Highly knowledgeable and dedicated our yoga instructors hold a minimum of 200 hours of certified yoga training. Many of them go above and beyond with 500+ hours and specialized yoga training in areas such as yoga wall, prenatal yoga, and kids yoga. Our gym fitness instructors are equally top-notch, mandated to possess a Group Fitness Instructor certificate along with specialty training. Each teacher and ninja coach undergoes a thorough audition process, ensuring they align perfectly with the needs of our students. Down-to-earth and approachable, our instructors radiate the positive energy that forms the essence of our vibrant yoga, ninja, and fitness community!
Rachel, a dedicated yoga instructor, mother, artist, and owner of Free Spirit, finds joy in sharing the practice of yoga with a diverse range of students, of various ages, abilities, and body types. She is
E-RYT 500 certified and has been teaching a wide variety of class types including vinyasa yoga, perinatal yoga, yoga wall, gentle yoga, and kids/family yoga classes since 2012. She's designed our kid's yoga curriculum, blending her background in both art and mindfulness into the programming.
Rachel crafts unique sequences that incorporate the subtle-body energetics, facilitating a profound connection between mind and body for her students' yoga journey. Her warm and supportive demeanor fosters a safe and nurturing environment.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Seth, the owner of Free Spirit, sees the gym as a manifestation of his ninja spirit, dedicated to providing kids with enjoyable athletic activities, team sports, and exciting movement experiences. Fondly known as our kid-whisperer, Seth is always prepared for action. He takes pride in challenging our young ninja athletes using imaginative methods to conquer tricky ninja warrior obstacles, all within a lively and team-driven atmosphere. Holding an Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association Coaching Certificate, Seth is committed to helping and coaching kids on their journey to becoming skilled ninja warriors.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Local Bendite and recent COCC graduate, Rachel Young is a natural with kids! Having worked with kids for many years in after-school programs, she loves helping kids be creative, fostering a welcoming environment that enables kids to build new social connections, and encouraging them to overcome obstacles- including Ninja Warrior obstacles!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Ahven's love of movement has been prevalent in her life since she was 6 years old and continues to be a grounding force. After receiving a BFA in dance from Cornish College of the Arts, she danced professionally with multiple Seattle-based companies and had the opportunity to perform internationally. She has taught creative movement to little ones and was involved in an outreach program to introduce dance to high schoolers from diverse backgrounds. Currently, she's a company member with Further Movement Collective, a newer contemporary dance company in Bend. Ahven is passionate about creating a warm, kind, and fun environment for all kids and families.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Yoga and meditation came into Natalie’s life at a critical juncture over 25 years ago. Diagnosed with a chronic illness, she regained peace and solace in her body by getting on her mat and breathing through many difficult circumstances. Over the years, she’s blended her two worlds of being a mental health therapist and Yoga Instructor. Natalie enjoys teaching yoga to all ages, but she’s passionate about teaching youth because she’s seen how quickly they gain confidence on and off the mat.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Kate finds joy in fostering mindfulness, playfulness, and adventure in her work as a yoga instructor and ninja coach. As a school psychologist, she has many years of experience working to support kids and families as they build resiliency when faced with challenges. She is passionate about promoting elements of mindfulness, strength, and balance- both on and off the mat!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sasi is a native German who has lived in various countries. As a youth group leader and school teacher, Sasi values social connection. Through teaching yoga and languages she loves to bring people together and create community. Her yoga classes are a balance of strengthening, stretching, and breathing incorporated into an upbeat flow to create a more mindful, confident, and stronger you- on and off your mat. As a mom, she is excited to teach yoga classes to new mothers.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Travis is a passionate youth leader for various programs and camps in Bend. His upbeat and easy-going vibe helps fuel himself as he leads classes, games, and activities on the ninja course. Known as Coach "T", he tries to bring out the best of in kids and encourages them to try their best. Travis is also trained in different dance styles, including Hip Hop and Tap.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Rhea Grogan loves teaching yoga and parent-child classes. She offers joy and solidarity to her students as they practice yoga and life. Rhea has found the body-mind-spirit work we do on the mat to be a valuable resource for facing challenges off the mat. When she's not teaching yoga, she's supporting parents and kids through her business, Raising Rooted Kids, reading, writing, or playing outside with her three wild children and husband on the trails, rivers, and vistas of Central Oregon.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Marianne is a dedicated professional with a passion for nurturing well-rounded young minds. She has over 10 years of experience working with children, guiding them through engaging activities that promote physical fitness and personal growth. Holding a degree in community nutrition from SFSU, she also contributes content for children’s cookbooks in her spare time. As a loving mother, former tutor, and volleyball coach, she brings warmth, a welcoming demeanor, and a personal touch to every interaction.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Riya is dedicated to her pursuit of an Associates Degree in Elementary Education and Child Development, fueled by her deep passion for educating children. With over 5 years of valuable experience, she has not only taught first grade but also served as a coach for youth track and field camps. Additionally, Riya has nurtured and cared for infants in a daycare setting. In her free time, she extends her commitment to children by working as a nanny. Riya finds immense joy in the roles of teaching and coaching, eagerly anticipating the day she can fulfill her dream of becoming an educator.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
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