I am a biomedical engineer who trained and taught in healthcare field for over 20 years. In my off time, I consistently kept up with fun friends skiing, biking, trail running, you name it. I had one speed:  Go fast, go hard, keep up, no whining.  It worked well, until it didn’t. I tore ligaments in my thumb and was out of commission for many months. Devastated and not sure how I was going to stay healthy I finally went looking for answers from my neurologist Dr. Harris. She listened intently and handed me a script. It was for yoga twice a week. My reaction was shock, My nature was to be way too busy.  I protested as I handed it back. She smiled, took a deep breath and said she understood. She scribbled again, handed me another prescription,  “Yoga 5 times a week - try hot."

I was floored, she knew me and knew my perfectionist “I got this” spirit. Someone who knew me, wanted the best for me, saw i was struggling, and recommended yoga?  I was going to have to do some soul searching. 

Yoga changed my perceptions and my life. I left my engineering job, and focused my energy and passion for yoga teaching. I derive joy from learning and inspiring others to step into their power and learn themselves. I want to empower others, my kids, with a positive attitude. I strive to teach from a place of authenticity and personal stories that resonate because after all, we are all connected. I pride myself on seeking training and education opportunities to stay up-to-date. I’m a true yoga nerd - a work in progress, definitely on a journey.

My passion is focusing on students and teachers, injuried and healthy. I am a preparer, and I strive to make the complex poses, postures, touching your toes simpler and explaining the why along the journey.  Taking the practice of yoga off the mat and into your world is the real joy of yoga.  The kinder we are to ourselves, the kinder and gentler we can be to others.  Yoga starts with how we treat ourselves and others.  I gladly answer questions and engage in discussions. All yoga students are welcomed to my studio as I consider them friends and extended family!

Crista is a yoga facilitator and Katonah Yoga Instructor. She balances her daily practices of yoga and clearing with full time teaching at Central New Mexico Community College. She travels the world, teaching yoga and learning from her experiences and the teachings from different lineages. Crista is a masterful teacher and her skill and ability to convey the archetypes of yoga are considerable assets to the new and experienced yoga students and teachers in training who are fortunate to work with her. Crista was born in Mexico and raised in the United States. She aspires to teach yoga and Pilates en Español. Her background is in Psychology, Yoga, Energetic Clearing and Hypnosis . She has studied Katonah Yoga, yoga nidra, restorative yoga, ropes yoga (Yoga Kurunta) yin yoga, chair yoga and is currently studying to be a facilitator of the Pilates method. She brings play, sustainability and community to her students and she is a light to be around.

My yoga journey began in January of 2014. I was recovering from an injury which had left me unable to keep up my normal, cardio-based workouts. I knew I liked yoga from the times I tried it, but. I was skeptical that I could get an intense enough workout from yoga alone to maintain the physical shape I had been in prior to my injury. At the time, I thought of yoga as something to aid in my recovery or an addition to my regular workouts, but nothing more.

It only took one class to realize that the intensity of the workout would not be an issue, but it took a few weeks for me to realize that yoga would give me much more than I would ever find on an elliptical machine. I fell in love with the calm relaxed feeling that would come over me as I worked through flows, connecting breath and movement. My stress levels and anxiety started to drop. I noticed that I was more present in my daily activities, and I could feel myself growing stronger and more flexible with every practice.

About a month after my first class, I gave up my gym membership to spend more time at the studio. By the following month, I knew that not only had I found a new physical regimen, but also a lifestyle shift that supported my mental and spiritual well-being. Experiencing this shift wasn’t enough. I felt compelled to share it with others, so in June of 2016 I received my RYT200 certification and have been teaching weekly classes since. I completed my 500-hour certification with Uptown Yoga in Dallas in July of 2022.

As an instructor, I aim to challenge and inspire my students to try something new, while creating a fun and encouraging atmosphere. My love for the practice of yoga is only eclipsed by the joy I experience while sharing it with others. In November of 2022, I relocated to Albuquerque with my husband and our furbaby. Since then I’ve enjoyed exploring the local studios and getting familiar with the yoga community here. I am thrilled to be joining the Unwind Yoga team so I can share the gift of yoga with a new community of students.

Lisa Wade, an experienced and certified yoga instructor with a background in athletics and wellness coaching, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her teaching practice. With over a decade of dedicated yoga practice under her belt, she views each session as an opportunity for growth and discovery.

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Drawing from her extensive training in the Ashtanga lineage and her immersion in the principles of Yin yoga, Lisa's classes offer a dynamic blend of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. She believes in the transformative power of yoga to unite body, mind, and spirit, fostering a deeper connection to oneself and the world around us.

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Beyond the physical postures, Lisa emphasizes the importance of breath awareness and inner reflection, guiding her students to cultivate a sense of presence and vitality on and off the mat. As a former distance runner and certified personal trainer, she understands the value of an active lifestyle and strives to inspire others to embrace their own journey toward holistic well-being.

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With a playful and curious approach, Lisa encourages her students to explore their edge while honoring their body's wisdom. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the practice, she creates a welcoming space for growth, healing, and self-discovery.

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Join Lisa on the mat and embark on a journey of transformation, where every breath and every pose is an opportunity for renewal and rejuvenation. Discover the joy of movement, the power of stillness, and the beauty of new beginnings in every practice session.

Over the past 30 years, Mikiala has found yoga and meditation to be the most powerful way to develop and maintain physical vitality, mental clarity and a joyful engagement with life. After several years of dabbling in various yoga disciplines, Mikiala was drawn to the Vinyasa (flow) aspects of Ashtanga yoga for the internal practices of stilling the mind through connecting the breath with movement. She also resonates with the Iyengar method for the power of proper alignment and attuning to the subtleties of the body through holding postures longer. Mikiala had the fortunate opportunity to practice extensively under Nicki Doane on Maui for two years and continued to be enriched by world renowned teachers while living in the Los Angeles area for 8 years. She studied both asana and completed a 100 hour Vipasana meditation course in India. Searching for a way to deepen her own practice and a desire to share the many benefits of yoga with others, Mikiala completed the teacher-training program in 2009 at one of the most precious yoga schools in the county, YogaWorks. She holds a professional certification with Yoga Alliance and is a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP).    With appreciation for community, Mikiala’s Yoga class curriculum features attention to alignment, gentle flowing sequences, and deep inquiry into the body and mind. Believing health is our natural state, her classes strive to nurture connection to our wholeness and innate ease. Mikiala, feels it is a great honor to share yoga through teaching and is eternally grateful for all the wonderful people and teachers who inspired her and for the the opportunity to serve.

Yoga teacher and Wellness educator.

I have been practicing yoga for over 30 years and teaching for 20 years. I first came to yoga because I was looking for a movement art that was more than just a physical practice. I needed a better connection to my body and knowing myself. Yoga changed my life and led me on a path of total body, mind, and spiritual wellness. I have studied many yoga styles and I like to bring in the teachings that have affected me the most. My favorite yoga practice and style of teaching is a Vinyasa Flow. It is a moving meditation of body and breath. I like to teach an energetic and healing flow that allows students to feel strong, open and quiet in their physical and mental body. My background is natural healing and mind-body awareness, with a degree of science in Occupational Therapy, Certifications in the Science of Ayurveda and Yoga Teacher Trainings in Hatha Yoga, Ayur-Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yoga for a Happy Back and The Rocket. I am a founder of Doterra International in Israel. I have an amazing and supportive husband, Ishmael, and I am a mother of 4 beautiful children, Sofia, Chana, Levi, and Sapir.

I first found yoga when I was in college, thinking it would be a nice way to relax my body, stretch a little, and maybe sneak in a nap somewhere along the way. Little did I know, it would turn into something that became such a meaningful part of my life. 

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For me, yoga is so much more than just the physical practice. I love creating classes that give people a chance to slow down, get out of their heads, reconnect with their bodies, and just be where they are. 

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My background in nutrition has also shaped the way I think about wellness. I believe nourishment goes far beyong food - it's movement, rest, connection, self-awareness, and learning to trust yourself. 

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My goal as a teacher is pretty simple:  to help you feel more connected to yourself, a little more grounded, and hopefully leave class feeling really good in your body. 

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When I'm not teaching, you can usually find me spending time outside, exploring new places, trying new foods, hanging out with my dogs, or finding some kind of little adventure. I love good music, deep conversations, being in nature, and anything that makes life feel a little more fun and meaningful. I'm also always learning - whether that's through nutrition, spirituality, energy work, or simply paying attention to what life is teaching me. I think that curiosity is a big part of who I am, both on and off the mat. 

Samantha completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training at In Balance Yoga in 2017 and her 300 hour yoga teacher training in 2020 with the Kunga Yoga School. Samantha has led 3 week-long yoga retreats for professionals and 4 study abroad programs for the course “An Exploration of Health, Community, and Yoga in a Blue Zone of Costa Rica.”

Off the mat, Samantha is a behavioral psychologist and implementation scientist. She studies the adaptation of evidence-based programming that centers on yoga as a practice to improve Whole Health. She splits time in Virginia and New Mexico to ensure the community-based programming she leads reaches across the nation.

Leslye embarked on her Pilates journey when she sold her digital advertising technology business and "retired". Her best friend had been challenging her for years to try Pilates. Leslye took a class just to "get her off my back" and quickly knew she had found her passion. After not exercising for 20 years, she went all in on Pilates embracing the mind/body connection, and was hooked. She teaches to all levels of fitness, from those who are new to exercise movement to those who are elite athletes. Leslye loves the challenge of finding ways to be creative in her flows and never delivering the same class twice. She finds it thrilling to watch people progress in their practice and discover their own strengths.

Software engineer by trade, but a Natural Healer by passion. Blessed to be a part of a healing journey in multipe modalities and serve the community. 

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Vinoth discovered a calling in holistic healing through personal experiences with acupressure and Ayurveda. Over more than a decade, he expanded his practice to include yoga, meditation, mantras, mudras, chakra work, Pranic Healing, Marma, and Quantum Healing. Inspired by teachers, including Dr. Vasant Lad and Dr. Joe Dispenza, he is dedicated to helping people achieve greater health, happiness, and personal growth through personalized natural wellness practices.

Beverly Richardson, a 200hr RYT, has been guiding diverse fitness classes since the early '90s, spanning weightlifting, running, cross-fit, and snow sports. After discovering the benefits of hot yoga post-foot surgery in 2005, she embraced her vinyasa practice. Initially unsure about the Sanskrit script, she found solace and decided to deepen her knowledge. In 2019, Beverly committed to yoga school at Sweat studio. Now, at Unwind Yoga Studio, Beverly aspires to create a nurturing space for students of all levels. Drawing inspiration from various yoga traditions, she incorporates breathwork and mindful movement to foster a harmonious practice. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, Beverly's sessions are crafted to support personal growth and enhance overall vitality. Beyond physical postures, Beverly's teachings encourage students to find stillness within, connect with their breath, and embrace the present moment. Join her on the mat for a transformative journey of self-discovery, cultivating strength, flexibility, and a profound sense of inner peace. Let's explore the transformative path of yoga together.

Breeze feels happiest and most fulfilled when guiding yoga classes and helping others tap into their own light and purpose. She is a 500-hr RYT, receiving her 200-hr RYT certification in 2011 and most recently earning a 300-hr certification with Aligned Yoga in 2024. Through continuing her education and wellness practices, Breeze has acquired in-depth knowledge of postures, breathing techniques, and spiritual elements of yoga teaching. She aims to make every class accessible for beginners while also offering more advanced options for those yogis who are ready for the next level. Before yoga, Breeze received her Bachelor's degree in Journalism and worked in advertising for over a decade. When not practicing or teaching yoga, Breeze is an office manager at an optical engineering firm. She loves being a mom to her tiny human and fur-babies, spending time outdoors, and sharing good food with family and friends. 

Stevie here! Yoga has always been a vital part of my life, and every time I step onto my mat, I feel humbled and grounded. My journey with yoga began when I was a teenager, and that connection has stayed with me ever since. In 2023, I made the leap to become a teacher, and since then, I’ve been focused on creating a space where students can grow, explore, and discover their own practice. I earned my 200-RYT certification from Blissful Spirits Hot Yoga, and I’m especially passionate about gentle, foundational practices. For me, yoga is a beautiful reminder to slow down, reconnect with our breath, and honor our bodies. As an instructor, I strive to offer a warm, welcoming environment where students can practice with kindness and mindfulness.

Jo's journey into the world of yoga is nothing short of a passionate odyssey. Picture this: Guatemala, where she was training for competitive horse jumping. It was there that a wise jump coach introduced her to yoga, promising enhanced concentration. Little did she know that this practice would unfurl a world of unimaginable beauty. Yoga not only sharpened her focus as she gracefully guided her horse through challenging courses but also enveloped her in a profound sense of peace, a fierce sense of control, and a soul-deep completeness she had yearned for.

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For over three decades, Jo has been igniting the flames of transformation in the hearts of her students. Her journey has taken her to distant retreats across the nation, learning from the luminaries of the yoga world. She has diligently honed her expertise through various teacher training programs, earning her place as the guardian of one of New Jersey's most revered RYT-200 yoga training programs.

Jo's life has been a canvas painted with vibrant strokes from Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Ecuador, Spain, and England. Yet, she firmly believes that the most profound adventure is the one you embark upon your own yoga mat.

Join me as we welcome Jo to our vibrant yoga community at Unwind. Here, passion flows like a river, inner peace is a way of life, and your path to completeness awaits. We're not just inviting you to practice; we're inviting you to join a passionate journey. Come, let's blaze a trail of transformation together!

As long as I can remember, I’ve always been on the go—from swim practice to dance lessons as a child, my body has always craved movement. My yoga journey began when I found myself in a rut. My corporate job was wearing me down, my gym routine no longer brought me joy, and I needed something more to truly fill my cup. Once I decided to drop into a yoga studio, I never looked back. Not only did I find the healing my body needed, but the time on my mat nourished my soul. Yoga taught me how to move with intention, slow down, stay present, and—most importantly—breathe.

Inspired by my teachers early on, I felt called to become a yoga teacher myself. My goal is to help others find this same sense of peace and reconnect with themselves, both on and off the mat.