Meet the Co-Creators

  • Johanna Schanbacher, PT, DPT, RYT-500

    Welcome! Thank you for being here, and taking an interest in reading about me.

    What brought me here? Life seems to have been chunked in these very distinct decade-long chapters. Much of my twenties was spent off grid, traveling extensively and learning the world via the language of life. In my thirties, inspired by academic learning, I earned a BS in Health & Exercise Science, then a Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. Coming into my forties began a deep dive of self-study; the most incredible path of learning yet… a path that is guiding a journey within, and the path that has led me to yoga.

    It was in 2018, I first stepped onto my mat. I was living in a camper at Skydive Lodi, and working a contract as a travel PT. There was a yoga studio near the clinic, and I went every day. Sometimes twice a day. First, it was because I enjoyed the physical challenge of the practice. Quickly though, this dedicated approach revealed this whole “yoga thing” was FAR more than movement on a mat. I yearned to learn more. With the arrival of covid, the contract ended, providing the perfect time to dive into my initial teacher training. And then… down the rabbit hole I went.

    Ami and I connected in 2022, in the Caribbean Sea, while on a yoga retreat. I swam out to say hi and we talked about life. There are people you meet and it’s like “oh, there you are… finally”. It was like that with Ami. The last few years have been absolutely wild~ sometimes up, sometimes down, often sideways. We’ve been there to support each other, every breath of the way. Our visions have evolved, shifted, and grown tremendously. We have trusted the process that led us here, exactly now… and will continue to trust, as we continue to grow.

    Sita is my puppy and she’s been raised at The LITL Studio. We live down the street and can often be found walking the neighborhood. I like to play outside, see live music, and drink coffee with friends. The book shelves at home speak to my love of reading and introspection. I jump out of airplanes… and I jump on a mini-trampoline in my backyard, while singing at the top of my lungs. Both of which, I find quite therapeutic. I’ve been known to dress in a unicorn onesie and dance incredibly hard when I see the band Phish. I love watching the neighborhood roll by, and I love learning how to just “be”.

    I LOVE LEARNING. And I’d also love to learn about you!

    I am genuinely grateful for everything.

    The ups.

    The downs.

    The sideways.

  • Ami Geyer, RYT-200

    What a ride it has been to arrive here. Thank you for being here and checking us out!

    How yoga became incredibly important to me…I took my first yoga class at my place of work 15 years ago. The company had built a full gym including yoga and meditation spaces. I was mid-executive level in a high paced corporate atmosphere where everything was needed yesterday. I was working hard to stay 5 steps ahead to avoid the what was needed yesterday scenarios. The yoga class did not go over well for me. I could not slow my mind down, nor did I have the desire too. It felt uncomfortable. It took me almost 10 years to attend my next yoga class. In the meantime, my life had changed. I left my job, moved back to Boise, had my second child while starting a new contract job while my spouse was away for months at a time for his work. Physically and mentally I started to struggle, always injured, it hurt to go for a walk, going to doctors to find out what was wrong with me, and not finding any answers that created a positive change. I started meditating and shortly after that decided to give yoga another try. I tried a hot power class and fell in love. I received not only physical benefits but was surprised by the mental benefits. I decided there had to be more to yoga and have been exploring, learning and growing ever since. Yoga provides me the physical, verbal, emotional and mediative things I need in loving response to my mind, body and spirit.

    Along my yoga journey, I experienced an energetic awaking. My energy turned on and prior to that I knew nothing of energy and the strengths of our energies, energetic connections and the power of energy healing. After experiencing strong metaphysical sensations through my body while on a meditation and yoga retreat in the Dominican Republic I began to notice I was feeling people on a different level. I’d feel their physical pain and emotional pain. It was incredibly overwhelming yet powerful. I had to know more so while on my journey to learn more about yoga, I began to explore energetics, energy healing tools/classes, and sound healing. On my journey I discovered these to be incredibly healing on both a mental and physical level as well, continuing to propel me on my journey. I enjoy the experience of combining healing modalities and helping people to heal and grow on all levels. In turn them helping me to continue heal, grow and expand.

    Johanna and I met the first time at an East Forest concert. She was in her unicorn onesie standing in line next to me. Not really talking but for me simply noticing and loving the unicorn onesie. Our true connection happened a few weeks later in the ocean on a retreat in the Dominican Republic. I had stayed to myself for the most part and in this moment Johanna came to me. Instantly in that moment we connected. I am eternally grateful for our friendship along with the growth and learning we’ve experienced and continue to experience. Trusting the twists and turns, lessons we are given.

    When not in yoga mode, I love my two kids and the journey’s we experience together. I enjoy the outdoors, traveling, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, music, flowers and gardening. As I have grown, I have slowed the mind, learned to watch the flowers grow and watch the bee’s come and go.

    I look forward to connecting and sharing space with you!

Meet the Beautiful Tribe of Teachers

  • Sarah Field

    Hi, my name is Sarah, and I have been teaching yoga for over 12 years! Yoga is a lifestyle and I’m grateful to be able to share this way of life with others. In the very first class I took, at a local gym as a teenager, I knew right away I wanted to become a yoga teacher. During that class I fell in love with the peace and joy yoga brought me. I’ve been practicing yoga for over 17 years and now I love practicing with my six-year-old daughter. Not on the mat you’ll generally find me enjoying the great outdoors – I love dirt biking, snowboarding, walking in nature, swimming, working out and spending time with my family.

    I first began teaching before I became certified while I was on a deployment in Afghanistan. Fellow Soldiers found out I wanted to become a yoga teacher and convinced me to start right away. With encouragement and insight from my teachers back home, I began teaching yoga to the soldiers in my unit for our entire deployment. Upon my return to America in 2013, I went to the Marianne Wells Yoga School in Costa Rica and earned my 200-hour certification. I’ve since attended multiple advanced trainings with Marianne, which has led me to earn my 500-hour yoga certification in 2024. I’ve taught in hot yoga studios, senior centers, gyms and love exploring new ways to bring yoga to every body. I earned my B.S. in Parks and Recreation from Utah State University in 2014 and have been a NASM Certified Personal Trainer since 2015. I love sharing the passion I have for yoga and health with others and helping bring them to find the sense of peace they already possess inside.

  • Laura Mathews

    I’ve been studying yoga since the mid-80’s, when a community class and an Iyengar teacher blew my mind. I remember being amused as she demonstrated postures that looked fun and weird, and I was forever hooked when I found myself actually doing them! Yoga has continued to challenge me ever since.

    In 2010, after a career in commercial printing, I did my first 200-hour teacher training. Multiple other trainings followed. In 2017, I completed a 4-year, 800-Hour Yoga Therapist Training and received my IAYT Yoga Therapist Certification. My primary teachers have studied extensively in India with TKV Desikachar, son of Sri Krisnamacharya, in the Viniyoga tradition. My chanting teacher was Radha Sundaran, who infused in me the great care and precision of vedic chanting.

    Studying meditation, pranayama, chanting, ayurveda, and the Yoga Sutras is a transformative process. Learning how to apply yoga’s tools to support health and healing has been life-changing for me. Looking back, I could never have imagined that I’d be living my current life and be so full of gratitude and joy. I’m humbled and honored to guide students in their own personal journey.

  • Mia O'Leary

    Mia here! I have been practicing yoga in the valley for about three years. I received my 200 HR YTT Fall of 2024 from Studio Lotus. I can remember exactly where I was at in my life when I really dove right into my practice. It was right when I finally accepted that yoga is 99.9% mental and .1% physical. Out of 196 Sutras, 2-3 of them are about the physical movement of yoga. That’s really when my life transformed. I was able to change my perspective on life, my routine, how I approach my future while staying in the present, how I incorporate movement to my life, how I fuel my body, EVERYTHING! Everything matters!

    When I teach, my goal is to incorporate these perspectives, movements, confidence, and presence into my classes. I hope to leave my student’s feeling present, moved and honest with themselves. I approach my classes with guided poses, the opportunity to challenge yourself and the invitation to move your body the way YOU need.

    When I’m not teaching you can find me going on walks with my dog Hank, skiing or mountain biking, sewing, or enjoying the sunshine.

  • Joanne Mangun

    I have been fascinated by movement from the moment I could climb my parents’ furniture. This curiosity led me to my first yoga class in 1995 and carried through my training in the aerial and circus arts starting in 2011. The combination of witnessing other’s potential and exploring the edges of my own mind, body, and spirit has been instrumental in shaping my life. I completed a 200 hour Anusara inspired yoga training in 2016 and 300 hour training with Noah Maze in 2022. I now use my own yoga, aerial, and handstand training as a form of moving meditation.

    Students that take my classes report that they are able to explore and play in postures with more ease, improved body awareness and access a greater depth in poses. WIth an eye for detailed alignment and depth of anatomical knowledge, I enjoy working with students of all abilities and gently encourage them to move beyond what is familiar and initially thought to be possible.

  • Kayla Thornton

    I first discovered yoga in 2018 and was almost immediately hooked (as soon as the initial soreness faded). Since then, my love of yoga has deepened and spread into all areas of my life, spreading vibrancy, bravery, and rekindling my curiosity. I believe that our entire life is a journey where we are always learning and growing and yoga is a great way to emulate this. I believe yoga is truly for every body and it does not matter in the slightest what poses the body can be contorted into, but only that we continue to experience the journey. A favorite quote is, “we don’t do this practice to force our bodies into the poses, but rather, to become present”.

  • Stephanie Breitenstein

    Hello, everyone!

    My name is Stephanie, and I have been practicing yoga for years before deciding to take the Yoga Teacher Training. I received my 200-hour certification from Studio Lotus in Boise in May 2023. My teaching style is casual and focused on exploring what feels good in your body. I encourage students to move freely and listen to their bodies rather than striving for perfection in any pose.

    I integrate smaller movements into common stretches and adapt the practice based on how you're feeling—whether you're energized or needing a gentler flow. As a counselor, I incorporate mindfulness and meditation techniques to support mental and emotional well-being.

    I’m passionate about learning and love connecting with people, using yoga as a tool to empower others on their own journeys of self-discovery and balance.

  • Becca Day

    Hello, Yogis!

    Becca here, born and raised in Southern California. My yoga journey began in 2016 when I became an empty nester, and what started as a curious visit to Bikram Hot Yoga soon turned into a life-changing passion. After two years of dedicated practice, I became Bikram certified in 2018.

    Since then, life has taken me on a whirlwind journey—from SoCal to Marin County, NorCal, and finally to Boise, Idaho, where I’ve planted new roots. Through it all, my love for yoga has only grown stronger.

    This practice is a powerful healer for both body and mind, and as long as I can, I’ll continue to share this passion with others.

    See you in the hot room!

  • Morgan Pevear

    Hi my name is Morgan! I am a certified Pilates instructor and have been teaching reformer based and mat Pilates for a little over 2 years. Years ago I was trying to find a low impact but high intensity movement if I wanted and pilates is where I found that balance. With finding more balance in my body and feeling stronger during daily functional movement, my intention is to share my love for Pilates with all who welcome it into their body. Outside of teaching pilates you can find me practicing headstands, making smoothie bowls and spending time on the green belt, hiking the foothills or anywhere in the sunshine!!

  • Tracy Maret

    Boise Girl since 1989. Lover of all things Artistic and Creative. Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy BSU 2006. Chef of 20 years cooking, catering, baking, etc in the treasure valley. Volunteer and Programmer at Radio Boise since 2015. Completed 200 Hr. Yoga Teacher Training Spring 2024 and has found yoga to be a deeply foundational layer to my life. Loves my family especially my daughter Sage, my partner Daniel and our cat Merlin.

  • Matt Stone

    Kundalini came into my life when my spiritual path felt too challenging to walk alone—I was seeking guidance, structure, and counsel. This powerful practice resonated deeply and set me on a journey to share its transformative wisdom. As a licensed massage therapist and Reiki practitioner, I’m passionate about holistic healing and often lead meditation circles in Boise’s natural spaces. My purpose is to foster community and witness the ripple of positive energy in the world. Outside of practice, I find joy in hiking, trail running, and cold water immersion.

  • Audrey Dorosh

    i’ve been on my personal yoga adventure for five years now. it’s a goal of mine to continue sharing the joy of this experience with others, whether it be a broader “yoga” or simply asana practice and whatever that means to you. i have a passion for working with youth and experimenting with music.

  • Marie Ayad

    Yoga has truly transformed my life! I've been practicing for over 10 years and notice a huge difference in my body & mental state. I have been teaching for a couple years now after receiving my 200hr certification, and will continue to expand my understanding & knowledge of the practice. I believe yoga allows us to heal our bodies and focus/cleanse our minds so we are able to better serve our peers, loved ones, and ourselves. I am thrilled for the opportunity to guide you through practice and grow in the LITL community 🤍

  • Kaila Ziarnowski

    I am an adventure loving yogi who believes in the magical connection between movement and breath and I bring a flowing style to every type of class I teach. I am an E-RYT 200 yoga teacher, trained in Cambridge, England, and teach classes all over the world and lead multiple yoga retreat per year.

    Trained in yoga, yoga hiit, core strength vinyasa, Buti, trauma informed yoga, and yoga Nidra, my classes can range from energetic and challenging to slow and introspective. With the goal of enjoying yourself, ambient music is replaced with alternative tracks from pop to punk and everything between. Each flow is a choose-your-own-adventure journey where I act as your guide but the authority lies within you to take or leave what you like from each shape.

    When I'm not teaching yoga or leading retreats, I'm traveling, skiing, hiking, or hanging out with my husband, two teenage boys, and my dog (Amos, the cutest dog in the world). I work as the fundraising and community relations coordinator for Upward Inertia.

  • Cara Gormley

    Transformative Breathwork guide, Kundalini and Sensual yoga teacher, Tantra and Intimacy mentor and Family wellness advocate. I discovered the power of yoga and embodiment work to holistically treat my  body and mind after a mental health challenge and to help me through some dark times. I believe that we have been given divine tools to create harmony and wholeness in our bodies and minds. My passion is to create environments for humans to learn new ways of being, heal, thrive and be in community. I am bringing the magic of breath and yoga as options to families and children to create more connection and joy in their lives. I am also a podcastor, speaker, advocate and multi-passionate entrepreneur. I believe in the union of science, holistic and spiritual practices for healing. It is my desire to see you thriving, feeling empowered and living a dynamic embodied life. I bring a soft energy to yoga with intuitive, gentle movements and believe in discovering the sensations of being a human through breath and movement.

  • Carrie Nutt

    Hi! I’m Carrie Nutt. I’m a Pacific NW native, a Dog Mom and an Iyengar yoga teacher. My classes are all about developing sensitivity and self-knowledge. I value the power of yoga to bring liberation. Whether it’s spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, whatever, I want my students at the end of class to feel lighter, in some way, from when they walked in.

    As an Iyengar yoga teacher, I’m part of a classic system where the body is trained, educated and opened in different ways to move a student toward greater alignment. BKS Iyengar, the founder of my system said: Alignment is divinity. I work to bring students to alignment because this is when the mind is deeply absorbed within. When the mind is quiet, it brings a sense of peace. This is what I want for you.

    I’ve practiced yoga for over twenty years. I took my first Iyengar class in New York City while I was working in theatre. After a move to LA, I ended up training exclusively in the Iyengar tradition and getting certified at level 2 in the City of Angels. I’m happy to be back in the NW and on this journey in with you. I’m a Level 2 Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. I study with Abhijhata Iyengar and Anna Delury. I’m grateful for their patience, guidance and knowledge.

  • Ashaya Charlotte Dietz

    Hi! I’m Ashaya. I live by my imagination and heart.  I love encouraging and sparking magic in others, reminding them they are perfect and they are love.  My favorite places are found in nature, where I feel most at home as the entire world slows down.  I enjoy sharing my experience with others, observing myself throughout each life situation for soul growth and limitless learning.  Every day, we can notice more, we can grow in gratitude, we can experience joy.  Above all else, I am a lover of this journey we call life!

  • Dana LeVan

    A seasoned yoga instructor with over 25 years of experience, I have earned a reputation for my kind, supportive, yet firm approach. Lovingly known as "The Velvet Hammer," I inspire students to never give up on themselves and to seize every opportunity. My philosophy is simple: it's never too late to begin your journey towards a healthier, happier you. Join my classes and experience the transformative power of yoga!

  • Des Riordan

    I've been teaching yoga for 5 years, offering a variety of classes that cater to different needs and levels. In my classes, I encourage students to challenge themselves while honoring what feels best in their bodies. Above all, I'm just grateful you’ve joined me on the mat for practice. When I’m off the mat, I enjoy spending time outside skiing, hiking, and being on the water

  • Lora Jacobsen

    My yoga journey began in the early '90s with a deep appreciation for the physical practice. For years, that was all yoga meant to me—until 2015, when the loss of my mother left me feeling unmoored. At just the right moment, the Universe guided me toward a deeper exploration of yoga’s spiritual side through RYT-200 Teacher Training with the ZenSpot Institute. Teaching was never my plan, but the Universe had other ideas, and I’ve been sharing my practice as both a student and teacher ever since. In 2021, I completed my RYT-500 certification and continue to embrace yoga as a path of exploration, acceptance, and gratitude. I’m honored to be part of the LITL Studio community and look forward to growing together on this journey.

    Outside of yoga, I’m an adventurer at heart. I find my greatest joy exploring the great outdoors—whether I’m snowboarding, hiking, scuba diving, whitewater paddling, or simply sitting quietly and soaking in its beauty. As a full-on Bird Nerd, I always have my binoculars handy to spot feathered friends and other critters. My love of travel and food fuels my quest for new experiences, and the best moments are those shared with friends (old and new), my husband, and my dog. 

  • Don Gura

    With over 30 years of experience as an Iyengar Yoga teacher, I am dedicated to making yoga accessible and relevant to all. My teaching emphasizes precision, alignment, and the transformative power of practice—delivered with compassion and humor.

    I began studying yoga in the late eighties and committed fully to Iyengar Yoga in the nineties, earning my certification as a CIYT. My studies have taken me to Pune, India, to learn directly from the Iyengar family, and I continue to be influenced by senior teachers who worked closely with B.K.S., Geeta, Prashant and Abhijata Iyengar.

    I strive to connect with athletes, an aging population, and men who may have reservations about yoga. Whether you are looking to increase mobility, enhance sports performance, or overcome skepticism about yoga’s benefits, my classes offer a structured yet approachable way to integrate yoga into your lifestyle. My students often leave with greater knowledge, clarity, and focus, allowing them to practice with trust in themselves, more sensitivity and effectiveness.

    Join me to experience how Iyengar Yoga can refine your movement, build resilience, and support lifelong well-being.

  • Mo Crow

    Heyo! My name is Mo!

    I have been practicing yoga for about 7 years and decided to get more involved with something I love and have a passion for! I received my 200 HR in June of 2021 with Shanti Yoga and wanted to further my education by completing my 500 HR in March of 2022 with Shanti yoga as well. While I was getting my 500HR, I found a passion for Sound Healing with sound bowls and Drums while I was in Hawaii and knew I was where I am supposed to be. I am currently getting certified in Yin yoga and Prenatal Yoga right now.

    While I teach my classes, my goal is to make you feel like you are in a safe place with no judgment for any level you are at or any feelings that may come up during a sound healing session. All are welcome! My goal is to have you feeling better than when you walked through the door or have a better understanding of the feeling you were having.

    When I'm not in the studio teaching or healing, I am at home making snackies and beautiful handmade jewelry. Also finding any adventure I can be on with my loved ones and pets outdoors feeling free and resetting myself for a new day!

  • Abby Wood

    Yoga has been a healing part of my life for nearly a decade. I first fell in love with the practice after taking classes at the YMCA and discovering the powerful connection between my mind, body, and spirit. Since the days of YMCA yoga, I have explored Hatha, Vinyasa, and Kundalini practices.

    Over the last three years, I've transitioned entirely to a Kundalini yoga practice because of the deep spiritual benefits I've experienced while in practice. I am KRI Certified in Kundalini Yoga and Meditation and was mentored in a small group cohort during an eight month intensive by Keval Kaur Khalsa (Professor of the Practice Emerita of Dance and Yoga at Duke University). I love teaching small group classes and taking yogis on immersive retreats. Off the yoga mat, I love spending time outdoors, dancing, traveling, and silversmithing.

Visit the Amazing Partnering Businesses!

  • 5460 W Franklin Rd. Boise, ID 83705

    This is a team of massage therapists that The LITL Studio is proud to support! They are caring, knowledgeable, and committed to supporting whole-body wellness, in a way that goes far beyond traditional massage.

    $10 off first session with code LITL in appointment note when booking online.

  • 813 La Cassia Dr. Boise, ID 83705

    Self-care in the form of luxurious skincare, with clinicians who care! Heidi Lane offers customized body and facial treatments, using progressive technology and natural, healthy products for a rejuvenated and radiant you!

    20% off your first visit if you mention The LITL Studio sent you.