Meet Our Instructors
At Balanced and Brave, we believe in the power of community and inclusivity. Our instructors are passionate about helping you achieve your fitness goals while fostering a supportive environment.
Erin
Rise-n-Grind
Erin is an experienced and certified fitness instructor who is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals. She is a strong, supportive presence in the studio, always encouraging her clients to work hard and never giving up. She always has a smile on her face, pushing her clients to push themselves and sweat out the stress of the day. With years of experience and training, Erin is a great choice for any fitness enthusiast looking to improve their health and wellbeing.
Sam
Yoga Sculpt
Sam was captivated by the grounding and empowering practice of yoga during her first yoga classes in 2001 at the Fergus Falls YMCA. in 2015, she returned to her roots and began instructing yoga. Sam completed her 200-hour teacher training in Grafton, ND in 2016 and has since instructed. Her instruction style is alignment-focused Hatha. Sam also teaches yoga sculpt and restorative yoga.
Amanda
Vinyasa Flow, Warm Stretch
Amanda is a certified and experienced yoga instructor who has taught/teaches at the Fergus Falls School of Dance, NeverBetter, and Namaste Hot. She also taught in a training shala in Goa, India and during her residency with a SpringBoard for the Arts. Amanda has been a movement artist since she was in 1st grade. She lives with her husband and son in the community.
Jen
Yoga Strong
Jen is a Hatha 200-RYT certified yoga instructor with athlete and trauma-informed yoga training. She is a meditation specialist and is known for her supportive style of teaching. Jen believes in the power of yoga to help people find their inner strength and reach their goals. She encourages her students to be mindful of their body and breath while they explore their own unique practice. Jen loves inspiring her students to find their best selves through yoga.
Mitzi
26+2, Hot Stretch,
Vinyasa Flow
Mitzi started practicing yoga over 15 years ago while living in Scotland and had the fortunate experience of practicing with a great hatha teacher at my local gym. She grew to love the mind, body, and breath connection. Not long after, she discovered Hot Yoga. The mind, body, and breath connection in 106-degree heat meant she was hooked. After moving back to Minnesota, she wanted to share my love of the mind, body, breath connection so decided to sign up for Yoga Teacher Training (YTT).
Laura
Vinyasa Flow, Community Class, Hot Stretch, Candlelight Yoga
Laura’s wellness journey began in 2001 when she became a licensed massage therapist. In 2015, she took her first yoga class and has committed to the practice. Laura sees yoga as a gift for overall wellness of mind, body, and spirit. Laura wants to share the same experience with her students and plans to specialize in asanas for perimenopause/menopause and high functioning anxiety and depression. Laura is new to teaching; her classes will guide you through a modern flow focused on increased strength and mobility, improved posture and balance, and cardiovascular fitness. Laura is excited to witness students changes in mindset and perspective.
Carrie
Vinyasa Flow, Hot Stretch, Sculpt, Candlelight Yoga, Community Class
Carrie has been teaching fitness classes for nearly ten years and has her Yoga 200 Hour Certification. She creates a welcoming environment and strives to make yoga accessible and inviting for all participants. Carrie believes in the power of community and will do everything she can to encourage and support every member of the Balanced + Brave studio.
Kayla
Vinyasa Flow, Hot Stretch, Sculpt
I’ve played sports my entire life. After 4 years of basketball at Mayville State University, while attaining my Biology and Chemistry degree, I’ve been looking for something to fill the void left by those years of intense training. Yoga has filled my need for physical challenge as well as slowing down and giving back to my body. I hope people find my classes to be welcoming and empowering. Encouraging individuals to find and be their true selves.
Tami
Vinyasa Flow, Hot Stretch
I decided to go through the certification process to be a yoga instructor because I love the physical and mental health benefits of practicing, and I know how good it can be for our bodies as we age. I love knowing how things work, and these classes have definitely given me a greater understanding of how yoga practice can contribute to overall health.
Chelsea
Dance Fitness
Chelsea is an experienced and certified fitness instructor. She has done personal training as well as taught Zumba classes for over 12 years. Her classes offer a fun, upbeat and energetic atmosphere. Chelsea hopes to inspire and motivate others through teaching at Balanced + Brave.