meet our uplifters

What to expect in class:
You will find a steady and challenging flow with focus on alignment to help you explore your postures powerfully and safely. Expect hands on assists, laughter and empowerment.

Yoga Journey:
Lindsay has been practicing yoga for 10 years and teaching for over 6. Her journey started with prenatal yoga where she found the breath and community empowering. She returned to her mat after her baby girl was born and found Baptiste Power Yoga. Through this powerful practice she found space in her body, mind and soul that shifted her entire way of being. She quit her 12-year corporate job, went to teacher training, became a birth doula, moved abroad, and is now the owner of Up Yoga. She is a Tier 2, 750-Hour Baptiste Certified Teacher, RYT 500 and E-RYT 200 with Yoga Alliance. She is currently in the Baptiste FIT to Lead program and will graduate in 2019. She completed her 230-hour training with Yoga Center Minneapolis in 2012 and Prenatal Teacher Training at Blooma Minneapolis in 2013. She leads many workshops and programs at Up Yoga, including the Teacher Training.

What others are saying:
Lindsay is a leader. She is loving, powerful, and supportive. When you take her class for the first time, you realize quickly that you have met someone who has a passion for community, yoga and the Baptiste Methodology. Her many years of experience provide for a dynamic, vibrant class. She will invite you into poses with her encouraging words and her knowledge of anatomy. She creates space to allow you to remove what is holding you back in your body and life. You will leave her classes feeling sweaty, strong, restored, and ready to take on life outside the studio.

What to expect in class:
A consistent and powerful flow. Feeling safe and supported while stepping out of your comfort zone. Amazing hands on assists!

Yoga Journey:
Colin began his yoga journey in 2001 when his track coach sent him to a Baptiste Power Yoga class to improve his grace and body awareness. It was the physical benefits that first hooked Colin, but with a regular practice he gained an appreciation for the mental and spiritual aspects as well. Colin is Yoga Alliance E-RYT 200 certified and is a Registered Yoga School (RYS 200). He is Tier 1 Baptiste Certified with over 300 hours studying with the Baptiste Institute including focused work on hands-on-assists. Colin is a leader in the community with experience teaching workshops and trainings.

What others are saying:
Colin has a power in his voice that encourages me to take my practice to the next level each and every time. With his clear theme and speech he allows space for me to explore. Explore my breath, postures and mind...depending on the day. Colin has a clear understanding of anatomy and Baptiste Methodology and when he mixes this with his own experiences it’s magic.

What to expect in class:
You will learn something new - always! Peace and ease balanced with strength, and possibly a hip hop tune to make you smile.

Yoga Journey:
Meghan is trained in traditional yoga therapy, as well as power vinyasa, yin yoga, and prenatal yoga. She incorporates mudras, yogic philosophy and the balance between ease and effort into her invigorating classes, and emphasizes alignment, balance, strength and playfulness. Meghan is so grateful to be assisting students on their transformational journeys leading to greater health and happiness in spirit, mind and body. When she's not on her mat, she can be found lost in a book, cooking up a new recipe, or planning her next adventure.

What others are saying:
Meghan will bring you to ease as soon as you walk through the door. She has that way about her. She is confident and sweet, smart and sassy. She has thousands of hours of yoga training, not to mention the dedication to her own practice, so she always has something new to share with students. She is beautiful through and through. She welcomes you into her space with grace. Her way of being is of love and gratitude and you can’t help but feel more graceful in her class.

What to expect in class:
You can expect to discover a balance between ease, power and beauty in your practice all while moving to amazing music. Latricia will guide you inward with grace, allowing space to be where you are, dropping expectations and competition. She is authentic and typically laughs at herself at least once during class…

Yoga Journey:
Latricia has been practicing yoga for 14 years. In college her favorite theatre professor introduced her to yoga and she was instantly hooked. She was initially drawn to the powerful physicality of the practice but soon realized the incredible healing and empowering aspects of the spiritual element of yoga. Her classes embody both. She brings a spirit of strength, flexibility, compassion, and power to her classes. She has experienced first-hand the way yoga can build heat and strength in the body as well as calm the mind and quiet the spirit, and her goal is to help her students experience this freedom too. Latricia has been teaching for 4 years and studied Forrest Yoga in Boston, vinyasa yoga under Tiffany Cruikshank while living in Portland, and is a certified Baptiste Yoga Instructor with over 240 hours with the Baptiste Institute. An actress with a degree in theatre, Latricia is passionate and full of life. She is loyal with her friends and family and completely devoted to her three young children. She sincerely wants to make the world a better place and she thinks yoga is an incredible tool for all to help open the heart and mind and create SPACE for new possibilities.

What others are saying:
Latricia is effortless. She has a grace and beauty that comes from within. Her teaching comes from that same space. You hear her words as she is teaching you and think "oh I can totally do that!" Before you even realize it, her southern grace and charm has just kicked your ass. She has an infectious laugh and it shows up in her teaching when you need it. She'll laugh at herself and encourage you to do the same. Her core values perfectly define her. Expect to find passion and love in her class.

What to expect in class:
In Vanessa’s class you can expect to be challenged AND fully supported. She loves giving hands-on-assists and helping students explore new poses. Show Up exactly as you are – and be open to new adventures. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself UpSide Down or flying in Vanessa’s class.

Yoga Journey:
Vanessa’s yoga journey started over 10 years ago in San Francisco, CA. In 2015, she received her 200-Hour RYT certification from YogaFlow SF, and has been passionately spreading the benefits yoga to others ever since. She recently moved back to the Midwest to be closer to family, leaving behind her prevalent career in the wine industry. She hopes to build Up a new career that intersects her vast knowledge & passion for both yoga and wine. She is thrilled to be a part of the supportive Up Yoga community and the Twin Cities community at large.

What others are saying:
Vanessa has a strong passion and dedication for her practice. She was part of the Up Yoga community the minute she walked in our doors! She is easy to talk to, honest and energetic. She doesn’t take herself too seriously, which is a gift when she leads you through challenging poses. Come see for yourself why we scooped this new-to-town girl Up.

What to expect in class:
In Mitchell’s class you can expect to learn something new, get extra sweaty and have fun all at the same time. He loves giving hands-on-assists and helping students explore new possibility in poses.

Yoga Journey:
The practice of yoga changed, and is changing his life. He sees yoga as an intentional and conscious way to live and connect to all people. He started yoga for active recovery for rugby. The first time he did yoga, he loved it… and he knew there had to be more. Mitchell was introduced to the Baptiste community at Minnesota Power Yoga. Soon he dove into teacher training with Sid McNairy, a yoga teacher in Towson, Maryland. He has since attended a 200hr yoga therapy program and discovered a passion for yoga as therapy, meditation, and Ayurveda. He always loved having meaningful conversations with people, so Baptiste Yoga was a natural way for him to find his way. He found freedom in the practices of yours, meditation, self inquiry and community. They carried me to where he is today. When he attended Level One with Baron Baptiste, he decided to give all that he has to the world. He has been teaching and learning yoga as a way of living and being ever since.

What to expect in class:
In Natalies’s class you can expect to be challenged mentally and physically while being supported each step along the way. Amazing savasana assists!

Yoga Journey:
Natalie has been practicing yoga on and off for over 13 years. Her journey started at a hot yoga studio in Madison, Wisconsin where she found the postures were a great compliment to her competitive soccer schedule. While attending the University of Minnesota she stepped away from her practice and after graduation found herself needing an outlet for stress relief. After graduation, Natalie found her way back to her mat in Thailand while completing her TEFL certification. After returning to the US, she jumped around between yoga studios in Minneapolis until walking into UP Yoga in 2017 where she fell in head over heals with the Baptiste methodology. Natalie quickly signed up for their teacher training program and graduated with her 200 hr RYT in May of 2018. Outside of teaching yoga Natalie works for a medical device company and advocates for patient safety. Additionally, Natalie is an Arbonne consultant and English tutor with the MN Literacy Council. A Madison native, Natalie now lives in NE Minneapolis with her partner Aaron. She considers herself an ice cream connoisseur and semi-pro napper.

What others are saying:
Natalie is a ray of sunshine. She is welcoming to her core. When she says she's inviting you to her NE home, she seriously is! You feel this way when you walk into her class. You feel seen and that she's excited you're there. Natalie is driven and clear on what she wants. She is willing to look deep within herself for answers and holds space for us each to do the same.

What to expect in class:
In Emily’s class you can expect to flow with breath while being challenged to find your edge. Emily uses her background as a personal trainer to help you tap into your strength with a sprinkle of humor to disctract you from your burning muscles!

Yoga Journey:
Emily began practicing yoga in 2008 as a quiet high schooler looking for a way to connect with her body. Yoga has been with her through many moves around the country and she turns to her mat in good times, bad times, and everything in between. After completing her teacher training at Up Yoga in May 2018, she immediately began teaching and spreading her passion for yoga to others.

What others are saying:
Emily has a deep passion for all things wellness. She is interested in you as a whole being and truly wants to help all people live their best lives. She is kind and sweet but don't be fooled...there is a firecracker in there and she will make you sweat!

What to expect in class:
In Emily’s class you can expect a powerful flow that supports and encourages you to explore what is possible on your mat and in your life. Lots of hands on assists!

Yoga Journey:
Emily has been teaching for six years. She grew up surrounding by Yoga, as her mom was a teacher and studio owner. Casually trying many styles of yoga over the years, her real journey with the physical practice began when a friend invited her to a Baptiste class in 2011. During that class, Emily sensed that this was the style of yoga that felt like home. In 2012, she took assistant training, followed by a 200-hour teacher training in 2013, both at Yoga One, a Baptiste affiliate studio in Charlotte, NC. Through this practice she has found community, connection and freedom that she wasn’t aware was possible. Emily has studied with various teachers, and has attended Baptiste Level One and Level Two trainings. She moved to Minneapolis in 2017 and is currently perusing Baptiste Certification.

What others are saying:
Emily has a calm and inviting presence about her that draws you in. She is smart and kind and the hours seem to just slip by when you're with her.

Yoga Journey:
John’s yoga journey began in 2010 when Lindsay brought him to his first class at Sigh in South Minneapolis. John began a regular practice in 2012 while living in Asia, and in 2017 was instrumental in building and opening Up Yoga with Lindsay. He was drawn to the strong sense of community and benefits of the practice, both mental and physical. Away from the studio, John enjoys spending time with his two daughters, building random furniture, riding motorcycles, and teaching and mentoring college students. John was born in Minnesota and has called South Minneapolis home (again) since 2014.

What others are saying:
John gets more done in one day than most people in a month. Seriously! His mind works at warp speed and his calm determination to complete a task makes him pretty unstoppable. What slows him down is his passion for his family and his desire to build beautiful things from old things. Up Yoga wouldn't exist without him and his ability to juggle all the important parts of life. You make it look easy John!

Yoga Journey:
You can find Kat spending quality time with loved ones eating brunch, snuggling with her kitten Mal, swimming in the lakes, or cheering on the MN United soccer club. As the EU Director, Kat is responsible for leading the EU team to keep the studio floors steamed, the cold wash cloths chilled, and the overall integrity of the space maintained. Kat completed her 200 hour RYT training at Up Yoga in spring 2018 and is passionate about the Baptiste methodology. She has experienced how the physical practice, meditation, and inquiry work has elevated her life.

What others are saying:
Kat showed a true passion for community the first time she took class. She is constantly stepping Up to the task no matter if it’s a leaky sink, eye towels that aren’t cold enough or constantly changing schedules with the Energy UpLifters. She is organized, kind and committed to her own growth along with those around her. Our studio is spotless because of Kat’s attention to detail and glowing personality. If you’re interested in the Energy Uplifter position send us an email at info@upyogamn.com and we will send you to Kat.

What to expect in class:
You will find endless support and ease in Amy’s class. Amy has a gentle voice and a calm presence that will guide you inward on your mat, help you find connection with yourself and leave you feeling strong and open.

Yoga Journey:
Amy's mother first introduced her to yoga during high school via Rodney Yee DVD's. She found her yoga practice instilled clarity and peace during a transitional point in her life and she loved the physicality it provided since school sports weren't the perfect fit for her. A steady yoga practice led her to her first yoga teacher training after she completed college. Since then she has completed over 500 hours of yoga study and has gained experience in a variety of yoga formats (kids, seniors, prenatal population). She is also a certified birth doula. Find more information at www.amynkelley.com Amy’s mantra is “I am enough exactly as I am.”

What others are saying:
Amy is generous and kind to everyone she meets. She combines that kindness with her deep well of yoga knowledge to skillfully weaves beautiful yoga classes. She can teach yoga to anyone anywhere because she lives it and practices it all the time. She is a true gift to our community and we know you’ll feel the love too.

What to expect in class:
You will find a steady and challenging flow with the focus on breath and intention. Kelly creates so much space in class for you to find your purpose. She is precise with her words, leaving you with the quiet you deserve. Expect to leave feeling more joyful and light.

Yoga Journey:
Kelly was hooked on yoga after her first 90 minute Baptiste class 3 years ago. She came back for 34 days straight, connected with breath and movement and began to witness her anxiety levels drop and relationships improve. Yoga has helped Kelly navigate huge career changes with ease. Kelly completed her 200-hr yoga teacher training through Sid Yoga in 2015 and is currently working toward Baptiste Certification. She completed Level 1 in 2016 and will attend Level 2 this fall.

What others are saying:
Kelly has a maturity and a depth about her that is truly inspiring. When I look at her I can’t help but think: “I want to be like her when I grow up!” She has a confidence in her choices and in her direction that is awe-inspiring. She challenges me to think and to own my life in ways that few friends can. She’s committed to being the very best person she can be in every moment, and is so open and receptive to the world around her. She is a BADASS!

What to expect in class:
You can expect a huge smile waiting for you when you walk in the door. Emma will make you feel comfortable, appreciated and accepted. You will flow peacefully and mindfully through class, and be treated with an incredible savasana assist as you rest.

Yoga Journey:
Emma's first yoga class was a six-week beginner series at the YMCA in high school. Since then she had been a bit of a nomad while searching for the right yoga practice. When she stumbled into a Baptiste yoga studio in 2014, she knew she had found what she was looking for. Baptiste yoga offers an incredible power vinyasa flow that builds heat and strength while supporting her spiritual and mental journey. Emma completed her 200hr RYT in January 2016. She teaches a variety of classes, and while the flow and energy may change with each class, her positive, UPlifting spirit remains constant, supportive and energizing. When Emma isn't teaching she spends her time in her NorthEast design studio developing locally made workout clothing for her brand MAI Movement. Her life motto is: 'some days you eat salad and go to yoga, other days you eat cake and refuse to put on pants. It's called balance.'

What others are saying:
Emma is an incredibly intuitive soul. She takes time to honor & recognize her own emotions, which makes her very sensitive to other's emotional needs. She's extremely gifted in the art of "holding space" for her friends. She knows when to simply listen, and when to say something. Her emotional depth is wise beyond her years, and she is consistently looking at ways to improve her life and challenge her barriers. She's committed to honest feedback, and is always willing to take a critical look at her heart & soul. The sun shines wherever Emma is - because she is contagiously bright, cheerful, and real.

What to expect in class:
A powerful and balanced vinyasa flow where power creates fun and fun creates connection.

Yoga Journey:
Evan completed 200 Hour RYT Training in May of 2018 and was trained in power vinyasa in the Baptiste methodology. He's practiced yoga at various studios since 2007, finally finding a regular practice at UP Yoga in 2017. Yoga had always been primarily related to injury prevention & recovery for Evan until he experienced the JIP sequence. For him, Baptiste yoga provided the power he didn't know yoga could offer. Outside of the studio Evan works at a local investment company, hikes, snowboards, gets to as many concerts as possible, travels, and spends quality time with his friends & family.

What others are saying:
Evan adds adventure into everything he does. He loves to travel, listen to music and try new things. He brings this energy with him when he teaches. His classes are fun, vibrant, challenging and adventurous. He challenges himself to not take everything so seriously. This empowers you to also let go and create a meditation in motion that will bring you back again and again.