Instructors & Assistants
Instructors:
Angela •
Samantha •
Janie •
Ashlie •
Becca •
Carren •
Kelly •
Melinda
Asst. Manager: Natalie
Assistants:
Karen •
Shannah •
Brennan •
Kristi
ANGELA WAGNER grew up playing sports and taught group fitness classes after college but thought she was entirely too intense for yoga. When the stress of her job took over, she found her way to a gym yoga class. She enjoyed the stretching but still felt antsy and unsettled in class. A year later, her mom told her about her Baptiste trained yoga teacher back in Boston. She said, "Angela you have to try this style, it's amazing. Trust me, you will love it." As moms often are, she was right. Angela immediately found a Baptiste teacher in Dallas and dedicated herself to learning the practice to help heal her depression and anxiety. She began teaching yoga in fitness centers and in 2003, she attended Level One Teacher Training Bootcamp with Baron Baptiste. She attended Level Two Bootcamp in 2005 and 2007 and is currently the only Certified Baptiste Instructor in Dallas. In 2004, she opened YogaSport and dedicated her life to teaching others to find their authentic selves through this practice.
"I love this practice because it's for real people with real struggles. It's not for the fancy and bendy people and it's not trendy (because I am definitely not fancy, bendy or trendy!); it's just real. Every class challenges me in a different way, and unlike any other style I have tried, it feeds me mentally and has helped me grow into a person I truly love. With much tough love, my classes will help you move through your life with more ease and grace. If we are willing to put in the work, we have everything we need to make the changes we want in our lives. It really doesn't get much better than this!"
Angela holds a Bachelors Degree from Trinity University. She is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) with Yoga Alliance and the Director of the YogaSport Teacher Training Program. She continues to grow her Baptiste practice by assisting Baron at his Teacher Training Bootcamps and Personal Revolution Weekends. Angela also received her Yoga Life Coach Certification from Deborah Williamson in the Summer of 2010.
SAMANTHA MABRY was a casual yoga practitioner in the Metroplex throughout college, but it wasn't until moving to Boston for graduate school and discovering Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga, that she realized what a serious yoga practice could do to transform all aspects of her life.
"I had the choice to devote my life to the stuff going on in my head, stubbornly sticking to a safe, planned-out path I thought would bring me all the fruits of life, or move out of my head, take a chance, make a change, and discover true happiness. This is what I am learning: a good life is about laughing, loving, and having faith in the universe. It took me a long time to realize this, given that the only reason I took my first yoga class was because I couldn't touch my toes."
Samantha attended Baron's Personal Revolution Weekend in Dallas in November of 2006, Level One Teacher Training in Hawaii in February of 2007 and Level Two Teacher Training in Montana in June of 2008.
In addition, Samantha holds a B.A. in English and American Literature from Southern Methodist University and an M.A. in English from Boston College and teaches college-level composition. She wrote an article, "Far From the Maddening Crowd," about her move from Boston to Lubbock, TX that appeared in the January/February 2007 issue of Yoga Journal.
JANIE MONTAGUE discovered the healing practice of yoga in 2000 following the persistent encouragement of a dear friend to try a Baptiste Power Vinyasa class. The practice and the delivery of the inspiring message quickly found a place in her body, heart and soul. Daily trips to the mat led her to a deeper study of the art of yoga and ultimately to a calling to teach. Janie continues her study and practice of yoga each day, both on and off the mat.
"Sharing the practice with others has enriched my life beyond measure. I experience each student as a teacher, both to themselves and to those around them. My life and my teaching are tangled in a beautiful tapestry of past experiences, which serve to shape and form each new day. My husband of 25 years, Steve, and my son Max, keep me grounded and surrounded with light and love. For all of this support, I remain grateful."
Following an independent study of the Baptiste practice under the guidance of Jessica Young, Janie embarked upon her journey as a yoga teacher. She has subsequently trained with such Baptiste instructors as Gregor Singleton, Angela Barrese, and Brian Lam and received certification through Kurt Johnsen of American Power Yoga. Janie continues to study regularly with a host of other talented and inspiring yogis.
"The light you discover when you allow yourself to shine, illuminates the path of life for yourself and most importantly, for those around you. Ultimately, your source of strength comes from deep inside. Through yoga, you discover that you no longer have to shout to be heard, or to decorate yourself to be seen; your light is authentic and shines from deep in your soul connecting each of us to the strength and softness in each other."
Janie is a former account executive, a current mother, wife, sister, salesperson, friend and student of life.
ASHLIE BROOKHART MCGILL fell in love with yoga while working the check-in desk at a small studio in West Hollywood in 2000. When she moved back to Dallas a year later she practiced with Jessica Young, who introduced her to Baron Baptiste Power Vinyasa Flow. Ashlie was drawn to the idea of yoga’s transformative energy and the authentic lifestyle that yoga encourages and urges each person to find within his or herself.
She is truly grateful for heart-opening vinyasas, and she digs a powerful class. Ashlie attended Baron Baptise Level 1 Teacher Training in Maya Tulum in October 2006 and Level 2 in Montana in September 2007. Ashlie has also attended workshops with Julie Boyd, Denise Cook, Kendall Inman, Leslie Munday, Rod Stryker, and Jessica Young. Ashlie is currently an Associate Baptiste Instructor.
When BECCA ZAFAR first started taking yoga classes in college, she had no idea how important the practice would become in her life.
As a way to 'mix up' her existing exercise routine, she enrolled in a few classes, but it wasn't until Becca moved to Dallas after graduation that she discovered Baptiste Power Vinyasa at YogaSport. She quickly fell in love with the invigorating and calming practice. BPVY was like nothing she had ever experienced - it was as challenging as it was rewarding. The peace that she felt after practice was indescribable.
After practicing at YogaSport for a year and half, Becca and her husband moved to Indianapolis, IN. While in Indy, she continued her personal yoga practice, although she missed the BPVY style. Becca's next stop was Philadelphia, PA. She was thrilled to have moved to a city with such a great yoga offering, including Power Yoga Works, a Baptiste Affiliate. She quickly re-immersed herself into the practice and soon thereafter felt called to teach. Becca completed and received a 200-hour Power Vinyasa Yoga certification and is working to become registered with Yoga Alliance. She also attended Baron's Personal Revolution Weekend in NYC in November of 2007.
Today, Becca feels fortunate to be able to help beginners who may feel just like her several years ago as they discover what BPVY can do for their well being - at the very same studio at which she got her start! She is equally as excited to help those who are more advanced in their practice and experience, and, above all, hopes to help bring all varying students to their next level.
CARREN BALLENGER is a country girl from a small town in Texas where there was no yoga within a 100 mile radius. Her best friend kept asking her to join her in a class but Carren came up with every excuse possible as to why she should not go. Then one night her friend said, "Meet me at yoga in the morning?" and before she knew it, a yes came out of her mouth. And as they say, the rest is history.
"I fell in love with yoga the first time I stepped on my (well, her) mat. I can still remember not having a clue what I was getting myself into and being worried I would not survive it. As the class went on, I remember feeling this incredible shift within me and I was flying and still am. However, it was not until I moved to New York City that I truly found my desire to teach. I would get so excited about introducing my friends to the practice and helping them find new space to grow in each pose. Yoga is my outlet, it is my sanity and it is gives me an opportunity each day to delve deep within my spirit, ignite my fire and flourish!"
Carren attended Baron's Personal Revolution Weekend in Dallas in November 2006 and New York City in November 2007. She attended Level One Teacher Training in Catskills, New York in August of 2008 and plan to attend Level Two in New Mexico in August 2010. She is also a YogaSport Certified Teacher Assistant.
KELLY P MEYER has been a fitness/wellness teacher, enthusiast and leadership coach for 20 years. She found YogaSport along her fitness journey and fell in love with it.
"The YogaSport 40 Days Program really helped me sync my passion for health to my current career. I remember the day when I exhaled in Angela's class and relaxed with the thought of quitting my old career and starting with just me, my motivation and drive to be happy in a new career. So I did just that. I started my own company where I could spend 100% of my time helping others achieve wellness through fitness, yoga and healthy lifestyle choices. Yoga gives me more than muscular strength. It gives me mental strength, conviction, compassion and joy in life. Joy! That is it in a nutshell. Joy!"
Kelly has completed both the YS TAP program received her 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Certification through the YogaSport Yoga School. This July, Kelly is attending Baron Baptiste's Level one Teacher Training Bootcamp. She is also certified in Group Exercise through AFAA. She holds her (PHR) Professional Human Resources certification and has a BS in Management Science and Computer Systems from Oklahoma State University.
MELINDA ROLAND finally stepped into YogaSport in April of 2008, after her good friend Barbara had been trying to get her to a class at the studio for over a year.
“Right away I felt a sense of community; all the people were friendly and genuinely made me feel as if I belonged. The studio was full of positive energy. Baptiste Yoga has taught me, and continues to teach me, how to forgive myself, to love myself, to trust my instincts, to participate in life as opposed to just reacting to it. I am learning how to live from my true nature, my authentic self, without fear of judgment from others. Yoga has taught me that my life experiences are valuable and help me connect to others. Physically, I’m stronger and healthier than I’ve ever been. Mentally and emotionally, I have a clearer connection to my Higher Power which empowers me to seek more so that I may give more. My relationships with others have deepened. I cannot imagine ever going back to the way my life was before Baptiste yoga.”
In November 2009, Melinda became a Registered Yoga Teacher through the Yoga Alliance and the YogaSport Yoga School. In addition, Melinda has completed Level 1 Teacher Training with Baron Baptiste and will attend Level 2 Teacher Training in August 2010. Melinda is a YS Certified Teacher Assistant having gone through trainings with both Angela Wagner and Stacy Dockins, Certified Baptiste Power Yoga Instructors and owners of Baptiste Affiliated Studios.
Assistant Manager
NATALIE PARSLEY's first taste of yoga was in college while pursuing her degree in Kinesiology. Being a self-proclaimed busy body, she did not like any part of the “be still and focus stuff” that her yoga teachers asked of her. She completed her degree in 2005 and never really thought about yoga after she took the required yoga class in college. After graduating, she pursed a non-fitness related corporate career that she thought she loved, but in reality was making her crazy and incredibly unhealthy.
“My best friend kept asking me to go to this yoga class with her at the gym and I kept telling her ‘I can’t do yoga’, ‘I don’t like yoga’, ‘I don’t have time for yoga,’ excuses and more excuses. Finally in March of 2007, I went to class with her. Two months later, I lost my job and this is when yoga really changed me. I had stayed so busy for so long that I had no idea how great it can be to just be in the moment, connect with your breath and empty your mind. At this point I went back to my fitness roots and began personal training. I really loved my career change but something kept tugging at me to go back to school. I looked at a variety of different things for months, time and time again kept coming back to yoga. I mentioned going to a teacher training program to my teacher Joseph and he highly recommended YogaSport's program. The rest is history."
Natalie assists weekly classes as well as manages the studio with Angela. If you have questions regarding the studio or memberships, contact Natalie at yogaadvisor@gmail.com.
Teacher Assistants
Our assistants are YogaSport Certified Teacher Assistants (YSCTA) and have successfully completed a rigorous four
phase Teacher Assistant Program (TAP).
For years, KAREN DELEON had friends and coworkers who would talk about practicing yoga. "It always seemed like I would respond: 'Maybe I should try that!' But then I never would. About three years ago, though, I finally did. A close friend told me about a small yoga studio he found in East Dallas, and I decided to try the beginners class. It's hard to explain, but the energy and feelings that were present during and after the class was unlike anything I had experienced before. Sadly, that studio closed, and I was forced to search for another studio close to home. That's when I found YogaSport.
"I began to practice a few times a week and quickly discovered I could not get enough. The practice and the fundamental teachings that yoga provided me was quickly seeping off my mat and into my life. It was a very exciting time!"
In 2008, Karen attended an Ashtanga based retreat at Lake Atlitlan, Guatemala, which was a week-long experience that she'll never forget. And this past year, the practice has become more of a role in Karen's life than she would've ever imagined: she attended the Teacher's Assistant Program at YogaSport, and she looks forward to continue growing her practice, her abilities and learning about herself in different ways than she ever imagined. Yoga has become a constant in Karen's life and has given her stability, strength, and the knowledge that every day is a different experience on and off the mat. What was yesterday is not necessarily today or tomorrow. One must accept oneself in the state of today. To be present in the moment; that's easier said than done!
SHOSHANNAH FRANK began practicing yoga in 2002 and continued to casually explore her practice until 2007. In 2008 when the stresses of life and excess weight became unmanageable, Shannah found that a consistent yoga practice was exactly what she needed to balance the physical and mental challenges she was facing. In 2009, with the encouragement of Angela, Shannah completed YogaSport’s TAP program and began assisting. Originally, Shannah participated in the TAP program to enhance her knowledge of postures and alignment for herself but finished the program inspired and excited to assist others find strength ease in their own practice.
"The community at YogaSport is so amazing. The support from the teachers and students extends well beyond the confines of your mat or the studio. In the past two years, I have learned to face many fears, let go of my ego on the mat and learned to laugh at myself during my practice.”
BRENNAN CROUCH began her Baptiste practice in 2002 in Boston. She came to the practice looking for a way to relieve back pain and ultimately found an authentic way of living. After joining Yogasport in 2008 she really began to develop a passion for the practice. She began assisting in 2009 and has found that both the physical and spiritual sides of her practice have intensified. Through assisting Brennan hopes to help others find their spiritual and physical strength.
KRISTI HOLLAND started her yoga journey in the fall of 2005 after meeting a yoga instructor while at the park playing with her son. The instructor invited her to a class and she has been in love with it ever since!
“I have been plagued with back pain all my life and have seen such an improvement in my pain. I will go to the gym and do weights and lots of cardio, but it wasn’t until I really committed to my yoga practice that I began to see the results I wanted. After about a year or so, I started thinking of becoming an instructor. But, life happened and that idea took a backseat. I got back into my practice after letting it slip for a while. I realized how much I missed it and the desire to learn more about yoga came rushing back, but even stronger. I came to YogaSport after talking to another instructor about attending a Teacher Training Program who highly recommended YS. It was scary, but I took a leap of faith and signed up, not realizing how much more there is to yoga than just the poses. Not only has my body and flexibility improved, but I feel more connected with my spirit. I cherish my time on my mat. As a stay at home mother of 2 and a husband who works long hours, it’s the only place that is just for me. It’s my escape. Nothing else in my day matters for just that short time. I love the mixed feeling of hard work and peacefulness that I feel when I practice. I want to help bring that to everyone! I truly love assisting at YogaSport!”
