our teachers
Our favorite people. Check them out.
Maryellen Baverso, ERYT-500
I believe in a constant path of self-discovery and through the guidance of yoga we can move closer to who we are and what we want. As an introspective extrovert and kinesthetic learner, I was naturally drawn to the practices of yoga. While living overseas in Indonesia as a Peace Corps Volunteer, sharing yoga was a tool that produced meaningful connections with the women in my village, and teachers and students at my school. I observed so many familiar insecurities and I knew from experience that the teachings of yoga build confidence and bring joy to the surface. When language and cultural barriers got in the way, yoga helped open space for real conversations. Yoga truly impacted my experience, built strong relationships, and generated profound connections in my community. Upon returning to the Pittsburgh in 2014, I completed my Level One 200-hour training and immediately started assisted a weekly class. I learned a ton through observing, listening, and assisting my teacher. I discovered my niche for reading people’s energy and offering assists through safe and effective hands-on adjustments. In the summer of 2017, I returned to a Level One training in New York to clean up my personal practiced and navigate my next journey as a teacher. By the end of the summer, I left my job to focus on teaching and immersed myself in a Level Two 300-hour training program with YogaWorks. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to devote time to my own practice on the mat and in the teacher seat. My style is greatly influenced by Iyengar, Ashtanga, Power, Pranayama and Subtle body methodologies. As a teacher I want my students to feel alive and inspired by the work they create on their mats and to skip off into their world more confident, honest, and open with who they are right now.
IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: To build heat and refine alignment with intuitive sequencing that spikes curiosity in your practice. Experience space that invites an abundance of energy, joy, and reconnection to your body and mind. Music, hands-on adjustments, freeing environment. Suitable for all levels.
Alicia Broudy RYT-200
Alicia has been practicing and teaching yoga for more than ten years. She completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2015 and a Rocket Yoga certification in 2016, along with several continuing education hours in vinyasa yoga sequencing and anatomy. Though she was initially drawn to the physicality of yoga practice all those years ago, her personal practice and teaching style have evolved to include more mindful movement, meditation, and breath work. More recently, Alicia has taken her yoga practice off her mat and into the great outdoors. She is certified as a Mindful Outdoor Guide by Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. As a Mindful Outdoor Guide, Alicia weaves together yoga practices, grounding exercises, and meditative hikes for a fully immersive and sensory experience. You might find Alicia out on the trail, adventuring on a solo road trip, or lost in a good book.
IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: A slow flow that allows for intentional movement, with opportunities to build strength, explore something new, and, most importantly, rest. There are always options in yoga – modifications are offered for various experience and energy levels.
Jess Brubach
Jessica is a firm believer in making time for the things you love. However, for a long time she put many things- work, school, community events, family functions, social outings- before herself. Jess was always too busy rushing from one place to the next.
It was not until Jess started practicing yoga regularly that she saw the value and profound impact of investing in herself. She became a better person- friend, student, worker, mom- when she carved time out of her day to slow down, listen to her body, and breathe. Yoga reminds Jess that she can only be in one place at a time and teaches her to be present on and off her mat.
In an effort to deepen her practice, Jess attended her first teacher training in 2016. She quickly discovered her passion for sharing the practice with others and has been teaching ever since.
IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: Space to breathe and move in a way that feels good for you. Think strength building sequences combined with restorative stretches suitable for all levels.
Megan Flinn, ERYT-500, LMT
After taking her fledgling yoga classes at Penn State, Megan experienced her first fully realized yoga class in New York City when a friend dragged her there kicking and screaming. From that first "real" class where she refused to "OM", things have changed a lot. Inspired by her studios back in NYC, especially Prema Yoga Brooklyn and the Kula Yoga Project, as well as her myofascial massage therapy training and continued learning in Mahayana Buddhism, Megan's classes are creative, aligned, and have the constant presence of breath, awareness and music.
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IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: Creative sequences and transitions linking many poses together, always with a clear purpose and reason for every piece of class. Expect alignment and anatomical cues, allowing time to break shapes down in addition to moving with breath. Singing is often an option in these classes. All levels are welcome & modifications will be given, but a degree of previous practice is recommended for Vinyasa.
Kristen Formaini, RYT-200
After college graduation, I found myself living next door to a yoga studio. As I watched students coming and going every day, I got curious. Because while movement and exercise were always a big part of my life, yoga was never something I gave much thought to. Fast forward 14 years, my practice has become an essential part of who I am and how far I have come as an individual, a partner, a friend and a mother. The physical movement and breathwork keep me present and aware of what is happening in my body and mind. Over time, this awareness has been the catalyst for self-discovery, self-compassion and self-acceptance off my mat.
I completed my 200 hour teacher training at One Point One Yoga in August 2020. As an instructor, I love guiding students through a class that works for their body on that day. Whether that means encouraging the use of a prop for better alignment or finding a variation to a pose, my hope is to empower every person in the room to find the strongest version of themselves.
Outside of yoga, I am a full-time mom to two young boys and a baby girl. I love indoor cycling, traveling, trying new restaurants and driving around ALONE and listening to podcasts and audiobooks lol.
IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: A flow rooted in a balance of strength, flexibility and cues for engaged alignment. You can count on a mindful intention to begin, purposeful sequencing and thoughtful music to keep you immersed as you move. I look forward to seeing you, holding space for you and learning from you each week.
Rebecca Funk, ERYT-200
I grew up surrounded by rhythm and movement. Practicing improvisational dance and music as a girl first taught me the power of a present mind, awareness of breath, and acute attention to my body. My yoga teaching, and practice over the years have advanced and transformed the melding of these elements together. Every day still it offers me surprise, and teaches me new things.
My classes are often inspired by music, and how it harnesses flow in the body. I ask students to let go of expectation, tune in to their body, and search for the interesting in every class. All are welcome.
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IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: Music to move to, an exciting flow and a lot of fun! Class will offer challenges to experienced yogis and softer options for those wanted to take it easy. Suitable for all levels.
Sadie Grossman, C-IAYT, MS Yoga Therapy, ERYT-500
Sadie received her 200-hour RYT certification in Hatha yoga in Bali, Indonesia in 2012. Upon completion she moved to Pittsburgh, PA where she began teaching yoga to the Carnegie Mellon University community, leading both credit based courses and working with various teams from the varsity athletics department. Earning her Masters of Science in Yoga Therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health as well as her 500-hour E-RYT and her International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) certifications, she is the on-site meditation and mindfulness therapist for UPMC’s Wellness and Integrative Oncology Program at Hillman Cancer Center where she conducts trainings for oncology nurses and sees clients privately, with a specialty of working with those who are in active treatment. She participates in seminars throughout the UPMC system and has spoken publicly on her work as a yoga therapist for IAYT's annual symposiums. She is a proud team member of the 1.1 community, both on and off her mat.
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IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: A exciting & progressive sequence, starting slow & building intensity, with music throughout and hands-on assists. Suitable for all levels; let her know if you're a beginner or recovering from injury & she can give you some pointers!
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Kayla Hersperger, ERYT-200
Kayla first experienced yoga in 2006 during her collegiate dancer training. Trauma brought her back to the practice in 2015, and when it helped her heal, she committed her life to studying and practicing yoga. She completed her 200-hour training at One Point One Yoga in 2017 and has taught as much as possible since then: in-studio & virtual classes, workshops, in schools, at yoga festivals, and at professional conferences. Teaching yoga has been the greatest joy of her life, and she feels grateful for the opportunity to spread this practice to others. She hopes students leave her classes feeling strong, supported, and self-aware.
Kayla remains mindful that physical asana is just the tip of the yogic iceberg as she integrates the wisdom of yoga into daily life with breath work, meditation, and spiritual considerations. Kayla is passionate about equality, veganism, and the environment. Her day job is at Slippery Rock University where she works in marketing and recruitment. You can usually find her walking her dog, Cici, around the Northside of Pittsburgh.
IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: Creative sequencing inspired by fire and music, always linked with an intention and supported by the breath. My classes are challenging and fun, providing a safe space for students to try new things and explore the boundaries of their practice. All levels are welcome and modifications will be provided, but some vinyasa experience is recommended for the best experience.
Holly Kepins, RYT-200
Holly began her relationship with yoga 10 years ago as a “add on” to her exercise routine. After years of piling too much on my plate, she discovered yoga could be more than stretching and considered it to be a safe haven for her thoughts and body. She began utilizing the practice on the mat to explore her mind and movement differently. She discovered the art of mindfulness as well as how to build resilience in her body and spirit. She completed the 200-hour teacher training at One Point One Yoga in August 2019 and has been completely jazzed to assist others in deepening their own journey with this amazing practice. When she's not practicing all of the yoga, you can catch her keeping up a regular exercise routine, working as a behavioral health therapist, or petting her cat, Princey.
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IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: A creative flow that will leave you with a sense of balance in your mind and body. The atmosphere is meant to spark positivity and light as well as self compassion. My classes are appropriate for all levels.
Brice Lynn, RYT-200 & Studio Manager
Brice walked into his first yoga class as an excuse to get away from his desk at lunch, unsure of what to expect. Five years later, he has found a way to relieve stress, get a great sweat, and a place where it is okay for him to wear tights. Brice loves the growth that comes from yoga - whether it is gaining the confidence to sing kirtans loud and proud (Radhe, Govindha, Radhe is his favorite) or to trying going upside down, he appreciates that yoga pushes him to do that which he never thought he would. Most importantly, Brice found an amazing community, one that he looks forward to welcoming you to when you visit the studio.
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IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: Accessible but challenging flows, using core asana and transitions to build heat and breath. Sequences are bookended by plenty of integration work to connect with your body and time to rest. Most classes are taught without music (except for Friday nights - got to bring the weekend vibes!).
Lucas Marsak
Inspired by his love of all kinds of movement and several decades of a yoga and meditation practice, Lucas strives to bring joy, ease and playfulness into every class. As he constantly grows his own personal repetoire of movement modalities, you'll find him adding pieces of qi gong, tai chi, functional mobility and somatics into his practices, along with some love from his dog Bernie (who often joins his classes!).
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IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: Meditation, movement, plenty of pranayama and play. We'll mvoe in some ways that are familiar and lots of ways that aren't, all to get back to our natural state of ease and joy. There is room for all levels.
Stephen Moore, ERYT-200
The practice of yoga discovered me later in my life's journey, and I was open and happy to receive it. The physical practice took hold of me and I have stuck with it ever since. Over four years, yoga has been a transformative force, offering me new paths, and the knowledge and skills to successfully follow them.
Early in my practice, I was unaware of the Sutras and their significance, that knowledge would come to me much later. I was, however, following Sutra 1.14. It simply states, "practice becomes firmly grounded when well attended to for a long time, without break and in all earnestness." The seed of yoga that was planted in me, has taken firm root. I continue to tend it and grow the resulting tree, which is my practice. The qualities of patience, devotion and faith are all needed to take yoga's many roads. I continue to cultivate these qualities as a student and as a teacher. I hope to offer and share our unique stories and journeys on the mat. You will also find me on the streets and trails preparing for my next half marathon or reading at the coffee shop.
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IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: A flow built on a foundation of strength, focusing on breath, alignment and lines of energy. Allowing each of us to reach a little farther and expand our individual boundaries. We will also find time to smile, as the world is serious enough. There is room for all levels.
Kelly Paola, ERYT-200
Encouragement from the yogis in my life initially led me to my mat, but the tools I developed there to cope with the inner working of my mind are what led me to stay. Today, these tools are the foundation of my practice. My yoga is a practice of focusing inward, breathing with intention, and tuning in to cultivate a sense of peace and gratitude towards my body. My practice has helped me find release and stillness of the mind that I had no idea I could find within the 4 corners of a yoga mat. In August 2018, I completed my 200 hour certification at One Point One Yoga, where I have the honor of being a part of a community as a student alongside those I may be fortunate enough to teach.
My mission as an instructor is to help others build a yoga practice that is much deeper than the physical, encouraging students to focus inwards to find release and calm strength amidst movement.
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IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: A balance between movement and stillness - creative, dynamic flows with mindful transitions paired with breathwork and meditation to help students focus inward and reap the non-physical benefits of their practice.
Hallie Stotsky, ERYT-200
Hallie is a Pittsburgh based Power Vinyasa yoga teacher, new mom, wife, daughter, friend ... and lover of good food and craft beer. She completed her 200-hour training through South Hills Power Yoga in 2013 and allowed it to completely transform her life by diving all in to teaching. She first found yoga her senior year of college at Chatham University as a physical replacement from college sports; but during grad school while earning her MEd from Pitt is when it transformed into the full mind, body, spirit.
When not teaching in the studio Hallie works at Pitt as the Coordinator of the Stress Free Zone, teaching college students the important practice of mindfulness and meditation.
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IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: Mindful movements with strength and power incorporated into every class. Instruction will be fun and clear, with options given for everyone. Suitable for all levels.
Haley Tamilia, RYT-200
Yoga entered Haley's life during a time of turmoil and transition. She was pushing her mind and body to its limits as a competitive bodybuilder and marketing consultant, when the stress became too much to bear. At the guidance of her physician and loved ones, she left work and put a pause on training. Meditation, pranayama, and asana helped Haley find stability amidst severe anxiety, supporting her through minutes when seconds felt unbearable. Since then, the philosophy of yoga has become the guiding light of her movements through life, its practice a gift she can’t help but share.
IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: A supportive, meditative vibe with attention to sensation, alignment and breath. Some classes remain gentle throughout, while others encourage students to discover their strength in a safe, playful and judgment-free environment. In yin and restorative classes, students are invited to relax into a place of spacious loving kindness, where they may rest in presence feeling supported, held and seen. All levels are welcome.
Joyce Vinzani, ERYT-200
A dancer since the age of 5, Joyce discovered that the intentional movement and thoughtful transitions of yoga allowed her to explore her childhood passion in a new and challenging way as an adult. Having attended her first concert at the very young age of 3 months (The Monkees!), she grew up inspired by how music can awaken the mind, energize the body, and even heal the soul. Through unique, progressive flows, her classes explore the fluidity of movement, while her music seeks to empower and uplift students physically and emotionally. Joyce completed her 200-Hour Teacher Training with One Point One Yoga in 2017, and has received further trainings in trauma sensitivity, accessibility, and
restorative practices.
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IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: An opportunity to move around your mat in unexpected and playful ways. You’ll be encouraged to try new things, but also be supported to confidently choose options that are best for you. Laughter and smiles are always welcome.
Kalie Williams, ERYT-200
Kalie started an on again off again relationship with yoga in college as a way to get more active and reduce stress, but it wasn’t until after graduation when she moved away from Pittsburgh where she found that wherever she was on her mat, she was home. She went on to complete her 200-hour training with One Point One Yoga in the Spring of 2019 and in her classes aims to offer a sense of community and ease, offering the mind a time away from a world that can so often be demanding and ever-changing. While not on her mat, you can catch Kalie traveling (for work and play), watering her flowers outside of her row-home in the South Side or trying new local foods with her partner, Ben, and greyhound, Lenny.
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IN MY CLASS, EXPECT: Storytelling, thoughtful asana and breath work to prepare our bodies and minds for relaxation. Perfect for those looking to move a little before settling down and taking a well-deserved rest. All levels are welcome and encouraged.