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!

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!

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.

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. 

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. 

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 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.

Get to know Kipley:

By Day or Night I am a:

I was a pharmacist for most of my career until stepping back to become full time mom of my two children. They're both grown and I am venturing into my new role as a yoga instructor.

What has YoBa meant to you?

YoBa has been a place of tremendous growth for me. I walked into YTT the first night wanting to gain the confidence to teach. I was challenged physically, mentally and spiritually, as I stepped outside of my comfort zone in so many new ways. YoBa created a safe and encouraging space for me to do that. 

My Enneagram is:

Type 9- the Peacemaker. Funny enough, that is exactly what I try to provide in my yoga classes, peace. I want to guide my class to reach a calm state of mind that they can carry with them outside of the studio. 

Mantra or Quote you live by:

Always choose kindness, you never know what someone else is going through.

Get to know Olympia:

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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.

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 

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!

I am a triangle local through and through, growing up in Cary, NC, attending college at UNC Chapel Hill and now residing in Raleigh with my fiancé and dog! Movement has always been a part of my life. I began dancing at age three and practiced many styles of dance all the way through college. This influence segued into me pursuing my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Campbell University and graduated in December 2022. 

I love being a part of the YoBa fam as a front desk ambassador and coming into this space to truly give into the mantra of “out your my head and into my heart."

Get to know Madison:

What has YoBa meant to you?

An opportunity to re-fall in love with moving my body, taking care of my whole self, and building a community. 

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:

Flow w/ Weights and Barre - I love the additional strength component blended with the mindfulness of a yoga flow, and my body is craves low impact movements in this season of life.

By day I'm also a:

Physical therapist!

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

I have lived in Raleigh almost 7 years now and have always had a job that revolves around exercise in the clinical sense. Yoba has really given me the outlet and opportunity to do something that I have always loved doing in a different environment that is all the while rewarding. I spent my teenage years competitive cheerleading and always loved moving to music and love having the opportunity to continue that with YoBa! 

Get to know Devin:

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

The community is such an amazing thing to be a part of. 

What's your ideal movement schedule?

I love variety in my movement. I like to mix it up through the week with different classes but I’m definitely a morning exercises. Love starting my day with movement and waking myself up for the day with something high energy!

Favorite class at YoBa:

Signature- always the perfect mixture of movement and feels!

If I could invent a holiday it would probably be:

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

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)

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!

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.