Meet Our Team
. . . .Suzanne Leitner-Wise. . . .
|
. . . . . Ginny Loving . . . . .
|
. . . . . Justin Blazejewski . . . . .
|
. . . . . Maia Worden . . . . .
|
. . . . Melanie Rowland . . . .
|
. . . . . Aleasa Chiles . . . . .
|
..... Janos Leitner-Wise .....
|
. . . . Kayla Robison, PT . . . .
|
. . . . Lauren Carstensen . . . .
|
. . . . . Holly Halvorson . . . . .
|
....Lewis Hoge....
|
. . . . Le Nguyen . . . .
|
. . . . Nitin S. Adsul . . . .
|
. . . . Briana Zack . . . .
|
. . . . . Crissy Saalborn . . . . .
|
. . . . .Paige Lichens. . . . .
|
. . . . Mike Stickley . . . .
|
. . . . Lola Olabode . . . .
|
. . . . Mary Duncan Wadsworth . . . .
|
. . . . Joni Robin . . . .
|
. . . . Anne O'Dell . . . .
|
. . . . Patricia Briggs . . . .
|
. . . . Jess Purtell . . . .
|
. . . . Dawn Jakutowicz . . . .
|
. . . . Kim Sackett . . . .
Bios
Ginny Loving
After years of training as a martial artist, Ginny found her true inner warrior in yoga. The beauty of yoga inspired her to start her journey in 1998, and that path was Ashtanga. Desiring to deepen her understanding of yoga, Ginny took her formal teacher training through Suzanne Leitner-Wise's teacher training program, where her horizons were broadened to include studies in Iyengar and Viniyoga. Ginny continues to further her yogic education at every opportunity, and is a certified Rocket Yoga teacher -training under David C. Kyle, and is currently working towards her 500ryt under the Svastha teachings of Dr. Ganesh Mohan. She has augmented her practice with various wonderful workshops including David Swenson, Doug Swenson, David Keil, Tias Little, Carolyn Blumely, Katherine Buddig, and Simon Parks among others, and she brings all these wonderful flavors to her students. Ginny’s style is fun, powerful and adventuresome, while offering many options, adjustments, modifications and variations- so every class is suited to every level and ability. The goal is an enjoyable experience that grows each individual’s practice. When not in a yoga pose, Ginny is a hardcore knitter and a muralist.
Justin Blazejewski (Mayur)
Justin began practicing yoga to help with a back injury he received while serving in the Marine Corps. He quickly realized the physical benefits of yoga when his back pain disappeared completely. Justin dove into a daily yoga practice for a few months then attended a yoga/kirtan retreat to Bali with Alanna Kaivalya and Dave Stringer that was the turning point in his spiritual practice. Soon after Justin found his guru Sri Dharma Mittra and immediately enrolled in the "DMY Life of a Yogi" teacher training in NYC to deepen his practice with no expectations of teaching. After graduating from the 200 hour Teacher Training program Justin immediately realized he was giving a gift of representing Sri Dharma. Justin is now a RTY-200 and 500 hour certified Dharma Mittra Yoga teacher and feels blessed to be part of the Dharma Mittra family and is grateful to teach in the spirit of his guru. Justin's classes consist of the Dharma's Shiva Namaskar Vinyasa sequences with pranayama, mediation, and Yoga Nidra. He strives to mimic his Guru Sri Dharma and be a vessel of light for him through his teaching.
Lauren Carstensen
Lauren is a travel and yoga enthusiast, with a passion for studying biology, anthropology and sociocultural evolution. She started practicing yoga in high school as a supplement to swimming and cross country, but soon found that it was much more than stretching: it was a haven to quiet the mind and manage life's stress and anxiety. LC practiced throughout high school and college until she realized that a yogic course of study was the next adventure she needed to take. LC loves sharing what she feels passionate about during restorative yoga integrates her experiences traveling and studying by telling short stories and anecdotes during relaxing stretching. She is a graduate of 532's 200 RYT program.
Maia Worden
Maia comes from a dance background and discovered yoga in the gym in the early 2000’s with an inspiring Vinyasa teacher. Through years of studio classes, Yoga unfolded new paths for variety, mental discipline, challenges, spiritual practice and always somewhere else to go. Convinced teacher training would deepen her practice, Maia completed a RYT200 program with Suzanne Leitner-Wise and Mary Richards at 532YOGA in early 2013. She is teaching alignment based flow classes in Alexandria and Arlington, sharing the benefits of a strong foundation to build beautiful asana and life-affirming practices.
Holly Halvorson
Holly began a dedicated practice of yoga in 2004 following a lifetime of training, teaching and performing as a professional dancer, choreographer, movement artist, and athlete. She studied a variety of styles including Ashtanga, Jivamukti, Anusara, Prana Flow, Rocket, and vinyasa. After developing an appreciation for the grace and depth of the classical practice of yoga and teaching techniques as taught by Sri Dharma Mittra, she completed her 200-hour teacher training under his guidance at the Dharma Yoga Center in NYC. She hopes to share some of his wisdom in order to help students deepen their connection to the body and mind through the classical practices of yoga. Her classes offer both accessible and more vigorous/adventurous pathways for discovery, exploration, concentration and inspiration, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Holly lives her life according to all 8 limbs of yoga and maintains a daily personal yoga practice including asana and meditation, yogic diet, daily reading and spiritual study. She hopes to give students an opportunity to find their own pathway toward greater joy and peace in their lives and bodies during this lifetime while having fun along the way.
Melanie Rowland
Melanie has been working out in some form or fashion since she was born. Using her childhood living room as an obstacle course, she not only “entertained” her parents, but also quickly learned how much fun she had moving. She followed her need for all things fast and joined the Army after college. Fast-forward 26 years…. As a retired Army Officer serving 15 of her 20 years in Special Operations, Melanie understands first-hand the importance of being physically and mentally ready to meet any challenge. Additionally, she learned (the hard way) that balance is a necessity. This led her to yoga and Suzanne Leitner-Wise's 532Yoga teacher training program. Through this amazing journey, she learned how transformative, challenging, and uplifting yoga could be. Melanie earned her Masters Degree in Bio Chemistry/Human Nutrition and practices nutrition in the local area. Supporting others in finding happiness is her passion – she does this through teaching Yoga, coaching CrossFit, practicing nutrition….and cracking the occasional non-PC joke.
Kayla Robison PT, DPT, COMT, EP-C, CSCS, FAAOMT
Director of Sports Rehabilitation, PT to the Para-Olympic Team, 2016. Kayla has continued her post-professional education in receiving her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialty (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as well as her Exercise Physiologist Certification (EP-C) from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Kayla obtained her Level II Certification in Trigger Point Dry Needling from Kinetacore as well as her certification in the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). She is also currently working on her manual fellowship training through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT). Kayla is diverse in practice as she has treated in the realm of both general orthopedic as well as sports medicine. She continues to provide medical coverage for both Paralympic and Olympic athletes for Team USA. Kayla has worked among some of USA’s finest athletes in BMX, Gymnastics (Men’s), Weightlifting, Cycling, Swimming, TaeKwonDo, Paralympic soccer, Track and Field, Paralympic Track and Field, Triathlon, Judo, Boxing, and Wrestling. She has worked training camps and competitions both on the national and international level. Kayla maintains active membership in the American Physical Therapy Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, as well as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy. In her spare time, Kayla trains and competes in triathlons. She has competed and placed in several triathlons over the last few years. Kayla enjoys working with and treating other athletes, especially examining the body’s regional interdependence and associating deviations or dysfunctions with current or possible injury. Kayla is married and is the mother to a beautiful baby girl.
Lewis began his yoga practice in 1999 while seeking ways of handling the discomforts associated with IBD. Initially drawn to the benefits offered through a regular asana practice, Lewis began to explore the other limbs of the Raja Yoga path leading him to complete his RYT 200 hour training in 2010. Having been blessed with the wealth of resources offered by the growing Yoga community in Alexandria and DC, Lewis has been returning the favor by sharing his understanding of the practice by instructing a few classes a week. Lewis tries to keep the teachings simple and accessible by offering variations of classical Raja yoga with inspirations drawn from the Sivananda, Ashtanga, Dharma, and Jivamukti yoga traditions
Le Nguyen
Exercise and team sports were always a part of Le’s life while growing up in South Florida. She started practicing yoga after suffering serious injuries as an adult, without the easy “bounce back” of her younger days. Wishing to avoid prolonged use of pain killers to help her through recovery, Le returned to her roots. In conjunction with her dad’s traditional Vietnamese medicine and martial arts influences, Le began a yoga practice that helped her regain strength and durability. It also brought new physical and mental challenges, as well as extreme joy. Ready to explore the endless benefits of yoga practice and philosophy, Le became a certified yoga instructor through Suzanne Leitner-Wise’s 532Yoga teacher training. She started teacher training with a sense of curiosity and adventure into unchartered territory, and then increasingly grew a deep passion to share, nurture, and inspire other students to transform their lives. Le loves motivating her students to experience breath, movement, alignment, strength, and flexibility, accompanied by great tunes. She has taught yoga and meditation to military members and families, State Department, USAID, and the 532Yoga family. When she’s not practicing yoga or law, you can find Le traveling, hiking, and enjoying food all around town.
Suzanne Leitner-Wise
E-RYT500, BWY, BYTA, TMT, AYC, RCYA, CERTIFIED ASHTANGA and ROCKET Teacher, Member of IYEA and IYNAUS, DIRECTOR of 532YOGA TEACHER TRAINING, A REGISTERED YOGA SCHOOL WITH YOGA ALLIANCE SINCE 2003. Suzanne was a Presenter at the First Annual Yoga Alliance Conference in Palm Springs, 2011, Presenter at the MindBody Conference, Hollywood, 2016, 3 years at Yoga Jam and 4 years DoahFest, and is a Manduka Mats Ambassador. Suzanne has been a full time Yoga Teacher in Alexandria, VA since her arrival to the USA in 2000. Having studied with many different wonderful teachers and styles in both England and the USA, Suzanne has the natural ability to adapt postures to suit each individuals capability, as well as to teach pranayama and meditation according to the requirements of the individual or class. Suzanne's teaching style is based on her two-year Iyengar Yoga training and is influenced by her love of movement and challenging, whilst respecting, the body's range of motion and the mind's resistance. Suzanne has conducted numerous workshops and retreats, both nationally and internationally,has lectured for companies and organizations such as the National Institute for Health and has written various published articles on yoga. Suzanne worked with the Institute for Justice in 2010 in the successful overturning of SCHEVs trying to impose regulations for Registered Yoga Schools in Virginia. Suzanne's Clients have included Senator Mark Warner, The Department of Justice, The Department of Defence, Inova Healthsource and The World Bank. Suzanne is also a published artist and poet, a PADI-certified diver, soul-mate to Paul and the mother of two extraordinarily wonderful sons. Suzanne opened 532Yoga in April 2012.
Aleasa Chiles
Aleasa Chiles is an RYT500 certified yoga instructor through 532YOGA, who began her yoga journey after a life-altering event left her seeking renewed purpose. She found that renewed purpose through the principals, practice and teachings of yoga. Yoga has turned out to be the perfect complement to her work as a certified systems engineer (CSEP) and project management professional (PMP) because she understands first-hand how modern ways of work and play impact the body, mind and spirit. Influenced by Vinyasa, Iyengar, Dharma and restorative styles of yoga, Aleasa integrates breath, movement, strength, alignment and meditation in her classes to help her students achieve mental clarity, physical ease and spiritual balance. Aleasa also regularly conducts workshops on Chakra Balancing and Posture Correction. Aleasa feels a personal calling to share the practice of yoga with the underserved and those who may not normally have access to or consider the benefits of yoga and therefore her teaching style is inclusive, encouraging, and designed for all experience levels. Aleasa welcomes all to her classes and challenges each to “SEE with an open-mind and SPEAK with an open-heart”.
Nitin S. Adsul
Nitinis a Kundalini active individual, CCA Certified Personal Life Coach, Meditation guide and an Award winning Filmmaker who serves as a guide to individuals for growth in personal and professional life. His services via Guided Meditation, Personal Coaching, Physical and Emotional healing via Energy Vibration, Energy Activation Workshops/Lectures, Films and Documentaries are focused mainly on path of purification of the soul to cultivate the seed of Higher Consciousness and overcome challenges in life to bring peace and harmony within. Over the years, he has served as a guide for many individuals seeking growth with Kundalini and frequently conducts lectures, meditations and workshops on activating Kundalini consciousness. The essence of his guided meditation practice is to find that sacred space within to attune to this vital force. Once attuned and activated with this powerful resource available, it purifies an individual to find peace and harmony within.
Janos Leitner-Wise
Janos completed his yoga teacher training through 532Yoga, and simultaneously 'learned the ropes' of running a yoga studio. He is now Studio Manager at 532Yoga. Janos is a designer, artist, and musician. You can find his teeshirt designs at TeePublic.com; search JLW.
Lewis Hoge
Lewis began his yoga practice in 1999 while seeking ways of handling the discomforts associated with IBD. Initially drawn to the benefits offered through a regular asana practice, Lewis began to explore the other limbs of the Raja Yoga path leading him to complete his RYT 200 hour training in 2010. Having been blessed with the wealth of resources offered by the growing Yoga community in Alexandria and DC, Lewis has been returning the favor by sharing his understanding of the practice by instructing a few classes a week. Lewis tries to keep the teachings simple and accessible by offering variations of classical Raja yoga with inspirations drawn from the Sivananda, Ashtanga, Dharma, and Jivamukti yoga traditions.
Crissy Saalborn
Crissy Saalborn grew up in Vancouver Washington where she was active in music, dance and drama in the greater Portland, Oregon community. Crissy was graduated from the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, continuing her education at Central Washington University before joining the USAF in 2002.
Seeking to expand an active lifestyle, Crissy began the practice and study of yoga achieving certification at Corepower Yoga in 2007. It is the melding of a spiritual and relaxing calm with physical endeavor that attracts her to practicing and sharing yoga. “The practice of yoga adds such balance to my life. I can not imagine maintaining a bustling schedule without the flexibility, strength and calm I achieve through yoga.”
Crissy has recently separated from the United States Air Force Band as a professional vocalist performing with the Falconaires Jazz Band. She recently moved to Alexandria from Northern California and is enjoying the community for its outdoor opportunities, welcoming demeanor and active lifestyle.
Paige Lichens
Paige Lichens (www.paigesyoga.com) E-RYT 500 Kripalu Yoga & Meditation Teacher. Paige teaches full time, has been teaching for the past 10+ years and practicing for over 20 years. She is also certified in Prenatal, Yoga Nidra and Yin Yoga.
Briana Zack
Briana began practicing yoga in 2015 to supplement her ultra marathon training, and quickly realized her passion for the practice. She retired from running and began practicing yoga full time at 532YOGA, completing the RYT200 program in 2018. Briana is a dedicated public servant who is currently working towards earning a Masters of Public Administration at American University. She enjoys teaching because it dedicates time to mindfulness and allows her to serve the yoga community. Briana currently lives in Alexandria with her husband and cat, and enjoys traveling, reading, and adventures in nature.
Mike Stickley
Mike began his yogic journey in 2015 while training for the Marine Corps Marathon (3rd at the time). To relieve some running injuries in his IT bands, feet, and legs, and explored an Alignment Focus class in Washington DC, by suggestion of a colleague of his that was also a yoga teacher in law school. Little did he know that this was the beginning of his yogic path... In January 2017, he was provided an opportunity to become a yoga teacher by a non-profit called Vetoga, which specializes in providing Meditation, Yoga, and Healing Arts to Active Duty Military, Reservists, and First Responders. Mike also served in the US Marine Corps, Active Duty, from 1998-2003 both in the continental United States and abroad. Mike attended his 200 hour RYT in Alexandria, Virginia through Vetoga in May, 2017 and finished all his requirements in August 2017. His style of yoga is based on the teachings of Sri Dharma Mittra and Sri Amrit Desai, which is a very restorative but active form of yoga. He plans to provide yoga to our military members and family as he continues down his yogic path, while continuing his education in yoga by starting his training in 300hr RYT with Vetoga.
Mary Duncan Wadsworth E-RYT 500
As a middle school Spanish teacher, Mary Duncan has always had a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge with others. When she began practicing yoga with her teacher, Suzanne Leitner-Wise in 2007, she became inspired to teach yoga herself. She has since devoted herself to an Ashtanga practice for over a decade. In 2011, she completed her 200hr RYT with Suzanne, and taught and received her 500hr RYT in 2015 with Javier Castro at Yogashala Institute in Marbella, Spain. She returns to Spain every summer to teach at Yogashala.
The foundational structure of her classes are primarily based on Ashtanga yoga, but are also seamlessly infused with her knowledge of Iyengar. Mary Duncan teaches with a deep respect for alignment, while also focusing on the same sensitivity and strength she has seen in her mentors, to whom she is forever grateful.
Joni Robin
Seeking a way to manage the stress from her demanding job as a criminal defense attorney, Joni began practicing yoga in 2010. After experimenting with a variety of classes, she noticed a class on the schedule called Dharma yoga. The challenging yet graceful and meditative practice inspired by Sri Dharma Mittra resonated with her immediately and she has been practicing regularly ever since. For nearly 10 years, she flirted with the idea of taking the 200 hour Dharma LOAY teacher training at the Dharma Yoga Center in New York City, but as single mom with a full-time job she found it impossible to be away from home for that long. So in 2019, when she learned that the Dharma LOAY 200 hour program was going to be offered for the first time in Maryland, she jumped at the opportunity. In June 2019, she completed her contact hours under the guidance of Yogini Kali Om, Beth Snow McMullan and Hannah Allerdice Bricker. She looks forward to continuing to grow as both a student and teacher of yoga. In addition to teaching at 532, she also teaches weekly classes for inmates at the Alexandria Detention Center.
Lola Olabode
Lola Olabode loves yoga and has been practicing for over 15 years. In 2019 she completed her 200 Hour Yoga Training at 532Yoga. She likes offering practices that calm the mind and body as well as tap into strength. Lola makes yoga accessible for all body types, and encourages having fun in practice. When she isn't practicing yoga, she enjoys traveling, music, cooking, and dancing.
Lola's 532Yoga teacher training has provided her the lifelong foundation to having a disciplined personal practice, and incorporating all 8 limbs of yoga into her spiritual life. She is eager to share all the awesome benefits yoga provides.
Anne O'Dell
Anne is a daughter, a sister, and a friend. She first began practicing yoga when she was a teenager, and developed a consistent practice under the instruction of Marianne Meyers (C-IAYT) after sustaining an injury for which traditional western medicine does not offer treatment. She furthered her studies under Suzanne Leitner-Wise, and completed RYT200 at 532Yoga where she continues her yoga journey as a student and teacher. Having experienced the healing power of yoga first-hand, Anne believes that yoga is accessible for everyone, no matter their ability. She welcomes everyone to join her on this awesome journey of life, healing, and joy!
Patricia Briggs
Patricia Briggs is an art historian, arts writer, and art curator who was introduced to yoga in college. Her practice has deepened over the years. While recovering from a serious illness, Patricia experienced yoga’s profound healing effect and began on a path toward teaching yoga. She completed her RYT200 training at 532Yoga where she is a student and teacher. She teaches alignment-based yoga with a focus on gentle stretching and strengthening.
Jess Purtell
Jess Purtell is an E-RYT500, YACEP through Yoga Alliance, and a Balanced Body Pilates Mat Instructor. Jess teaches all-level flow, slow flow, power flow, gentle flow, yin, and Pilates classes which are strongly influenced by the alignment-based Iyengar method of yoga and Sadie Nardini's Core Strength Vinyasa.
Her classes are infused with creative movement and intelligent sequencing. She has been inspired by many teachers from all over the world, but her biggest ones are her two children.
Jess has been practicing yoga since 1996 and has made yoga teaching her career since 2010. She is passionate about sharing all aspects of yoga with all those she meets. She believes everything you need is already inside of you.
Dawn Jakutowicz
Dawn has been practicing yoga since 2000, and is very happy to be teaching at 532Yoga, where she completed her 500-hour certification focused on alignment with Suzanne Leitner-Wise. She completed her initial 200-hour Yoga Teacher certification with the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Massachusetts, and has completed specialized certifications in Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and QiGong.
Her classes range from playful slow Vinyasa to alignment-based Hatha, Yin, and Restorative practices with a creative use of props to facilitate greater stress relief and relaxation. Dawn enjoys sharing approaches to movement and mindfulness in her classes that can easily be applied to daily life.
Kim Sackett
Kim started yoga slowly - after watching how yoga had changed her Mom's life as a new widow. Having the good fortune to have excellent yoga teachers from the start, her yoga practice became a daily one. Starting the practice in her 40's at a gym, then migrating to a studio, Kim was able to experience the full scope of yoga. When the 200-hour certification training was announced, as she was approaching 50, Kim signed up to expand her own practice and to gain the knowledge to help others with theirs. This also served as an excellent 50th birthday challenge! After many classes, workshops, and additional training, yoga became a fundamental and essential aspect of her life.