Each of our Cultivate teachers is unique - as is every student who we serve.

We are here as spaceholders - here to support you as you cultivate your unique yoga journey.

Together we have a comprehensive array of knowledge and countless hours of teaching experience to help guide you on your path toward self-love, acceptance and empowerment.

We believe in the healing potential of yoga because we have all been witness to it ourselves.

Meet your guides!

These kind souls serve in-studio at Cultivate Yoga Avon and Cultivate Yoga Lakewood.

click on the names below to learn more about these amazing humans

ALLISON

CARUSO

RYT 200

Truthful, Loyal, Passionate, Spiritual, Cacao Lover

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I found yoga in 2014-2016 with various yoga teacher trainings.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

• 2015 completed 200-hr Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at Puma Yoga. 

•   2016 completed 200-hr KRI Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training. Shortly after training I began to share this passion with others.

• 2018 completed a 200-hr training covering Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini Yoga and Meditation with Dawn Schroeder, Pranaverdana.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

As a teacher and a continuous student, using yoga and music I wish to bring awareness and self love to others so that personal growth may expand into the community and the outer world.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Self discovery and healing on many levels.

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

My loving husband and his continuous support.

AMANDA

HITE

SHE/HER

RYT 200

Mindful, Centered, Understanding, Adventurous, Kind

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I came to yoga in 2015 for exercise and stayed for the peace.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

Yoga helped with my anxiety so much  it inspired me to share with others in 2017.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? 

I envision Cultivate Yoga as a space to nurture, to connect, and as a space to support each other on journeys towards healing, growth, and peace.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga has helped me cultivate a sense of stillness within.

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

Delicious food and adorable animals bring me joy! Nothing is better than snugs from my cat, Fidel Catstro, Bindi the chihuahua, or my fluffy chickens.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I started yoga as a way to incorporate stretching into my cycling and running route. I read an article about how yoga increases strength, flexibility and helps reduce the risk of injuries. So, I bought a few yoga DVDs. I remember thinking yoga was slow, boring and why couldn’t I touch my toes in a forward fold. At this stage in my life, I was all about the “need for speed” - not realizing I was really running from my problems. A co-worker invited me to a Yoga in the Park event, my first live yoga class. Afterwards she recommended I try a hot power yoga class. I was hooked, that was back in 2012.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

Deciding to become a yoga teacher was a long journey for me. I've always encouraged and brought friends to classes with me but never really considered becoming a teacher, I liked being the student. On my 50th birthday, I thought about what truly makes me happy and how could I share that happiness. A month later I enrolled in Yoga Teacher Training at Modern Yoga in Strongsville, Ohio and completed August 2020. After a decade of practicing yoga, I want to spend the next decade teaching others what yoga brings to my life.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? 

I envision Cultivate Yoga Space providing a safe, supportive and accepting community for everyone. A place to learn and practice yoga, make friends and generate happiness.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga taught me to listen to my mind and body but most importantly to breathe. By listening to my whole self I accept my limitations (letting it go), explore my edge (going for it) and live in the moment. My yoga truly became a practice when I learned that my breath will get me through life on and off my mat. Yoga makes me a better person - full of peace, love and joy.

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

Being outside hiking, camping, exploring new places and spending quality time with family.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I attended my first Yoga class in 2000 when I was in college perusing my degree in Health Science. I instantly fell in love with the beautiful mind body connection of this ancient practice. I travelled to Austria with my yoga teacher Bobbi Holiday and the Cultural Studies Academy in 2002 where I learned about the medical spas of Germany and Austria.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I received my CYT-200 in 2017 by the lovely Kimberly Payne of Gathering Tree Yoga. Yoga teacher training was such a turning point in my life. I feel it enabled me to come into my authentic self.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

I envision Cultivate Yoga Space as a safe, warm, excepting, loving space to be able to discover more of about oneself in not only the physical body, but the emotional and spiritual one as well. I envision Cultivate becoming a model of how donation based Yoga can work, and excel. I see it expanding beyond one physical space, but into several spaces: places of work, places of worship, hospitals, community centers and beyond.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga has cultivated inside me the power to follow my path, the courage to take steps to do what I know deep down is my true calling.

Yoga has taught me how to listen to my inner voice, it has cultivated self acceptance, unconditional love, unattachment, and a deep connection to the Divine.

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

Besides Yoga, The main thing that cultivates joy in my life is my family. I am blessed to have two beautiful children and a loving supportive husband. Other was I cultivate joy are hiking, dancing, hooping, and learning more about the human body.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I found yoga in the mid 90s, when a friend took me to a gentle Hatha practice at a turning point in my life. I found myself crying by the end of the practice, and it was then that I knew the power of yoga for releasing emotions, and knew that I was hooked. However, my 20s got in the way and I did not practice regularly until about 17 years ago. I've been cultivating the practice ever since, and forevermore.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I started teaching in November 2021 in high schools and private classes for anyone that would come, and quickly started a nonprofit, SeedYoga, to continue to spread the benefits of yoga to underserved populations and teens. I started teaching studio classes last year. I love witnessing the shifts that occur throughout one's practice.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

Cultivate Yoga has created a community that supports each other with respect and kindness sharing these wonderful gifts, and that can reach so far outside the circle to the entire geographical community.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga has healed so many things within me, helped me find calm in moments of unrest, helped me to see the oneness when it is hard to see. Yoga is life changing in all the beautiful ways.

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

One? I'm too indecisive for one. :-) My family, hikes in the woods and mountains, watching clouds - especially while floating on water, smiles and hugs, friends, good food, music and sound, contrast of sunlight and shadows.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

Began my practice in early college, 2011.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

Began teaching in 2016 with an RYT200 certification in Baptiste & Yin from Studio Oxygen but also privately studied with my teacher.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? 

I think Cultivate could provide yoga in an equitable way that serves all versus the few - I would also love to see it break the mold of what a studio is.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga helped me receive God and faith into my life - that is it's main function in my world!

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

My joy comes from being with my friends and pups, riding bikes, playing piano, working in the yard. Pretty much everything : )

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I took my first yoga class in 2007 right after having my first baby, and I have been in love with the practice ever since! Yoga supported me as a new mom and has kept me calm through the storm of various life events that followed.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I graduated from 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) in 2014, Yoga Tune Up Level 1 in 2015 and completed my 300-hr YTT in 2021. I love teaching yoga (almost as much as I love being a student)! One of my goals is to encourage yoga enthusiasts to become yoga teachers!

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? 

I’d like to see Cultivate provide yoga (including meditation and mindfulness) to new communities and under-represented demographics. I’d also like to see us bring yoga to unique and beautiful spaces — demonstrating that yoga can be practiced by anyone, anywhere.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

For me, yoga has helped cultivate a sense of inner peace, a feeling of comfort in my own skin. Yoga has healed and continues to heal me. It has made me better, physically and mentally. It has made me present. After a yoga class, I reset and I’m ready to go!

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

Time and travel with the people I love most. Doesn’t matter where in the world, as long as I’m with them, I’m home.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

In 2008 with Marcia Camino of Pink Lotus Yoga in Lakewood, she was teaching out of her house and I did a beginners workshop with her and was instantly in love with yoga and how it made me feel.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

In 2012, I started teaching in Chicago at the Streeterville Corepower Studio. I moved back to Cleveland in 2015 and taught Yoga Sculpt at 3 Sisters & other studios on the westside of Cleveland until mid 2019. Now I teach with Cultivate and Tremont Athletic Club. Love my tribe of yogis I've met through classes and it's become what gives me purpose.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? 

I would love to connect with students, help with building a grounded and soulful tribe of yogis at the studio that I know by name.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

It's given me inner peace, a sense of purpose in my life, and something that I can always practice that keeps me humble even as I grow as a teacher.

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

My family and my dog Mylee

EVAN

SCHARFELD

HE/HIM

RYT 200

Sharer, Learner, Creator, Hugger, Explorer

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I found yoga in 2015 and fell in love with the practice during my very first class.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I received my RYT200 certification from Omnipresent Yoga/Carrie Treister in 2017 and currently serve the community through Cultivate Yoga.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? 

I envision Cultivate Yoga helping people in the underserved community find, accept and empower themselves through the practice of yoga. Our studios can be a sanctuary for anyone who wishes to be part of an amazing community while exploring their own path through this life.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga has taught me to love and accept myself and my unique path through this life. My yoga extends beyond the mat and has brought me balance, ease and truth. It is a practice I believe in and one that I absolutely love to share with others.

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

So many things bring me joy in this life: my amazing kiddos, exploring nature, all things creative, warm hugs & meaningful moments with other humans =)

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I began cultivating my yoga practice in 2015

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I began to help others cultivate their practice in 2018.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? 

I believe the late Heavy D said it best, "Now that we've found love, what are we going to do with it?" We at Cultivate Yoga have tapped into the love that permeates deep inside all of us and now we must share that love. The practice of Yoga can be a guide for everyone to tap into that love. Love is healing and much of our community needs to be healed. I would love to see Cultivate expose yoga to those that struggle finding love in a world that, at times, appears to be devoid of it. Healing is not exclusively for the elite or the monetarily wealthy. Healing is not only for those that can afford it. Healing is for the human collective and Cultivate Yoga is here to provide that tool for all that are ready to receive it.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga has helped me cultivate so many things. Self love, compassion, commitment, dedication, and most of all peace.

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

My willingness to be authentic and transparent cultivates joy in my life. My openness inspires others to be themselves around me and in their own lives.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I began practicing yoga at age 13 for exercise and physical transformation while spending most summers in Canada exploring Jui-Jitsu, meditation, and philosophy.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I began helping others seriously cultivate their practice in 2017.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? 

The values of yoga that we practice on the mat are equally as important off the mat. As a teacher, I hope to bring awareness, acceptance, and action to the philosophy of yoga which asks that we become better humans for ourselves and our community. Cultivate Yoga can help foster that by providing accessible yoga in a safe space.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga helped me to understand the links between nutrition, sleep hygiene, physical performance, and mental resilience. It helped me to establish proper, healthy habits that I never thought were achievable, as well as cured my insomnia, improved my chronic low back pain, and allowed me to go within for deep healing.

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

Nothing is better than being by the ocean or hiking in nature with my family and friends. When I’m not doing my Ashtanga practice or meditation, I enjoy swimming, rock climbing, and exploring the open road.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

2010.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

As a teacher, in 2019. 

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

I want yoga to be accessible and appealing to all. I believe Cultivate is and can grow into a strong force for that. I also would love to see this include more yoga for people of all ages (kids, seniors), pregnant people, postpartum folks, and people of varying identities and abilities.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga broke me open and brought me home to myself, and to the earth mother. It’s taken me to the deepest depths and highest heights. Yoga showed me that we are all one, and after starting yoga I began to know the truth, and was able to stop ignoring it, that i needed to stop eating my siblings, non human animals. It opened me up to the basis of how i live my life and see the world as an ethical vegan. Practicing the 8 limbs of yoga allows me to see and live my values. It brings me great joy and ease in my body. It has allowed me to cultivate my intuition, love for myself and all beings. 

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

My daughter, art, connecting with others on a soul level, chocolate, being naked in a large body of water, being present for births.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

After following every exercise trend since the 90s, I found yoga in 2015. I thought at the time I would “slow things down and just stretch more”. I remember Shavasana, from my very first class and feeling… “Can I get up yet?” “Do we do this in every class?” Little did I know - I had just met my most challenging pose. It wasn’t physical and would ultimately improve the quality of my life moving forward. To this day, I still haven’t mastered the pose, but hope to spend the rest of my years trying.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I completed my 200-hr YTT with Carrie Treister School of Yoga in 2018, I knew then Yoga was calling me to share it with others. I began teaching with Fitness Pro Travel at various resorts. I completed my 300-hr YTT off the grid in Costa Rica with Lakshmi Rising in 2021. I will always consider myself a student of yoga. Furthermore I am deeply grateful for the kind and authentic teachers that have shared their knowledge and practice with me. I promise to continue to share this most amazing gift.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? 

I envision Cultivate Yoga; FOSTERING a greater equity in yoga, promoting physical and mental growth, so our entire community flourishes; HELPING others connect - mind, body, and spirit within themselves and with others; HOLDING SPACE for joy, kindness, healing, compassion, vulnerability, forgiveness- a non-judgment space to share, support, start important conversations- or to simply breathe.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Mindfulness, inner wisdom, authentic self, gratitude, meditation, breath, peace.

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

Being present with family and friends. My four adult children, Zac, Regan, Katie, Jacob, and my husband Brent cultivates so much joy and gratitude in my life.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I took my first yoga class as a high school student, I think I was 16 years old.  Right away I felt something special, like I knew it’d remain a constant in my life, and it truly has always been here for me ever since.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I began holding space for practice and meditation in 2018, shortly after I finished studying with Ylonda Rosenthal-Greene. Like most of the way my life has played out, I never planned or longed to teach yoga, I chalk it up to running into the right strangers and letting my heart take the reins when things felt better than right.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

Because of the inspiration that Cultivate gives me, I truly see our mission as one of selflessness, love, and generosity. Cultivate as an entity gets to take part in several yogic ideals, most notably being karma marga, “the path of action without selfish motives.”  Cultivate empowers accessibility to the practice of yoga, a rare and valuable gift for our community. With more of us who practice, more backyards get taken care of, our community flourishes, and grows, and grows, and grows.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga has helped me to cultivate more selflessness, less friction, and ever-growing mental and physical flexibility (mostly mental)—it has absolutely helped to strengthen and allow more resilience in my mind, even in the hardest of times.

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

Aside from yoga, one thing that cultivates joy in my life are my two coonhound puppies! They are beautiful and silly, and they have taught me the most about cultivating patience.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

2007

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

2010

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

By being:

• A community that is 100% inclusive

• A space where students feel accepted, seen and heard

• A place where kindness rules above all else, because that is the truest form of yoga
  

By having a team of teachers who:

• Remember they too are students always (first)

• Aim to inspire + educate with compassion

• Do their best to live their yoga

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Strength, balance, (both physical + mental), mindfulness, empathy, intuition, self love + the list goes on!

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

Being a mom + being in nature.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

Kelsey's yoga journey began in 2015 at Magnificat High School, after a long week of running cross-country, the school offered weekly yoga classes. She started going to Hot Vinyasa at Inner Bliss in Rocky River, which was just the beginning. She REALLY fell in love and deepened her practice during 3 years as a volunteer at a Bikram Hot Yoga studio in Boulder, Colorado.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I began teaching in January 2023! However, I have led multiple 3-day retreats, and have guided others in various meditation styles, and have given informal yoga classes with family and friends before teaching regularly.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

With knowledgeable and devoted teachers backed by a dedicated community united by unconditional love, I envision Cultivate Yoga sharing knowledge and spreading love across the world! Through teachers' hands-on assistance, yoga teacher trainings, continuing education resources, enriching retreats and travel experiences, local volunteer opportunities, unique workshops, and transformative yoga classes, I believe Cultivate Yoga can facilitate more opportunities for personal, physical, and spiritual growth encouraged by a strong internal team and supported by a bountiful yoga community.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

SO many things! Primarily, inner peace (that post-shavasana bliss is real!) patience + strength in difficult poses, connection with the mind and body, and breath awareness.

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

Slow walks in nature!

KIMBERLY

PAYNE

SHE/HER

RYT 500

Kind, Compassionate, Adventurous , Genuine, Passionate

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I took a semester of yoga my freshman year of college.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I began teaching in 2003. 

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

I envision a loving, kind, compassionate, and welcoming community open to all bodies, backgrounds, paths and beliefs regardless of finances.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga has been a journey of inner reflection and a path that continuously leads me to deeper places within. It guides me through my own truths and holds me close to my values of ease, safety and sovereignty. It allows me to be in touch with the unseen and mysteries of life. It opens new doors of awareness and grounds me in love, appreciation, gratitude and joy. 

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

Connection to family, friends and mother nature.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I began Cultivating my practice around 2011 when I realized that I needed an outlet for stress and anxiety. Yoga soon became a cornerstone of my life as I continued to find my way back to my mat again and again.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I began teaching in May of 2024 after graduating from my CYT-200 hr training.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

I love the community that has been built through Cultivate! I envision Cultivate continuing to grow and flourish as a gift-based studio that opens its arms to all and helps everyone find a space to grow and be the best version of themselves. I particularly love all the various outlets and sub-groups that you can find at Cultivate–whether it is volunteering, book club, or community dinners, there is truly something for everyone within Cultivate. You can find yourself on your mat when you practice and find community off your mat.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga really helps me to be the best version of myself. On my mat, I have learned how to pause so that I can respond instead of react to situations off my mat. I’ve learned to find stillness, to acknowledge my emotions, feel them, and then try to let them go. Yoga is a practice that re-energizes me and allows me to reconnect with myself and my purpose.

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

Spending time with my family and friends, reading a good book, or walking through the metroparks with my dog, Scout, cultivate joy in my life.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

2004

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

​2006

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? 

Sharing the many benefits of daily movement, mindfulness and meditation with the community so that they can feel better inside and out.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Present moment awareness

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

Being in nature and dance.

MELLO

MITCHELL

HE/HIM

Certified Meditation Instructor

Peaceful, Patient, Passionate

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I began my formal meditation practice 21 yrs ago.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

​I began helping others in their meditation practice 10 yrs ago.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? 

Cultivate is a beautiful and welcoming space and community. I'm so passionate about sharing with others what I have learned and experienced so that the community will expand further with open hearted people of all ages that share a passion and discussion in learning, growing, serving, loving as they evolve to their highest unlimited potential becoming exemplary beacons of light.

WHAT HAS MEDITATION HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Over many years, using a variety of practices, I have learned how to live a more balanced and purposeful life. Stress and anxiety dissolved, and my health naturally improved. Inner peace and a new outlook on life matured and living became easier.

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

Helping others to learn how to live more peacefully, balanced, harmonious and free. Seeing those ah ha moments in others as wakening occurs in dharma talks and meditation.

MICHELE

NICHOLLS

SHE/HER

RYT 500

Silly, Sassy, Bubbly, Energetic, and LOUD!

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

2014

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

2017

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

Sharing space and breath with others that find this journey called “life” important.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Confidence, patience and an understanding that I don’t need to have it all figured out.

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

My family, music and outdoors – and when I can get them all together – it’s like winning the lottery!

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I went to my first studio class in 2011 at Harmony Studios in Willoughby.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I started teaching in 2022 at Studio 108 in Independence with Tracy Rhineheart.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

By lowering the economic barrier to entry to make it available to all. I hope that anyone willing to cultivate a practice will feel welcome and seen.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU?

An inner knowing that I am enough. Simply breathing is enough. And there is nothing outside myself that will complete me. 

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

Being a parent. The ability to look at the world through the lens of a child, helps me cultivate joy in many areas of my life.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

My mom gave me a Seane Corn DVD when I was around 14 years old. I would wake up before school and practice along with it, then make myself breakfast. Prior to then, I sporadically went to Yoga classes with her as young as around 8 or 10 years old. Once I could drive, I went to the local YMCA for Yoga a few times per week. I was not a well-coordinated or athletically-inclined child, but Yoga was a form of physical exercise that I actually enjoyed, and I was immediately hooked. By the time I reached college, I was ready to also pursue my first formal Yoga training. 

As much as I loved figure skating, it was always something I was performing for others.  The stress and anxiety that came with competing, sometimes grew bigger than my love of the sport.  Yoga was something that was just for me.  With over 16 years of a steady practice, yoga continues to bring me so much peace, strength, gentleness, comfort and inspiration.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I began to teach Yoga in 2019.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

By offering a safe space for a wholesome community to gather in love, in peace, and in joy. Cultivate perfectly embodies one of my favorite aspects of Yoga, which is the feeling of belonging, togetherness, and community that is based on a shared uplifting ethical lifestyle and holistic wellness practice.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

A sense of consistency, stability, and security among the ever-changing chaos of life.

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

My two adorable tuxedo kitties, Surya and Chandra (Sun and Moon in Sanskrit).

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

 I've played with physical practices through different mediums all of my life but yoga became the thread that weaved

 those mediums together. When practice became praxis.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

When I began to play with metaphor.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

Receiving people where they are.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU?

Understanding the explicits to understand the implicit.

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

Noticing the changing of seasons on hikes with my dog.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

When I was in Medical School at Ohio University, I took my very first yoga class. One of our anatomy professors and her husband (two yogi’s in Athens, Ohio) offered free yoga to medical students who wanted to “de-stress” a little…In an empty lecture room, we pushed desks to the side, rolled out borrowed mats, and started to learn how to breathe and move together, working towards our first Sun Salutation! It was probably one of the most impactful parts of my journey towards becoming a doctor because from that day on I was hooked!

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

When I became a physician in 2005, I started recommending yoga to patients on a regular basis. The benefits in my own life were so positive and plentiful – I felt like I wanted to share this magic secret yoga practice with everyone! During my first “Believe in CLE” event I was inspired by the speaker who encouraged the “because I said I would” Mantra – I wrote down on a small piece of paper that day that I would one day become a yoga teacher. The dream became a reality when I was accepted into Yoga Teacher training in 2017.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA OUR COMMUNITY?

I love the concept of making yoga available to everyone. It is a dream I am proud to be a part of and support. I see yoga as a tool for healing – connecting our mind, body and spirit – achieving balance between all three…No matter who we are or where we come from, we all have similar struggles and challenges in our lives. Cultivate Yoga Space is able to connect us ALL. In becoming a part of the Cultivate community I am excited to give back and spread this breathing practice around to everyone who wants to participate!

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga has given me an alternate way of viewing or approaching a situation by encouraging me to first take a breath, and then dive in. It has given me a greater ability to listen…and has cultivated within me the strength to respond instead of react.

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

My 4 kids – Grace, Maria, Faith & Frankie (who are twins!), our family adventures, traveling, cooking, wine, and listening to lots of great music!

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

2014 after going whole food plant based.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

Graduated from Marni Task's 200hr Jivasara teacher training program in 2016, certified as a Y12SR (Yoga 12 Step Recovery) Leader in 2017.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

In general I'd like to see a mindfulness emerge in everyone - a mindfulness that helps us understand that we are all connected and that the practice of yoga can help with that connection by focusing on an individual’s journey first. More specifically, with Cultivate Yoga I'd like to witness this mindfulness practice extend beyond any preconceived confines of the existing yoga community and extend out infinitely to anyone who wants to explore and expand themselves and their community.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga has taught me that slowing down and going inward is not only calming and peaceful but ultimately satisfying and fulfilling.

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

Eating plants!

SALLY

BROOKS

SHE/HER

RYT 500

Bold, Vibrant, Supportive, Devoted, Encouraging

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I began cultivating my practice in 1994 and began serious study in 2005.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I began helping others cultivate their yoga practice in 2006 when I began teaching.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

I envision Cultivate Yoga serving our community by making yoga accessible to everyone through the gift-based model, and by giving students access to the finest teachers in the area.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

In my own life, yoga has helped cultivate peace, community, joy, open-heartedness, and discipline.

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

Besides yoga, music, art, and writing cultivate joy for me.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

I began cultivating my practice in 2015.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I began helping others cultivate their practice in 2018.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

I envision Cultivate serving our community by helping others experience the inner tranquility found through the mind, body, spirit connection that yoga brings.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga has cultivated a deeper connection to mySelf bringing a greater understanding and acceptance of who I truly am.

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

The uninhibited laughter of my beautiful grandsons!

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CULTIVATING YOUR PRACTICE?

My first experience with yoga was while I was in high school.  I bought a yoga DVD and would practice in my living room by myself.  I was a competitive figure skater at the time, and already pretty flexible. Yoga taught me that strength balances flexibility, and that I needed both…not just in my body, but also in my mind.  It took a few years to really develop a practice, but when I finally did, I was head-over-heels, in LOVE with yoga.  

As much as I loved figure skating, it was always something I was performing for others.  The stress and anxiety that came with competing, sometimes grew bigger than my love of the sport.  Yoga was something that was just for me.  With over 16 years of a steady practice, yoga continues to bring me so much peace, strength, gentleness, comfort and inspiration.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN HELPING OTHERS CULTIVATE THEIR PRACTICE?

I got my 200 hour yoga certification, about a year and a half after I started seriously practicing.  I recognized a dramatic shift in my self, both externally and internally, and felt called to share this ancient practice with others.  I have been teaching yoga since 2009, and love to infuse my classes with creativity and spirituality, and encourage students to practice turning a mundane moment into a sacred one.

In 2022, I also became an Ayurveda Wellness Coach.  Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old ancient healing system that focuses on lifestyle preventative care, and is all about living in alignment with the cycles of nature.  It is considered the Sister Science of Yoga, or the Self Care aspect of yoga. 

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?

I see Cultivate helping individuals bring more awareness into their lives, and move more thoughtfully through the world.  I see Cultivate as a warm, welcoming and safe space to move and breathe together, healing both individually and collectively.

WHAT HAS YOGA HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU? 

Yoga has helped me to be more fearlessly authentic and love myself more deeply.  It’s brought compassion, acceptance, and peace to my head and heart.  I have a stronger trust in life’s organic unfolding.  This ancient practice has strengthened my spiritual life, and lovingly reminds me that yoga is not something that I do, but something that I live. 

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

JOY = Family, adventure, nature, dancing, writing, cooking, live music, learning, and creating!