Evolve Yoga + Wellness

Krista grew up in Columbia, SC while there, she joined the Marine Corps and served 12 years, before eventually joining the civil service. She served in multiple countries, overseas, as a Marine Security Guard in US Embassies around the world, before finally ending her service with the Presidential Helicopter Squadron, HMX. While recovering from injuries, sustained through more than a decade of military service, yoga became an outlet, a channel to recovery both physically, as well as mentally and, in turn, it unexpectantly became a way of life!

In her teaching, she brings an interdisciplinary approach with techniques that blend the Physical (Asana), Meditation (Dhyana) and Self-inquiry (Niyama), by utilizing the practice of the five pillars of the Baptiste Power Vinyasa (BPV): breath, heat, flow, gaze, and core stabilization.  This methodology provides freedom and release, which enables you to build a foundation, from the feet up, and gives you the ability to take back your own power.

In her class, you will be offered modern day tools that will demystify the yoga practice, that can seem intimidating, which will allow you to blend them into your life! You will leave your mat embodying calm, ease and presence and YES, the classes may challenge you! However, it will raise your vitality and your sense of personal power, from within, which will guide you in your journey, on and off the mat. Step one is showing up!

Kelley is the studio owner and director of Evolve Yoga + Wellness. A yogi, mama of 3, and LEO wife living in Southern Maryland. Yoga, movement, and breath connection have been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. From growing up as a dancer, to strength training, to movement on my mat. The focus of presence and mindfulness has provided me with great stability and release. Kelley holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Dance minor from Frostburg State University. In 2008 she received her 200-hour yoga certification with Sunstone Yoga in, and completed the 500-hour, Advanced Yoga Teacher Training, with Kim Manfredi and Charm City Yoga in 2013. As a E-RYT 500, Kelley is also a certified prenatal yoga and Barre teacher. She’s studied with the International Institute of Integrative Nutrition as a Holistic Health Practitioner and is a Certified Personal Trainer. I truly believe yoga is for everybody. My goal is to make yoga accessible and fun but also provide a safe space to turn inward on your mat. Kelley felt called to share the immense impact that breath and movement can have on one’s mind, body, soul and spirit. It is her hope that every class provides students with an opportunity to enjoy moving their bodies, build physical strength and flexibility, relieve stress, and to bring a balance of whole health and well-being.

Layne’s yoga journey began during college in 2009, and shortly after became devoted to the practice of opening to a stronger and more flexible body, cultivating more balanced energy, a more open heart, and a clearer awareness. As of March 2018, Layne has completed over 850 hours of yoga teacher trainings. As an NYI graduate of the E-RYT 200/500-hr Yoga Teacher Training at the Nosara Yoga Institute in Nosara, Costa Rica, her studies include a 200-hr Interdisciplinary Yoga Teacher Training, a 100-hr Pranassage Practitioner Training, which offers a fusion of Thai bodywork and restorative yoga postures resulting in a deep, transformative relaxation for the receiver, a 100-hr Inner Quest of the Yoga Educator Course, a 100-hr Rope Wall Yoga Training based in the Iyengar method, 100-hr course in Self-Awakening Yoga Therapeutics, a 100-hr Restorative Yoga Teaching Training module, and lastly a 50-hr Yin Yoga and Mindfulness Course.   

Layne believes that ‘everybody’ and ‘every body’ can benefit from a yoga practice as well as massage therapies; it’s just about finding the style of yoga and the type of massage that best supports and provides for the individual. Her yoga classes feature creative and challenging vinyasa flow, yin and restorative postures, and rope wall practices, where a rope wall is available. “I enjoy teaching the dynamic movements of flow yoga as well as the patient yin practices; opening slowly, deeply and gently so that the ultimate positioning more fully awakens the sense of connection to the body.” Additionally, Layne facilitates physical and mental healing for clients by practicing Swedish, deep tissue, and myofascial massage therapy techniques. Developing treatment plans and maintaining long-term wellness plans are the most critical parts of her practice. Besides yoga, Layne’s passions are jogging, swimming, nature walks, cooking, and her yellow Labrador retriever, Maddie. 

   Traci has been an elementary school teacher for 28 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s in Curriculum Design. Her passion for movement began at the age of two when she began dancing and continued into adulthood where she found herself through yoga. Traci Is a 200 hour registered yoga teacher with instruction in vinyasa, meditation, posture, pranayama, hands-on assistance, and adaptations and modifications. She received this initial certification in 2018-19 through Evolve Yoga and Wellness under the amazing instruction of Ann Hunt. Traci also had the wonderful experience of mentorship with Ann Hunt. She is 95 hour children’s yoga certified and has attained 50 hours each certification in restorative yoga and anatomy. Traci is studying with the Kundalini Research Institute and has completed 200 hours with emphasis on meditation, Kriyas and breathwork. Traci is also certified in aerial yoga and hot stone restorative yoga. She has trained in Thai massage and loves to share the techniques with her students. Traci has a passion and knowledge for the chakras. She believes in the power of inner light and breath and strives to help each soul find their authentic self. She is eager to share her connection and insight with a variety of students!

Emily is a RYT-500, Reiki Master and mother of 2. Her yoga passion began like many others. When yoga started booming on Youtube and other online platforms, her personal practice became a form of movement therapy. After a few years of practicing, her desire to seek more on the teachings of yoga became a priority and signed up for YTT right before COVID hit. A year of online teaching, and another year of teaching in person fueled her passion to help others on their inner journey to find peace. In her classes, you'll find comfort, courage, and support on your own personal healing adventure. Her intention is to help you connect with yourself, build confidence, and improve your quality of life.

By integrating meditation into a journey of life-long learning, meditation enables us to rediscover our center, reduce stress, and support achieving a strong foundation for a self-empowered work-life balance. Chip’s instructional approach focuses upon leading students through the basics of breath centered practices integrated with sound resonance, music, and vocal expressions.

Chip teaches the art and practice of Mantra based Kirtana Bhakti Yoga, as a means students to experience this simple, enjoyable and powerful meditative practice. Kirtana is a form of self expression using the most beautiful musical instrument available to each of us, the resonance of our own voice.

Chip is an accomplished Reiki instructor and experienced Reiki practitioner. He has been certified through an intensive three year course of study offered by the Synthesis Center of Saint Marys, and has been practicing Reiki for over twenty years.

Kathy Therrien RCYT, E-RYT

Kathy is a yoga teacher and Speech Pathologist with over 20 years of experience working with children with developmental disabilities in both private practice and in the public schools. She is classically trained in the Integral Yoga style and holds certifications through such nationally recognized programs as Radiant Child Yoga (all three levels) and Every Kid’s Yoga. Every Kid’s Yoga is a program for children with special needs that combine creative arts, yoga and play. Kathy is recognized as a Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher (RCYT) and an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) by the Yoga Alliance. She has completed the Samadhi Spectrum Teacher Training which specializes in bringing yoga to the autism community. She enjoys working with children of all ages and abilities.

Gina has been active in the yoga community in Southern Maryland, teaching at various locations throughout the community since 2002 and at Evolve Yoga & Wellness since it’s opening in 2010. She is also an assistant instructor with Evolve’s Yoga Teacher Training program.

Her passion is spreading the benefits and joy of yoga to the Southern Maryland Community. She focuses on alignment and thoughtful sequencing in her classes with a focus on moving the body with the breath. As a passionate equestrian, Gina has worked with horse back riders over the years and has recently started an on-line “Yoga for Equestrians Community” at www.greyhorseyoga.com.

Inspired to share the wonderful gift of yoga, Shirley Carr-Williams, RYT 500, completed the 200-Hr Interdisciplinary Yoga Teacher Training with Ann Hunt, at Evolve Yoga + Wellness in June 2013. Yoga has given Shirley the strength to do things she never thought possible and helped her realize her inner strength and given her the opportunity to encourage and inspire others on their yoga path. Shirley has embraced the changes she has experienced spiritually, physically and mentally as a result of her yoga practice. Her intention is to make each of her classes a rhythmic, moving meditation allowing students to develop flexibility, strength, as well as encourage self-awareness, acceptance and the amazing grace that is already within. The end result is that you will leave her class feeling relaxed and uplifted.