Meet the people who teach you.

Lynne is the owner and primary manager of Breathe Body & Mind. She has been a fitness professional since 2005. She taught Jazzercise (cardio dance) classes for over 12 years and has been an ACE certified personal trainer since 2012. She is also a registered yoga teacher, having completed her 200-hr yoga teacher training at Beloved Yoga in Reston. She likes to make exercise fun, whether working with clients one-on-one or in small or large groups. Lynne is also a Functional Fitness Specialist and a Senior Strength & Conditioning Specialist. The satisfaction of helping people reach and maintain their fitness goals is her greatest reward. Lynne spent over 20 years in the newspaper industry, the last 17 of them at The Washington Post as a national advertising executive. While she loved her career, she had a nagging dream to create a welcoming fitness studio where people look forward to going to nourish their body, mind and spirit and find a sense of community . . . Breathe Body and Mind was born in July 2016.

Lisa is Breathe's friendly studio manager and, although she doesn't teach classes at Breathe she is an extremely integral part of the studio. Breathe keeps humming along thanks to Lisa's diligence. She found Breathe in 2017 after being faced with a series of health issues. She was encouraged to find a less intense and calmer way of challenging her mind and body. After a lifetime of high intensity workouts she realized she struggled with the concept of relaxation. ( She still does!) She loves the warm and supportive community of instructors and members and feels the studio is her second home. Breathe has been a perfect fit in her retirement from a long career in communications and marketing.

Amanda is a certified group fitness (AFAA), Barre (Barre Above), and PopPilates instructor. She was a Division I athlete in track and field and has been involved in fitness and athletics her entire life. After suffering a back injury, Amanda was forced to look at fitness differently and find modalities that challenged her body in different gentler ways and her love of strength training, Barre and Pilates was born. Amanda fully believes that fitness is for everyBODY, and by providing encouragement and modifications, every participant can be successful. Each class is a chance to grow and learn from each other and for a very short period of time put ourselves first. Amanda loves to inject classes with a little bit of humor because it is harder to complain when you are laughing. Amanda lives in the Springfield area with her three daughters, husband and 2 crazy dogs.

Aneta was first introduced to yoga in 2005. Her passion for yoga grew and soon turned into a lifestyle. Inspired by knowledge beyond the physical aspect of yoga, Aneta became a student of yogic philosophy and graduated from a 500-hour Yoga Alliance Certified - Advanced Studies and Teaching training program through Yoga Pura in 2009. From interesting sequences to uplifting music, Aneta's classes are designed to push physical boundaries while cultivating a calm and centered mind. Aneta is passionate about living a healthy and well-balanced life, and incorporates various yogic practices and philosophy into her daily life, encouraging students to incorporate these ideals both on and off the mat.

Anne-Elisabeth has been a certified group fitness instructor since 2019. Ever since taking her first barre class, she has been in LOVE with the low impact and effective workouts. She believes that fitness should be for everybody and every body and feels that Breathe embodies this mantra. Her routines have been described as fun, challenging, and leaving participants feeling strong. In addition to teaching barre, Anne-Elisabeth loves being outside, reading, writing, baking, and spending time with family.

Yoga helped Christi deal with her back pain after she fell while pregnant at 7 months. She's been hooked on yoga ever since and completed her 200 Hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in 2020. Her Vinyasa classes are fun and challenging at the same time. She is grateful for her new yoga community at Breathe Body and Mind. In addition to being at a yoga studio, she also loves to travel and enjoys the beach. She looks forward to teaching yoga in Cancun every January and hopes to teach in other countries as well. Christi is also the founder and owner of Shanti Shenandoah Yoga Retreat, a weekend wellness retreat in the Shenandoah mountains.

A lifelong athlete, Christina first came to yoga to bring calm, balance and spirituality to her everyday life. In yoga, she found a deepened appreciation for the mind-body connection. Christina received her 200 hour RYT certification in January 2020, training under Kevan Gale and Alyson Pollard of Fluid Yoga. Christina's teaching style is accessible to all ability and experience levels, focused on vinyasa slow flow, gentle yoga, and restorative yoga. Students often comment on Christina’s kind nature, calm demeanor and nurturing style. Off the mat, Christina is an Interior Designer and enjoys all types of fitness, international travel, family time and cultivating her own home-grown organic vegetable garden.

Elena Velasco found yoga through her career as a theatre and movement artist. For over 25 years she has worked in the performing arts industry as a director, choreographer, performer and professor in the DMV and Greater Boston regions. Through her work she found that the fullest creative expression and connection was the result of the synthesis of the mind-body-consciousness. Yoga has helped her craft choreography that is more sustainable and gives performers greater agency over their bodies. Yoga informs her work in all disciplines, whether leading a vinyasa class at Bowie State University where she is an associate professor of theatre and movement, or establishing a healthy, mindful rehearsal process for movement-based performance. She completed her 200-hour teacher certification at Rising Sol Yoga School in 2024. She believes yoga and the arts must be accessible, and is passionate about holding space for a range of students from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Along with her active professional life, she enjoys biking, hiking, and meditating, and is the proud mother of seven children, all who have various paths and passions.

Emily Bermingham is a 600-hour certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Yoga Teacher (RYT 200, RCYT), and Sociology Professor, currently completing her 300-hour advanced yoga teacher training. She is trained in trauma-informed yoga, vinyasa, hatha, restorative, and children’s yoga, and also facilitates moon circles that foster connection, reflection, and healing.

Emily’s own journey with yoga and Ayurveda has been profoundly transformative. These practices supported her in recovering from injury and illness, helping her rediscover strength, balance, and vitality. In her teaching, Emily weaves together yoga philosophy, mindfulness, and Ayurvedic principles to create meaningful, heart-centered experiences. Her approach emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and the belief that self-care is both personal and collective — a form of community care.

As a teacher, mother, and military spouse, Emily’s work is grounded in presence, resilience, and authenticity. She strives to hold space where others feel safe, seen, and nourished — leaving each practice with a sense of grounding, renewal, and connection.

Faith Chang is a 500HR Registered Yoga Teacher and a certified ACE Group Fitness Instructor known for her fun and compassionate approach and functional perspective on physical movement. You'll love Faith for her simple and concise cues, diverse sequencing style, and playful demeanor. Faith honed her teaching skills through the 200HR Holistic teacher training at Samadhi Yoga Ashram in Rishikesh, India and advanced studies in Alexandria, VA. She completed her 300-YTT with My Vinyasa Practice, based in Austin, TX. Faith also holds certifications in Yin, Restorative, Nidra, Trauma-Informed and Adaptive Yoga. Faith is also a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP), meaning that she is certified to teach yoga teachers! She is a former preschool teacher, a veteran, and a kids/family yoga and mindfulness instructor. Faith continues to practice and teach private and group classes online, outdoors, and in studio in the Washington DC area.

Hemal (200-RYT Vinyasa and 200-RYT Hatha & Ashtanga) started practicing yoga in 2015-16 and was addicted to how she felt after each class. She suffered tremendous loss during Covid which left her feeling devastated and lost. She decided to embark on a 200-hour yoga teacher training which helped her to focus on herself and to heal. This left her wanting to learn even more and so in early 2023 she completed a second YTT in Hrishikesh (known as the yoga capital of the world). Hemal says "I am on this journey where I want to share Yoga as a way of life".

Jennifer began her group fitness career in 2007 teaching BodyPump, RPM, TurboKick, SilverSneakers, TRX, water aerobics, Pilates, boot camp and various forms of yoga, along with being a certified Personal Trainer. She is a 500-HR registered yoga teacher who is trauma informed trained. She completed her goal of becoming a certified yoga therapist in 2021. She also holds certifications in pre and postnatal yoga, Yoga Nidra, yoga for ADHD, and Embodied Social Justice. As a military spouse she has lived all over the country. In her other roles she’s a mom, published poet & essayist, nominated Best of the Net photographer, hiker & kayaker, singer & furniture refinisher. She loves all things gnomes & mushrooms.

Jo is certified yoga teacher who has been practicing yoga for over 12 years. She was drawn to how yoga helps her feel more calm, centered, and confident and it has become a passion that she loves to share with others. Jo is known for her calm presence, clear and supportive cues, soothing breath work, and challenging sequences and transitions. Her classes provide you with tools to deepen your practice and you will leave feeling stronger, energized, grounded, and balanced. Jo honed her yoga teaching skills through a 200-hour teacher training with Practice Everywhere as well as a Yoga for Kids teacher training workshop through FamilyFlow Yoga. Jo is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience working with children with special needs and their families. Outside of the studio, Jo is a mom of a teenage daughter and enjoys spending time outdoors exploring hiking trails and kayaking.

Julie is a RYT 200 Hour Yoga Instructor who has been teaching yoga since 2010. She originally started in 2009 as an American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer at Audrey Moore ReCenter and worked there until 2017. She knew how important it was to take care of your health, especially the heart because many of her family members had heart disease. She didn't know much about yoga in general but decided to take a yoga training class in 2010 through YogaFit Training Systems to enhance her personal training sessions. However, it turned out to be so much more!! The Yoga philosophy of the positive connection between body and mind, relaxation and improved health was a huge draw for Julie. She taught both mat and chair yoga at Audrey Moore ReCenter for seven years. Today Julie is known for her non-judgmental teaching style and welcoming class atmosphere. She continues to promote that yoga is for everyone - there's always a way to modify it! She is now working toward her RYT 500 Hour Yoga Training through YogaFit Training Systems.

A fitness professional for over 25 years, Karin has a background in physical therapy and received her 200 RYT in 2010. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer, having officially earned that certification in 2024 with ASFA (American Sports & Fitness Association). Injury/overuse led Karin to yoga which she feels is a personal journey teaching the individual about his/herself. Her focus in class is using proper form and alignment and honoring the place where we are today. Karin is a military spouse and has lived all over the world. She believes in the power of positive thinking and has used yoga to help trauma survivors and individuals struggling with PTSD. She has completed her 100-hour Warrior certification, focusing on using yoga to overcome traumatic events and anxiety. Karin loves to cook and prefers doing something outdoors to staying home and cleaning the house!

Kim began taking yoga several years ago to reduce anxiety and depression. She completed her 200-hr teacher training in July 2020. Through her yoga practice, Kim has learned to quiet the mind (or at least turn down the volume) from negative self talk. She empathizes with others who feel the pain and sadness from depression and the difficulty of releasing their anxieties and allowing themselves to be in the moment. Kim wants to help others realize their strengths, celebrate the small victories, see their self worth, and become empowered. Kim has worked in a veterinary hospital for over 15 years. She teaches Vinyasa, Hatha and Slow Flow.

Lana began practicing yoga in 2010 when she suffered from debilitating back pain. She found relief in yoga when painkillers, muscle relaxants and chiropractic treatments were ineffective. Lana wants to share the same sense of joy, inner peace and physical well-being she enjoys from her yoga practice with her students.

Lauren DeVera is a mixed Filipina American, known for her warmth and infectious energy! She is a Certified Life and Somatic coach, Mindfulness Teacher, Positive Psychology Practitioner, 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher, multi-passionate entrepreneur, and host of the Thrive and Thread Podcast. Additionally, Lauren holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Communications. She has been teaching, facilitating, performing, and curating in the DC Metropolitan area for over 15 years. Her credits include The Kennedy Center, NPR, Yoga Alliance, Asian Mental Health Project, National Geographic and more. She is also the founder of The Lion’s Den, a welcoming dance and wellness community that provides in-person and online classes, events, and performance opportunities. When she's not in the studio, she is coaching creatives and visionaries in her various programs, or snuggled up with a good book and cup of coffee. Lauren's excited to bring her multi-passionate approach to Breathe. She believes that how we move in our bodies deeply informs how we move and navigate the world. Students can expect to feel empowered and more in tune with their body and spirit!

Marion is a trauma-informed RYT-500 (registered yoga teacher with 500 hours of training) and a YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider) who believes in each person’s potential and strives to guide them to find their inner strength. She received her yoga certifications from Yogafit, and YogaRenew. She is also certified to teach pre and post natal yoga, seniors yoga and kids yoga as well as barre classes (per her certification from Metropolitan School of the Arts). She is an avid swimmer and prior master’s coach. Marion is dedicated to her family and strives to maintain a high level of fitness and nutritional health while inspiring others to do so as well!

In her earlier days, she was a lead cyclist on the University of California Berkeley Women’s cycling team. In her home town of San Diego, she taught spin aerobics in exclusive studios, and later, to military at the Naval Base, Millington, TN. Marion holds an MBA from the University of Memphis and held a career in investment marketing.

Rebecca started teaching in 2012 and holds a 500 hour certification from ISHTA Yoga in NYC. She continues to be a student of the practice. In her classes, Rebecca encourages her students to explore their own individual practice by cultivating an awareness of the body and breath so as to connect with the present moment.

Sabrina has been into all types of fitness since the early 90's. After being introduced to Pilates by her mom, Sabrina was hooked and started working to become an instructor. Sabrina is Peak Pilates Comprehensive Certified and Core Barre certified. Sabrina is also working on completing a special certification in Osteoporosis. She has studied under many master instructors and works with two master instructors weekly to continue learning and growing in her Pilates practice. It's not just a form of exercise for Sabrina, it's a way of life and she teaches her clients how Pilates can help with recovery from injuries and/or prevent these injuries from occurring later in life.

Stephanie Cruse, YACEP, E-RYT 200, RYT-500, RPYT, MA, has been teaching yoga since 2014, and for her, yoga is a space to stay curious and be challenged in how she shows up for herself, for others, and in the world around her. Her goal as an instructor is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can tune in, be playful, and leave feeling better than when you walked in.

Stephanie loves offering unique sequences and fun playlists to help make each class engaging and personal. She'll always encourage you to listen to your body, honor what you need that day, and continue showing up for yourself, however that looks.

She holds a 300-hour Yoga Personal Trainer certification through Yogamedco, and specializes in Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga.

Outside the studio, she is a lover of her kids, queso, being by the water, and stargazing.