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. She set out to create something much more than a studio but a brand to share, build, and grow. Sam 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 and loves the excitement and energy her students bring to the classroom! Nicola is excited to be a part of the YoBa Studio family and share her love for Barre!

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.

Nikki, a Raleigh native, spent much of her childhood on the soccer field and cheerleading for both school and competitive teams. After graduating from Florida State University, she moved to Los Angeles, CA and fell in love with the city, the people, and the culture before locating back to Raleigh.

Although she discovered yoga in 2013, Nikki became more serious about her practice after becoming a YoBa Studio Unlimited member. She studied under Sam Williams and was RYT-200 certified through YoBa Studio’s YTT program in 2019.

Her favorite part of becoming a teacher was learning how serving the community is such an important aspect of this position. She loves combining her eclectic music taste along with purposeful movement to her flows and she is excited to experience the practice with you!

When she's not inside the studio you can find Nikki reading a great thriller, watching a scary movie or celebrating her favorite holiday, Halloween (notice a theme here?) She also loves spending time with her husband Bill and her dog Birdie!

Get to know Nikki:

You can find my own mat rolled out at this class:

YoBa. I love the mix of barre movements and a mindful practice together. The best kind of combo!

Music plays this role in my life:

Music inspires my life every day and I believe it is a form of communication. You can express your feelings with the press of a play button, without having to say a word. I love that music is such a big part of how we practice at YoBa.

Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner:

Breakfast! All the savory dishes and LOTS of coffee, please!

What has YoBa Studio meant to you?

I started off at YoBa as a client, where the studio was my place of reprieve and decompression from my busy day. For me, YoBa always meant a place of support and an opportunity to lose myself in movement and music. I crave the heat and crave the classes - even as a team member!

Get to know Barbara:

Originally from Raleigh, NC, Barbara grew up figure skating and believe this background is part of what has drawn her right to yoga. It is another modality of movement where alignment and safety is just as important as freedom and expression.

Barbara completed the RYT-200 program at YoBa in 2020 with Sam Williams and felt compelled to stay a part of this community.

Professionally, she works as a registered dietitian and diabetes educator. She loves empowering clients to be able to improve their health through fueling their bodies and learning to trust their instincts. Outside of YoBa, Barbara enjoys spending time with her family and friends (including a new addition to her family!).

Fall is her absolute favorite season of the year for the cooler days, colorful leaves and football games!

Favorite Classes at YoBa:

Flow 45: I love that a yoga class always gives you what you need; space for movement and space for emotional release. It always amazes me that 45 minutes can literally transform my day.
Barre 45: I started doing Barre 45 as an additional low-impact movement modality with pregnancy. The low impact and focus on core strength feels empowering. I also am a fan of any type of movement that doesn't require shoes!

By day I am also: 

Registered Dietitian

What has YoBa Studio meant to you?

YoBa is a space where I can both be myself and work on myself. 

My Ideal Movement Schedule:

Walk the dog daily plus three classes at YoBa per week; two yoga and one barre or vice versa. I do also spend time at home practicing yoga as I prepare to teach each week. 

Brianne grew up in Northern California and played sports from age 5-15. And even after she stopped playing sports, movement has always been a part of her life.

After living in Utah for 6 and a half years, studying human moment in school (involves the total communication of language - including physical prescens/motion and emotional response) Brianne got married in 2019 decided to move to Raleigh in January 2021.

She was looking for a place specifically where she could expand her yoga practice AND become a teacher. Which made YoBa the perfect studio for her!

She has learned so much about herself and her own body, which has bought her so much joy and allowed her to guide people through movement that feels good in their bodies.

When Brianne isn't teaching or nannying her sweet families, she is spending time with her husbands and her dogs and LOVES being outside!

Get to know Brianne:

My teaching style is?

Calming. Practicing to drop in to my body while guiding others to do the same.

What has YoBa meant to you?

I am so grateful I found YoBa in. I have learned and grown so much as a person since walking through the doors for the first time as a client, then as a YTT student and now as an insturctor with a class on the schedule.

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

A World Traveler

If I could invent a holiday it would probably be:

A combination of earth day and thanksgiving. Being together as a family and going on an outdoor adventure while being so grateful for what we have.

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!

Jennifer grew up in Kernersville, NC, and moved to Raleigh after graduating college in 2002.  Her first yoga experience was during college, where she practiced using a VHS tape multiple times per week to support training as a collegiate dancer at UNC. This was followed by years of corporate life, a walk when she allowed herself time, and the best teacher of all - life and all sorts of ups and downs. She tried hot yoga in 2012 and had a hard time breathing, much less holding downward facing dog, but kept showing up. Yoga has helped her feel stronger physically and mentally.  Jennifer earned her RYT-200 hour certification in 2017, and completed a 300 hour certification in May 2021 (both though Indigo Hot Yoga Center of Raleigh), and has completed additional certifications in Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Yoga Assisting, Yoga Sculpt, and Empower Movement Advanced Teacher Training from the Yoga Joint. Prior to teaching, Jennifer worked for an organization for more the 12 years as a Sales and Marketing Manager in the medical field.  After investing in herself with yoga teacher training in 2017, she jumped into teaching full-time and loves every minute.  She firmly believes it’s never too late to learn something new.  She loves seeing students grow on their mat, and is amazed anytime a student shares how the movement and heart-work has helped them feel less stressed, get better sleep, or feel stronger. 

Outside of yoga, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, her person John, and spoiled retriever mix Isabelle.  

Get to know Jennifer:

My teaching style is:

Encouraging and accessible, mixed with a good bit of challenge to help you grow. I hope to create classes that provide options for all- levels, and empower students to choose what serves them in the best way in that moment without judgement. 

The role does music play in my life:

I was a dancer in my youth, and learned to play multiple instruments. I am so grateful that the love of music that I developed then has continued into adulthood. A live concert is my happy place. Music has a way to calm and sooth, excite or inspire, and whether you are creating it, moving to it, or simply listening - music can provide a way to express and release emotion. 

My enneagram is:

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

My Favorite Classes at YoBa:

All of them! The movement styles at YoBa complement each other in the variety of ways they build strength, flexibility, and support healthy joint mobility. The invitation in all classes to be “free” in your body and move to great pumping music, create a space where I can really get out of my head. 

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

Get to know Kasey:

What has YoBa Studio meant to you?

YoBa has been a save haven for me since the first day I attended a class. It is a space that I can go to and work through whatever is going on at anytime (good times and bad)!

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:

Talk Show Host

If I could invent a holiday it would probably be: 

National Brunch Day

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.

For the last 8 years, Lauren has spent her professional time traveling around the world leading and guiding hair dressers through continuing  eduction. During that time, she fell in love with yoga, visiting different studios while on the road for work. She loved that her practice allowed her to decompress after teaching hair all da

Once Lauren found YoBa Studio, she was excited to have a home base studio and completed YTT with Yoba  in 2021. She was expecting her time training to be a creative outlet for a couple of months, but ended up falling in love with teaching yog

In 2021 Lauren was able to come off the road and be full time in Raleigh, allowing her to spend more time with her husband, friends, pups and now with the community at YoBa.

Get to know Lauren:

Podcast I'm currently listening to:

I am hooked on The Armchair Expert Podcast. I love listening to all different types of people be so real and honest. It has made me realize how much we all have in common!

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner:

Breakfast is my favorite, anytime of the day!

My Enneagram is:

3 - The achiever. I LOVE a goal

Favorite Classes at YoBa & Why?

I fell in love with YoBa because of Yoga. That said, I can't pick a favorite! I love the ability to switch it up through out the week depending on what I have going on and what I need.

Movement has always been an integral part of Michelle's life, starting gymnastics and dance classes at a young age and cheering competitively through college. Michelle was introduced to yoga in 2016, and instantly felt a strong connection to the movement of asana paired with breath work and heart work that helps her manage stress and anxiety. She fell in love with YoBa after her first visit in 2017, drawn in by the intentional movement and the community that welcomes everyone no matter where they are. After practicing for many years, she was eager to expand her knowledge of the practice, center it in her life and share it with her community. Michelle received her RYT-200 certification through YoBa Studio's YTT program and completed an apprenticeship under Sam Williams Stilwell in 2021. When she's not working her day job at Environmental Defense Fund, you can find Michelle enjoying the outdoors with her husband and their energetic pup Remy (the cats prefer to stay at home!).

Get to know Michelle:

My teaching style is:

Powerful, dynamic, anatomically driven classes that connect you to your body so you move with more intention on and off the mat!

My Enneagram is:

Type 1 - reformer, idealist, advocate

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

working with animals in some way, such as at the Duke Lemur Center in Durham where I worked during college and grad school!

What has YoBa Studio meant to you?

YoBa is my home away from home, a safe place where I know I can always go for connection, restoration and support regardless of how I look or feel that day.

Stacy grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and attended the University of Pittsburgh to study Public Relations and Political Science. It wasn’t until a marketing job brought her to the Raleigh area that she discovered hot yoga and a dedicated practice was born. It was love at first Asana, so to speak. She fell in love with the way the practice made her feel, the way it allowed her to get out of her head, and the way it forced her to stop saying “I can’t.” Eventually, Stacy realized that sharing yoga with others brought her more joy than she knew possible and an RYT-200 certification soon followed. She currently works as a yoga therapist for a network of eating disorder hospitals and strives to create a space where everyone feels safe & comfortable to be themselves. It was that exact outlook that resonated so strongly when Stacy discovered YoBa. It is truly a space where everyone is invited in exactly as they are. No judgments.

Get to know Stacy:

What has YoBa Studio meant to you?

A group of the most supportive individuals I’ve ever met, always cheering each other on & learning both from and with each other.

Music plays this role in my life:

Music is truly a universal language and has the power to connect everything & everyone.

By day (or night) I’m also a:

Yoga Therapist for a network of eating disorder hospitals.

Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner?

Breakfast. Give me all the bacon & eggs you have.

Get to know Teresa:

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 barre apprenticeship at YoBa in Spring 2021, and is excited to meet you at the barre! 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.

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!