Elevate Yoga Center

Lindsey fell in love with both yoga and the aerial arts in 2011. Prior to that, she had given the 'normal gym routine' a try, but treadmills and weight machines lacked the creativity and stimulation necessary to keep her interest. She first really fell in love with yoga during her college study abroad year in Scotland in 2011. Yoga was so unexpectedly perfect for balancing the physical needs of her body and the stress of academia that she continued on with it until her journey led her to a 200-hour instructor certification through YogaFit in 2013. Also in 2011, Lindsey discovered the aerial arts, which have since become a profound passion for her, both to do and to teach. Silks has given Lindsey so much strength, confidence, physical and mental stimulation, and joy. To her, they are the best workout because they don't feel like a chore (and she gets to work off all the cupcakes she eats)! Lindsey was a dancer as a teen, and she truly feels like silks allow her to dance in the air. She has been teaching the aerial arts since 2013.

Although Audrey has only been practicing aerial silks since 2016, she has a strong passion for it in the same way that she has a strong passion of working with children. With her experience as a behavioral therapist and a camp counselor for several years, she saw the perfect opportunity to combine it with her love of aerial silks. After receiving her B.A. in Psychology in Miami, she moved to Orlando in January 2014 to attend the University of Central Florida, from which she graduated with her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling. She also has experience with dance and cheerleading, which has helped her extensively in her practice of silks. In addition, Audrey is a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard with her certification in CPR and AED. She is incredibly excited to be a part of the Elevate family and looks forward to introducing many others to the art of aerial silks.

After years of practicing on the mat and teaching for public schools, it was time to combine both passions and start a practice as a yoga instructor. I am a 200 Hour RYT with Yoga Alliance after completing my yoga teacher training here at Elevate. With a focus on the breath, alignment and spirit I believe that yoga can be a tool for healing and growth and am filled with gratitude to share that experience with you.

Growing up as a trumpet player Bob, developed an affinity for the breathe where Yoga and meditation stem from. His path began in Bikram Yoga over 20 years ago. When Bob found Bryan Kest's Power Yoga Videos he was hooked! A graduate of the Yoga University of Florida Bob holds his 500 hour RYT certification. In addition to his certifications Bob has had the opportunity to be taught by great instructors such as: Bryan Kest “Power” Yoga, Jason Crandell (Alignment Yoga), Tiffany Cruikshank (Yoga Medicine), Briohny Smyth and Dice Iida Klein (Acro Yoga), Roger Cole (Anatomy and Physiology), Joe Barnett (Yin), Doug Keller (Yoga as Therapy), Nischala Joy Devi (Heart and Cancer Certification), David Regelin (Art of Adjustments), Harshada Wagner (Meditation) and Mylinda Morales (Iyengar Alignment). Bob is also certified in many other modalities including Yoga Therapy, Yin and is on his way to completing his 850 hour Yoga Therapy training.

As a former contemporary dancer, Brandi has always had a passion for movement. She was drawn to the fluid motions and the freedom that she felt through dance. She believed that dance could ease the mind and free the soul. Through the years she had discovered that the same was true in yoga. She found herself drawn to more than just movement. Diving deep into spirituality and inner connections, yoga had become a lifestyle. Health of the mind, body, and spirit became a new life goal. Brandi continues to learn and study the mind/body connection as the Universe continues to guide her down a path of personal growth and self-awareness.

Training includes:
Power Alignment Yoga with emphasis in Hatha Alignment Yoga - 270hr certification
Acro Yoga - 200hr certification
Aerial Yoga - 55hr certification
Yoga Posture Adjustments - certificate of completion
Yoga of Trust Educator Training - certificate of completion

 

As long as I can remember, I have always suffered from both anxiety and chronic back and neck pain. I spent many years in a miserable, medicated daze, barely able to get off my couch….until I found aerial yoga. The day I touched that silk hammock, my entire life began to change for the better. I was conquering my fears. It was a peaceful escape from reality, and the inversions and deep stretching with the hammock started to release the tightness and pain in my body. I became quickly obsessed with aerial yoga due to the extreme amount of fun I was having, as well as all of the physical and mental benefits. I fully credit aerial yoga with helping me control my anxiety in a healthy way (no more meds yay!) and with easing my neck and back pain substantially. When I am in the hammock, I am home. I knew I had to spread my passion and help others find the same relief I have found through aerial yoga, so in 2016 I became certified to teach through Antigravity. Nothing in my life has been as rewarding as teaching aerial yoga and watching the transformation that occurs in just one class. It is truly amazing and I will never stop spreading my love and my passion. Aerial yoga changed my life and now I am eager to help others find the same peace and joy I have found.

 

Maria actively practices yoga, aerial arts, and martial arts. As an Occupational Therapist by trade, she offers a deep understanding of human anatomy and the science of movement. Her focus across all fitness practices is optimizing performance through proper body mechanics while staying true to her values of wellness and longevity. She provides a holistic approach to health using yoga as part of her own self-care and self-healing regimen. Maria creates an atmosphere in each class for students to feel centered, refreshed, energized, and nourished. She received her certifications in aerial yoga and 200-hour yoga teaching training from Elevate Yoga Center and Safe Yoga School in Orlando, FL.

I started yoga as a way to exercise and work out. I ended up falling in love with the affect yoga did to lower my stress levels and give me a better outlook on myself and the world around me. This last year I decided to take my 250 hour aerial and mat yoga teacher training program at Elevate to learn more about yoga. I came out eager to teach and share the benefits yoga has done in my life.

I was introduced to the wonderful world of Yoga through the Buti Yoga practice. I recently left my 9-5 job as a bookkeeper to pursue what I learned was my true “passion” - to inspire and motivate others through fitness, just as my teachers had inspired me. Now, I finally get to live out my dream of being a Buti Yoga instructor!! I love to keep life exciting by trying new and unique things, traveling, and even working as a kayak tour guide. My love for Buti yoga stems from the fact that it challenges me to get out of my head, and into my body. It has helped me flow and adapt to every day life, and to just let go of everything that doesn't serve me. I aspire to encourage others to embrace this ideal and get an amazing sweat while doing it. :)

Rachel was introduced to yoga as physical therapy while recovering from a lower back injury. What began as a physical practice cultivating strength and flexibility grew into a journey of self-awareness and spiritual growth. Rachel enjoys the study and practice of eastern philosophy, meditation and healing, finding a way to bring ancient wisdom into a modern world. She has always had a strong interest in anatomy, medicine and exercise. In August 2015, Rachel graduated from UCF with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. That same month she completed her 200 hour vinyasa yoga teacher training at Inspirit Yoga Studio. Rachel currently studies oriental medicine and acupuncture at the Florida College of Integrative Medicine to become a licensed acupuncture physician.

The magic of yoga was introduced to me on a whim, when invited to attend a class with my sister in 2009. It was within that 60 minutes, where an internal flame would be forever ignited. After committing to a frequent practice, I began to feel an instant connection to myself. My breath. My mind. My physical body. I began to recognize my true soul. It quickly became clear that I needed yoga on a regular basis to cope with the stresses of daily life and to aid in healing chronic neck and shoulder pain. It wasn't long before I knew I had stumbled upon a solid passion. In 2012, I enrolled a 200 hour Yoga Instructor Training, with the intention of personal growth. After years of being on the mat as a student, I took a blind leap of faith in October 2015 and made a career change to pursue my passion in teaching yoga. I believe everyone can benefit from yoga and I feel truly blessed to share this gift with others.

Training & Certifications:
· 200-hour Yoga Instructor Certification

· 105 hours of Aerial Yoga Teacher Training & Certifications
· 23-hour Kidding Around Yoga- Kids Yoga Teacher Certification

Sharon has a special passion for yoga ever since high school when she was able to take yoga classes at the local gym. Yoga for Sharon is more than a physical exercise, it’s a way to build confidence, focus on the present moment and find inner peace. Sharon also found an interest in Yoga Sutras and continues to apply yoga off the mat. She wanted to share this with others so after practicing at Elevate Yoga Center for two years Sharon received her 200 Hours teacher training certification.

Troy is the funder of The Safe Yoga School, featured in LA YOGA
Magazine, the Author of the book, 'The Why of Yoga' available on Amazon.
Troy has been meditating since 1995, studying yoga since 2000 and his style can be described as authentic, mindful & Inspired. He has traveled and taught yoga nationally and internationally. His passion is flowing meditation across the many styles he teaches.

Priscilla is a licensed massage therapist which means she has completed rigorous human anatomy training to better understand how muscles produce or restrict movements in the joints of the body. She uses this to help students in the Mysore style practice with one on one instructions. She has studied extensively in Mysore under Saraswati Jois since 2013, she began her practice in 2006. She appreciates a systematic and inquisitive approach towards the practice. Her primary teacher when she is in the USA is Todd Roderick. She has also studied extensively with David Keil.
Prior to teaching yoga Priscilla was a software developer for 11 years. She had been analyzing computer systems for quite a while before she began analyzing yogic systems of movement. She has worked through some tough issues in her own body including lordosis of the spine, mild scoliosis, torn muscles, subluxation of the knee, a bunion, TMJ disorder, PTSD and she even had to wear braces in her shoes when she was young. Correct posture has never been easy for her and she realized she was quite different from others when she took group yoga classes. Those classes left so many unanswered questions in her mind and painful sensations in her body. When her toes started to go numb because of her lower back issues she decided she had to take matters into her own hands to figure out how to help her specific postural issues. Now she can feel her toes and stand straighter and with less pain than ever. She hopes to bring this gift of anatomical understanding and healing to others.

“Heather was first introduced to yoga in 2013 after learning about positive psychology, mindfulness, and peace studies. Once she began to delve into the practice more consistently, she truly noticed the beneficial connection between the mind body and physical body, and the necessity of movement to aid with physical pain and positive mental well-being.

Heather is passionate about teaching, feeling one can learn so much about themselves and others by sharing. She strives to cultivate an inclusive space for others to enjoy yoga, whatever that journey may be for them in the present.

When she isn’t on the mat, she enjoys being grounded in outdoor activities, painting, connecting with others, and petting animals.”

Growing up I tried everything from soccer to dance, but I have never really felt as passionate about something until my mom bought a groupon to Elevate Yoga Center. I took my very first Hatha class, and instantly fell in love with yoga. Not only has yoga completely changed my life fitness wise, but I also met some of the most amazing people in my entire life. They helped me along my yoga journey, and with their help I became a certified aerial yoga teacher. I have been practicing yoga for the past 2 years, and it has become my passion. I have a 65 hour aerial teacher training from Elevate Yoga Center, a 23 hour kid yoga teacher training from Kidding Around Yoga, and 5 hours of the Connected Warriors teacher training program. I have enjoyed assisting in the kids aerial class for almost 2 years now, it has been a great opportunity to watch the kids grow, and learn right along with me.