Rachel Story
Rachel was born and raised in Louisville, KY. Besides traveling around the world playing volleyball, her only time of living away from Louisville, was during her college years. After college, she found that home is truly where her heart was so she decided to plant her own roots in Louisville.
She a proud mom to 2. She practices yoga with them almost daily. “It’s refreshing to have my best yoga class critics under my roof.” As a certified children’s yoga instructor, she encourages children of every shape, size, age and gender to explore and discover their mind and body in a fun-filled way.
She has found that her nurturing and fun personality guides children without them realizing, by teaching them skills and techniques to help their bodies become healthier, stronger and more relaxed.
“Over time, I have seen my programs promote a child’s inner strength, confidence and develop self-control. More importantly, I have witnessed children developing a feeling of well-being and respect others; and a love for one’s self inside and out. It’s empowering for me to provide children with the tools they can and will use for a lifetime.”
Tina Zeller
Tina grew up in Louisville and after living away for about 7 years, she came back to stay. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and the University of Louisville with a Master’s in Social Work. She has dedicated her career to creating a world without violence and creating safe, loving spaces for all people. When Tina started doing yoga 4 years ago, she knew that it aligned with her own personal mission. Tina loves to teach yoga as a way to give people the tools to cope with life when it gets hard and to also create a space for fun, play, and discovery!
Tina is a mama of two little ones and a couple of dogs, loves to hula hoop, and hates to be bored. She has worked with kids of all ages in lots of different ways but she doesn’t like to refer to it as ‘work’ when she is having so much fun!
“The creativity, energy, and joy that youth are able to create just by being themselves lights me up! They have so much to teach me and I am grateful to be able to create the space for them to be the best, most authentic version of themselves.”
Gina O’Brien
RYT – 200 / Queen of Flow Team Lead
Gina graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After college, she moved to Chicago where she began her career in fundraising, development and nonprofit management. Life brought Gina back to Louisville eight years ago & she couldn’t be happier. Gina and her husband Jeff have four kiddos that are true gifts and bring them some of life’s greatest joys.Yoga has been a common thread in Gina’s life for the past twenty years, but has justly grounded her in the last three. The everyday benefits have been astounding and have changed her life for the good. Yoga creates a safe space for Gina to step outside her every day. Her practice is a place where she trusts her instincts and gives herself the most deserved grace. Selfcare has become imperative to Gina and her yoga mat is the most peaceful home to do just that. Yoga generates lightness in her wings and Gina wants nothing more than to give others the same feeling of release.
Gina believes that yoga is for everyone and age creates no boundaries. Why wait until adulthood to understand the simply fantastic benefits of one’s mind/body connection? Gina brings her fun, creative and kind heart to her yoga practice, especially when her girls are “down-dogging” right beside her.
Kids & Teen Yoga Instructor
Cami Glauser
Cami is originally from St. George, Utah and comes from a family of eight children. She grew up playing basketball, softball, soccer, and doing theatre and modern dance.
She graduated from Point Park University (Pittsburgh, PA) with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. After touring the country, and several parts of the world, performing in shows, she landed herself in Louisville in 2013. Though she had originally came her for work (doing theatre), what has kept her here is the incredible community and possibility Louisville has to offer.
She is still a local actress & director that works at Stage One Family Theater and Derby Dinner Playhouse. Along with being a E-RYT 200 certified yoga teacher (from 502 Power Yoga), she is a certified YOD™ instructor, has over 40 hours of Hands on Assisting training, and an additional 100-hr Level One Baptiste certification. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her husband & family, she enjoys going camping, hiking, and baking delicious treats.
Whether it’s teaching yoga, meditation, dance, or theatre, she absolutely loves working with kids of all ages! She encourages her students be bold, courageous, and invite in a sense of play… while meeting themselves with compassion, ease, and joy. With the yoga programs she has created, she has not only seen her students leave with more strength and flexibility, but they also walk away with an overall grounded awareness, and a greater sense of confidence in who they are.
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same.”
– Marianne Williamson
Jamie Johnson
RYT – 200 Family Yoga Instructor
I live in Bullitt County, Kentucky with my two sons and husband, where I was born and raised. I am an elementary school teacher at Freedom Elementary School with a master’s degree in special education. My boys and I spend a lot of time at the lake, reading together, gardening, paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, jogging, and exploring outdoors! If you find me outside or by the water, I am happy! I love teaching yoga and it has become a huge part of my own kids’ and my student’s lives. I am inspired by the empowerment that children build through recognizing and responding to their emotions and needs through movement and breath!
Agnese Smith
RYT – 200 YOD Level 1
Instructor
Instructor
Agnese was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She is a mother of four (almost grown) children. She is a 5th grade teacher in JCPS and has a special education background. Sharing the countless benefits of her yoga practice with others, especially in her school, is her passion. When she is not on her mat or teaching in the studio, Agnese is watching her children’s collegiate and high school swim meets. She enjoys camping and walks in the park. Agnese is a volunteer for JDRF and St. Michael Youth Ministry.
Kids & Pre-teen Yoga Instructor
Maddie Mason
Kids & Pre-teen Yoga Instructor
Hello! My name is Maddie Mason and I am currently a senior at Assumption High School. I am a former travel volleyball player, where I learned the power of working on a team and dedication. I have been practicing yoga for close to 5 years and have been teaching children’s yoga for 2. With my mom being Rachel Story, I have learned a lot throughout the years as I have followed her to workshops, camps, and classes. I have a passion for working with children and preteens. I am inspired daily by the children I work with and truly love empowering them to be the best versions of themselves.
Kathleen Elsherif
Prenatal Yoga Instructor
Kathleen Elsherif is a Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher who has also trained in ayurveda and trauma informed practices. She has been teaching trauma informed yoga classes for 5 years and prenatal yoga for 2 and loves the opportunity to practice with pregnant people and share in community. Her classes are designed to challenge you and to provide opportunities for deep relaxation.
Melissa Hutchins
RYT – 200 Yoga Instructor // Certified Prenatal Instructor
Melissa has been teaching yoga to all ages and abilities since 2016. Sharing her joy and excitement for yoga is one of her favorite things (this includes teaching every chance she gets). When she’s not having fun yoga-ing, she spends time with her family (including Henry and Bean, the French Bulldogs), friends, and works at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Helene Trager-Kusman
RYT – 200 Family Yoga Instructor
RYT – 200 Family Yoga Instructor
Helene received her BS and MS in Early Childhood/Literacy Education and kids yoga certification while living in the Washington DC area, where she is originally from. She moved to Louisville, KY in 2016 where she became a 200 hour registered yoga teacher. Helene is passionate about helping individuals and families align their bodies and minds to feel their best. She can be found spending time outside, cooking and staying active with her son Harper, husband Andrew and big fluffy dog Logan!
Nicole Deel
RYT – 200 Yoga Instructor
My name is Nicole and I am a yogi by practice as well as by heart. I aspire to share the connectivity and personal growth that yoga has to offer to anyone and everyone, regardless of age.
I am a RYT, soon to be graduate from the University of Colorado Denver with a BA in Psychology and Sociology, and a Sensory Motor/Cognitive Coach for children struggling socially, behaviorally, academically and or developmentally at the Brain Balance Achievement Center.
I strive to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere to where everyone may feel comfortable and connected with their environment and personal self.
Mary Parrish
RYT 200 Instructor
Hi I’m Mary! My journey with yoga began 5 years ago when I was looking for a way to step in front of my daily anxiety. I quickly fell in love with how the practice created a stillness within me and made me believe in my own strength again, so I began fitting yoga into my routine whenever/wherever I could. I completed my first 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with 502 Power Yoga in March of 2020! Ive always had a passion for helping people believe in the good and in themselves, but my biggest inspiration for working with the younger generation comes from watching my own nieces and nephews grow into young adults. I wear a sleeve of flowers on my right arm as a reminder to them and myself that where we come from is only a small part of who we are and that everyday we have a choice in how we show up for ourselves and those around us. In my free time you can usually find me eating ice cream, writing, or taking walks with my Bulldog Ellie!
Dr. Ryan Allen
Education Director
Dr. Ryan Allen // Education Director
Dr. Ryan Allen is an Associate Professor of English and the Chair of the Modern Languages Department at Briar Cliff University. Dr. Allen also serves as a nonfiction and Siouxland editor for The Briar Cliff Review. He is the author of two books, This Is It (2019) and Closer to Home (2020), and is also the co-owner of Lumin Therapy, LLC, which promotes the integration of the mind, body, and spirit through the practice of yoga and mindfulness with individuals and families who are at-risk, underserved, and underrepresented. He provides consulting services and offers trainings and a wide variety of professional development opportunities in schools, with non-profit organizations, and for businesses and corporations. He lives in Sioux City, Iowa with his wife and three kids.
