Meet Our Teachers

**Jackie Chavez Anderson**

Jackie Chavez Anderson is a E-RYT 200, RYT -500, YACEP Yoga Teacher and 600 hour Certified Ayurveda Health Educator. In 2023 Jackie completed her certification for Relaxation Massage , Jackie is also a Reiki Master and offers one-hour personalized Reiki, Relaxation Massage and Ayurveda health consultations at A New HoriZen. Her passion for holistic wellbeing and the desire to help others achieve healthy lifestyle practices, inspires her to support others in their journey to incorporate self-care practices that nurture the body, mind and spirit. In 2019, Jackie established A New HoriZen health and wellness consultation business and in 2021 she opened a Yoga, Ayurveda and Reiki studio in North Olmsted, Ohio.
RYT 500

**Anna Iskandar**

Anna became a student of Yoga in 2000 while taking classes toward her degree in Health and Science. She instantly fell in love with the beautiful mind body connection of Yoga. In 2001 she traveled to Austria, Germany, and Italy with the Cultural Studies Academy Program accompanied by her Yoga teacher Bobbie Holliday to learn about the health system in Europe. Anna has studied under Bobbie Holliday of Ganesha Yoga and in 2017 she received her 200 hour YTT certification with Kimberly Payne of Gathering Tree Yoga. Anna is also a Physical Therapist Assistant, Certified Lymphatic Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist, Craniosacral Therapist, and Reiki practitioner. In Anna’s classes she encourages her students to find their own personal Yoga practice by using modifications, exploring the breath, and working with the chakras to find balance with the body and mind.
RYT 200

**Rachel Metz**

Rachel attended her first yoga class in 2002 in an effort to experience creative expression, movement and flow into her body after being away from her first passion – dancing. What she hadn’t predicted was that Yoga gave her the tools to discover so much more. She valued that Yoga introduced breath and movement together, as well as connecting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. Rachel realized that Yoga offered the tools to help her manage stress and trauma. Her practice also introduced balance and peace into her life. “The connection I’ve found in mind, body and soul has been life changing for me.” Rachels classes are focused on teaching individuals how to connect breath and asana, both on and off the mat. Rachel also introduces a sensory experience to her teaching style such as, aromatherapy, music, candlelight and more!
RYT 200

**Cathie Smith**

Cathie is a Yoga Alliance registered ERYT - 200 hour certified yoga instructor. While recovering from an injury and looking for a gentle exercise to help heal her body, she found Yoga and has been hooked on the practice ever since. Cathie realized that yoga offers so many wonderful healing aspects. As a person who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, she understands the importance of healing both the mind and body. Cathie is inspired by her love of dance and combines that inspiration to create gentle and beautiful flows. Cathie also enjoys working on projects on her home with her bestfriend/husband, gardening and spending time with their boxer Laila.
ERYT 200

Jon Jarc

Art teacher, father of five, and an avid handstand enthusiast, Jon started practicing yoga as a substitute for a life of competitive soccer, but found so much more…passion and presence. “I love teaching people how to do handstands. For me, there’s no other place where I can be in a condition where I’m completely and fully present.” There are so many pieces that make learning a handstand like cultivating a life you want… consistent practice, presence, strength, balance, subtle adjustments, risk taking…and more. As a yoga teacher, I want to bring the same presence, awareness, and connection to my students.” Jon brings a 500hr RYT certification, as well as a 30hr YACEP Flexibility Coach credential to the studio. His classes focus on alignment, building strength and stability in the body, and connecting your breath to movements. His classes offer students the chance to move, flow, breathe, stretch, strengthen and groove. “As a guy in a yoga class, I spent a long time being afraid of being inflexible, unaware, weak or afraid to express emotional myself. I have found a way to be more confident in how I move, what I feel, and how I take care of myself. I gained a new understanding and love for the practice of yoga through consistent practice and study.” Jon’s classes will bring a deep understanding of body mechanics, breath work, strength and flexibility - and mindful presence…all done to a really killer music playlist!”

RYT 500

**Michelle Devine**

Michelle was born and raised in Cleveland and has lived here her entire life. She started practicing yoga in 2017 with the intention of increasing flexibility and strength. She quickly realized that yoga is so much more than a physical practice. She started to notice a shift in her mood and energy levels and realized that it was helping her cope with her anxiety. It taught her to slow down and live in the present moment. She fell in love with yoga and acquired her 200 hour Jivamukti and Anusara teacher training at The Yoga Room with Marni Task.
“The amazing thing about yoga is that it meets you where you are. You don’t need to be flexible or strong to start practicing”. Michelle’s intention for each class is to create an environment where students can feel confident and empowered. Her classes offer the opportunity for students to explore and grow their practice.
RYT 200

Gayle Zoldak

Gayle is a RYT 200-hour yoga instructor, and is also certified in Chair Yoga. She found yoga 15 years ago during a challenging time. Being on the mat for the first time was a very emotional experience: “it was as if I had finally found my tribe, and the weight of life’s expectations fell away.” To this day, regular practice helps manage stress, calm a busy mind, and even out the emotional ups and downs. “Yoga is my happy place; my goal is to help others find that same sense of wellbeing. Nothing else matters during the time spent on the mat.” She brings compassion, encouragement and will hold space for others to find their way. Gayle recently completed her YTT 200 training at Heartwood Yoga Institute where learning all aspects of yoga was fascinating, and will be a lifetime work in progress. Off the mat, Gayle’s career with a local engineering firm spans over 25 years. She and her husband, John, share a love for animals, a passion for travel, and a dedication to family. She also enjoys walking, hiking, reading, and sewing.

RYT 200