Austin has been teaching yoga for almost 10 years. He completed his 200HR yoga teacher training in alignment-based vinyasa in 2014. He also has a PhD in Counseling Psychology and currently works at the University of Madison-Wisconsin in Mental Health Services as a Postdoctoral Intern in Survivor Services. Given Austin's background in mental health, he uses his classes to address the intersection of mental and physical wellness, while teaching classes through a trauma-informed and inclusive lens. Austin describes a typical class with him as a good balance between ease and effort, incorporating gentle flow sequences with opportunities for growth and challenge. Austin teaches classes in a very approachable manner. Given his yoga training, he emphasizes practicing poses safely, often encouraging the use of props to make poses more comfortable and approachable to achieve proper body alignment. He also integrates mindfulness approaches to help support the mental health of those who attend classes. Be prepared to find moments of joy through laughter in Austin's classes!

Melissa has been passionate about movement for as long as she can remember. Her early love of dancing led her to professional ballet training and performance opportunities throughout the country. While dancing in New York City, she became certified in Pilates and began teaching - a turning point that opened the door to holistic movement practices. Through this work, she discovered a profound sense of freedom and ease in her body, and a deeper peace within. Melissa went on to study at Nosara Yoga Institute and has certifications in Interdisciplinary Yoga, Pranassage (yoga bodywork), and Self Awakening Yoga Therapeutics (somatic movement). She cares deeply about creating a safe haven in her classes, where students can truly slow down, tune in, and experience greater alignment and balance - both on and off their mats. Most recently Melissa graduated from The Institute of Integrative Nutrition, where she became a certified Integrative Health Coach. She soon after created Rewilding Wellness, a transformational coaching practice devoted to supporting clients on their health and wellness journeys. At its heart, rewilding is a gentle return to one's true nature - a remembering of the innate wisdom that lives within the body, mind, and spirit. This philosophy is woven through all of her yoga and coaching offerings. She has now been teaching for over 20 years, yet feels she's only gotten started. Her curiosity for all things health and wellness keeps her continually learning and growing. When not in the studio you can find her spending quality time with her family, out wandering a trail, lost in a good book, or perhaps upside down in her aerial silks. Melissa considers it an honor to walk alongside others as they remember their strength, their rhythm, and their way back home to themselves. She looks forward to seeing you in the studio.

Julian has been a movement enthusiast all his life. With an earlier background in choreographed dance, he discovered ecstatic dance in 2018 as a way to reconnect with his passion for movement with music in a communal context outside of performance or nightlife. He has remained a practitioner of ecstatic dance ever since and has found the practice to be uniquely transformative for him. Julian believes intuitive dance in community, with intention, and without judgement can be a powerful method for self-discovery and emotional processing. He facilitates the mutual creation of a safe dance space where everyone is welcome to move through whatever they may be experiencing and participate in the joy of dance together. Julian is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Counseling degree at University of Wisconsin, Whitewater.

Marilyn discovered Kundalini Yoga early in the winter of 2011 when the snow was flying. It was the time of year when things can get stale and monotonous. She was looking for something new and compelling to capture her attention. After participating in a few classes, she felt called to explore Kundalini Yoga more deeply. The kriyas (exercise sets) offered tried-and-true combinations of movement, mantra, mudra, breathwork, and meditation that spoke to her soul. The deep relaxation period with the gong included in every class helped to pry away residual tension and cultivate a sense of peace. Over time, the community of people she connected with through Kundalini Yoga became her family. What Marilyn loves about Kundalini Yoga is that it’s for every type of body, every fitness level, every stage of life. Its effects can often be felt immediately. Her classes encourage students to build a sanctuary for their body, mind and spirit. Students are given the tools to create an experience and develop awareness. One of Marilyn’s favorite aspects of teaching Kundalini Yoga is hearing that someone’s practice has helped them feel more relaxed and ready for whatever comes next. Better yet is the knowledge that the life-enhancing techniques learned in class carry over into daily life and beyond. Pronouns: she / her / hers

Loan Dang, originally from Vietnam, has lived in Madison for 22 years. Yoga has been a transformative part of her life since 2005, helping her grow, reconnect with her roots, and discover her true self. Loan teaches a variety of creative and intuitive flow sequences that incorporates elements of Qigong. You can expect a fun-loving atmosphere, gentle movements linked to the breath, and meditation at the end of class to promote overall health and well-being. Come to Loan's class for an uplift in your mood, to get your body and breath moving, and your life force energy flowing all throughout your body! This class is accessible to all-levels, including if you are brand new to yoga.

Marilyn discovered Kundalini Yoga early in the winter of 2011 when the snow was flying. It was the time of year when things can get stale and monotonous. She was looking for something new and compelling to capture her attention. After participating in a few classes, she felt called to explore Kundalini Yoga more deeply. The kriyas (exercise sets) offered tried-and-true combinations of movement, mantra, mudra, breathwork, and meditation that spoke to her soul. The deep relaxation period with the gong included in every class helped to pry away residual tension and cultivate a sense of peace. Over time, the community of people she connected with through Kundalini Yoga became her family. What Marilyn loves about Kundalini Yoga is that it’s for every type of body, every fitness level, every stage of life. Its effects can often be felt immediately. Her classes encourage students to build a sanctuary for their body, mind and spirit. Students are given the tools to create an experience and develop awareness. One of Marilyn’s favorite aspects of teaching Kundalini Yoga is hearing that someone’s practice has helped them feel more relaxed and ready for whatever comes next. Better yet is the knowledge that the life-enhancing techniques learned in class carry over into daily life and beyond. Pronouns: she / her / hers

Bekah Gant is an E-CYT500, with over 500 hours of yoga and meditation training and over 2,000 hours of teaching experience. She is also an Usui Reiki Okuden (level two) practitioner. Her classes and reiki sessions offer people permission to ease into friendship with their own bodies, minds, and spirits, with a view toward the greater universal good; and she delights in giving participants a beautiful, affirming, and energy-balancing experience.