Yoga Instructors

Tracy Hartmann

Tracy has been enjoying yoga for over 20 years. She has been teaching yoga to preschool children since 2006, ages 1-5. She completed the 20 hour Budding Yogis course at Circle Yoga in Washington D.C. This opened up new horizons for her to learn to teach yoga to ages 2-12. She used to teach through www.outschool.com, and taught over 500 classes on their platform. Tracy has accumulated a large base of knowledge over the years in adult yoga and has adapted some of this for children to enjoy. She emphasizes fun and has lots of props, toys, books, music and original games that energizes her classes. This past year she added Pilates to her fitness regimen. She graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and worked in newspaper advertising for 12 years before having her two girls. Both have now completed college. Tracy has been teaching for Kids in Motion since 2014 and is so great at what she does, that she trains new instructors! Your kids will have a blast with her!

Dina El Saharty

Dina discovered her passion for yoga back in 2011 and quickly fell in love with the practice. Born in Cairo, Egypt, she moved to the US when she was 3 years old and grew up in the DMV area. It wasn’t until Dina moved to Montréal for university that she realized yoga was about so much more than just a hobby! From stress and anxiety management, to better sleeping and eating habits, and to cultivating mindfulness, yoga became a priority. She knew she wanted to teach the practice and spread the joy of yoga to others. After receiving my BA in International Development from McGill University, Dina recognized the importance of mental health and building the mind-body connection. She received her 200hrs Yoga Teacher Training in 2017 and went on to teach other university students who struggled to balance their work and mental health. While pursuing her MA from Georgetown in Mindfulness Studies, Dina realized that mindfulness habits are best acquired from an even younger age. Dina recently joined NOVA Kids in Motion because she wants to help kids develop mindfulness habits to be better equipped at leading a balanced and active lifestyle. Dina considers her yoga mat a space for expression and creativity. While off the mat, Dina works full-time as a yoga studio assistant who leads meditation workshops and yoga trainings. A few guilty pleasures of hers – aromatherapy, astrology, and behavioral psychology books. She cant wait to see your child in class!

Jen Munroe

As an avid martial artist, I discovered yoga in college and quickly recognized its benefits when combined with my daily routine. In addition to easing muscle tension from my active lifestyle and a clearing my mind, I also felt more optimistic and enthusiastic. My passion for fitness inspired me to start teaching yoga so that others may experience the same benefits for themselves. I was inspired to teach kids yoga when a family member approached me asking if yoga could benefit a cousin. I now teach both children’s and adult yoga. “I have a mod for that,” is a comment I often say to my students. No matter where you are at in your body and abilities, I can help make the pose more accessible. “Absorb what is useful… and add what is uniquely your own” – Bruce Lee. This quote has been an inspiration since I started doing martial arts in college and continues to inspire me in yoga. Yoga is for everyone. I strive to help people feel empowered and confident in themselves so that they can find their own truth in yoga.

Kayla Kesselmann

Kayla is an athlete who has been practicing yoga for the past five years and enjoys sharing her love of yoga with kids. She has her bachelors and masters degrees from West Virginia University in the college of Media. This university is where she actually developed her love for Yoga. She started taking dance lessons when she was ten years old, and she went on to pursue her love for dance by receiving a minor in dance. With being naturally flexible, she decided to not give up on her talents. She received her 200 hour RYT training in Vinyasa yoga at Thrive Yoga in Rockville, MD, and has high hopes to strengthen her Yoga practice by someday teaching at a resort overseas. She also was a sprinter and hurdler on her middle and high school track and field team, where she won multiple awards and medals for her fast running ability. She currently works full-time as a Communications Officer for the government. When she’s not doing yoga she dedicates her spare time to increasing her flexibility, reading love novels, binge watching a great TV series, spending time with her Golden Retriever, taking videos/photos, traveling/hiking, and hanging out with her friends and family. Kayla teaches kids yoga, dance, and run club with a dynamic, energetic, compassionate, humorous, and fun approach.

Isabella Hearn

Isabella is deeply passionate about all things spiritual and loves working with children. She graduated from George Mason in 2022 with an individualized degree in Spirituality and Well-Being, and received her 200 YTT shortly after. Yoga and meditation have been a huge part of her life and healing for the past 5 years, and she is honored to share her love for movement and consciousness practices with children.

 

Michelle Lee

Meet Michelle Lee, a passionate yoga instructor with a transformative journey that began with a completion of 200 HR yoga training at Yoga District in September 2019, specializing in Hatha Yoga (another style of yoga that connects breath and movement). Michelle, whose professional background lies in the health field with her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, initially sought yoga for healing and instantly fell in love with her first class. Fueled by a genuine desire to give back to her community, she carries the essence of humility and authenticity into her teachings, welcoming all ages and encouraging them to listen to their bodies. In her personal practice, Michelle thrives in the energetic flow of Rocket Yoga, which is an Ashtanga practice. If you see Michelle upside down, right side up, or walking on her hands, please don’t be alarm.  Off the mat, Michelle is a devoted mom of three- two beautiful humans and a fur-pup. An enthusiastic Washington Commanders fan, a history nerd, an avid reader, and a connoisseur of good coffee. Michelle’s multifaceted personality and rich experience infuses her teaching with warmth and inclusivity, creating a safe space- practice where students can thrive on their unique yoga journeys.

Reggie Meneses

Hello, little yogis and parents! I’m Reggie, and I’m on a mission to make the world a happier, healthier, and more colorful place through the magic of yoga! I’m not just a regular yoga instructor; I’m your fun-loving guide to the world of kid’s yoga adventures. I’m ready to embark on exciting journeys filled with laughter, imagination, and lots of stretchy moves! I believe that every child is a shining star, and yoga is the secret sauce that helps them sparkle even brighter. Through playful poses, mindful moments, and creative storytelling, we dive into a world where joy and wellness go hand in hand. I’m an experienced 500 hour Yoga Alliance registered yoga instructor (E-RYT 500) with decades of experience working with people of all ages, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact yoga can have on their well-being, confidence, and sense of play. Whether your child is a seasoned mini-yogi or a first-time explorer, my classes are designed to be inclusive and engaging for all. So, grab your yoga mat, bring your biggest smiles, and let’s embark on a journey of joy and self-discovery together!

Priyanka Tamta

Priyanka is a registered and certified yoga (Hatha and Ashtanga) and meditation instructor, Integrative Nutritional Health Coach, Medical Aesthetician, Homoeopath, and a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA.) She has her Master’s Degree in Healthcare and an excellent record of providing patient comfort and satisfaction. She is an expert in teaching core yoga philosophy along with meditation to achieve calm and a peaceful mind with more flexibility and strength. Priyanka is from India and she lives in Fairfax with her daughter.

Izzy McCaffrey

Izzy is a 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Certified yoga teacher. She has found that yoga is the ultimate tool for self regulation, clarity, and wholeness. She believes very strongly in the healing power of yoga and that no one is too young or old to begin practicing. She is very excited to teach all parts of yoga to kids; making a positive impact on their busy lives. Izzy became a yoga teacher to cultivate awareness and facilitate new ways of thinking. When she is not practicing yoga, Izzy is spending time with her roommate’s cats and cooking 🙂

Dante Baker

Dante is a passionate, fun-filled, creative, and multi-talented man in the holistic healing arts. His philosophy is that the body has innate wisdom within itself, and the tools and services he provides will change your neuro-somatic body to heal. Dante teaches meditation, yoga, and qi gong classes and performs crystal and Tibetan Sound Concerts. 2016 is when he received his 200-hour Yoga Certification, and 2020 is when he finished his 300 Hour Certification program. Dante has worked with children since 2007 at the YMCA, teaching kids kickboxing to facilitate P.E class for Pinnacle Elementary School. Dante facilitates sound meditation events across the east coast in yoga studios, holistic wellness facilities, festivals, and corporate settings. He has a unique style that combines the use of crystal bowls, Tibetan metal bowls, wooden and metal chimes, and polyphonic throat singing.

Genevieve Jin

Genevieve has been serving children from all backgrounds and teaching yoga for over a decade. She is a mama and active outdoors woman who has combined her passion for both guiding adults and children through movement and meditation in nature at wilderness therapy organizations, retreats and outdoor classes. She thoroughly enjoys fostering a sense of belonging and self-efficacy through fun, games and clear communication. Being witness to other’s sense of accomplishment is such a gift. Genevieve is E-RYT 200 Yoga Certified and graduated with presidential honors from Mount Mary University with a bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy and Communications.

Adrianne Freshman

My name is Adrianne and what I love about yoga is there is no end, no perfection in your pose. There is where you are, your journey along your path and room to grow and learn. Your practice constantly evolves and in turn, so do you. I completed my 200 hour training and became a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance in January of 2022. Although my YTT instructor path is just beginning, I am not new to teaching. I come from a comprehensive business background with 15+ years experience as a dedicated and diplomatic manager of people. Helping my past employers grow their businesses and connect with their employees was my passion. I am now on a path to incorporate my connections with others in a bit of a different way… to introduce, strengthen, expand and share the practice of yoga with others. Being a mom of two elementary age children, I am SUPER excited to work with kids! There are few settings where teachers learn as much, if not more from their students as there is on the mat. Looking forward to traveling with you and yours!

Jacquelyn Heatley

Jacquelyn is a creative born and raised in the DC area. As a child she learned to make jewelry as a hobby with her father. Her strong connection with him and crystals inspired her to start creating crystal jewelry. As a life long dancer she searched for ways to combine her love of movement and knowledge about crystal healing, which lead her to yoga and meditation. She received her yoga teacher certification in 2016 from PIES Fitness Yoga studio. Since then she has made it her mission to heal others through her handmade jewelry, and the power of yoga and meditation.

Sebastian Guadiamos Garay

Sebastian is a multi-genre guitarist/producer for C2 Records based out of Fairfax, Virginia. He attributes much of his success and recovery from long hours creating music to yoga and fitness. Sebastian has been a yoga practitioner for nearly 10 years and has shared his passion to friends, family, and church youth groups. Thanks to growing up doing kickboxing and playing various sports, Sebastian picked up yoga quickly. He is deeply passionate about several of the benefits yoga brings including mindfulness, breath work, and mobility. Lastly, he’s eager to give back to the community he grew up in and has a genuine love for people. In addition to teaching yoga, he also coaches our run club classes and loves working with kids!

Breana Lockett

Breana (she/her) is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance. After years of utilizing yoga to feel good, build physical and mental strength, and cope with her anxiety, she decided to take the next step and begin her journey to become a yoga teacher. She graduated from her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in January 2020 from Latitude Yoga Co. In addition to completing her teacher training, Breana is certified in cultivating compassion and teaching trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness. Breana is passionate about creating and nurturing a safe community where everyONE and everyBODY can come together as their true authentic selves and improve their mental and physical wellness through yoga and meditation. Music powers her classes so don’t be surprised if she encourages you to indulge in a dance break in class! Breana hopes to pursue her master’s in social work soon and plans to integrate the knowledge from her degree with the philosophy she gained through her yoga teacher training to provide yoga-informed counseling to BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) and anyone seeking a holistic approach to healing.

Micheal Kraeuter

Mike is a versatile movement specialist holding a Bachelor of Science in exercise Science from Rutgers University and an impressive array of certifications, including yoga teacher (YTT 200 hour), GMB (Gold Medal Bodies) trainer, Cosmic Kids Yoga, and NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) personal trainer. With over two decades of experience coaching young swimmers, he has left an enduring impact on their lives. Mike’s adventurous spirit continually propels him to acquire new skills, whether he’s mastering handstands or immersing himself in the beauty of nature through hiking. His life philosophy, embodied by the quote “be like water,” underscores his adaptability and fluid approach to life. Guided by the values of play and curiosity, Mike’s contagious enthusiasm and talent for eliciting smiles ensure that he remains unforgettable. Whether in the role of a personal trainer or a guide to embracing life’s adventures, Mike infuses every endeavor with boundless joy, fun, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.