintain her ACE certification. She walked away from the experience thinking ‘where has yoga been all my life?’ She fell in love with the flow and the creative transitions offered in the Vinyasa practice. yogahOMe was the perfect place to call home. It was in 2007, when she decided to join the second wave of their teacher training, that she discovered the rest of the story…that Yoga is so much more than physical exercise. Practicing ahimsa, honoring our bodies and minds is a lifetime of actions and experiences. Gail continues to grow as a Yogi through studies, physical practice and experiences shared with her students.
Gina Fennell
Gina’s teaching is inspired by a lifelong anti-establishmentarian perspective and a desire to help others navigate through the layers of confusion, judgment 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 the mat for improved physical fitness or spiritual liberation, Gina provides a direct, honest yet kind approach to the practice. She completed her 200-Hour teacher training in the It’s Yoga system in 2005. “Move your body, free your mind, the revolution is within.”
Gina Panzeca
Gina completed her 200-hour teacher training with yogahOMe in the Spring of 2011. She has been practicing yoga since 1992, when she first dipped her toes into simple asanas with her classmates in acting school. It was upon moving back to her hometown of Cincinnati in 2010 that she answered the persistent voice in the back of her head telling her to go through Teacher Training. Gina enjoys helping others to free up their breath, body and mind, and cultivates a safe space to do so.
Heather Poast
Heather is an avid barefoot runner, cyclist, swimmer and yogi. She grew up playing soccer, softball and swimming. However, in her high school years Heather slipped away from sports and took more to partying. After losing her father during her freshman year in college, Heather decided to take back her life and started running and doing yoga.
Today, Heather is a marathoner, ultramarathoner and triathlete. She has completed numerous Flying Pig Marathons, Grand Island Trail Marathon, Stone Steps 50k, Berryman Trail 50-miler, Ironman Louisville and many other triathlons. She completed the 200-hour yoga teacher training through yogahOMe in 2011 and has been practicing yoga since 1999.
Heather has a bachelors degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish from Lake Forest College, a Culinary and Pastry Arts degree from Cincinnati State Midwest Culinary Institute and a Dietetics certificate from The University of Cincinnati.
Heather loves working in the Health & Wellness industry as it allows her to share her passion with others. She wants you to experience the joy that is possible by exercising, eating well and making mindful decisions throughout the day. Heather will share the secrets and simplicity of an overall healthy lifestyle with you! With her exercise, nutrition and culinary knowledge she will provide you with a well-rounded approach.
Herman Ranpuria
Hold that pose…bio coming soon!
Jill Greek
Jill first discovered yoga after being unable to run after having children. She has always been physically active, growing up playing soccer and basketball. A friend introduced Jill to yoga in 2004, and she has been hooked since. Teaching yoga has been a natural extension on Jill’s career as a junior high teacher. Once her children were born, she retired from teaching to be a mother. Now, Jill is able to put her love of yoga and teaching together. She hopes people leave her challenging flow classes feeling refreshed, strong, centered, and thoughtful.
Joan Riemar
Joan’s love for yoga began in her early 20’s and developed through a desire for a healthy and holistic lifestyle. She received her 200 hour RYT certification through yogahOMe and has been teaching yoga for 8 years. Joan has been inspired by and studied under Lilias Folan, Rod Stryker, Shiva Rea, and Baron Baptiste. She enjoys teaching all levels of vinyasa yoga, with an emphasis on breath, movement and the integration of Body, Mind and Spirit. As a certified Healing Touch Practitioner, Joan loves to weave the principles of energy and healing into her yoga classes. She is knowledgeable in Aromatherapy and integrates the oils in her classes to enhance the experience of the practice. Her love for Yoga, Healing Touch and Essential Oils keeps her feeling vibrant, energized and connected to life. Joan says “Yes to Life” and to dark chocolate!
Julie Smallwood
Julie Smallwood, MS RYT 200. Julie has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and currently teaches vinyasa style yoga as well as Yoga Therapy classes. Her desire to teach was greatly influenced by her experience with Yoga while trying to conceive. She now combines her knowledge of yoga with her studies in Mind-Body techniques achieved while certifying with Dr. Alice Domar at Boston IVF. Julie is an ACE Certified Advanced Health Fitness Specialist and holds her Masters in Exercise Science.
Jo Griffith
Jo is an Anusara-inspired teacher, registered with the Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level, and is honored to be an ambassador for Lululemon Cincinnati. She has been teaching yoga for 5 years. Jo loves to investigate, and Anusara Yoga uses a system of alignment to better access the the riches of life. Come explore and experiment with her classes!
Josie Caruso
JOSIE CARUSO is an RYT200, with a B.A. in Wholistic Health, and is also currently pursuing an M.A. in Yoga Studies. Josie has a passion for movement. She remembers walking to ballet class at age 4 and hasn’t stopped since.’Our bodies are the gateway to our soul’ and asana/breath/meditation open us to an awareness that supports the body, eases the mind and brings joy to the spirit. Yoga principles and practices can help every-one and every-body blossom into their best selves. Students feel encouraged, empowered, and rejuvinated in her classes.
Kristin Kauffman
Kristin completed her 200-hour teacher training with yogahOMe in 2007. Her yoga journey began in 2003 with a “gym yoga” class. When she discovered hOMe in 2005, it was then her practice really began to unfold. She has benefitted so much from yoga’s emotional benefits, her favorite part of teaching is being able to help her students get that same emotional release out of a class. Her favorite practice is in a hot room, going deeper in new and challenging poses. A former runner who battled injuries for years, yoga has changed her physically for the better. Kristin is a middle school French teacher by day, using relaxation techniques with her students to release test anxiety. Yoga in the classroom is always an adventure! If there were a theme to her teachings, it would be “letting go.” When you can let go, you smile more, you love life a little more, and you get a little bit closer to that ultimate inner-peace.
Kristin Ramundo
Kristin’s discovery of yoga started in college. Not able to take dance classes, she was looking for something in her life to foster what dance had given her growing up.
Kristin first started taking yoga for college credits and instantly found the healing powers of movement and breath.
After having her first child, Kristin found YogahOMe and was instantly hooked on the vinyasa flow style and the Mariemont studio. Over the past 5 years, Kristin feels that vinyasa flow has brought back the joy of childhood movement and flexibility. Kristin continued to practice at YogahOMe throughout her 2nd pregnancy and it was then she found full strength and stability in her personal practice.
After recently graduating from the YogahOMe 200-hour Teacher Training program, Kristin is ready to spread the yoga love. She believes that keeping good alignment while balancing strength, flexibility and breath will help empower you to connect to mind, body, and spirit. Kristin’s goal is to pass along the enthusiasm and commitment yoga has given to her, and help others connect to their bodies and grow.
Lauren Boehm
Lauren first learned her sun salutations and the age of 16 and has experienced a deeper commitment to her practice and instruction each day since. Over ten years later, her passion for service and kindness to others has opened the doors for the opportunity to lead yogahOMe’s Baby and Me Yoga class. Studying under an Ashtanga school, Lauren still enjoys a vigorous vinyasa flow as well as a meditation retreat. Her goal is to invite mothers and fathers to begin or continue their practice with their children in a kind environment, where trying new things, receiving, and letting go all come together each time Lauren (and daughter Zoey) welcomes you to the mat.
Layla Gilman
Layla completed her yogahOMe Teacher Training in 2009 and has been teaching at yogahOMe ever since. For nearly a decade prior she practiced yoga throughout Cincinnati before finally finding her community at yogahOMe. Layla loves creating community and connecting with people and her gentle flow classes reflect her welcoming, inclusive, laid-back style.
Striving for balance in her own life, Layla’s yoga practice brings profound peace and grace to an often hectic and sometimes overwhelming life.
For Layla a great class means sharing breath and laughter, a little sweat, and sometimes even a few tears. She is passionate about creating an open, non-threatening environment in her classes and welcomes everyone to come to the mat and explore all yoga has to offer.
Linda Becker
Always an active person, Linda was first drawn to yoga for the physical practice. Yoga improved her flexibility, strength, and stamina. The teacher would often say that the asanas (poses) were only 2%, it was the other 98% that was important. Not really understanding what he meant, Linda knew that she loved what the asanas were doing for her physical body. She began to think about teacher training to “perfect” her yoga poses. She completed YogaHOme’s teacher training in 2007, and began a life long journey. She soon learned what the “other 98%” was all about! Never intending to teach, Linda was content to always be a student. But with encouragement from her teachers, she began teaching in 2009. 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.
Lisa Marrs
Lisa’s yoga journey began four years ago, with the opening of yogahOMe. What an amazing ride! She became certified in January 2007 and today Lisa loves teaching and practicing. Like most of the yogahOMe teachers, Lisa has a busy life, with plenty of opportunities to practice ‘off the mat,’ along with 3 wonderful kids, a healthy family, a great job and phenomenal friends. She feels very fortunate to be able to introduce and teach yoga to so many people whose paths cross with hers. “Yoga has offered a wonderful new perspective and a great deal of strength.
Lori Hart
Lori has been teaching yoga classes since 2009 and has been a cycling instructor since 2007. Lori discovered yoga in 2003 and then after having her 3 beautiful babies she started competing in triathlons. Unfortunately, yoga fell away from her life with the time constraints she had with her little ones at home. After her second trip to the physical therapist (who kept giving her yoga as her therapy) and unable to run, Lori thought it was time to start practicing yoga again! That was the road that led her to where she is today–a yoga and cycling instructor. She now brings the breath into her cycle classes and tries to weave the middle path into those hardcore people who continually pound the pavement each and every day. Lori has three sons and a wonderful, supportive husband.
Lori Young
Hold that pose…bio coming soon!
Maggie Tobergte
Maggie can to her first yoga class like many others, looking for better flexibility and fitness. Once she started attending classes at YogaHome, she learned that yoga is not just the pose, but a system for better living. Maggie became a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200 level in 2007. Because Maggie started her yoga journey in mid-life, she feels she is very in touch with the middle age body. She loves helping middle age students see that they can enjoy their yoga practice, using modifications for limitations. And she loves teaching all ages about the change that yoga can bring to your life – the power of yoga.
Mary Syzek
Born & raised in Warren, OH, Mary developed her passion for dance and has taught & taken ballet classes for over 30 years. She received a degree in Physical Therapy from Indiana University. After meeting her husband in a yoga class, Mary moved to Colorado to work as a Physical Therapist and to start her family. Upon returning to Ohio, Mary continued to teach ballet. Her background in Physical Therapy and dance led her to rediscover yoga. Mary became a certified yoga instructor in 2007.
Mer Hogan
Meredith Hogan fell in love with movement as a child. She grew up dancing and stumbled onto her yogic path while trying to heal hip & ankle injuries. She was battling depression as a 16 year old and noticed that yoga had the power to heal her heart as well as her body. It was clear to her that these teachings had to be spread. She moved to Chicago after studying Afro-Brazilian dance in Salvador, Bahia and graduating from Miami University with a degree in Cultural Anthropology and Theatre. She taught Pilates and yoga while in Chicago and received her training with Ana Forest at Moksha in 2003. She then returned to her roots in Cincinnati and began to teach. She taught at the Cincinnati Yoga School and at The Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine, and has had the opportunity to work with some wonderful healers. When she connected with yogahOMe she found a real family. She now teaches at 3 yogahOMe locations and does one-on-one yoga therapy. She is blessed and honored to be walking her path in the company of such open-minded and open-hearted gems.
Micah Duwel
Hold that pose…bio coming soon!
Morgan McGowan
Morgan studied the Eastern traditions in college as a Comparative Religions major and was always fascinated by the idea of finding the divine within through yoga & meditation. But it wasn’t until in 2007 that a running injury helped Morgan come to her own yoga path- bringing her to yogahOMe to expand her yoga and meditation practice and complete yogahOMe’s 200hr Teacher Training.
“After my hip injury, I was frustrated about missing out on the race I had trained so hard to complete and because I could participate in so little of my regular routine. My Physical Therapist suggested I take a yoga/pilates class with her at our gym. It was the first extremely positive physical and emotional experience for me in quite some time. There was such a sense of camaraderie and positive energy flow in the room that I was hooked. Finding yogahOMe has been such a blessing- I learn from amazing teachers and other students whenever I come to the studio. I instantly feel a connection with those I practice with and I love being part of a larger community. Sadly, our western schedules get increasingly hectic in this frenetic pace we keep- we are always plugged in or online- yet our lives are becoming isolated from our friends and neighbors. Fortunately, yoga really brings people together. I love that.”
Paul Wright
Paul ‘Pablo’ Wright has been teaching vinyasa and ashtanga yoga since 2007. A former elite level road race cyclist, he found yoga through YogahOMe. Pablo received his 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification in 2006. Pablo’s astanga-vinyasa influenced teaching style reflects his personal practice of astanga. Pablo specializes in guiding yogis in arm balances and physically challenging vinyasas. Pablo’s yoga resume includes workshops teaching the basics of uddiyana bandha technique as well as the more challenging asana transitions.
Raylene Gerber
Raylene’s yoga journey started in a gym before yogahOMe existed. After classes with Katy & Sheila, she fell in love with the practice. The peacefulness that accompanied the classes was evident to Raylene’s family and friends. Her 200 hour Teacher Training was completed at yogahOMe in 2009, but her life-long love of learning continues as she experiences and expands her own practice with the guidance of her teachers at the studio and workshops. Sharing the practice with others brings Raylene great joy! We are very fortunate to have such a strong sangha in Cinci.
Rini Golechhar
Rini was born and raised in Rajasthn, India. She has been practicing yoga since the age of 13. Rini is a certified Ashtanga Yoga instructor, receiving her training and 200 hour certification from It’s Yoga-Cincinnati. Ever since she has gotten married, life’s journey has taken her to many places such as South America and Europe. As a result Rini has learned that Yoga is not just about poses but a lifestyle, which has helped her learn to appreciate the commonalities in different cultures.
Sandy Kingsley
Sandy began practicing yoga ten years ago, finding it to be an amazing cross training and way to prevent injuries while playing ultimate Frisbee in Colorado. She was immediately drawn to the quiet, expansive place that yoga connected her to, and soon began a consistent practice of Bikram yoga. In early 2008 she received her 200 hour Vinyasa teacher training immersion in Denver and has been teaching vinyasa and a Bikram-derived hot yoga series with anusara alignments for the past four years in studio classes, corporate classes, and private lessons.
Sharon Thompson
As a business owner in the early 90s, Sharon found yoga to be a great stress reliever and life balancer. Living in California, she studied with her Iyengar-style teacher for 14 years before returning home to Cincinnati. Once here, she completed her formal teacher training and became registered with Yoga Alliance at the 200-hour level. Her studies continued with specialized training in Senior Yoga, Kid’s Yoga and Yoga Therapy as well as an inspiring regular practice with Lilias. A registered nurse who firmly believes that wellness is a product of mind, body and spirit, Sharon also practices Tai Chi and Qi Gong, and is a certified instructor of Tai Chi for Arthritis. Although she has taught a variety of yoga students and styles, her greatest joy is helping beginners embark on their own yogic paths.
Stephanie Norton
Stephanie has been practicing yoga for over 16 years and teaching for almost 10. She is always amazed that it keeps getting better. Stephanie did her 200-Hour teacher training with the late Larry Schultz at It’s Yoga in San Francisco.
Susan Unes
Susan Unes, RYT 200, began her home practice with Erich Schiffman’s yoga tape and book in 1996 to alleviate stress and chronic pain. She quickly discovered it brought her a new sense of peace, joy and much needed grounding in her life. After moving to Chicago to pursue an acting career, she met and studied with Gretchen Sonstroem who introduced her to the Ashtanga and Anusara styles of yoga. Inspired to teach, Susan completed her first training with Erich Schiffman in 2002 applying his “Freedom Style” yoga in her Hatha and Beginning Yoga classes. In addition to teaching, Susan continued to practice and study with John Friend (Anusara) and Sarah Powers & Paul Grilley (Yin Yoga). After moving back to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area in 2007, Susan completed a 200 hour teacher training at Yogahome with Katy Knowles, Sheila Wilson and Lilias Folan. She interweaves yogic insights, meditation, music, and poetry into her classes and believes the most important aspect of yoga is honoring your practice and your body with wisdom, compassion and patience.
Tonya Butler
Hold that pose…bio coming soon!
Vickie Fairchild
Vickie Fairchild has spent 15 years teaching and studying yoga, most recently with John Friend. She is loving the Anusara approach to yoga: aligning with the Divine. Anusara yoga emphasizes creating beauty and forming the asanas from the inside out, and with a heart-centered theme, your yoga practice flows with Grace. Vickie has over 25 years’ experience as a Physical Therapist, specializing in manual therapies and movement education/repatterning, with an emphasis on body-mind approach. She is a Certified Movement Analyst and Certified Mind-Body Centering Practicioner. She has also been trained in a variety of Intelligent Movement Systems such as Pilates and Laban Movement Analysis, as well as a variety of dance and yoga approaches. She is in private practice in Montgomery, offering individual yoga sessions & yoga therapy.
Werner Hildebrand
Werner went through Transcendental Meditation instruction in 1975, but started his journey down “The Yoga Road” in 1981, coerced by his sister-in-law to attend a class taught by Lilias Folan at Mariemont High School. After sporadic attempts to stay on track he re-connected with Lilias in 1996, and has been on the open road ever since. Plagued with back issues and chronic pain since early adulthood, Werner turned to yoga for relief and found it not only helped his physical challenges, but also brought clarity and focus to his life on so many levels, and a deeper, more meaningful connection to God – truly, the most wonderful gift of all. Since receiving his YA RYT-200 certification through yogahOMe in 2007, he’s been teaching Beginners and Gentle Flow classes at yogahOMe and around town. Werner and his wife, Kathy, live in Loveland, OH.
