Meet the team

Sam's first love was dance and that put her on the path of body awareness, music therapy, and the practice of embodiment. She took all of this things and poured them into something she was so badly craving and created YoBa Studio. 

Sam set out to create something much more than a studio but a brand to share, build, and grow. She is here to help share these practices that are rooted in learning how to listen to the body. 

Sam is passionate about using the body as the gateway to process emotions and listen to your heart. She believes that movement is a powerful tool for listening to your heart and truth. 

Sam is ERYT-200, NASM-CPT,  ACE, & RYT certified and blessed to have the opportunity to help share her passion, love, and healing through YoBa Studio in Raleigh and surrounding areas.

Get to know Sam:

Music plays this role in my life:

Music is healing. Music is universal. Music can pull us out of a depressed state while bringing us to tears. It's a way to communicate. Feeling the rhythm and beat in your body, both start to work towards your soul.

Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner?

BRUNCH all day every day. I love a good hash and waffle, but will never turn down a biscuit.

My teaching style is:

Heartfelt, passionate, energizing, strengthening, while learning to welcome and appreciate stillness and quietude.

The most fulfilling part of teaching a class:

Being able to share my real heart and soul with our community. Being venerable enough to show up raw and honest with all of our students. Giving myself permission to show up as I am hoping that will inspire others around me to do the same. It in some ways forces me to take care of myself the best I know how, it keeps me in check with my heart, spirit, and soul daily. Many days I myself want to run from my mat or practice but at the end of the day, I’m grateful to be able to do this for myself and other people.

From the warm, personalized welcome to their kickass taste in music, the YoBa community was instantly one Hannah felt connected to & knew she had to be apart of! As Studio Manager, she’s on a mission to continue building the YoBa community & help everyone feel at home. She discovered yoga over 10 years ago as a much-needed stress reliever, but soon found it was her answer to so much more! After receiving her RYT-200 certification in 2016 at Charleston Power Yoga, she’s been spreading her love for the practice ever since. Her classes are a space to release tension, move through emotions, and grow closer to your intuition. She focuses on intentional movement, breath, music to help you get out of your head and into your body, and believes that movement should leave you feeling both free & strong!

Get to know Hannah:

My teaching style is:

Spacious and grounded.

Go to artist for a class playlist:

Can’t go wrong with Maggie Rogers!

My enneagram is:

Type 9, The Peacemaker: All-embracing, Receptive, Reassuring.

The most fulfilling part of teaching a class:

Seeing everyone take what they need in their own bodies!

Nicola is originally from Falmouth, Massachusetts. She grew up dancing and was in her first ballet class at age 3. She had an instant love for dance and spent many years in the studio taking ballet, pointe, and modern dance classes. 

In high school, Nicola taught ballet classes at her local studio and at an after school program at an elementary school. Nicola's love for dance continued at East Carolina University as a dance major where she took technique classes, choreographed, and performed. Nicola graduated from East Carolina University in 2015 with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Dance Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. 

When Nicola moved to Raleigh, she began teaching kindergarten in Apex for over 6 years while also teaching class at YoBa and enjoyed the excitement and energy BOTH types of her students brought to the classroom!

In the summer of 2023, Nicola joined YoBa as the Studio Manager! She's excited to spend even MORE time with this community!

Get to know Nicola:

The most fulfilling part of teaching a class:

The connections with clients! I love having new clients fall in love with barre and existing clients return for something they whole heartily enjoy.

My enneagram is:

Type 1, The Reformer: Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled.

Mantra:

Stay present in each moment.

What has YoBa Studio meant to you?

It is my second home and my family by choice.

Devin grew up in Maryland and spent her early years doing competitive cheerleading. After graduating from Coastal Carolina University, she moved to Raleigh with her now husband.

Devin has worked in the Fitness industry for her entire career in a clinical stand point and has always had a passion for wellness and movement. When she found YoBa, it truly felt like she found a studio that combined her love for movement with the joy that it can be to move your body. She loves moving to music and having fun with her fitness routine.

After continuing to fall in love with YoBa through an unlimited membership Devin decided to get even more involved by taking a position as Front Desk Ambassador. Eventually she took the leap to train to be an instructor at YoBa and has loved every minute of it!

When she's not in studio, Devin is usually spending quality time with friends, reading a great fantasy book, spending time with her husband Christian, or cuddling my dogs Dexter and Leo.

Get to know Devin:

The most fulfilling part of being a part of the team?

I love seeing clients LOVE their movement and feel good in their bodies! 

If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be:

Travel blogger writing about all the amazing places and things my husband, dogs, and I are seeing and doing in all our worldly travels.

Favorite class at YoBa:

Strength, YoBa, Cardio, Yoga. All of the classes at Yoba are so intentional and built with your wellness in mind and that is felt through every movement. Love to find energy in classes where I need it and peace and breath when my body is craving it.

If I could invent a holiday it would probably be:

I truly believe no one should ever have to work on their birthday.

Emma found her passion for yoga after taking a Baptiste hot yoga class. The sweat, the endorphins, the mental and physical challenge – she was hooked. 

In college, Emma earned her ACE Group Fitness Instructor certification and began sharing her love of yoga with others through teaching at NC State’s Wellness and Recreation Center. During this time, she also earned her 200-hour RYT certification at YoBa Studio and is thrilled to be back sharing the practice with this community.

Emma’s classes are accessible and uplifting, striking the perfect balance of dynamic movement and intentional stillness. Her teaching is driven by a core belief in intentionally moving the body to connect with your heart.

By day, Emma works full-time at a strategic communications agency, where she enjoys working with clients to spread meaningful messages. Outside of the YoBa and work, you can find Emma spending time with her dog, Minnie, binge-watching reality TV, and exploring Raleigh’s restaurant scene.

Get to know Emma:

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner:

100% Breakfast. Give me all the scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, and coffee.

Mantra or quote you live by?

Your direction is more important than your speed.

If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be::

An interior designer

What has YoBa Studio meant to you?

When I was looking for a studio for yoga teacher training, I took one class at YoBa and immediately knew it was the place for me. YoBa is so much more than a fitness studio to me – it's a place where I'm always able to show up exactly as I am each day and feel held by the community and movement.

Erin found YoBa Studio shortly after they opened their doors in the Spring of 2016. She was immediately drawn to both the mental and physical side of yoga. With four kids at home, Erin is a mother first above all else, but as she was preparing to send her youngest off to kindergarten she knew she wanted to explore yoga further. Erin joined the YTT program at YoBa Studio in early 2018 and a new journey began for her. She wants people to know that no matter where they are in life, there is space for them to grown, learn, and try new things. Erin truly believes that everyone has a story to share and a journey of growth in front of them, and she brings this to every class she teaches. She loves that yoga is truly for everyone, its does not discriminate age, race, gender, or physical ability. Through being both a student and an instructor, Erin has found that YoBa Studio is a safe place for herself and so many others. She truly feels like no matter where you are in your life, yoga is beneficial and she can't wait to share this with you in her classes!

Get to know Erin:

Podcast I’m currently listening to:

Dateline. I love a good murder mystery!

Music plays this role in my life:

Energize, release emotion, embody the way I’m feeling.

By day (or night) I’m also a:

Full-time mom of 4 amazing kiddos and I also ride horses on the regular.

What has YoBa Studio meant to you?

Yoba Studio has changed my life. It has helped me build a foundation for growth and resilience. It has brought me to life!

Kalie grew up in a small town in Ohio, where she started dancing at age 3. She practiced many styles of dance including ballet, lyrical, musical theater and pointe. When she went to the University of Toledo, she volunteered at a yoga studio, where she would roll lavender towels and mop floors in exchange for free classes. This is when Kalie fell in love with yoga as a way of challenging her body and mind.

After relocating to Raleigh, NC in 2017 with her husband, Trent, and her dog, Hendrix, Kalie found YoBa. It felt like a second home, especially since it combined her love for dance and yoga. Kalie completed her Signature Apprenticeship at YoBa in 2022 and is so excited to experience YoBa, moving from a client to now a teacher.

When not at the studio or working her day job, you can find Kalie enjoying a good book, spending time with my family, or in the kitchen cooking or baking something delicious. 

Get to know Kalie:

What is your favorite class at YoBa?

Signature, because moving your body to the beat of the music is like therapy. You connect to your body and heart and process thoughts and emotions in a sweaty 65 minute jam session.

Book I'm currently reading:

Currently reading "Taste: My Life Through Food" by Stanley Tucci. I'm a total foodie and can't wait to visit Italy someday!.

By day I'm a....

By day, I work for UNC Health as a nurse focusing on quality improvement in primary care.

What has YoBa meant to you?

YoBa has always been a place to connect to my body and heart through movement and music. It's a place to carve out time for myself to breathe and find joy after a stressful day or connect with others.

If I could invent a holiday it would probably be: 

Any excuse to be outside on a fall day and eat delicious food! (my friends and I do this and we call it Fall Fest)

Kasey is originally from a small town in Central North Carolina called Graham. She discovered the beauty of yoga shortly after college in search of something additional to her regular fitness routine and fell in love with the freedom and full connection of mind, body, and spirit in Yoga. It's inspired her to spread that love to others!

Outside of YoBa, Kasey is an Executive Recruitment Manager, where she help companies hire talented individuals and help individuals land great jobs with great companies. She has a passion for helping others, and the combination of teaching/recruiting allows her to share her purpose everyday!

In her free time she loves taking movement classes, hanging at the beach, and relaxing with her boyfriend Erik, family, friends, & her pup Fin!

Get to know Kasey:

What has YoBa Studio meant to you?

It’s the core of who I am. YoBa has changed how I feel and communicate to my self and others, and continues to be my safe haven. I’ve made life long friendships along the way too!

Go to artists for playlists:

Maggie Rogers, Leon Bridges, anyone with a good beat and little bit of soul.

If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be:

A Talk Show Host - not podcaster. More like "Ellen" style.

Favorite class at YoBa and Why: 

YoBa- it’s a nice blend of all of our classes. I love that I get to move in so many different ways in one hour. 

Kate is a Raleigh native who grew up playing all kinds of sports. During college, she craved the feeling of being strong and athletic and returned to group fitness, but disliked the culture of most fitness studios and gyms. ENTER YOBA!

The emphasis on body respect, positive community, and taking care of yourself and others is what drew Kate in when she moved back home in 2019 and she hasn't looked back!

When Kate was ready to take on Yoga Teacher Training, she knew the only place to go was YoBa and was grateful to be led by Sam and Nikki. She looks forward to sharing her love of movement, intentional connection to breath, and joy for life with you! 

Get to know Kate:

What's your ideal movement schedule?

One of the greatest things about YoBa is the variety! It keeps me involved and from burning out, and I am physically stronger because of our many modalities.

Podcast I'm currently listening to (or Book I'm currently reading):

I love to read please add me on Goodreads! Historical Fiction is my favorite genre. 

What role does music play in your life?

Music is a connector - I love listening to throwback music with my sisters and friends. Music is a calming force, and music is POETIC and meaningful!

By day (or night) I'm also a:

Director of Youth Ministry at an Episcopal Church. I love working with teenagers!

Katie first started practicing yoga to manage stress and live more actively, but ended up finding freedom and connection by moving and feeling on her mat. She received her RYT-200 in 2020 at YoBa Studio in Raleigh, NC, and soon started teaching. Her classes are dynamic, full-body, and are always paired with a killer playlist. Outside of teaching yoga, Katie works as a digital marketing manager for a global e-commerce software company. When not practicing or teaching, Katie enjoys spending time with her mini labradoodle, Rosie, trying new restaurants and bars around town, watching all the things on Netflix, and traveling. 

Get to know Katie:

Podcast I’m currently listening to:

Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best - can I be best friends with Busy?!

Music plays this role in my life:

Music plays a huge role in my life! I spend so much of my free time going to as many concerts as I can, discovering and sharing new artists, and curating playlists.

By day,  I’m also a:

Client Strategy Manager, working with ecommerce clients on Amazon Advertising strategy

What has YoBa Studio meant to you?

YoBa has offered me a place to heal, grow, and discover, completely without judgement and always with support.

Laurel is a Raleigh native as well as a NSCU student studying Sport Management. She started practicing yoga in 2015 when her sister invited her to a free class at Lululemon! She fell in love with the practice because of the way it taught her to be compassionate and grateful for my body. It also helped her slow down and appreciate/celebrate the smaller moments in life (Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh changed her life)!

After a few years, Laurel pursued a YTT as well as her NASM certification in 2018. Having mostly been teaching Senior yoga and Senior Group fitness, she is thrilled to join the YoBa team and teach the studio community found here!

During her free time, Laurel loves to read, cook, eat and spend time with her fiancé and pups! She is VERY excited for the opportunity move with you all! 

Get to know Laurel:

If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be: 

A coffee Connoisseur or a food critic (some of the things I love the most!)

What role does music play in your life?

Music has always played a huge role in my life as I grew up playing different instruments. Currently, music is both a release, and something to get me hyped up depending on what I need. 

If I could invent a holiday it would probably be:

Something to do with food or outside activities, like a world field day!

The most fulfilling part about working at YoBa:: 

The community and the way students radiate after classes

Growing up in Pennsylvania, Lauren participated in gymnastics, ballet, soccer, softball, track and field, and tennis. She played tennis year round in middle and high school, and always sprinkled in a little bit of yoga here and there. In college, she focused on running and loved taking yoga classes for stress relief.

After graduating from college with a Bachelors Degree in Respiratory Therapy, she moved to Baltimore and loved experiencing all that city living has to offer. After relocating to North Carolina and facing some health issues, Lauren found her second home at YoBa studio, quickly becoming an unlimited member. She made the decision to sign up for Yoga Teacher Training in the midst of training for a new position at work and planning a wedding.

After completing training in 2022, she felt called to continue my journey to becoming an instructor. Through her knowledge of the body from her experience in healthcare, mixed with the teachings of YTT, she hopes to lead with heart and inspire clients to move with intention. 

Get to know Lauren:

What's your ideal movement schedule?

I need variety in my movement schedule, which is one of the many reasons I have stuck with YoBa. Barre, yoga, strength, YoBa, and a little cardio every now and then!

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner?

Lunch does not get the respect it deserves!! It could be brunch, it could be a delicious soup and salad, it could be snacks, a sandwich! The possibilities are endless. 

My Enneagram is:

Type Two: empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted 

The most fulfilling part about working at YoBa: 

Feeling unconditionally loved, held, and supported. There are so many opportunities to learn and grow, both personally and as a team member. YoBa is a safe space to move and express yourself freely.

Olympia grew up in Northern Virginia, outside of Washington, DC. She attended Virginia Tech, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, and spent the first decade of her professional career across roles in finance, technology, and startups, including sales and trading, startup consulting, software engineering, and product management.

Although she initially started exploring yoga in 2016, it wasn't until Olympia faced personal health challenges across 2021-2022 that she developed a consistent yoga practice. During those years of her life, her yoga mat became the safest space for her to be. Olympia earned her RYT-200 certification 2022 at YoBa Studio and completed her apprenticeship in January 2023 with Sam Williams.

Olympia strongly believes in yoga's ability to heal individually and collectively. She is passionate about making this practice accessible, safe, and inclusive to anyone interested in exploring it.

Today, Olympia works as a product manager at a financial technology startup and builds financial tools that empower and educate retail investors. She lives in Raleigh, NC, on Lumbee, Skaruhreh/Tuscarora, and Catawba native land (source: https://native-land.ca).  

Get to know Olympia:

If I could invent a holiday it would probably be:

National Rest and Self-Care Day.

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner?

Breakfast! I eat two breakfasts a day: #1 pre-workout focused on carbs, #2 post-workout focused on protein, carbs, and fats, served with a green tea on the side. 

What's your ideal movement schedule?

Daily walks. Strength training 3x a week. Yoga to fill the spaces in-between. 

What has YoBa meant to you?

A place of support: To be held, to heal, to grow, to explore, and to discover. To move and to find stillness. To breathe and to be.

Teresa's fitness journey began with her love of running the beach boardwalks in southern California; craving the chance to disconnect through movement, and loving the push to go farther through beat driven music. 

Seeking a way to cross train that was lower impact but still energetic and fun, she started incorporating barre into her regime at her studio in San Diego. When she moved to Raleigh in Summer 2019, she was delighted to find YoBa right in her neighborhood, and quickly fell in love with the mission and community feel. 

She completed her apprenticeship at YoBa in Spring 2021, and is excited to meet you in class! 

When not teaching or taking class, you can find her working her nonprofit project management job, enjoying a patio drink with her husband or friends, and playing with her sweet Cavapoo, Henry.

Get to know Teresa:

Favorite Quote:

"I put my talent into my work, but my genius into my life." -Oscar Wilde

My Enneagram is: 

A tie between type 7 (Enthusiast) and type 2 (Giver), but I personally identify most with 7. 

My Favorite class at YoBa: 

When I'm not teaching Barre... Signature because it brings the fire! 

What has YoBa Studio meant to you?

It was the first community I felt truly part of when I moved to Raleigh in 2019, and has only grown to mean even more since! 

Allie is a lifelong mover, playing sports growing up and becoming a group fitness junky right out of college. Her journey to YoBa started when she got curious about movement that wouldn't take such a toll on her body the way that HIIT and spin classes did. She started moving with us through ClassPass then became a full-time member in 2018. From there, she joined our front desk team, graduated from our Yoga Teacher Training program, and is now an Instructor-in-training.

Fun fact: Allie is also our in-house marketing consultant!

When Allie isn't at YoBa, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her husband and pup, Scout.

Get to know Allie:

What does YoBa mean to you?

YoBa has provided me the feeling of being safe, seen, and welcomed — a rarity in this world of fitness studios. It has also played a major role in getting curious about my body and what type of movement serves it day in and day out.

Favorite Class at YoBa?

YoBa! Love the added strength mixed with the foundational elements of our yoga and barre classes.

If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be:

A personal stylist

How long have you been practicing (yoga/barre/dance etc): 

I've been practicing yoga and barre since 2018. YoBa converted me from HIIT, spin-loving gal to a functional movement enthusiast.

My name is Breonna Godette, Bre for short. Born and raised in Raleigh, NC and I went to ECU for both my undergrad and Graduate degrees (Go Pirates!).

I'm a professional in the tech field and have developed a passion for DEI programs and initiatives within this industry.

In my free time, I love moving with my YoBa family, watching a good Netflix (or crime) series, and spending time with friends and family! 

Get to know Bre:

What does YoBa mean to you?

A safe place to be myself and clear my mind!

What role does music play in your life?

Huge- I can turn on a fav playlist or song and instantly be in a great mood or feeling of calmness when needed.

If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be:

Interior Designer

If I could invent a holiday it would probably be: 

National Adult Summer break (get the month of June off from work)

Caitlin discovered YoBa after getting a gift card for Christmas in 2021 - she walked into the studio for her first class a couple days after being laid off from her job, wanting to take a yoga class to focus on her mental well being. Her expectation was to take a few classes with her gift card balance, not fully ready to commit to a studio, but she quickly found a safe haven in YoBa and the community and has been involved since. Since then, she's been working at front desk since February 2022 and has found a new love for movement!

Growing up, Caitlin lived in Charlotte and was a competitive cheerleader for 8 years. She attended NC State where she got her Bachelor's in Business and has been working in the Human Resources field her whole career. She loves calling Raleigh home and recently got married in May 2023.

Outside of YoBa and her day job, you can find her snuggling her rescue pup Hazel, hanging at breweries with friends, or attending NC State tailgates & football games.  

Get to know Caitlin:

What's your ideal fitness schedule?

I love the combination of a few YoBa classes a week, walks around the neighborhood with my dog, and using my under desk treadmill while I work remotely! 

If I could invent a holiday it would be:

Offices closed the first Thursday & Friday of March Madness - BIG college basketball gal!

Most fulfilling part about being a part of YoBa's Team:

Hearing and seeing the impact YoBa makes in the lives of our clients!

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner?

Is Dessert an option?

Carrie began her yoga practice in 2014 after a back injury and trying to find ways to incorporate functional movement. She's been a fan of YoBa for many years, and made the decision in 2022 to join the front desk team. 

By day, Carrie is the Director of Operations at the John Locke Foundation. She works closely with the CEO & President to oversee daily operations and ensure the organization functions efficiently.

In her spare time, she enjoys taking trips to the beach, cooking for her friends and family, and working on her fixer-upper house. 

Get to know Carrie:

What has YoBa meant to you?

YoBa has been a place for me to focus on me and me only. It's a great way to tune out the noise from a busy day and really get out of my head and into my heart. 

What role does music play in your life?

I'm always listening to music and go to probably 12-15 concerts a year! 

Favorite class at YoBa:

Flow 45. It's short, sweet, and packs a punch all in one 45 minute class.

Mantra I live by:

Don't let your Mondays ruin your Sundays!

Diamond is a Raleigh native - born & raised! She started her regular yoga practice in 2017 & found YoBa in 2020 via Live Stream when the entire world had to pivot. She uses yoga and her movement practice as an opportunity to both spend time reconnecting with herself—body, mind, and spirit—and to celebrate the ability to move her body in a way that she truly and wholeheartedly enjoys!

She recently took the leap and completed her YTT at YoBa in May 2023! In her daily life, she is passionate about placing books into the hands of small children to promote literacy from an early age.

When not at work, she enjoys visiting farmers’ markets, taking yoga classes, and spending time reading in local coffee shops.. 

Get to know Diamond:

By Day or Night I'm a...

A Children’s Librarian (bring your kiddos to a storytime!)

What has YoBa meant to you?

YoBa means the world to me! It is a studio with heart and you truly feel that from the moment that you walk through the front door. It is a space to freely move your body in a way that fits and works best for your body that day. The ever-present options for variety and modifications are what drew me to YoBa and what keeps me craving more. I'm forever grateful to have found this studio!

If I weren't so damn good at my job I'd be:

Hands down, I would be a flower farmer in another life – fresh local flowers make my heart oh so happy!

What's your ideal movement schedule?

Yoga at least 3 times a week with Strength, Barre, &/or YoBa sprinkled in as well!  

Grayson, an Eastern North Carolina native, is originally from Wilson where she grew up playing soccer, tennis, dance and cheerleading. She received her undergrad online from East Carolina University while working full-time at a law firm.

Life presented many challenges in her early adulthood that led her to question the norms and seek other forms of wellness. Grayson started taking group fitness and yoga classes at her local YMCA in high school but considers the start of her practice when she moved to Wilmington in 2011 and took her first hot yoga class. Shortly after moving to Raleigh in 2018 Grayson found herself at a cross-road and leaning into yoga but hadn’t found a studio she loved. She was introduced to YoBa through a close friend who raved about the community, atmosphere, and how free she felt at the studio. Grayson had to experience it for herself and quickly moved to an Unlimited Member. She graduated YTT in June 2020 and joined the front desk team.

Grayson’s passion for wellness extends into her professional life as a Human Resources Manager. Where she helps people navigate difficult situations, grow their careers and be their best self. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, listening to live music, painting and crafting, and snuggling with her fire-tip Siamese cat Simon. 

Get to know Grayson:

What role does music play in your life?

Music has played a big part of my life. I love concerts, live music, festivals. Depending on the mood I could be listening to rap, country, southern rock, bluegrass, EDM, pop, hip-hop.. I like it all. Every song brings a different emotion or feeling.

The most fulfilling part about being on the YoBa team:

The people I have met and become friends with are the most genuine, funny, smart, caring, amazing humans. No matter my day, as soon as I walk in the air is lighter! I never leave without a smile on my face.

If I wasn't so damn good at my job I'd be a..

On a beach or by the beach every day

Favorite class at YoBa and why:

All of them! Yoga, Barre, and YoBa are my most frequented. I love that I can drop into myself and do what feels good to me that day.  

Highly energetic Mom of 3. Always up for life's adventures. Never met a task I wasn't up to try. Enthusiast, curious, adventurous all describe me as being ME!

Get to know Jetta:

The most fulfilling part of the YoBa team?

Connecting with some of the most interesting and kind people. One of the first communities I've felt apart of. 

Favorite Class at YoBa?

Flow w/ Weights. There is nothing like leaving class feeling strong in your body mentally and physically.

By day (or night) I’m also a:

Labor & Delivery Nurse

Mantra I live by:

I am fine with who I am, and love who I am becoming 

Kylie started off as an unlimited member and knew she wanted to be part of the YoBa team. She could never find a movement her body craved and enjoyed until she came to YoBa. She loves all of the different class types, the heat, the music, and the community.

When she is not in the studio, Kylie is hanging out with her fiancé and her two dogs, exploring nature or relaxing at home. 

Get to know Kylie:

What role does music play in your life?

I don't sing or play an instrument, but music has always played a significant role in my life. I always have music playing, and I like to stay open minded and listen to new things. Going to concerts and music festivals is one of my favorite things to do. 

If I could invent a holiday it would be:

Lazy Pajama Day!

Mantra or Quote you live by:

You grow through what you go through

Favorite class at YoBa & why:

Barre! I love the music, the repeated movements, the full body workout, the lights, and the heat!  

Lindsay, a NC Native; grew up and Winston Salem playing soccer and basketball since the age of 5. After receiving degrees from UNC Wilmington (undergrad) and Appalachian State University (grad). She has called Raleigh home since 2019 .

In her 20's she realized how hard, contact sports, were on the body, she needed another outlet to move her body. Lindsay found YoBa through a friend in 2022 and has never looked back. After joining as an unlimited member in January 2022, she has embraced the full YoBa experience. She joined the front desk team in March 2022, completed her RYT 200 in December 2022 and is working on a Yoga Apprenticeship in Spring of 2023.  My experience at YoBa is like no other studio I have ever tried, in all the best ways possible. The focus on body inclusiveness, knowing the names of their clients and a diverse music taste; along with the deep connections I have made; are what keep me coming back time and time again. 

When she isn't at the studio, you can find Lindsay; reading the newest thriller, traveling the world, catching up on trashy tv or spending time with her mini dachshund, Luna.

Get to know Lindsay:

What does YoBa mean to you?

Its my safe place, my place where I go when the outside world is creeping in. The connections, support and acceptance YoBa has provided,  is so special to me.

If I could invent a holiday, it would be:

A siesta in the middle of the workday, enough time for a nap in the middle of the afternoon; like they do in Spain.

Favorite class at YoBa:

YoBa 60- it is the perfect blend of two of my favorite ways to move. Also I love the music in YoBa!

Mantra or quote you live by?

I can do hard things!

A native of Ralegh, Maggie attended college at ECU (Go Pirates!). Maggie is a HUGE fan of all things Broadway, movies and Taylor Swift. As a lover of dance and music, her favorite Yoba class is Cardio!

When she’s not behind the front desk at Yoba, you can find her teaching second grade at Douglas Elementary. She enjoys spending time with her nephew, Louis, and her friends and family.

Get to know Maggie:

What has YoBa meant to you?

YoBa has helped me to recognize how much functional movement can help me in my everyday life. I feel myself getting stronger and able to move better, and I owe that to YoBa. It has also taught me to take what options I need for my body, and know that I don’t have to do what others around me are doing! 

If I could invent any Holiday it would be..

A day like Mothers or Father’s Day, but you get celebrated for being an aunt! Aunts day!

Favorite class at YoBa:

* Strength because I love how strong it makes me feel, and I feel like this class gets me out of my head, and into the movement.

* Cardio - as a former dancer, cardio is such a fun way for me to move my body in a way that I love!

Mantra or Quote I live by:

There’s a difference between knowing the path, and walking the path.

Olivia grew up in Lexington, KY. Her love of movement and community started early, spending all her free time outdoors playing & running around with her neighbors. Olivia spent her high school & college years coaching cheerleading & hiking whenever she had the chance.

As someone who was worried about injuries that may occur from moving in the wrong ways, she obtained her NASM Personal Training certification and began her journey of learning about how the body is designed to move. While taking her first yoga class in 2017, Olivia said that the switch in her head finally flipped from “movement for results" to "movement to feel". She has been practicing yoga ever since!

Olivia moved to Raleigh, with her husband, Nathan, & their dog, Brantley and luckily found YoBa in 2023! YoBa has been a place where she can have fun knowing that the movement has been intentionally thought out to prevent injury (during the practice & in real life!).

For Olivia, YoBa is a beautiful & continual reminder of how we are each uniquely made and essentially connected.

Get to know Madison:

What has YoBa meant to you?

YoBa has been an opportunity and place for me to learn, make friends, & to move in ways I enjoy. It is a group of people that embraces and embodies the important messages that you are enough (how you are today!) & were made to move in joyful ways.  

Mantra or Quote you live by?

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philippians 4:8  

Favorite class at YoBa:

YoBa 60 - It's so F-U-N-!!

By day I'm a:

Pool Manager!

I grew up in Raleigh and have been here my whole life. I started a small stationery  business called Sol Tones in 2022 that I love working on. When I’m not at YoBa you can find me and my husband drinking coffee, eating and traveling! 

Get to know Sarita:

What has YoBa meant to you?

I feel so at home at YoBa ! I was immediately welcomed in and treated like family. It’s a place I can come and clear my head even if that means I just lay down the whole class. I can do what feels good to me. 

What role does music play in your life?

Music is the soundtrack to my life, literally. I thrive with background noise, so something is always playing and usually matches my emotions for that day.  

Favorite class at YoBa:

Barre! The music is in barre is always so good and is guaranteed to put me in a better mood. I always feel like I’m getting a good workout and having fun at the same time! 

If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be: 

Owning a storefront for my stationery business