teaching team

Albina Rippy, a Forrest Yoga Guardian and Mentor Teacher, brings decades of experience and a depth of presence to every class she leads. Blending the intelligent structure of Forrest Yoga with the stillness of meditation, she guides students to quiet the mind, deepen the breath, and reconnect to their inner strength and potential.

Albina has built vibrant yoga communities, led international retreats, and trained thousands of teachers around the world. Her journey has included teaching at The White House and studying with visionaries like Dr. Joe Dispenza, Tony Robbins, and Baron Baptiste. Her teaching continues to empower students to live fully, boldly, and beyond their limits.

Anika has always been drawn to movement—whether through sports, running, or fitness, staying active is her way to release tension, reset, and reconnect. She turned that passion into purpose by pursuing her Pilates certification, starting with reformer and expanding into mat Pilates. Since then, she has fully immersed herself in the practice, teaching over 400 classes in the past year.

Her teaching blends the mindful flow of yoga with the strength-building power of functional movement. She believes Pilates offers the best of both worlds: a chance to move with intention, build strength, improve posture, and quiet the mind.

Expect challenging sequences, intentional cueing, and Anika’s sunny energy—she’ll have you sweating and smiling by the end of class.

Ashlyn is a dedicated Yoga Sculpt instructor with 2.5 years of experience actively teaching within the Austin community.

Outside of the studio, Ashlyn is an avid outdoor enthusiast, passionate about running, swimming, and hiking.

Her classes reflect this high energy: they are music-driven and rooted in intentional movement. Ashlyn blends powerful flows with rhythm and cardio bursts, inviting students to expect pulsing, challenging sequences that move directly to the beat.

Born and raised in Texas, Cam has called Austin home for the past four years.

With a background rooted in Classical Pilates, she blends traditional technique with a modern, athletic edge. Cam’s teaching philosophy is deeply focused on proper form, ensuring students build strength effectively and safely.

Her classes are upbeat, high-energy, and strategically designed to help you discover your full potential—both mentally and physically.

Carter Miles, cofounder of hOM and E-RYT 500, is a dedicated yoga teacher passionate about helping students cultivate presence, awareness, and personal transformation. Initially drawn to yoga through fitness and meditation, he soon discovered its deeper potential to connect mind, body, and breath.

With training in both traditional and contemporary styles and a self-guided study of human sciences, Carter’s approach prioritizes the individual’s internal experience over external form. His teaching is authentic, meditative, and exploratory—inviting students to meet their edge with curiosity and courage.

Carter’s classes are an invitation to connect inward, move with intention, and leave feeling grounded, empowered, and more fully yourself.

Claire is a certified yoga and Pilates instructor who believes movement should be fun!

She creates an accessible environment where everyone can come to move with their breath and the beat of the music.

Claire’s goal is to leave students feeling challenged and fully supported. Expect to leave her class energized—and asking her to send you the playlist!

Cole is a dedicated yoga teacher and Thai massage bodyworker with over 1,000 hours of training in yoga, massage, and meditation.

Drawing from a background in collegiate athletics and corporate work, Cole understands the unique needs of tight hamstrings and hip flexors. He spent a year living in India and Thailand studying both yoga and massage techniques before returning to the Austin community in 2025.

His classes are known for being challenging, supportive, and heart-centered. Feel welcome to share your practice and connect with Cole on the mat.

A software engineer at Google and dedicated meditator, Dave has always felt most connected in moments of stillness and silence, especially in nature. He believes meditation helps clear the mind, create inner space, and cultivate openness and clarity in daily life.

Dave offers a space to slow down, reconnect, and embrace simplicity, guiding others in the practice of mindfulness and self-awareness.

Elise is a certified Mat Pilates, 200-YTT, and Yoga Sculpt teacher with five years of experience. Her core belief is that movement is a vital form of connection—to yourself, to others, and to the world around you.

Elise brings an energizing and grounding approach to every class. She blends mindful movement and breath with motivating playlists and dynamic sequences that leave you feeling strong and capable.

Expect to move, sweat, and feel ready to flow through the rest of your day (and maybe even plan a post-class dip in Barton Springs to seal it all in!).

Hannah’s yoga journey began as a way to relieve stress and stay active, but quickly became a transformative lifestyle that fostered presence, self-trust, and confidence. Inspired to share these benefits, she completed her 200-hour teacher training at Practice Yoga Austin in 2021.

In Hannah’s classes, expect a slow, intentional flow with a focus on breath, alignment, and mindful movement. She leads at a steady pace, encouraging students to get out of their heads and into their bodies. Believing that movement is medicine, Hannah creates a welcoming space for all, offering modifications to make each class accessible.

Her goal is to inspire students to be present, cultivate kindness, and embrace self-love—both on and off the mat.

Iva is a seasoned Yoga and Wellness Instructor, specializing in guiding students toward personal transformation through yoga, breathwork, meditation, and Ayurveda. With over 20 years of teaching experience, her holistic approach began at a very young age.

Iva has explored diverse cultures, from being born in the Czech Republic and earning her BS in Physiology in Montreal, to living and teaching in Tokyo for over 13 years.

Now based in Austin, Texas, she is heavily involved in teaching 300-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings, Yin, and Ayurveda programs. Her recent work focuses on Ayurveda, where she helps people gain perspective on self-healing through this ancient Indian system. Iva also hosts International Yoga & Personal Development Retreats in global destinations like India, Costa Rica, and Japan.

JJ Ruescas is a Bolivian-born Human Optimization Strategist known for his dynamic, research-driven approach to human performance. With a focus on physiology, psychology, and emotional fitness, JJ developed the “HumanOps Framework”—a multidisciplinary system blending breathwork, trauma-informed practices, leadership, and nervous system regulation.

His journey began at 4,000 meters in La Paz, where altitude sickness sparked a lifelong exploration of breath as a tool for transformation. JJ has since become a breathwork specialist and educator, integrating superventilation, functional, and athletic techniques to elevate daily wellbeing and mental clarity. His workshops—ranging from emotional resilience to burnout prevention—are immersive, practical, and rooted in deep somatic wisdom.

JJ’s style is bold, intuitive, and empowering, guiding others to access peak performance through inner regulation and embodied leadership.

Jenn has been a fitness enthusiast for over a decade, starting with traditional strength training. In 2017, she discovered Pilates. Combining strength movements with the slow, intentional foundation of Pilates, she found a real passion for the practice.

This led her to further her involvement by getting Mat Pilates certified in 2023. Since then, she has fallen in love with being a part of building the fitness community in Austin and fostering connection with people around shared interests and self-improvement.

Her classes blend classical Pilates with contemporary, strength-focused series and mindfulness through breath. Expect to leave her class feeling challenged, empowered, and grounded.

Jennifer is a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor through Balanced Body with a deep passion for building community and connection. She believes Pilates is more than just movement—it is a powerful way to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and inspired.

Jennifer’s goal is to ensure every student feels a sense of belonging, regardless of their background or experience level. Her teaching style blends mindful, precise movement with a warm and inviting energy, creating a space where students can challenge themselves, connect with others, and leave feeling both stronger and more grounded.

Jenn discovered yoga in 2008 in NYC while seeking a good workout, and she has been practicing ever since. She found that yoga provided the patience, presence, and strength she needed, and her goal is now to share those benefits with her students.

After starting as a Sculpt Instructor, Jenn traveled to Bali to complete her 200 RYT certification, later teaching on the Island of Gili Meno. As an avid traveler and adventurer, she loves both attending and hosting yoga retreats to recharge, reconnect, and build community.

Her consistent and down-to-earth vibe ensures that whether you are new to the mat or deepening your practice, you will feel supported, challenged, and right at hOM.

Jordan Medina has been a dedicated student of yoga for fifteen years. In 2020, she began pursuing her journey as a teacher and yoga therapist, accumulating impressive training since then.

She is a 500-hour RYT, a 95-hour CRYT (Children's Registered Yoga Teacher), and has completed 1,000 hours of training as an IAYT-accredited Yoga Therapist, specializing in Bhakti Yoga.

Jordan’s heart-led classes blend yoga philosophy, functional movement, and play. Expect to move slowly and steadily while tuning into your breath, body, and spirit—and perhaps sharing a few laughs.

Her ultimate goal is simple: for you to leave her class feeling a little lighter and brighter.

Julia Johnson, Head of People & Programs at Present Practice, has been practicing yoga for over a decade, exploring diverse styles in the many cities she’s lived and traveled. With 16 years of experience in education, including as a Montessori principal, she moved to Austin in 2020 and recently stepped into a new chapter, bringing her leadership and heart to the Present Practice community.

She completed her first 200-hour Vinyasa training in 2018 and furthered her studies with Morgan O’Hare’s training in 2024. With a background in ballet, Julia emphasizes alignment as the key to freedom in movement and views yoga as a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth.

Lauren has been teaching and practicing yoga and meditation for over 13 years. She holds a 500-hour RYT certification and is currently finishing graduate school at Naropa (Buddhist college) for Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Psychology, complemented by meditation trainings with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.

She teaches a mindful, dynamic flow that feels like a dance, syncing breath to movement with empowering music. Lauren weaves in teachings from her Jivamukti and Ashtanga lineage, often incorporating mantra chanting with harmonium.

Expect a short themed message for inspiration on and off the mat, and dedicated space for silence to allow for deep inner connection within the community.

Leah Cullis is a seasoned yoga teacher, holistic wellbeing coach, internationally published author, and devoted mother. Her empowering blend of strength, surrender, and celebration inspires students to explore their practice with intention and joy.

With a distinguished career, Leah led programs at the White House (2009–2016), graced the cover of Yoga Journal, and authored Power Yoga: Strength, Sweat, and Spirit. She is the founder of Empowered Yoga School, guiding countless students through trainings and coaching programs.

Leah’s teaching emphasizes alignment, wholeness, and living with ease, making timeless practices accessible for modern life. Above all, her greatest joy is being a mom.

Livy found her love for yoga and Pilates early in life, earning her 200-YTT certification in 2019 at age 16. She has been sharing her passion for teaching ever since.

Experienced in several styles such as Vinyasa, Hot 26, and Aerial Yoga, Livy has also collaborated with notable companies including Nike and Powder Mountain.

Pilates is where Livy explores the combination of classical and modern movements, emphasizing intention and breath to foster deeper connection. Her passion is the body’s ability to heal through rehabilitation methods, complementing her focus on building a strong foundation. Livy prioritizes each student’s experience, ensuring you feel challenged—with a smile on!

Mackenzie is a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor with over 500 hours of training and has been teaching since 2017. Over the last nine years, she has taught more than 5,000 classes, gaining experience with a diverse variety of clients.

Her classes blend classical movements with dynamic core conditioning and technique focused on full body awareness and control. Mackenzie’s style emphasizes the retraining of fascia to improve movement fluidity, restore posture, and enhance felt sensation and communication within the body.

Maria has been dedicated to her yoga practice for seven years, fueled by a passion for fitness and music. After earning her Yoga Sculpt certification, she sought to deepen her spiritual and physical practice, traveling to Bali, Indonesia, in 2023. There, she immersed herself in yoga history and philosophy, completing her 200-hour E-RYT.

She firmly believes in the power of mind-body connection, breathwork, and music to guide students deeper into their practice. Her goal is to help them find clarity and tap into the strongest, most authentic version of themselves.

Meg's journey with Pilates began over two years ago with contemporary reformers, quickly leading her to a deep passion for the practice. She has since expanded into mat Pilates, valuing its accessibility and the powerful connection between movement and mindfulness.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree to become a mental health therapist, Meg brings a holistic lens to her teaching—believing that strengthening the body also grounds the mind. Her classes are thoughtfully designed to challenge and support you physically and mentally, with a strong emphasis on the mind-muscle connection.

Expect grounded, purposeful movement, inclusive energy, and a space where every body is welcome. You’ll leave class feeling strong, supported, and proud!

Morgan O’Hare, Founder of Present Practice, is an E-RYT 500 yoga and meditation teacher known for her creative sequencing, grounding presence, and intentional approach to community. Since 2015, she’s shared her practice with thousands of students and now leads retreats and teacher trainings around the world.

Blending movement, breathwork, meditation, and yoga philosophy, Morgan invites deep connection and self-discovery. With a background in nutritional science and strategy consulting, she brings both clarity and playfulness to her teaching—often alongside her husband, Ryan, and their pup, Clifton.

Onkar is a highly experienced Kundalini Yoga Teacher, SNR healer, and intuitive coach with over 16 years in the field.

Based in Austin, she is known for her approachable methods in accessing the technology of Kundalini Yoga, her dedicated 1:1 mentorships, and her powerful 7, 14, and 40-day immersions designed to promote healing of the mind, body, and soul.

Onkar is the founder of HouseofOnkar.com, an online Kundalini Yoga platform, and a frequent contributor to mainstream publications and wellness brands. Her deep love for teaching and meditation shines through in her nurturing and compassionate approach.

Roger has been teaching asana and meditation since 2008 and practicing since 2000. He holds an E-RYT 500 in both Forrest Yoga and Baptiste Power Vinyasa, having studied extensively with Ana Forrest, Baron Baptiste, and Rusty Wells.

He previously owned seven yoga studios in Houston and co-owned a retreat center in New Mexico. Roger’s commitment includes teaching in prisons, recovery centers, and at the White House. He is currently practicing the advanced yoga of fatherhood.

Students in his class will experience breath-focused, intent-driven, Forrest Yoga and Bhakti-infused Vinyasa that both challenges and uplifts.

Sacnicte, originally from Yucatán, Mexico, has lived and taught in Austin since 2015. With over 14 years of yoga practice and 10 years of teaching experience, she is trained in a diverse range of styles, including Dharma, Progressive Ashtanga, Rocket Vinyasa, JM Vinyasa, and Classic 84 Hatha.

Sacnicte believes that yoga is a practice of love and compassion, aimed at uncovering our higher selves and benefitting all beings. Her classes offer a safe and open environment where students can explore various yoga traditions, delivered with kindness, compassion, and receptivity. Sacni is also a dedicated mom to 18-month-old Carlitos and three Yorkies.

Saylor's yoga journey began early; she completed her first 200-hour Vinyasa training at just 16. Driven by a background in mobility, she was drawn to the balance of strength, mindfulness, and freedom found in yoga and Pilates. She has since earned her 500-hour certifications in Power and Vinyasa Yoga, plus training in Sculpt and Mat Pilates.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Saylor moved to Austin in 2023 and found her studio community at hOM Yoga. Her classes blend intentional movement with focused strength, encouraging students to move with purpose, reconnect with their bodies, and build confidence from the inside out. Expect an uplifting, supportive space that invites growth.

Tori sees yoga as a gateway to union—between body and mind, breath and awareness, movement and meaning. A lifelong athlete, they believe the path to presence begins with embodiment, using physical practice as a lens to understand the Self. Their classes invite students into rich, intimate experiences—where intelligent sequencing, evocative music, and deliberate breathwork create space for clarity, transformation, and connection.

With every session, they offer more than poses—they offer a journey toward radical presence, one where students leave feeling more whole, more themselves. Grounded yet expansive, their teaching is an offering of reverence for a lineage that holds the power to shift lives from the inside out. Their style is deeply intuitive, emotionally resonant, and crafted to awaken the sacred intelligence within.

After years as a multi-sport athlete, Tyler discovered yoga in 2021 while recovering from a lower-back injury. Those first sessions sparked a deeper exploration into how breath and movement could transform both body and mind, leading to a daily practice.

Drawing from Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Pranayama traditions, Tyler guides students through carefully sequenced flows that feel both grounded and expansive. His aim is to help students unlock their own transformative power through the connection of breath and movement.