Meet Our Teachers
Our teachers are the heartbeat of the studio.
We are deeply dedicated to holding space for our students in a way that feels like home.
Cara Unrue
she/her
Owner, Senior Teacher
500hr E-RYT, YACEP
Reiki Level 2
Thai Yoga Massage Lvl 2
Cara is passionate about any form of yoga that allows her to connect with herself, both body and mind. Some days that looks like powerfully physical practice, and other times it is softer and more introspective. Generally speaking, vinyasa style breath to movement classes have been what has helped her focus and turn inward, which is why she is eager to share this style with others.
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She wants to create an atmosphere that is accepting of all yogis. Even if some postures in class look intimidating, she encourages everyone to jump in and have fun. Everyone starts somewhere, so she hopes to create an environment that is welcoming to those just starting out, as well as folks who have been practicing for several years.
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Cara is always catching a flight to somewhere new and different. She loves to explore our planet to taste, try, and learn new things. She loves traveling to feel alive and truly connected to all living things. In addition to travel, she's a maker and an artist and loves caring for her houseplants and gardens.
Steph Jo Aud
she/her
Owner, Lead Teacher
500hr E-RYT, YACEP
eMBER Certified
Reiki Level 2
Sekoia Certified
Thai Yoga Massage Lvl 2
Steph Jo has a deep passion for vinyasa flow style classes, connecting the breath and movement while creating fun and unique sequences. Taking requests from students is her favorite ways to curate one of a kind classes for the humans in each class she teaches.
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She carries a "No Expectations, No Judgments" mentality and reminds all her students to take themselves less seriously. Meeting yourself exactly where you are, and giving yourself exactly what you need.
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Off the mat, Steph Jo loves to spend time with her husband and their dog, Ricky Bobby. She enjoys exploring and traveling, walking the dog, and all the outdoorsy stuff! She also really loves any style of crafting, and creates gemstone jewelry, fun stickers and things for her side business!
Colleen Cregan
she/her
200hr Yoga Instructor
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Colleen enjoys exploring the polar opposites of the yoga spectrum. She loves teaching meditation and restorative classes as well as the energetic and intense fitness style classes.
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Colleen always wants to teach people about their bodies and how to use that language to help them reframe the way they move through life.
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When she is not teaching she loves to spend time mood boarding! She shares her creations to her Pinterest page @AMoodBored.
Joe DeWitt
he/him
200hr Yoga Instructor
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Teresa Eigel
she/her
500hr RYT
eMBER Certified
Reiki Master
Sekoia Certified
YOHI Meditation TT
Teresa loves teaching a variety of styles of yoga and meditation. Her go-tos are alignment focused, strength building vinyasa classes coupled with deeply relaxing restorative classes. She believes the dichotomy of incorporating both these types of practices into your repertoire can be really powerful, each allowing students to tune into their body and mind in a unique way. Her approach is heavily influenced by the teachings of Jason Crandall and Rodney Yee, both of who she has studied closely with.
She believes yoga is about making the practice work for you and meeting yourself where you are today, and she is there to aid in and support that. It’s not about looking a certain way or feeling a certain way, anything that comes up is welcome. She also LOVES a good playlist!
Aside from yoga, she loves being outdoors - hiking, running, walking, cycling, staring at the sky, doing almost anything! Nature wakes her up and is a constant reminder of the beauty all around us.
Chloe Ewing
she/her
200hr Yoga Instructor
Reiki Level 1
Chloe has love for several types of yoga and says that each style brings a different experience on the mat. She truly loves teaching all types pf yoga, especially a yoga + weights class, vinyasa and slow flows, and restore.
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Whether one is new or seasoned to the practice of yoga, Chloe wants all of her students to know that each time they show up to the mat, there is no judgements coming from her or the other yogis in the space, and to offer the same freedom to themselves. Wherever you land that day is exactly where the body is meant to be. Move freely, peacefully, and beautifully, whatever that means to you! Modifications are always welcome and offered regardless of the style of class Chloe teaches. Students can expect to experience a creative practice, beautiful breathing, and a safe environment.
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Aside from yoga, Chloe enjoys all things creative from painting, home design, and crafting flower arrangements to building workout routines in the gym, creating new coffee syrups and editing her own YouTube videos.
Skylar Himelstein
she/her
500hr RYT
eMBER Certified
Skylar is passionate about teaching approachable, beginner-friendly classes that make students feel confident and comfortable.
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She would love for her students to know that yoga is for every body, and that they are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to take what they want and leave the rest. She also loves to offer multiple variations throughout her sequences and encouraging students to make the class their own.
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Skylar loves to travel! Anything from a short weekend trip to backpacking across Europe will fill her cup.
Sylvie Kademian
she/her
500hr E-RYT
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Anton Naess
he/they
200hr RYT
Anton says he practices yoga to learn their self. And that "By continually coming back to my mat, and to the movements, postures, and breath, I am becoming more and more familiar with my own body and mind." Anton believes that with familiarity, comes awareness of how to care for and support themself, and for others. Anton hopes to offer the opportunity hold space for others to have their own experiences and revelations.
Kristen O'Neill
she/her
200hr RYT
Buti Yoga
Kristen's fondness of yoga started with Vinyasa and expanded into Buti Yoga. She enjoys the portal of creativity that you can open, the connectivity of mind/body/spirt, and the freedom of expression in a way that feels good for every BODY.
She especially loves how Buti helps her to find a sense of release, empowerment, and deeper trust in her intuition for whatever the universe throws her way. The sore tush that comes from the practice is extra credit!
When she isn't getting primal with spirals and static shakes she enjoys going on adventures with her husband and kids. And anything that involves being outside, especially when it comes to gardening and maintaining some wicked awesome lawn lines.
McKinsey Rankin
she/her
500hr Yoga Instructor
eMBER Certified
McKinsey's favorite style of teaching is based around an all levels flow. She enjoys starting off with a slower pace, then flowing through creative sequences, building some heat along the way!
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She says, "An open mind and breath is all you need!" Encouraging her students to always take what they need and leave behind what doesn't serve them.
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When she is not doing yoga, McKinsey spends time crafting, traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with those she loves.
Claire Roboski
she/her
200hr Yoga Instructor
eMBER Certified
Claire is most passionate about offering trauma-informed, alignment-based, gentle, slow flow and restorative style classes.
She strongly believes in the power of community, trusting one's self, and strives to create a welcoming environment where all clients feel safe to show up exactly as they are.
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When she is not offering class or working as an educator & mentor at a challenging, high-risk school, you can find her at the gym lifting heavy, reading a good book, spending time outside, or curled up with her animals.
Kaitlyn Tennison
she/her
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Macklin Walker
they/them
200hr Yoga Instructor
Trauma Informed
Mack first discovered yoga over a decade ago when they borrowed one of their older sister's VHS tapes and they were instantly hooked. Their personal movement practice is essentially non-stop, whether it's some breathwork here and there, long walks in nature, weight-training, or dancing at the crosswalk while they wait for the light to change, they're always wiggling in some way shape or form.
Mack's approach to teaching is meant to provide safety through movement. Reconnecting with one's body, nervous system, heart, & breath are the invitations that are constant through whatever class of theirs you'll take. They promise to unabashedly be themselves and hope that you'll do the same, as well.
When they aren't dancing at stop lights, Mack loves to play board games, go antiquing, have deep conversations with friends, and have even deeper belly laughs in between. They also have a lovable 15 year old orange cat (Herbert Reginald) that has affectionately been called their familiar by anyone who has ever met the pair.
Michele Winship
she/her
500hr E-RYT
YACEP
Certified Spin Instructor
Although Michele was primarily trained in vinyasa yoga and enjoys Ashtanga for her personal practice, she genuinely loves teaching Hatha classes. Especially to those humans who have never experienced yoga before.
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She wants all of her students to realize that yoga is for everybody and every body, regardless of size, shape, ability or age. She says, "We fit the yoga to ourselves and not the other way around."
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Off the mat, Michele loves creating!
Whether it is home improvement projects, watercolors, or growing her own food. She enjoys singing karaoke, making new outfits, and repurposing unique thrift finds!
Hailey Merendo
she/her
Front Desk Manager and Community Outreach Ambassador
Yoga has truly transformed Hailey's life by providing a secure avenue to discover her potential. Over time, this unique practice has not only alleviated anxiety but also empowered her to embrace the fluidity of her body. With its numerous modifications and diverse dimensions, yoga has enabled Hailey to find solace in movement. Regardless of whether she feels at her peak or experiencing discomfort, yoga always offers something to offer.
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Hailey says, "Wild Root has become my sanctuary, a place where I feel completely at home. Within the walls of the studio and the warm embrace of the community, I find solace and tranquility. It's a haven where I can truly be myself, knowing that my uniqueness is not only accepted but celebrated. In Columbus, Ohio, I have discovered a paradise that has enriched my human experience."
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When Hailey is not busy in the studio, you'll often find her snuggling with her two precious dogs, Love and Onyx. She says, "They are the most adorable little creatures and these little floofs never fail to make me happy."