Our Teachers
Karen Barker, Owner & Director
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Karen believes that yoga is for everybody and every body. She found yoga during a stressful time in her life, after having thought for years that she couldn't practice yoga because her body was not a "yoga body".
Karen has lived in Greene County for over 20 years, and opened Sunbeams Yoga in 2017 to share her love of the yoga practice with her neighbors and community. Karen is a Yoga and Body Image Coalition Partner, Accessible Yoga Ambassador, and Yoga Service Council Member. Some of the additional certifications she has received include Yoga for All, Curvy Yoga, Accessible Yoga, and Body Positive Yoga. Karen is passionate about making yoga accessible and available to all who wish to practice it, and strives to lead classes that are trauma-sensitive, gender-neutral, and body-positive. [E-RYT200, YACEP] |
Jasmine Alves
Jasmine Alves has practiced yoga for ten years. She started practicing to manage stress and has continued to practice because it allows her to find clarity, calm, and happiness.
She teaches to inspire her students to connect with themselves on a deeper level and find their happiness. Her classes are gentle beginner classes that allow students to focus on their breath and alignment. Jasmine is a 200-hour registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. [RYT200] |
Jenn Bennett-Mintz
When Jenn first stepped on the mat 19 years ago she had an out of body experience of sorts; one in which she felt very disconnected from her own body as she attempted to mimic those around her in various yoga postures. Yet, as she left that evening she sensed something bigger that invited her to keep showing up.
Over the years she has experienced the subtle yet powerful shift a yoga practice can bring both on and off the mat and strives to offer classes that allow students to tap into its transformative power and to transcend perceived boundaries both within one’s self and among others. Off the mat Jenn enjoys putting energy towards her and her partner’s homestead, enjoying or trying to play music, a new adventure or anything that involves fresh air, smiles and friends. [RYT500, LMT, Reiki Master Teacher] |
Mary Linn Bergstrom
Mary Linn has been teaching movement classes since 1990. Growing up in upstate New York, she trained extensively in formal dance styles including ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, tap, and pointe. She continued her modern and ballet training while at the College of William and Mary. Once settled in Charlottesville, Mary Linn taught and trained for several years at Wilson School of Dance, and also discovered Nia and 5 Rhythms. She began teaching Nia at ACAC Charlottesville in 2009, and has learned directly from the creators of Nia over the years. Currently, Mary Linn holds a First Degree Black Belt in Nia. In her spare time, she continues to enjoy 5 Rhythms classes and other conscious dance events throughout Charlottesville, as well as yoga and hiking.
Mary Linn strives to create a relaxed and fun class atmosphere, and loves answering questions at any time during class. She hopes that her students will become less concerned about getting it “right”, and learn to know that if it feels good, it is right! |
Amy Biddle
“The stillness in stillness is not the real stillness; only when there is stillness in movement does the universal rhythm manifest.”
- Bruce Lee Amy is a life long horse lover and equestrian athlete who discovered yoga as a way to help her achieve union with her horses while remaining supple and strong. Riding horses and yoga are unique combinations of yin and yang, a balance of strength, softness, coordination and timing. As a N.C.S.F Certified Personal trainer and a 200-hour certified yoga teacher, she shares her love of physical fitness and mindfulness with her students and clients. Helping others find balance, both mentally and physically, is her main focus. [RYT200] |
Rachel Hanks
Rachel loves to share the benefits of yoga. She decided to pursue her RYT 200 to learn more about the physical and mental aspects of yoga, and how to share a safe and effective practice with anyone and everyone.
“Yoga is teaching me how really to be in the moment, whether I’m in an asana practice, working in an office, or simply in the company of others. On a daily basis, it helps me renew my focus, patience, and understanding.” She hopes that her students will find a balance of relaxation, energy, and empowerment through movement. “No matter your body type, background, or knowledge of yoga, I welcome you with open arms. The benefits of an asana practice extend far beyond the mat, and I want to share that with everyone who walks through the door.” [RYT200] |
Benita Mayo
In 2006, during one of many diet & exercise endeavors, Benita was introduced to yoga by her personal trainer. She was drawn to yoga for the physical benefits and didn't expect it would completely transform her life. She completed her Yoga Teacher training at Sol Yoga in Frederick MD and has additional certifications in Trauma Informed Yoga and Yoga for All.
Benita is passionate about holistic health, wellness and life balance; and strives to make yoga accessible to every-BODY. Benita uses her experience as both a larger-bodied yoga student and teacher to partner with her students to make classes welcoming and inclusive. Benita is a native of Virginia and received her BA from the University of Virginia. Benita is a Fine Art Photographer, enjoys traveling and riding her bicycle on the many Virginia trails. [RYT200] |