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. deep.river.aikikai@gmail.com 919.638.5117 |
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: BigBeatYoga@gmail.com phone: 786-368-8589 |
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. |
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.
Frederico Castellões
Frederico L. Castellões is from Brazil, where he started his capoeira journey under Mestre Valdenor. His teaching career started in 1995 when he created his school “Capoeira Arte e Movimento” in Boone, NC. In 2018, he became a Contra-Mestre of Capoeira under Mestre Doutor of ASCAB Association, Philadelphia. He has also taught full credit courses of capoeira, languages and culture at Appalachian State University, Caldwell Community College, Maryland Community Colleges and UNC- Chapel Hill. He believes that the synergy of capoeira and his life intertwine with his personal moto: “ ... everything that we lively imagine, sincerely believe and enthusiastically put into action, inevitably will become reality…” (Brazil, Personal Development Department) |
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. |
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 dr.gailes@rootsptandwellness.com or sign up for a class on our facebook page www.https/facebook.com/rootsptandwellness or an individual session at rootsptandwellness.com |
Elizabeth Gottschalk
Lizzie found yoga in Chapel Hill while studying nursing at Duke University as a way to manage anxiety and stress. She began to study the yoga practice, philosophy and history in earnest while living and working in New York City. She completed her 200-hour teacher training in 2014 at Pure Yoga, a 300-hour teacher training at Yoga Vida in 2017 where she taught under the mentorship of Rebecca Hajek. Lizzie has taught abroad on wellness retreats in Portugal, Sardinia and Croatia. At the beginning of COVID, working as a nurse UNC Hospital, she pursued a 200-hour meditation course with Yogi Charu through the Bakti Center of New York. She is looking forward to teaching awareness of the present moment by guiding movement and breath. |
Riley Hoffmeier
Riley has been dancing since she was three years old. Connecting with younger students by attending classes and assistant teaching for several years, she truly enjoys teaching young dancers to have fun and build skills. She has been en pointe for six years and takes on additional opportunities to learn many different dance styles. She has attended the UNC School of the Arts Summer Program twice as well as many other individual summer classes. Academically, she is the student body president and works hard to maintain a good standing with her school. |
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: lcmillerb@gmail.com, 336.525.2800 |
Jacqulyn Nygren, DC
Dr. Nygren has been a practicing chiropractic physician for 17 years. Skilled in many techniques, she has worked with athletes, injuries, chronic pain patterns, wellness patients and pregnant women and infants as well. Her main focus is patient-centered care. Chiropractic care should not be a one size fits all approach. Dr. Nygren aims to be an active player in her patients’ overall healthcare. By working with the physical alignment, we can put the body in the proper position it needs to be in to function. From there we work on strengthening, posture and habits to help maintain a healthy musculoskeletal system. She utilizes a combination of Diversified, Drop Table and Activator instrument adjusting techniques, as well as other therapeutic modalities to help surrounding tissues maintain the adjustments. Dr. Nygren recently moved to Graham with her husband, three children, and rescue pups to gain an environment to suit their nature loving hobbies. She is thrilled to be part of the Saxapahaw community, and is happy to serve her patients from Chatham, Alamance and Orange counties. |
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. maryt591@outlook.com phone: 919-923-4605 |
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.