Pittsburgh  

Dominique Ponko (Owner/Instructor) has been practicing yoga for the past six years. She was drawn to yoga for the peace and tranquility that she was searching for in her own life, giving her clarity of mind and strength of body. Dominique combines her light sense of humor and strong intuition to feel what her students need in each class, you never know what to expect when you step onto your mat. She naturally takes the monotony out of everyday life, letting your soul go on an adventure and your body and mind detox with each and every yoga pose. Dominique originally went through Yoga Fit certification and then trained with Karen Conley who gave her a great foundation for a vinyasa flow. Dominique has attended  workshops across the country with David Swenson, Baron Baptist, Beryel Bender Birch, Bhagvan Das, and Seane Corn.

Michelle Planert (Instructor) discovered yoga in 2002 and it quickly became an addiction for her. She became a certified teacher of Vinyasa yoga from YogaFit in 2006. Her love for what she does is apparent in every class. Michelle puts her whole heart into her teaching and creates an atmosphere that inspires, motivates and challenges. She is committed to giving newcomers the tools and confidence they need to believe that yoga is for them -- no matter what they may face
Jo Stephenson (Instructor) trained in the United Kingdom as a Human Movement Specialist and later earned a second degree in Social Sciences. She has lived in the United States since 1994, living the last 6 years in the Pittsburgh area. Jo spends her time motivating people towards a healthier lifestyle, introducing healthy eating habits and exercise into their daily lives. Jo is interested in the balance of mind and body. Vinyasa yoga is as much part of her life as is her diet. Jo initially trained to teach yoga with Karen Conley and has done work shops with Baron Baptiste, Beryle Bender Birch, and Gregor Singleton. Jo is a Johnny G certified spinning instructor and an avid cyclist. She rides competitively and enjoys a number of endurance charity events each year.
Laura Yagle (Instructor) discovered yoga over 5 years ago through an introductory workshop in Pittsburgh. After trying several styles of yoga she found her perfect fit with Vinyasa Flow. Laura believes yoga is a healing medicine for the body, mind and soul. As a student, she is challenged to connect the mind, body, and breath as one.  Every class Laura teaches she strives to help her students find that same connection with each and every one of their poses. Laura has completed level one of the Yoga Fit training, and is looking forward to continuing her education.

Gina Lazzaro began practicing yoga in 2005 in search of finding inner peace, tranquility, and relaxation. Her yoga practice quickly evolved into a daily ritual in which she has found tremendous benefits. Yoga has changed her life in so many ways, providing her with a means of dealing with the daily stressors of life, helping her channel her energy into healthy means, become in touch with her innerself, as well as gaining a great deal of strength, flexibility and physical stamina. Yoga has provided so many health benefits for Gina and she feels it is important to reach out to others and help share her experience. In 2005 Gina became a certified teacher of Vinyasa yoga from Yogafit. She continually searches for ways to improve her practice as well as her teaching skills. For Gina, the greatest gift is being able to give back to others and impact their lives in any way possible.

Gina Chahín (Instructor) discovered yoga in the 1990s, but it wasn't until 2006 when she became fully dedicated to it. She received her certification as a Vinyasa Flow instructor from Yoga Fit in 2008. Yoga has changed her life in a very positive way and has become a good addiction. Gina has benefited greatly from the practice of yoga. She has gained physical as well as mental strength and has increased her flexibility, stamina, and balance. She is very enthusiastic about sharing the teachings of yoga with her students and looks forward to improving her practice and knowledge. Gina also enjoys working out and running, and has competed in numerous races.

Sarah Leigh Brich discovered yoga in 2003 as an alternate exercise for horseback riding. She quickly fell in love with yoga for its therapeutic qualities. Sarah completed a RYT 200 hour teacher training and Yogafit Levels 1, 2, 3, and Seniors. Yoga has brought her peace and greater strength, and she looks forward to sharing that with her classes.
 

Monica found yoga four years ago when she was looking for a new way to get in shape and de-stress. She initially loved yoga because of the physical aspects- increasing flexibility, improving balance, and exercising the major muscle groups. As her practice progressed she came to love the more mental benefits of yoga like the ability to tune in to the breath, to calm the mind, and be more present both on and off her mat.Three years ago Monica decided to enroll in a teacher training in Pittsburgh to deepen her own practice. Her classes are energizing and she loves to incorporate music with a challenging flow. She has taken workshops with Seane Corn, Bryan Kest, Dave Romanelli, and Baron Baptiste.

Julie Straub (Guest Instructor) began practicing yoga in 1999 as an alternative form of exercise.  Practicing yoga has not only improved her strength and flexibility, it has brought balance to many aspects of her life.  For Julie, yoga is a great physical and mental practice which allows her to release the stresses of everyday life and to “just be”.  Once Julie started to see the many positive changes yoga brought to her own life, she was inspired to share this practice with others.  She looks forward to sharing what she has learned through her studies in public health and yoga, and hopes to continue to grow on this journey with others.  Julie draws from several different traditions of yoga including Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow.  She completed her teacher training in 2006 and has since completed her YogaFit Certification.
Wade Zinter, (Guest Instructor) has been practicing yoga since the late 70's. It has been the perfect complement to an athletic life-style and to a professional practice of Physical Therapy. Wade has been instructed by Mark Kinder, Lauren Greenwood, David Swenson, Bryan Kest as well as Kam Ty Chow (for Thai Yoga massage training) and many students on the yogic path. In teaching and learning there is no perfection, only practice. www.yogiwade.com