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Frank Apodaca, Jr.
After his initial martial arts study of Judo and Okinawan Karate, Apodaca Sensei began his Aikido training in November 1985 at San Diego Aikikai under the direction of T. K. Chiba, 8th Dan, Shihan. Chiba Shihan was a direct live-in student under the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. In 1987, Apodaca Sensei was accepted into Chiba Sensei’s intensive teacher training apprenticeship program as a live-in student which included Body Arts (Aikido), Traditional Japanese weapons (wooden staff-sword-knife), Iaido (sword) and Meditation (Buddhist). In December 1993, upon apprenticeship graduation, he moved to Portland, Oregon offering professional Aikido instruction as Chief Instructor of Multnomah Aikikai; a 60 member Aikido school. In October 2000, he moved to the Mid-Michigan area where he founded Mid-Michigan Aikikai and enjoyed training connections with the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. In August of 2010, he moved to North Carolina and founded Deep River Aikikai. He was awarded Shihan (certified master Aikido instructor) in January, 2017. Additionally, Apodaca Sensei has served as national Chairman of the Examination Committee within BIRANKAI North America. He assisted in the qualitative oversight of the Birankai ranking progressions of white and black belt students and the certifications of teaching ranks. [email protected] 919.638.5117 |
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Lydia Aybar, MS, Ph.D
Lydia has been practicing Kundalini yoga and meditation for over 20 years and is also trained in Gong Nidra (soundbath + yoga nidra). She loves sharing yoga and the sound of the gong with everyone because these modalities have enhanced her life and helped her through many of life's challenges. One of her favorite aspects of Kundalini Yoga is that it addresses specific concerns and intentions. Many Kundalini Yoga sets specifically focus on topics like the immune system, which is particularly interesting to her as an immunologist — especially as there is accumulating scientific validation of Kundalini Yoga. Another beautiful aspect of Kundalini Yoga is that it brings out the kid in all of us. Lydia affectionately refers to Kundalini yoga as “adult romper room.” And anyone can do it – no experience necessary. instagram: @BigBeatYoga, email: [email protected] phone: 786-368-8589 |
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Ashlea Barnett
Ashlea grew up in a small town in Canada where she started dancing at the age of 4. She began teaching dance and movement at the age of 17. She attended Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto, where she earned her degree in Musical Theatre. After college she continued to teach in Canada and eventually in NC. In 2018 she started working with Growga, a kids yoga program where she received her kids yoga training and became the company's operations manager. She currently teaches in several preschools and afterschool programs throughout Alamance County. She's loved bringing the joy of movement and yoga to the younger generation. She is excited to share her passion with The Bridge community. She currently lives near Saxapahaw with her wonderful husband and 3 amazing children who often join her in class. |
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Judith Brooks, LAc.
Judith Brooks graduated from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1998. She has studied in Belize with Dr. Rosita Arvigo since 2009 and is an educator with the Abdominal Therapy Collective. Trained in both TCM, (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Western herbalism, Judith offers healing sessions using a variety of modalities including: acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and auricular (ear) acupuncture, abdominal massage, and individual herbal consultations in person or over the phone. She is licensed in both massage therapy (#1313) and acupuncture (#133) in North Carolina and has been in practice since 1999. Please call or text Judith at 919-260-1430 for an appointment. For more information visit her website: judithbrooksacupuncture.com abdominaltberapycollective.com |
Leigh Ann Brown
LMBT NC#11705, CNRT-M
www.metaformmovement.com
Leigh Brown has been a licensed massage and bodywork therapist since 2011 and a certified Pilates instructor since 2000. Sessions with Leigh are done clothed and may include movement instruction, stretching and other self-care practices that can help improve outcomes concerning chronic pain. Hands-on techniques used in individual private sessions focus mainly on Neural Reset Therapy® with fascial conduction and neuro-strengthening modalities. Movement, strengthening techniques and self care strategies are mixed into a session to get the best results.
LMBT NC#11705, CNRT-M
www.metaformmovement.com
Leigh Brown has been a licensed massage and bodywork therapist since 2011 and a certified Pilates instructor since 2000. Sessions with Leigh are done clothed and may include movement instruction, stretching and other self-care practices that can help improve outcomes concerning chronic pain. Hands-on techniques used in individual private sessions focus mainly on Neural Reset Therapy® with fascial conduction and neuro-strengthening modalities. Movement, strengthening techniques and self care strategies are mixed into a session to get the best results.
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Kristen Butler
Fresh out of college, Kristen began a career in advertising, until she grew tired of selling things to people they didn't need or shouldn't have. To fulfill a deeper calling to service, Kristen became a yoga instructor, teaching in several states, and finally landing in North Carolina. Here, Kristen sought a new understanding of the body and felt that massage therapy would complement her yoga practice and her desire to help and heal. In 2016, Kristen graduated from Body Therapy Institute in Siler City. Since then, she's crafted a style of massage that combines Swedish, deep tissue and myoskeletal alignment techniques, as well as assisted stretching and occasionally, cupping. Her method is slow and progressive. |
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Ainslee Cunningham
Ainslee Cunningham is a lifelong student of yoga who is deeply inspired by nature and aspires to support people with the mind-body connection of yoga. In 2020, she completed her 200 hour YTT with MindBody Centering Yoga in Durham, and has since gratefully studied under the mentorship of Patty Townsend and Sam Sather. She integrates mindfulness and breathing practices into all of her classes, as well as embodied playfulness and exploration in a safe, supportive way. A pillar of her teaching is that every body is different and that we work with the yoga postures to get more deeply into our body (not the other way around). As an herbalist and avid plant enthusiast, she looks to the natural rhythms of the seasons and the wisdom of the plant world for inspiration for her classes. When she’s not teaching, Ainslee can be found hiking the Haw River, reading a book, or swimming. |
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Keeli Gailes, PT, DPT, ATC (She/Her)
Doctor of physical therapy, athletic trainer, integrated lifestyle medicine practitioner, personal trainer, and owner of Roots Physical Therapy and Wellness. Dr. Keeli Gailes DPT, ATC received her Bachelor’s in Athletic Training from the University of West Florida and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She has years of experience treating complex cases and prides herself in taking a whole-person, individualized approach. She specializes in pelvic health, orthopedic conditions, chronic pain, chronic illness, and sports injuries. Keeli is passionate about helping people understand more about their own power to improve their health and wellness. She is a huge advocate for increasing health equity and access to high-quality healthcare and is an ally to all. She provides group classes as a way to help increase access to care, knowing cost can often be an obstacle to accessing reliable health information. Her other interests include dance, outdoor activities, music, and spending time with family and friends. For more information please reach out at (919) 886-7866 or d[email protected] or sign up for a class on our facebook page www.https/facebook.com/rootsptandwellness or an individual session at rootsptandwellness.com |
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Anna Maynard
Anna Maynard is a dancer and interdisciplinary artist originally from North Carolina. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Technical Photography from Appalachian State University in 2012, followed by a Masters of Fine Arts in Dance and Performance from Smith College in 2019, where she served as a Teaching Fellow. As a dancer and somatic researcher, Anna is deeply invested in the exploration of movement and improvisation. She creates spaces for emergent improvisation to flourish, drawing on her keen understanding of composition and energetics to enhance the class experience. Anna's work invites participants to delve into their own narratives, finding solace and authenticity through movement and presence. |
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Lauren Miller (Studio Manager)
Lauren began teaching yoga in 2011 after leaving cardio-based group fitness class instruction. She was initially drawn to the higher intensity Power Yoga and Baptiste style asana practices modeled after the Ashtanga Yoga sequence. Her practice has evolved over the years to include more intuitive movement, gentle sequences, and music driven movement. Lauren earned her 200hr YTT from Asheville Yoga Center in March of 2017. She moved to Philadelphia shortly following and began teaching and practicing yoga in a number of studios throughout the city. After diving more deeply into the eight limbs of yoga, Lauren now approaches Asana practice as a means to explore the body’s full range of movement and strength in order to find physical and mental peace in daily life. Lauren moved back to Saxapahaw, North Carolina in 2019 where she lives with her husband and three children. She is thrilled to be teaching Yoga in Saxapahaw again and sharing her love and light with her community! Contact: [email protected], 336.525.2800 |
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Mary Thompson Radulescu
Mary has over 30+ years’ experience as a Level II Reiki Practitioner. She has volunteered with Ronald McDonald House in their Healing Arts Program and offers prospective clients a free 20-minute session so they can experience this therapeutic healing. My Reiki practice is constantly deepening and opening to the new energies that are coming in for humanity. I have a deep connection with nature and intuitively select natural elements and stones to facilitate your own empowered healing. I welcome the journey, with you, as we walk our own unique path of unfoldment. [email protected] phone: 919-923-4605 |
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Maia Rhenish
Maia is a sound practitioner, musician and energy weaver. She guides her clients to their highest vibrational essence using voice, soundscapes, deep listening and her connection to the natural world. She has studied and created music for over 25 years and is a Shamanic Reiki Master. Maia offers sound healing & shamanic reiki sessions as well as sound baths and workshops out of her home in Pittsboro, NC and surrounding areas. She is honored to be sharing the healing power of sound with the Saxapahaw Community! |
Jill Taylor
Jill Taylor, founder of Sukha Equine is a 200+ Hour Certified Yoga Teacher with 6 years of experience teaching yoga and 30 years of working with horses and riders. Her work with humans and horses focuses on breath, alignment, and balance resulting in an enhanced level of connection and flow. She joyfully engages with clients in yoga, riding, and equine facilitated therapy as well as other equine assisted learning.
Jill Taylor, founder of Sukha Equine is a 200+ Hour Certified Yoga Teacher with 6 years of experience teaching yoga and 30 years of working with horses and riders. Her work with humans and horses focuses on breath, alignment, and balance resulting in an enhanced level of connection and flow. She joyfully engages with clients in yoga, riding, and equine facilitated therapy as well as other equine assisted learning.
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Ibada Wadud
Ibada is the founder of Seasonal Shifts: A dharma yoga experience. She is trained in trauma conscious yoga by Liberation Prison Yoga, which brings yoga to incarcerated men and women with the aim to improve their quality of life both behind bars and when they are released by placing an emphasis on human connection and mental health. In 2023, Ibada received a BIPOC scholarship from Corepower Yoga, and completed her 200h training and practice teaching in NYC. As a survivor of trauma, Ibada sought out rehabilitation at Southern Dharma Retreat Center in Hot Springs, North Carolina in 2022, where she completed a 16 week residency in silent retreat, deepening her vipassana meditation practice. She now serves on the board at SDRC as the JEDI (justice, equity, diversity & inclusion) advisor, where she helps to facilitate SDRC's Racial Healing Initiative and to cultivate accessible and inclusive programming for yogis based in the South. Ibada has studied with visionary dharma teachers and Black Buddhist scholars including Lama Rod Owens, Spring Washam, and Leslie Booker, all of whom continuously inspire her to live in vinaya. When Ibada is not teaching yoga she is envisioning a more climate resilient and socially inclusive future as an Assistant Professor at Parsons School of Design in the School of Design Strategies. With a background in human rights, sustainable design, and impact entrepreneurship, Ibada has spent over a decade spearheading global environmental and social brand initiatives for Kate Spade, Adidas, and Shopify, as well as the United Nations. Ibada is fluent in Spanish and has studied & worked in Spain, Italy, Peru, Ecuador, Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda. |
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Carley White
Carley White is a local artist, mom of two, and licensed NC Art teacher. She holds a Masters in Art Education from Western Carolina University and has years of art teaching experience ranging from preschool to adults. When she’s not teaching, you can find her in the pottery studio or hanging out with her family and her two dogs. |