STEVE

BARNHART

At-Large Boardmember

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE CULTIVATE COMMUNITY?

My yoga journey began many years ago. My experience with yoga as a community, however, only began in January 2023 with the opening of the Lakewood Cultivate studio. I knew Jen Goetchius from CrossFit and she had been telling me all about Cultivate and that she was planning to start a YTT program. I had been YTT-curious for a couple years, so I figured I would give the new studio a try as I mulled over the decision to go through the training to become a teacher. One class with Evan in that little studio, full of amazing energy and love, and I was hooked! I feel that energy every time I walk in to one of the studios. There is always a friendly greeting and a smile!

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

Cultivate serves our community in so many wonderful ways already, in and out of the studios. I hope to help broaden the reach by supporting the talented folks in the community who are providing for others. We strive to continue to offer yoga and meditation wherever it is needed, volunteer hours with other organizations, food and clothing drives for the underserved, as well as other activities. As a board member, I have a shared responsibility to the community to build and maintain a sustainable nonprofit model so Cultivate’s mission can thrive for years to come.

WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE CULTIVATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

I am a compassionate and empathetic person with a passion to help, which I feel fits in well with Cultivate. I also have experience in event organizing and fundraising. For the past three years, I have served on the board for the LGBTQ Employee Resource Group at my workplace. Combining my personal attributes with my practical experience gives me a unique viewpoint as a board member.

WHAT HAS COMMUNITY HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU?

Being part of this community has filled me with such joy! I have built a lasting bond with the other members of my Cultivate YTT class. We lived an amazing shared experience and grew together. There was plenty of laughter and occasional tears and I feel a flood of all of the emotions every time I see one of those very special people.

BESIDES YOGA, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT CULTIVATES JOY IN YOUR LIFE?

I love being able to recognize and enjoy small meaningful moments in life, whether it be a spontaneous date night with my husband, a cuddle with our dog, or the smell of spring while on a morning walk.