owner's story - angie mckinster
Angie graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Communication Studies, and a Cognate in Legal Studies. She worked in the Public Relations industry in the Washington, DC, area before settling in the defense industry. After going through a difficult pregnancy, and losing one of her twins, she decided to stay at home with her son. Angie found yoga that same year. She quickly realized that her mat was a safe place to continue to challenge her body and mind while being a new mom.
Yoga became her lifeline after recovering from breaking her Tibia and Fibula. Her practice significantly helped her recovery through two leg surgeries. She found that yoga gave her the strength and flexibility that she feared she had permanently lost after the accident. Coincidently, she began suffering from anxiety as a result, and found that being on the mat helped.
Angie later became a member of a rescue squad in northern Virginia, as a certified Emergency Vehicle Operator, but quickly found that line of work to be counterproductive to what she was continuing to pursue on the mat. Feeling a sense of failure after resigning, she took a leap of faith and become a certified yoga instructor. She obtained her 200-hour yoga teacher certification from the Loudoun Valley Yoga Academy and Yoga Alliance. She relocated to Gwynn’s Island in 2019.
“Words cannot describe what yoga has done for me, but if you join me on the mat, maybe you, too, can experience the magic of yoga. I welcome you.” Namaste, Angie
bethany zoll
Yoga has been a part of Bethany’s life for over 20 years. She began practicing yoga poses (asanas) at an early age for the physical benefits it brought her as an athlete. Since that time, her practice has grown to become a lifestyle of study and learning which she is called to share with others.
In 2015 Bethany began her 200-hour teacher training with Zenya Yoga Academy as a way to deepen her personal practice, at a time when stress and anxiety were wreaking havoc on her, physically, mentally and emotionally. The experience was transformative! During this time, she learned the powerful benefits of regular meditation as well as breathing techniques that brought a sense of peace and balance; she knew she needed to share these benefits to help others create their own wellbeing. Bethany went on to complete her 300-hour advanced teacher training to receive her RYT 500 designation in 2019.
Bethany has been teaching yoga in the community since 2016. With a personal practice rooted in a holistic approach; her teaching philosophy is one of function over form, helping others find their inner wisdom to develop self-awareness, strength, balance, and healing through their practice.
Bethany grew up in Gloucester, VA where she resides today with her husband, David, and two sons, Aiden and Frank. She earned a degree in Organizational Psychology from CNU and works in Human Resources. She enjoys gardening, raising chickens, and helping with her family’s vineyard in Dutton, VA.
maureen lamar
Maureen was introduced to Yoga in 2008 as a compliment to her running program. She immediately fell in love with the physical practice. The peace and beauty of connecting breath to movement was an unexpected surprise and a welcome benefit. She completed her 200-hour training at NLY in Navarre, FL. She has also completed certifications in Yin and SUP yoga. Maureen is currently in a 300-hour teacher training program to achieve her 500 RYT Certification.
Maureen loves to share the energetic connection of yoga. She brings positive energy, joy, and laughter to her classes. She believes there is grace in every pose as you connect breath to movement.
Maureen is originally from North Pole, Alaska. She has recently relocated to Virginia after many wonderful years in Navarre, Florida. She loves all things outdoors. Running, paddle boarding and hiking are some of her favorite activities along with her yoga practice.
“When you own your breath, nobody can steal your peace” Unknown
