MEET OUR TEAM
ALLIE HAINES
@the.alexandra.haines (she/her)
Who are you? Well, my name is Alexandra (Allie) Danielle Haines and I am an artist, adventurer and lover of life.
What’s your sign? Virgo sun, Capricorn moon and Leo rising
Why Yoga? Did you read my signs?! I am a huge overachiever and the pressure I put on myself can be overwhelming sometimes. Yoga practice and philosophy allows me to *just be*
Teaching Style: Well-rounded. Always a student first.
Who inspires you? I am most inspired by other artists - musicians, actors, storytellers. Courageous, honest people whose stories help us connect more deeply with our common humanity through art.
Favorite Pose: Savasana. Duh. ✨
Favorite jams to move to: The Holy Trinity - Whitney, Britney and Beyoncé.
Personal Mantra: Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Something you’re working on in your practice: I really want to meditate every morning and I’m working on making it a habit.
Might catch me: Being a renaissance woman! I act, sing, dance, and perform professionally here in Dayton! I absolutely love going out to eat and to the movies with my husband, so if you see me - don’t be shy and say hello! 💕
AZLYNN MIMS
@alignwithazlynn (she/her)
Who are you? I’m Azlynn!
Astrological Sign: Scorpio.
Why Pilates? As a former dancer, Pilates felt like a natural transition. It wasn’t until I experienced a lower back injury that my physical therapist recommended adding Pilates to my routine. Eventually, my back healed, and Pilates taught me that strength and flexibility can coexist. It has since become a part of my everyday life.
Teaching Style: I teach Classical Pilates. I love leaning into the authentic style because there’s something so special about preserving the integrity of the method. I’m a fourth-generation Pilates instructor, and it’s incredibly inspiring to learn within a lineage that traces directly back to Joseph Pilates.
Who inspires you? The people I get to teach. Watching people become stronger and more confident in their movement is what keeps me going!
Favorite move: Teaser! It’s the ultimate test of strength and control.
Nonnegotiable: My fiancé, family, and coffee!
Personal Mantra: A negative mind will never give you a positive life.
Something you’re working on in your practice: Currently, I’m working on finding more stability in my movements and not letting flexibility lead the way.
Might catch me: At a coffee stop and always on the go!
CAITLIN MCCARTY GEHRING
@cmarie.mcg (she/her)
Who are you? I'm Caitlin!
What’s your sign? Sun: Virgo, Moon: Cancer, Ascendant: Virgo
What inspires you? I find inspiration in eating something delicious or watching someone becoming passionate about something they love. The small reminders of how cool life on Earth is.
Favorite yoga pose: I love teaching Utthita Hasta Padangushthasana (Standing Hand to Big Toe pose) because when someone does it in class and nails it, I can always see how proud of themselves they are when they release. They found that power in themselves, and they know it.
Nonnegotiable: My son and my husband. I can make due with anything as long as I have them.
Favorite jams to move to: I love a good remix of an old song. Like 70's/80's/90's remixed today. That's the stuff.
Personal mantra: What's the worst that could happen?
Something you’re working on in your practice: I've been working on incorporating pranayama into more of my everyday life. Particularly when I'm feeling like I'm getting on-edge, and need to tell myself "Dang, dude, you need to chill!"
CASSIDY KYLIN
@cass_moves (she/her)
Who are you? It's me, Cass :)
What’s your sign? Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Cancer, Ascendent in Sagittarius.
Why Yoga? Yoga has given me the tools to move through life in a way that makes me feel comfortable and secure in who I am.
Teaching Style: I lean into the tension. I love a strong flow that pushes students to find their edge and seek ease in the hard moments.
Who inspires you? My community. Connecting with people is so important to me and drives me to be a better version of myself.
Favorite moment in a class: My favorite moment in class is when everyone's breath links up. I feel the energy from everyone in those moments and it pushes me to keep going even when it feels hard.
Nonnegotiable: My sister. She’s my rock. I can always count on her to be there for me and lift me up when I’m down.
Favorite jams to move to: Glass Animals always makes me move.
Personal Mantra: 10% is what happens to you, 90% is how you react to it.
Something you’re working on in your practice: meditation and taking time to get comfortable in silence.
CHRIS RUTH
@chrisrruth (she/her)
Who are you? I'm a passionate wanderer and intentional life-long learner.
What’s your sign? Scorpio
Why Yoga? It started as a rehabilitation tool gradually turning into a daily practice of grounding myself and forcing myself to slow down.
What inspires you? Travel and the idea of experiencing something new and different, yet the same, no matter where you go.
Favorite Pose: Any chest/heart openers
Favorite moment in a class: My favorite moment is right before class starts (teaching or as a student) when everyone has intentionally arrived and landed to share practice together! I feel so grateful at that moment!
Nonnegotiable: My family.
Favorite jams to move to? Any 80s!
Personal Mantra: Slow down; life is a marathon, not a race.
Something you’re working on in your practice: Slow down, on and off the mat.
EDWIN STAMPER
@edwinstamper13 (he/him)
Who are you? Feel free to call me by my given name which is Edwin, but the rest is constantly evolving.
What’s your sign? Pisces 🐟
Why Yoga? Yoga found me and keeps teaching me all the things i need to learn. Even the things I already learned and forgot.
What inspires you? I find inspiration in so many things: nature, people, experiences and art.
Favorite Pose: Vriksasana. I love the symbolism: trees stand tall through all seasons, swaying and remaining flexible but unwavering.
Nonnegotiable: Rest, contemplation, meditation, journalling and recoiling back to my center. It is my most ritualistic habit.
Favorite jams to move to: I love country, bluegrass and folk. But these yoga beats have stole my heart!
Personal Mantra: “What is preventing me from love in this moment?”
Something you’re working on: Ahimsa, nonviolence within myself with my words, my thoughts, and actions. This is an ongoing journey.
ERICA GAD
@erica_dytyogi (they/them)
Who are you? I am me! I am a student, teacher, caregiver, and listener.
Astrological sign: taurus
Why yoga? Because too often we are not present in our bodies- yoga brings me back.
Teaching style: Playful. Familiar. Trusting my students
Who/what inspires you? The strength of this yoga community!
Favorite pose: To teach, Airplane. To Practice, side angle
Embarrassing moment you’ve had in a class: Opening to warrior 2 to someone’s face because I messed up my lefts and rights
Nonnegotiable: Fuzzy.Blankets.
Favorite jams to move to: The album “YOUNG” by Overcoats
Personal mantra: I am all mine
Currently working on: To feel powerful through all my transitions
KATIE MATHEWS
@aka.kaate (she/her)
Who are you? I'm Katie, and I'm just happy to be here!
What’s your sign? Taurus
Why Yoga? I know that when I get on my mat, I will leave it with a greater awareness of my Self, as I am on any particular day: physically, mentally, and spiritually. It's such a powerful daily check-in. I
Who inspires you? My kids, they are so tapped in, so pure. And artists, or anyone creating things that connect us to others or to our own human condition in a beautiful way.
Favorite Yoga Pose: Headstand, simply because it is a potent check-in for my level of self-trust. When I am dropping into fear, in general, I struggle to trust myself in this pose. When I am living in a state of self-trust and connection, I float into the shape.
Nonnegotiable: 10-second hugs from people I love, a weekly day of solitude, and (excessive amounts of) coffee.
Personal Mantra: Just happy to be here! It might sound trite, but I have grown so much in my ability to be present and be grateful for where I am and who I am from moment to moment, I am really really just happy to be here, now.
Something you’re working on in your practice: Moving at a pace that allows me to stay in touch with my intention and intuition. I have found so much strength in slowing down. Less but better.
KYLA AIDA
@kylabrett (she/her)
Who are you? I’m a learner, teacher, partner, mother and friend.
What’s your sign? Gemini
Why Yoga? Yoga keeps me balanced in so many ways. And, it’s fun! Yoga is my play.
Teaching style: Motivating, challenging and reflective.
Favorite pose: I love the challenge of Half Moon and Crow pose. When my focus and alignment is just right, I feel like I’m gracefully flying or floating. These poses often show up in the classes I teach.
Favorite moment you’ve had in a class: My favorite times in class are when everyone’s breath is in sync. This rhythm seems to make everything effortless. I make it a goal to unite everyone in breath when I teach.
Nonnegotiable: My freedom. Hugs from my loved ones. And coffee.
Favorite jams to move to: Drake and Beyoncé have a song for all of my moods.
Personal Mantra: Life happens for me, not to me.
Currently working on: Keeping my mind quiet and focused during Savasana.
M’LE LEACH
@mlemvmnt (she/her)
Who are you? M’Le (pronounced emlee. Not Emily. Thank you.)
Astrological sign: Taurus
Why yoga? It's the main form of consistency in my life. Even when my practice changes, I know I always have it to turn to.
Teaching style: Challenging, engaging, balanced with a blend of spice and sweetness.
Who/what inspires you? Rachel Brice. Tori Reynolds. The Long Game. Creativity. Vulnerability.
Favorite pose: to practice- Down dog! to teach- restorative reclined bound angle with all the props.
Nonnegotiable: Movement of any kind and any form of creativity.
Favorite jams to move to: Chill instrumental beats (whether electronic or funk or bossanova...etc). I also love everything Clozee and Rezz.
Personal mantra: I am adaptable. I am capable. I am limitless.
Currently working on: Observing my practice off of my mat.
MEGAN CANNON
@moonmalasbymegan / @moonlovermeg (she/her)
Who are you? A Soul having a pretty amazing experience as a human
What’s your sign? Aquarius
Why Yoga? It started for me as a place to release stress and anxiety. It taught me how to slow down and listen to myself. I found a community as well that has forever changed me.
Teaching Style: Fun and challenging but also safe and grounded in the foundation and sacredness of yoga.
Who/what inspires you? My daughter, my husband, and anyone who is vulnerable enough to be who they are and share that with the world.
Favorite Yoga Pose: Triangle and Pigeon
Nonnegotiable: Coffee and Crystals
Personal Mantra: This is the path, I am on the path
Something you’re working on with your yoga: The 8 limbs but specifically non attachment to the outcomes of poses or things off the mat
Might catch me: Traveling, walking my dogs, and spending time with family
SARA ORDWAY
@meditated_mama (all pronouns)
Who are you? I am me.
Astrological sign: Libra
Why yoga? To find the stillness within
Teaching style: Supportive. Empowering. Loving.
Who/what inspires you? Life. Nature. My teachers.
Favorite pose: Savasana
Favorite moment in a class: Favorite moment is beginning a full class with rolling ohms. Gives me all the feels!
Nonnegotiable: My family, love and meditation.
Favorite jams to move to: Funky beats, bluegrass and 80s music
Personal mantra: All of life is a practice.
Currently working on: Loving all parts of myself, especially the ones I think are unlovable.
Might catch you: Going on adventures with my husband, son and pups!
SHOLA ODUMADE
@outtheboxparadox (she/her)
Who are you? A student of life journeying toward self-actualization
What’s your sign? Pisces
Why Yoga? It offers a comprehensive approach to life via mind/body/spirit union. The philosophy resonates deeply and empowers me. The physical elements ground me in my body and simultaneously enable me to transcend it.
Teaching style? Authentic, accessible, and inclusive. Mindful guidance that encourages autonomous exploration, building from a solid foundation, and connection with the totality of yoga.
What inspires you? Everyone and everything in one way or another. Above all, children, and their keen insight, unbridled fearlessness, and wealth of brilliance & potential. The two I birthed are my shining heroes who edify and stretch me daily.
Favorite moment you’ve had in a class: Favorite moment teaching was the very first class I ever led—my practicum to conclude my yoga teacher training. It was a powerful culmination of a pivotal season of enlightenment.
Favorite jams to move to: Movement is my most intuitive form of expression and I’m a universal music lover, so I will bop to virtually anything.
Personal mantra: Count it all joy.
Something you’re working on with your practice: Consistency and discipline in practicing/embodying all 8 limbs of yoga in all aspects of my life.
TORI REYNOLDS
Owner + Teacher @torieugene (she/her)
Who are you? Hi I’m Tori! A hard-working human, loving partner, community caretaker, and Speakeasy owner!
Astrological sign: Libra (always seeking the balance)
Why yoga? It’s the ultimate collaboration. Mind and body. Breath and movement. It teaches us how to to be strong when we need to, but to soften where we can. Eliminates the rigidity and creates a state of flow, which can be really hard for me sometimes!
Teaching style: Challenging, empowering, and compassionate. When you’re on the mat, we’re having a conversation, and I am tuned-in to your responses.
What inspires you? Inspiration is everywhere. Really everyone has a story and valuable insight to share. We just have to be willing to ask, and more willing to listen.
Most embarrassing moment in a class: probably throwing out the old “downward facing dong” cue...
Favorite jams to move to: Indie ambient beats for yoga, but if I’m in the kitchen I’m going to want to find a bossanova station.
Personal mantra: Let it land
Currently working on: Standing in my power, being less distracted.
Might catch you: Taking class at Speakeasy! Walking Bruce + Harvey, hanging with my bff and husband Ben or frequenting a favorite downtown eatery!
The Team Behind The Scenes
Jenn McCray
Energy Exchange Program Manager
(she/her)
Who are you? I am a native Daytonian who works in the creative world and loves to read, cook/bake, spend time outdoors and on my friends couches.
Astrological Sign: Aries
Why Yoga? It touches all parts of my life. It helps bring me back to my why of who I am and what I do. It reminds me that we're all human, we're all on the same journey and that everyone’s journey looks different. It reminds me that I can count on myself and it always welcomes me back no matter how long I've been gone. When life gets too busy and hard, yoga reminds me it's worth living a full life.
What inspires you? Humans; we can be so resilient and stubborn. Nature; for always being there.
Favorite Yoga Pose: Triangle or pigeon pose!
Nonnegotiable: The sun, ice cold water, my sense of curiosity, creamy peanut butter, the wind on my face, pasta, birdsong and a good root beer.
Personal Mantra: I am strong and capable
Something you’re working on with your practice: Showing myself grace and kindness and giving myself space to show up for myself in the ways I need.
Might catch me: Walking around downtown, hammocking in my yard, cooking, or traveling to see my friends!
KAYLYN DRODGE
Administrative + Membership Manager
(she/her)
Who are you? I am everything and nothing, but my government name is Kaylyn Drodge
What’s your sign? Sagittarius Sun, Aquarius Moon, Virgo/Libra Ascendant depending on the tilt of the sun (that's how on the cusp I am).
Why Yoga? Why not!? I love to be active and I think yoga is such a crucial piece to provide movement that our bodies often need in this modern, often sedentary world.
What inspires you? Inspiration is everywhere! It's in the shadows of my friends, laughter of my loved ones, clips of professional athletes, and in just learning more about anatomy and wanting to try something different out.
Favorite Yoga Pose: I love the challenge of half moon but love the feeling of a supine twist!
Favorite moment you’ve had in a class: Both my favorite and most uncomfortable moment has been during GO W/ THE FLOW when Tori asks us to get into tree pose and stare into another person's eyes for what feels like eternity.
Nonnegotiable: In class--two blocks, in my home-- my fluffy orange baby cat.
Personal Mantra? It makes it painfully clear what my age is but YOLO, always.
Something you’re working on in your practice:
I'm always trying to find alignment and challenge. How can I find alignment without a mirror but instead just feeling my body in space.
Ben Rivet
Media Director + Producer/Savasana Serenader/Studio Plant Parent (he/him)
Who are you? Ben, BJSR, Benjamin Joseph Stefan Rivet
Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
Why Yoga? Yoga is a great way to tune into my body and quiet my mind.
What inspires you? Patient craftsmanship and innovative thinking.
Favorite Yoga Pose: Utthita Parsvakonasana
Favorite moment from a class: I got a bloody nose mid Down Dog. I got up, ran to the bathroom and shoved a bunch of tissues in and went back to practicing. That was the first time Tori noticed me in class.. the rest is history. :)
Nonnegotiable: Tori and our pups Bruce & Harvey, a guitar
Favorite jams: Full albums the right length for the activity, rough mixes of songs I’m producing.
Personal Mantra: WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
Something you’re working on with/in your practice: Slowing down my monkey mind.
Might catch me: Walking to or from our house to the studio with dogs, Watering plants at the studio, fixing the tech at the studio, taking video of you doing yoga, playing music at the end of your yoga class.