About our Yoga Instructors
Deanna Spear, RYT-200, Studio Manager
Deanna started her yoga journey shortly after becoming a new mom. She struggled with anxiety for years and began suffering from anxiety attacks while pregnant with her daughter. Devoting time on her mat allowed her to overcome her attacks and learn different ways to calm the mind and body. In 2017 she earned her RYT 200 from The Chicago School of Yoga and has specialized training in Kids Yoga through Zenergy Yoga. She teaches class that physically move the body, promoting strength and confidence, while incorporating self-care skills that are easy to use off the mat. With a background in dance Deanna brings a firm understanding of the body and how too easily modify, allowing yoga to be accessible to all. “I want my yoga students to feel good after class!”
Saphire Shaw, RYT-200
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“Hello! Nice to meet you all! My name is Saphire, and I have been working in wellness since 2017, after recovering from an invasive surgery. My interest in fitness started when I played sports in school and continued during my time in the U.S. Air Force. I’m a Chicago native, a 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher, a trained Stretch Therapist, Meditation Guide, and Fitness Instructor through the Yoga Alliance and ISSA. I specialize in Vinyasa, Power Sculpt, Restorative, Hatha, and Bikram yoga. I hope to pursue a doctorate in Physical Therapy. I have other specialties in sound healing, aromatherapy, and children’s yoga. I can’t wait to train with you!”
Dana Fortner, RYT 200
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Dana came to yoga over 20 years ago as a disconnected young adult and quickly fell in love with the practice. After several years working as a recreational therapist, she took a hiatus from her career to reassess where best to focus her energy. The thought of studying to become a yoga teacher had been a reoccurring thought for over a decade, and she decided that she should start paying attention to what her inner voice was communicating.
“I believe that connecting with others is the most powerful thing we can do as humans. It's what brings us together, makes us feel less alone, and helps us find our place in this world. Helping others find the connection between the mind and body opens one up to what is and what could be. Yoga is a beautiful way to integrate the physical and mental aspects of being human.”
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Beth Carpenter, RYT 200
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Beth has been practicing yoga for five years. After the birth of her third child she decided to give it a try and immediately fell in love. When she walked into her first yoga studio she was home. In 2019 Beth received her 200 hour yoga certification and started teaching vinyasa flow at Reflections Yoga Center in Homewood. Her love of yoga is rooted in the belief that the practice is carried far beyond the mat. What she's learned from yoga has intrinsically changed the way she moves outside of the studio.
Maura Therese, RYT 200
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An educator by profession with a passion for Wellness, Maura loves to learn and help others. Maura's personal experience with yoga has led her to earn her RYT 200 with additional specialized training in Restorative Yoga. Whether in movement or stillness, Maura's classes support your growth in your unique yoga practice. Discover a balance of effort and ease, find grounding, build resilience on your mat and carry it with you into your everyday life.
Megan Schmelter, RYT 200
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For Megan, yoga has always been about how you feel and not about how you look. After years of cultivating her own practice and self love, she is thrilled and beyond grateful to be able to share techniques and postures with students that empower and inspire the same feelings in them. With a burning passion for psychology, helping others and universal connectedness, Megan cannot wait to delve into the community and help even one new friend improve their daily functioning and peace. “Namaste and I can’t wait to meet you!”
Bryanhdi Flagg-Olgen, RYT 200
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People of color aren’t majorly represented in mainstream yoga. So it came as a shock to me when I took my first yoga class in 2017 and the class was led by a Black woman, and we were flowing to a hip-hop/R&B playlist. From that first class I was hooked, and I knew that yoga was something that I would need to create space for in my life. In 2021, I completed my 200-Hour Hatha Flow Teaching Certification with The Tree Yoga Cooperative whose mission is to uplift BIPOC by using yoga as a tool for liberation. It was a life changing experience that I will be forever grateful for!
In my classes you can expect a chill yoga flow mostly to the tunes of 90s/2000’s R&B. You will be encouraged to listen to your body as a way to create a deeper understanding of yourself. It is my hope that you can take what you learn about your mind, body, and spirit on the mat and apply it to your everyday life!