Aleece, a Petoskey native, received her RYT 200 in March 2017 and is currently in her 500-yoga teacher training program. She has an insatiable hunger for knowledge and didn’t stop at yoga. Afterwards, she went on to receive her Buti Yoga teaching certification in December 2017. Aleece began yoga as an irregular exercise class, but the once simple exercise developed over the next six years into a profound connection of the mind, body & soul. Yoga not only improved her way of life and supported Aleece regularly through everyday stresses, it served her in coping with the loss of her parents. Wanting to reciprocate to others what yoga has done for her, becoming a yoga instructor was the next step. Her passion for unity creates classes, teaching to all levels and ages, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and enabling them to try something new. Always wanting to share, Aleece’s insatiable hunger for knowledge feeds into her magnetic generosity. She brings the ‘studio’ to everyday life making yoga easily available and sharing yoga in unusual places. Buti has brought her previous years of dance training and the internal musician to her current yoga practice and has molded a new path. Aleece is a Bodywork Practitioner, Stretch Therapist, Mobility Specialist, Sound Healer and many other modalities in the Healing Arts. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family and friends, being active outdoors connecting with nature, and celebrating life everyday with her husband, Adam, and their dog Jax. Her favorite quote, “how do you know you can’t do something unless you try? – never let something, especially doubt hold you back from the beauty of life of experiencing new things.”
Marlee is an intuitive yoga instructor (and forever student!) based in Northern Michigan. She completed her 200-hour Vinyasa certification in Costa Rica(2016), and then her 500-hour Hatha/ Ashtanga certification in India(2019). Marlee continues to expand her studies in Yin, Ayurveda, and Yoga Philosophy.
Her classes are playful and grounding, focusing on accessible poses for modern bodies with an emphasis on the connection between mind, body, and spirit- through breath. She believes that every “body” can and should practice yoga asana—free from fear, expectation, or stigma about how it should “look”.
Her intention is to guide students toward awareness of how the practice feels; while encouraging them to trust their own inner teacher and honor the unique needs of each moment.
My name is Leslie Neilson and together with my husband, Paul Nicholls, I own and operate our yoga studio, which first opened its doors in 2013. In the beginning, we relied on a small team of five wonderful instructors, as I wasn’t yet certified to teach. From day one, my vision has been to create a welcoming, affordable space where everyone in our community can experience the many benefits of yoga.
In 2022, through a generous grant, I completed my yoga teaching certification at the Heartwood Yoga Institute in Florida. The program was designed especially for people aged 50 and older, and that has become the heart of my teaching focus. My favorite class to teach is Yoga on the Mat, a gentle class where we never stand – perfect for those seeking a nurturing, accessible approach to movement and mindfulness.
I hope to see you on the mat. ~ Namaste~ Leslie
Sara Kessler is a NSCA certified personal trainer and a 2007 graduate of The Professional Fitness Institute in Las Vegas, NV where she was awarded the highly coveted “most motivated trainer” award. Sara’s commitment to all ages exercise extends into the Boyne community where she is involved in children’s and senior citizen fitness. Our class members and other local exercise enthusiasts know Sara as a dedicated and motivating presence promoting all aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Sara’s number one priority is raising respectful, health conscious children and passing along another generation of positive leaders.
Sarah first came to yoga for the physical benefits of the practice after struggling with a chronic running injury; however, she also quickly began to notice the deep spiritual, mental and emotional benefits, as well. As a mental health counselor, Sarah began incorporating components of yoga into her therapeutic practice and has been able to witness the transformational power it has on her clients. As a RYT-200 yoga instructor, she enjoys teaching challenging vinyasa flow balanced with restorative yoga, and focusing on breath work guiding the practice. Sarah loves teaching yoga because it allows her to help others experience the spiritual, mental and emotional healing that can be found through the practice, as well as bringing fun and creativity to each class.
Born and raised in Michigan, my family moved “up north” in 2001 where I graduated in 2004 from Charlevoix High School. Received my Associates Degree in Business Administration from Everett College in 2011. Always more of a bookworm, athletics were never my thing. I tried (and failed to maintain) several different workout routines. Then just over 2 years ago I took my first yoga, and then my first barre classes. In tandem, they changed my outlook on exercise and brought a new realization to my life and body. I loved how I felt in barre class. It was fun and challenging. Last fall, my instructor made a casual remark that I should get certified because she didn’t always have a sub when she wanted/needed to take time off. So after a little convincing from her and several friends, I decided to go for it. I am now a certified International Ballet Barre Fitness Association Barre Instructor as well as a NASM/AFAA Group Fitness Instructor. I love barre because it’s kind of a sneaky workout. Sometimes you don’t feel like you’re doing much, but when you do feel it, oh man! Those fatigued muscle shakes are the goal… so embrace the shake!