WELCOME! Yoga is such an integral part of my soul and I am so grateful to be able to share this dream of mine with you. Thank you for your support and for showing up! Not just for us but also for yourself.  Namaste

Rachel found yoga years ago after much convincing from her friends. She quickly grew to love the physical practice as a method to tone and strengthen the body and to decompress from her stressful job. Finding a practice that provided an excellent workout was the initial draw, however as time passed, Rachel found that the spiritual practice is what kept her coming back for more. In 2009, Rachel started down a new path in life and decided to deepen her practice and enroll in teacher training. As student and now a teacher, Rachel loves sharing the gift of yoga with everyone.

Alyssa Ball 500hr trauma informed RYT

Alyssa’s passion for movement has been a life long journey through dance and various sports. She remembers feeling lost after high school and stumbling into a hot yoga class a decade ago and feeling immediately called to deepen her practice.

She completed her first 200-hour training with Amanda Fitzgerald in 2018, with a focus on vinyasa, the same year she completed an Integrative Nutrition Coaching certification.

Alyssa completed most (thanks COVID!) of a 300 -hour focused on Hatha yoga and Ayurveda but formally finished an additionally 300-hour trauma informed training through an organization online called Soul Work.

Alyssa believes that movement should be fun and restorative, not punishing and forceful. Her classes usually include a few laughs and stumbles but the vibes are always the same- your body is your home, let’s love it and move it. Expect a blend of hatha, vinyasa, and trauma informed moves with plenty of reminders to breathe.

Holly was first introduced to yoga during college as an escape from studying and a means of exercise. Loving the physical benefits that yoga provided, it wasn’t until years later did Holly discover the life changing benefits yoga has to offer. With a love for teaching and a desire to expand her yoga practice, Holly completed Yoga Flow’s teacher training in 2013.

Yoga allows her to let go of the things that do not serve her while finding peace in the present moment. Her yoga practice has taught her the importance of living a gentle and humble life by leading with an open heart. As a yoga teacher, Holly hopes to share the love and acceptance she has been so fortunate to receive since coming to Yoga Flow.

Movement arts have always been a part of my life. Taking my first dance class at age 3, I’ve had a long-standing passion for experiences integrating the body with movement and rhythm. It wasn’t until the late ‘90s, as a young new mom, that Yoga became a household name and a continuous practice of presence. In 2012, I completed my 200-hour Yoga Alliance training, and I continue to study with a broad range of teachers to stay current on how Yoga can create mind-body coherence. I continuously return to Yoga as it aligns me with our shared humanity and has been the backbone of my self-awareness, health + wellness, and ability to surrender.  

Since 2019, my thirst for brain-body knowledge has steered me to teach a style of vinyasa that provides the framework for functional movement patterns. My classes will intentionally provide moving meditation sequences that enhance mobility, stability, and flexibility for optimal movement habits.

As a social worker, reiki practitioner, certified nutritionist, yoga instructor, and now in my final semester of graduate school for my Master’s in Health and Wellness Coaching, I am excited to co-create yoga classes with you that combine movement patterns that empower you to feel more energized and confident in your body. 

Come to class with a beginner’s mind; we will move better to feel better together.

Emily found yoga in 2016. Struggling with postpartum depression and other health issues, Emily decided to try yoga on the advice of her doctor. The combinations of mind/body awareness and breath work helped ease her anxiety and the physical aspects of stretching and strengthening helped with her health issues.

The owner of the studio, seeing her dedication and growth, asked her to teach classes in 2017, and in 2018, she completed her 200-hour RYT certification. Since 2018, she has also expanded to teaching Boga Yoga, aerial yoga and Barre.

Emily is known for strength building classes with unique transitions. You will sweat, feel stronger, and become aware of all your body can do for you. She hopes to see you on your mat soon!

Jen stepped on the mat in 2013, looking for a good sweat and and a way to relieve some stress. Within a month, she fell in love with yoga and practiced consistently over the next several years. In 2019, she completed her RYT-200 in hopes to give back to the Pittsburgh community what yoga had offered to her. Jen recognizes that people come to yoga for many different reasons and firmly believes that within the combination of the asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathwork), and meditation components of the practice, there is something for everyone. Her all-levels classes are intentional, intuitive, and fluid. You will find a balance of effort and ease, a judgment free space to explore the mind-body connection, and a thoughtfully curated playlist. You will leave her class feeling rejuvenated, connected, and peaceful.

Kelly began her yoga journey in 2010. A friend took her to class. Right away she realized this was something different than her gym visits that seemed obligatory. Connecting the body and mind was new for her, and it changed her perspective and life drastically. It wasn't too long before Kelly wanted to take the next step to further her practice.

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She received her Yoga Alliance RYT-200 in 2016 through Yogaflow and spent 6 years teaching classes there. Kelly lives in the North Hills with her husband and their four children. By night, she and her husband own and operate two local bars: Elly’s and Elly’s Meadowlands.

She loves to share her passion for yoga with others in the hopes it will be a tool to improve their lives, like it has hers. She believes your mat can be a place to heal and find yourself at the same time. In world where everything is so fast paced and intense, she wants your practice to be a place where you slow down, breathe and reset. Whether you are a brand new yogi, still a little nervous, or a seasoned veteran, Kelly would be honored to practice with you.

In college, I found myself needing to take an additional physical education credit and thought why not try yoga. I completed a beginner's history and instructor course in Hatha yoga in 2013 through Kent State University. Over the years I've expanded my practice to various types of yoga including hot, power, vinyasa, yin, and ashtanga. Facing multiple health challenges I looked for more ways to incorporate yoga into my everyday life. I completed my RYT 200 certification in 2015/2016 and soon after started teaching weekly classes at various studios. I'm passionate about spreading acceptance, happiness, and positivity. These passions motivated me to change careers and now work as a Human Resource Business Partner that allows me to cultivate better work life balance.

Outside of yoga, I have my master's degree in human resource development, certificate in organizational leadership, SPHR, and SHRM-CP. I love running and spending time outside with my chocolate lab, Dexter. I can't wait to see you on the mat!

Marcia Ritter has been trained through the Himalayan Institute, and received the certification for 200 hour and 500 hour teacher training. She teaches Hatha Yoga for beginners and Gentle Hatha 1, Bringing awareness to connecting the breath with movement, guided meditation and final relaxation.

Kelsie is a 200 hour RYT through Yoga Alliance. She became certified at her home studio, Totally Yoga, in February of 2016. Kelsie is also a certified children’s yoga instructor after a weekend intensive at Yoga on 3rd in Irwin. Kelsie spent most of her childhood and well into her teen years as a competitive gymnast. She has always been fascinated by the body’s ability to move, bend, and contort. Through a therapist’s recommendation for coping with her chronic depression and anxiety, Kelsie reluctantly took her first yoga class when she was 18. Unsteady and unsure, she felt like a fish out of water, and vowed she would never return- but it wasn’t long before she found herself back at the studio, ready to give it another shot. Kelsie quickly witnessed the physical benefits of a consistent yoga practice, but was even more amazed at the mental benefits and relief of anxiety and depression she began to feel as well. At that moment, Kelsie knew she had to share the gift of yoga with as many people as possible.

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Since becoming certified, Kelsie has consistently been teaching yoga at studios all across Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas. She has held workshops of her own, been hired to teach private classes and events, and has even been a guest at daycares to introduce yoga and mindful breathing to kids. She remains committed to the practice by continually learning about the mind and body connection and remains inspired by being a lifelong student. Kelsie is fascinated behind the “why” and will often incorporate what is happening inside the body when in certain poses in her classes. She believes in the power of connecting mindful breath with movement to create a moving meditation. She aims for her students to feel a release through her classes; whether that is physical or emotional, she believes that yoga and stretching has the power to move “stuck” emotions from the body. Her goals for her students are simply to feel empowered and leave feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and motivated. 

Kelsie currently works in the nursing field. When she’s not at the studio, Kelsie enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time with her husband and daughter. She also loves spending time with her pets; 2 cats and 1 bunny.

Becky took her first yoga class in 2015, expecting it to be like any other exercise class. Asana and meditation have done wonders for her anxiety and depression and have helped her create a work/life balance as a social service provider for the homeless community. Nine years later, and yoga continues to teach her about life, about others, and about herself.  

She completed her YTT-200 in December 2022 through My Vinyasa Practice, a studio based in Austin, TX. She teaches in the style of Iyengar Yoga under the lineage of Krishnamacharya. 

When Becky isn’t on the mat, she’s probably reading a thriller novel, birdwatching in the woods with her husband, or playing with one of her three cats.

Karen Nagy was always active and found that yoga offered her the mind- body connection she sought. She completed her 200-hour RYT in 2018. Then, in February of 2020, she finished her 300 hr RYT with Joni Staaf Stamford. She experienced such personal transformation on her yoga journey, that she continued her extensive education through her Kundalini 200-hour training with Guru Singh, and graduated in March 2024.

Karen shares the wisdom she gained with others, teaching yoga as the union of breath with movement and the energetic forces within us and surrounding us. Karen believes yoga is learning to quiet the mind's chatter and calm the nervous system to notice the subtle whispers of intuition and be guided by the universe.

I discovered Yoga in 2005 to reclaim my energy. As an educator, I spent my days taking care of the needs of others and wanted a way to take care of myself spiritually and physically. Yoga allowed me to clear my mind, empowering me to let go of my day and breathe. I also loved how the rhythmic movement of a Vinyasa Flow class reminded me of dancing! In 2012, I earned my 200-hr. Yoga Alliance certification at Yoga Flow. My flows are challenging, yet fun, and guided by an intention to allow participants to let go and deepen their mind-body connection. My teaching style emphasizes alignment, mindfulness, and of course the integration of breath with movement.

My journey took me out of Pittsburgh and off the mat for a few years, and during that time I rediscovered my love of dance and need for Yoga! I’m back in Pittsburgh and beyond excited to be teaching at Steel City Yoga. As with life, my teaching style has evolved, but my goal of wanting to bring calm, joy, and an overall sense of well-being to those who choose to practice Yoga has never changed. See you on the mat!

Julia has been a yogi since 2014. Through the years her yoga practice has been her gateway to health, peace, and connection. She received her teaching training from Sacred Paths Yoga School in San Marcos, Guatemala. Her goal in class is to hold space for students to get present in their bodies, connect with their grace and their strength, and practice perseverance and acceptance through asana. Outside of the studio Julia is an artist – ask her about her comics, kids books, and paintings!

Katie began her yoga practice in 2012 with the intention of getting back in touch with her body, mind, and spirit after several years of feeling increasingly disconnected and out of sync during her time in residency.  Over the next several years, she found that a regular yoga practice had given her more than she had anticipated, and she became eager to expand her yoga philosophy and theory knowledge.  In 2017 she completed her 200 hour training with One Point One Yoga here in Pittsburgh.

Her classes strive to provide a well-balanced flow for any level of practitioner, always with options & modifications and a focus on meeting yourself wherever you're at on any particular day.  Her goal is to leave you feeling a little bit more grounded, but at the same time feeling a little bit more open & joyful so that you can more easily translate your practice on your mat into your daily life.  She believes that through yoga, it is always possible to begin again, to discover something new, and to cultivate contentment within the journey itself.

Katie has taken a temporary retirement from physician life to become a full-time explorer and has spent the past few years traveling the country with her husband in their self-built solar-powered adventure trailer.  She is excited to return to teaching here in the Pittsburgh area and can’t wait to meet you on your mat !

Brigitte Patrick

Rebecca has practiced yoga for 20 years, but only began to understand it's benefits when she decided to become certified in 2020. From then, it became her goal to help others regulate their nervous system and feel better in their body. She went on to gain her 300-hour certification with My Vinyasa Practice in early 2023 and also has training in trauma-informed yoga, senior yoga, mat pilates, and assisted stretching. 

Growing up in the North Hills area of Pittsburgh, Maggie fell in love with yoga during ballet training when she was thirteen.  She continued dancing and practicing yoga while earning degrees in French Literature and Classics from Penn State, and a Masters in K-12 Education from the University of Pittsburgh.  She taught high school and middle school for Fairfax County Public Schools before becoming a stay at home mom.  While staying home with her three daughters, Maggie served on the Manor Recreation Board, organizing holiday parties, events and tee-ball leagues for the community. She continues to help with the elementary school PTO.  

When the Yoga Flow Irwin studio opened, she began practicing regularly again and found a spiritual haven with immense physical benefits.  Maggie believes the fire and breath of yoga kindle the spark of light, love and truth so our hearts shine brightly and grow in love.  She passionately seeks to help others find that spark, burning off the layers that keep us from connecting to others and ourselves. 

Longing to return to the field of teaching, Maggie earned her Yoga Alliance certification at Yoga Flow and began teaching yoga/ballet/movement classes.  Maggie loves kids of all ages and they love her.  It was always a career goal to teach younger students and adults.  This is truly a dream to combine so many experiences and skills for a unique class.  She instructs little ones on breathing and stretching techniques through fun movement and play, empowering them to love themselves, others and yoga!    

Maggie has the necessary Child Abuse clearances & Criminal Record Background Check on file as well as certification and insurance from Yoga Alliance. 

Amy found yoga in 2013 after she and a friend bought a Groupon for a hot yoga class. At first it was just hot and a workout, but as time went on it became a release from all the stress of the day to day life. Amy continued her yoga practice until moving away from the studio. However, when she moved back into the area she began taking classes regularly again at Totally Yoga. In 2019 she decided to further her practice and signed up for the teacher training course that was being taught there. Teacher training coincided with the pandemic and the closing of Totally Yoga. But despite the challenges Amy earned her RYT200.

Amy uses yoga personally to center and ground herself, and to be more aware of what her body is telling her. Amy uses mindfulness and yoga in her role as a classroom teacher, and suggests it to clients when she conducts outpatient therapy. Amy also frequently teaches yoga to her nieces and nephews who always pull out their mats and want to show off their skills.

When not on the mat you will find Amy doing one of her many jobs; teacher, therapist, behavior analyst, reading, working in her large vegetable garden or spending time with friends and family.

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Amy's favorite pose is pigeon and least favorite is plow.

Katie earned her Yoga Alliance RYT-200 in 2016 and additionally is a Certified Health & Well-being Coach with a certificate in Lifestyle Medicine.  Yoga has held different roles in Katie’s life at different times – helping her: gain appreciation for her body & breath, find compassion for & a sense of connection to herself and others, as well as giving her a positive focus and empowering her when facing life’s challenges.  Teaching yoga additionally provides Katie with a creative outlet and a sense of purpose.  As a yoga teacher, Katie hopes to help others discover self-care and well-being through yoga.  She particularly enjoys designing sequencing intended to help students get lost (and found) in the flow.

Marissa began regularly practicing yoga as a form of exercise, and instantly noticed the sense of inner peace and balance it brought her. Marissa believes that the benefits of yoga enhance all areas of her life. Off the mat, she works as an environmental scientist, and in her free time you can find her hiking with her dog! 

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Marissa has been teaching yoga since 2016. She completed her 200 hour certification through Yoga Flow, Pittsburgh, and continued her education to receive her 300 hour certification through Yoga Farm Ithaca. In her classes, students can expect creative sequences, linking breath with movement, while incorporating mindfulness. 

Leah Mulholland

I started my yoga journey in 2010 and I didn't like it. I had a hard time being still and connecting to myself. I tried yoga off and on through the years but it didn't start to stick with me until 2019.

In 2019 after the birth of my daughter, I suffered from postpartum depression and I felt lost. I turned to therapy, meditation and yoga to help me cope and to reconnect with my mind and body. After going to therapy and using these techniques at home I learned what Yoga was truly about. I learned how to connect my breath to movement and where I could find the places in my body where I was holding tension and even better how to work through it and let it go. As I began to feel like myself again I realized that I wanted to share these gifts with the world. I enrolled in a 200 YTT program and I am currently working towards a Trauma Informed Certificate, a certification in Buti Yoga and a certification in Kundalini Yoga. My intention is to create a safe environment where you can connect with yourself and let all your worries, fears and losses go. My goals when you come to my classes are you will have fun and leave feeling more connected to yourself. Yoga is for everyone and for every body and I hope to help spread that awareness at this amazing studio.