Meet the Instructors
Detra Bennett-Roberson
Owner & Instructor
Detra is a mom of 2 beautiful children, Nash & Nova and owner of Down Dog Yoga & Wellness.
While attending UNCC Detra enrolled into a breath and movement class where she was introduced to yoga. Each week she looked forward to this class and was eager to learn more. After taking several “gym yoga” classes and “video yoga” classes she took her first class at a studio in 2010. Life as she knew it had changed. 5 years of practicing yoga daily Detra became certified in 2015 via Kim Zegil at Gotta Yoga Charlotte. From there she has been certified in Aerial Yoga and Prenatal Yoga. In 2018 she completed an additional 300hrs in advanced training focusing on mindfulness and meditation with Rolf Gates.
Her classes are fun, creative and powerful moving body with breath, creating space, strength, flexibility, balance, peace, love and understanding. Detra believes when yoga is truly embraced one can become the best version of themselves.
Detra’s mission is to grow yoga in the Denver area and to introduce yoga to those who have never experienced this ancient practice. She loves serving people and giving back to those with fur and skin.
Our Yoga Teachers
Lindsay Schoff
When Lindsay took her first yoga class, she thought there was no chance her body could do what the instructor was cuing but decided to stick with it for three months. Those months flew by and she was hooked! Growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, she loved competitive swimming and always wanted to be in the water but discovered yoga provided the grounding she needed.
As a chronic migraine sufferer, she decided to turn to yoga as her primary form of exercise. She soon discovered that in addition to developing strength and flexibility, yoga also reduced her anxiety and did not contribute to migraine attacks as other intense workouts had done. Through fast paced vinyasa and power classes, she is able to get out of her mind and be present on her mat.
With a passion for power, Lindsay received her 200 RYT training through Johnna Smith and Tanner Bazemore. It was during this time she discovered the practice of Ashtanga on which power yoga is based. Lindsay wants to grow yoga in her community and throughout the schools. She wants her students realize they are capable of anything on the mat! Her power classes will help you attain the physical and mental body you have always wanted!
When she’s not on her mat or in the studio, she can be found teaching piano and hanging out with her amazing husband and two boys!
Denver
Stacy McLeod
In 2015, I took my first Vinyasa yoga class at a Brooklyn YMCA! Not long afterwards, I accompanied my husband to India where we were fortunate to have a week of personalized sunrise yoga sessions at Bodhi Yoga Institute. Consequentially, 5 years later, I completed my 200-hour certificate with Chakra Flow University at the U.S. National Whitewater Center with Victoria Martinez during the 2020 yoga pandemic. At the same time, I was working full time as a lead Montessori Infant/Toddler teacher in Dilworth. I had been an early year’s educator for over 20 years, but previously, I had served four years in the United States Air Force. Since I was a child, I have always been very active, particularly with outdoor sports. So, obviously, in 2021, I went to train as a Standup Paddleboard Yoga Instructor with Longwave Yoga in Wilmington, NC. Since then, I teach Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga at the U.S. National Whitewater Center and will be offering weekend yoga retreats across their sites in North Carolina starting April 2023.
Consistently, for over a year now, I have been leading chair yoga sessions for small groups in a 55+ community in Charlotte through Fit Group USA. I am so grateful to be able to reach a variety of different age groups in helping to make yoga inclusive for all people!
In April 2022, I was so fortunate to become an ambassador at I Shine Yoga and Wellness! I am grateful to have been a substitute for many instructors and have led a weekly slow flow class for nearly a year! Most recently, I was able to complete an inspiring 300-hour advanced certificate with Rolf Gates, which has led me to follow my love for doing what I love to do. So naturally, I hoped at some stage to teach children peace education, which would embody mindfulness and movement!
Being an educator and a mother of three adults, I have always been passionate about working with children, as it has been a big part of my life! I am grateful for the experiences that I have had of being able to facilitate children’s learning across various settings and countries. For many years, I have explored, taught, and witnessed the effect that music and movement, mindfulness and yoga have had with infants on up to adulthood. As a Montessori Infant/Toddler teacher; I had learned the importance of beginning peace education with the toddler cohort. The children at this age are in a stage of development for love called ‘the sensitive period.’
Victoria de Lilla, once said, that “children who are exposed to giving and receiving, acts of kindness, empathy and sympathy can express love to others and work cooperatively in a group…by placing value, creating the context, in which peace is a priority, children can be free of fear, criticism, prejudice, control..., blame, all elements of conflict and instead reside in peace and love.”
I am aware that my skills of patience, love and understanding are the qualities needed for working with the little ones, older ones, and all the in between ones. Peace, love, and happy days! If you’re ever in the Instagram neighborhood, take a peep at stacymcleodyoga please.
Denver & Mt Holly
Brittany Chapman
I am an ACE-certified group fitness instructor and 200-hour certified yoga instructor. With a background in running, swimming, and gymnastics, I have always had a passion for all things fitness. I have been practicing yoga for 12 years and have experience in ashtanga, deep stretch, vinyasa, and children’s yoga. I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training under Lizzy Hoffman with Urban Bliss School of Yoga and my 95-hour children’s yoga certification with My Vinyasa Practice out of Austin, TX. I also teach barre, strength and conditioning, and core strength classes. I love delivering classes that give the entire mind and body a powerful workout. I hope to provide the community with strength, healing, fun, and motivation to empower their lives – both inside and outside of the studio! When I am not teaching fitness classes, I find a local race to run, go hiking with my partner and pup, volunteer, or travel out west
Denver & Mt Holly
Lili Lindsay
I attended my first yoga class in the summer of 2007 at a LifeTime Fitness. As a mother of a 5 year old and a 3 year old, I was just looking for an hour to devote to myself. Luckily my boys enjoyed the childcare center and the yoga class fit into our current schedule. I loved the class and found myself scheduling activities around yoga, rather than the other way around.
Not long after discovering yoga, my family and I embarked on a journey that took us to different states and different countries. At each location, I was able to find a way to practice yoga. Sometime it was in a studio, sometimes a fitness center, sometimes just a practice at home. Experiencing yoga at so many different places enabled me to try many different styles of yoga.
Around 2015, I injured my wrist and thought that my yoga days were behind me. Those few years away from yoga really demonstrated to me how much yoga had benefited me in my day to day life. I had taken all of that for granted. Realizing how much I missed my regular yoga practice, I began researching ways I could still perform the poses, while protecting myself from further injury. I experimented with various props and learned techniques that enabled me to have a very robust practice.
Through this discovery process, I began to understand that yoga truly is a practice that is unique to each individual. Upon personal reflection, I realized that I wanted to help others discover and relish in the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of yoga. Body + Mind + Soul = Yoga.
I earned my 200 hour yoga teacher training certification from Chakra Flow University at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte. My training and teacher was led by Victoria Martinez. My goal is to help others see that practicing yoga is an extremely personal thing. I would like to stress that yoga can be exactly what each person wants and needs it to be.
One of my favorite quotes about yoga:
Yoga is not about touching your toes. It is what you learn on the way down.
- Jigar Gor
Denver
Carolina Rosenberger
Yoga has been part of my life for more than 15 years, it has helped me get stronger, flexible and courageous on and off the mat. Yoga inspires me to live mindful moments.
I have completed a 300h YTT at Yoga with an Edge, Hickory NC and recently a 200 YTT at Chakra flow University CLT, which has expanded my curiosity to explore energy and sound healing thru sound and movement, I am currently taking a certification on Drum liberation.
In my classes I like to combine creative sequencing, playful spirit and inspiration that soothes the mind, revitalizes the body and nourish the soul with a Latino vibe (yes I’m proud Colombian and mother of 2 teenagers)
My life principles are gratitude, acceptance, compassion, my energy is full of dualities: strong and soft, vibrant and reserved, dreamer and grounded. I do CrossFit and Acro yoga, I enjoy traveling around the world to Yoga retreats. I like challenges and my goal is to create a connection with my students and learn a new perspective of the journey we all call Life.
Denver & Mt Holly
Jen Kondrat
Jen is originally from England, and first discovered yoga in 2008 while living in New York City. She became a certified Hatha yoga instructor in 2011 through the Aura Wellness Center, and believes the benefits of yoga are endless and can benefit any person of any age. Jen’s yoga practice has expanded over the years, as she explored Power, Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga. She loves continuing to share her yoga experiences with others, so I hope you will join her for a class soon!
Denver
Rachael Harper
Since my teaching journey began in 2010 I have completed thousands of hours of training in various styles of yoga and related healing arts, all of which work together to inform my personal teaching style. Although I enjoy teaching a variety of classes including vinyasa flow, gentle/therapeutic, restorative, yin, and aerial yoga among others, my regular classes predominantly consist of strong but accessible mindfully-paced flows with great emphasis on breath, spinal alignment, and core connection. Class rhythms often evolve with the changing seasons in alignment with the teachings of Ayurveda.
Working with people one-on-one is my true passion. I believe in creating authentic and meaningful connections using the healing practice of Thai yoga therapy and through private + small group yoga instruction, whether introducing new students to yoga or addressing the specific needs of any level of practitioner. I am also pleased to offer health counseling for students committed to tangible transformation and self-healing using the principles of Ayurveda.
Mt. Holly
Kelly Ray Shelton
RYT500; E-RYT200
Kelly Ray Shelton has been teaching fitness for 16 years. She has been certified in LES MILLS BODYBALANCE (formerly BODYFLOW) since 2007, receiving a "Distinction" (the highest grade of certification) following completion. Kelly is also certified in Thai Yoga Mobility Therapy and has been a yoga practioner for over 20 years. Kelly's focus is on the therapeutic benefits and applications of yoga. Her passion is "yoga for all", and she strives to break the stigma that yoga is focused on placing the body in unattainable positions and only allowed for able bodies. Kelly loves teaching Chair Yoga and offering people autonomy and independence in their own bodies, even if only for a brief moment. Kelly is a registered teacher through Yoga Alliance. She is an E-RYT 200hr, RYT 500hr, and a YACEP (yoga alliance continuing education provider).
Mt. Holly
Gweneka Leach
Detra Bennett-Roberson:
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My yoga journey truly began in 2015 when I was living abroad in Sydney, Australia and attended my first Full Moon Yoga Class outdoors overlooking the Sydney Harbor. The experience was transformational. It allowed me to connect with the lunar cycle and cultivated a sense of inner peace and clarity. After several years of continuous practice, including prenatal yoga, I began to manifest how I wanted to deepen my practice.
In April 2025, I transitioned from a 20+ year corporate consulting career, where I led business process transformations, to pursue my true passion for mindfulness and wellbeing. It took courage to make this leap.
In May 2025, I became a certified yoga instructor (200 YTT) through Johanna Godinez at B.A.Y. Lifestyle (Beyond Asana Yoga) in San Juan Puerto Rico.
I have classes that are designed to be educational, fun, powerful, and relaxing. My classes emphasize one breath one movement, create flexibility and balance. My hope is that you leave each class feeling energized, empowered and inspired to carry your practice beyond the mat and into your everyday life—starting with self-compassion and kindness toward others.
I’m a proud single mom of an adorable son, Aiyden. When I am not on my mat, I can be found hiking, volunteering with various nonprofits, traveling to new places around the world or hanging out with my family and friends over delicious food!
Denver & Mt. Holly
Laxmi Silwal
Laxmi’s journey with yoga began as more than just a physical practice—it was a path to mindfulness, inner balance, and a deep connection between body and spirit. What started as a personal exploration soon became a lifelong passion, leading her to study Hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Iyengar yoga, and Pranayama. With an RYT 500 certification and years of dedicated practice, she developed a teaching style that blends strength with fluidity and discipline with compassion.
Beyond yoga, Laxmi is a registered sound healing practitioner and singing bowl therapist, integrating movement, breath, and vibration to create a holistic healing experience. She believes in the power of sound to restore balance, offering a sanctuary for those seeking both physical and emotional healing. Whether guiding a dynamic vinyasa flow or a calming sound bath meditation, her approach helps students reconnect with themselves and cultivate lasting well-being.
As a mother, Laxmi understands the challenge of balancing self-care with daily life. She encourages students to embrace yoga as a tool for resilience and presence. Her goal is to make yoga and holistic healing accessible to all, helping individuals unlock their inner strength and peace.
Off the mat, Laxmi is always learning—exploring new techniques, hiking, and sharing mindfulness within her community. She lives by the philosophy she teaches, with an open heart and deep respect for the journey of growth, both in yoga and in life.
Mt. Holly
Melissa Cleeland
With over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, I’ve devoted my life to supporting the health and well-being of others. My passion for holistic wellness led me to explore yoga, which quickly became an essential part of my own healing and self-care journey.
Recently, I made the decision to step away from nursing to focus on sharing the practice of yoga full time. After completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training, I now bring the same compassion, presence, and care from my nursing background into every class I teach.
My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where students of all levels can connect with their bodies, calm their minds, and build resilience from the inside out. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or deepening your practice, I’m honored to walk alongside you on your path to wellness.
Denver
Madison Gasparre
I fell in love with yoga for its ability to quiet the mind while awakening the body. Yoga has helped me find balance, focus, and joy both on and off the mat. After years of personal practice, I decided to share this love of yoga with others and become a teacher! I recently completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training in November 2025 through Chakra Flow University at the White Water Center.
My goal as a teacher is to create classes that feel grounding yet energizing, where students can explore strength, stillness, and self-connection.
Raised in North Carolina and currently live in the Northend area of Charlotte with my husband and our cat, KitCat. Outside my mat or the studio, you’ll find me running outside on local trails, attending a live music show, traveling to new places, or spending time with my husband, family, and friends!
I am so excited to start teaching alongside this community! Can’t wait to practice with you all!
Mt. Holly
Kerri Fitzgerald
Kerri has been practicing yoga for over 20 years, with a background that also includes martial arts and weight training. Her teaching weaves strength, mindfulness, and intuitive movement to help students reconnect to mind, body, and spirit. Each class is intentionally designed to clear energetic blockages through breath-led flow, grounded in a natural element and guided by a chakra-focused intention. Kerri's goal is to create space for awareness, resilience, and embodied presence-both on and off the Matt.
Denver
Peggy Childers
Once I found Yoga I was hooked. What first drew me in was the physical challenge and the quiet it brought to my mind. I still love that aspect of it, I always feel better after I practice. Yoga brought balance into my life. I learned to value the practice of stillness and quieting my mind as much as moving my body with my breath. The practice of Yoga was so powerful for me I wanted to share it, so in 2015 I began my teaching journey. I completed the 235 Hour Teacher Training and the 300 Hour Advanced Teacher Training at Yoga with an Edge; I am also certified to teach Buti Yoga and Primal Flow Yoga.
My favorite part of Yoga is the connection I find within the community. It is so powerful to move and breathe with others. I hope to see you on the mat.
Denver
Bailey Kaylor
Bailey’s yoga journey started in 2020, taking online yoga classes during the covid lockdown! Bailey obtained her 200 hour certification from Corepower in Charlotte in 2025. Her focus is on power vinyasa flows, and she is eager to gain more practice with slow flow and yin yoga as she continues on her yoga journey! Her favorite part of practicing is seeing the growth in her mind-body connection, feeling stronger and more capable in her body. As an instructor, she hopes to share this feeling with those that she teaches!
Mt. Holly
Sydney Schmeider
I started my personal practice 7 years ago and I have been all in ever since! Yoga keeps me grounded when life is chaotic, teaches me how to build strength from the inside out and reminds me to stay present, even when my mind wants to fast-forward. The more I practiced, the more I learned that I didn't want to just do yoga - I wanted to share it and teach it! I recently completed my 200 hour teacher training in August of 2025 at Y2 Yoga in Charlotte. I'm passionate about creating classes that are a blend of strong flows, high energy and upbeat playlists; all grounded in the foundational principles of intentional breath, alignment and mindful movement. My goal is to hold space for growth, connection and transformation, both on and off the mat. When I'm not on my own mat or in the studio teaching a class, I'm most likely spending time with my husband and two golden retrievers, traveling, reading or going out to new restuarants with my girlfriends/family! Can't wait to flow with you all!
Mt. Holly