Balance Yoga

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Balance Yoga

Balance Yoga
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Balance Yoga
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Our Instructors

Kerry Walker (she/her)

Owner and IAYT yoga therapist who blends 30+ years’ practice with massage therapy and advanced therapeutic training. Kerry offers supportive, adaptable classes—therapeutic, Hatha, flow, restorative, and Yoga Nidra—and one-on-one work to help students build strength, calm, and embodied agency.

Kerry Walker (she/her)

Owner, Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist (IAYT), and Certified Massage Therapist


Kerry has been dedicated to the practice of yoga since the 1990s. After twelve years of personal practice, she completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at the Himalayan Institute in 2010 and began sharing her passion for yoga with others. As an athlete, she was initially drawn to yoga’s physical benefits, appreciating the strength and flexibility it offered. Over time, she developed a deep appreciation for yoga’s ability to support both mental and physical well-being and for the inner strength and calm that grow through a consistent practice, especially in today’s fast-paced world.

In 2019, Kerry deepened her studies by completing an 800-hour Therapeutic Yoga Program with Dr. Jaime Stover Schmitt through Spanda Yoga Movement Therapy. This advanced training combined traditional yoga philosophy with modern anatomy, functional movement, and somatic practices, strengthening her ability to adapt yoga to meet individual needs. Through this work, she developed a passion for using therapeutic yoga to support healing, recovery, and greater ease and agency in both body and mind.

Kerry’s classes offer a welcoming and supportive space where students can reconnect with their bodies and find calm within the busyness of everyday life. She teaches a variety of styles including therapeutic, Hatha, flow, restorative and Yoga Nidra, encouraging students to build confidence, cultivate inner peace, and deepen their connection to themselves and others. In addition, she works one-on-one with students looking for a more individualized experience.

Carrie Mailloux (she/her)

Carrie is a warm, inclusive yoga teacher who creates a safe, joyful space grounded in breath and mindfulness. Carrie encourages students to remember their body's wisdom and align with their own intentions.

Carrie Mailloux (she/her)

Carrie is a student of the world, mother, partner, daughter, sister, friend, and has been a yoga practitioner for over 20 years. Over the years she has had varying levels of dedication to her practice but has always appreciated yoga as a safe space she could always return to, again and again. In more recent years she has come to consider yoga as the foundation for living a more aligned life filled with joy, intention, and mindfulness.

Spending time at two ashrams in India manifested a desire to deepen her practice, and in 2021 she listened to her inner voice and completed the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training through Laughing River Yoga. In her classes, Carrie intends to create a welcoming and inclusive environment in which she guides students on a journey of remembering: remembering the innate wisdom of their bodies, their breath, and that they are always enough. 

Ariana Matthews-Salzman

Ari (Ariana) is a community-focused yoga teacher from Richmond who brings curiosity, warmth, and lived experience to her classes. A 200‑hour Laughing River graduate working toward 500 hours, she blends yoga philosophy with practical guidance, honoring each student's body and wisdom.

Ariana Matthews-Salzman

Ariana (Ari) grew up in Richmond and thrives when she is connected to her community. She's been a part of many Richmond businesses and organizations. She currently lives in Underhill with her partner and dog and works at Vermont Foodbank on the SNAP outreach team where she helps connect neighbors with food and financial resources. 
 
Ari also likes to play music, knit, dance, swim, hike, garden, cook and eat, cherish her friends and family, and snuggle with her beloved dog Vivi. She first practiced yoga as a youngster with her mom, following along with a Yoga for Kids video tape.
 
Ari completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training with Laughing River Yoga in 2022, she has since mentored (like being a TA) for that same training and is slowly working toward her 300 hour certificate (cumulative 500hr).
 
These trainings have helped her deepen and hone her personal practice both on and off the mat, and have added context of yoga history and philosophy. She is a lifelong learner, especially when it comes to the complex and evolving science of yoga. She approaches teaching from a space of curiosity and collective knowing, and knows that people come to class with their own wisdom and personal understanding of their bodies and mindfulness practice.  

Sara Heard

Sara is a RYT 200Hr yoga teacher and physician at UVM Medical Center. She has been practicing yoga for 15 years and completed her yoga teacher training with Lakshmi Rising School for Yoga & Wellness in Portugal.  

Sara Heard

Sara is a RYT 200Hr yoga teacher and physician at UVM Medical Center. She has been practicing yoga for 15 years and completed her yoga teacher training with Lakshmi Rising School for Yoga & Wellness in Portugal.  Sara enjoys teaching vinyasa flow classes that are energetic and designed for building strength and flexibility in outdoor athletes adventuring in the beautiful Green Mountains. 

Carolyn King

Feldenkrais® practitioner since 1987 offering weekly classes, workshops, and individual sessions in-person and online. Former special education teacher who led mindfulness and trauma-informed wellness programs. Based in Richmond, she brings movement to everyday activities.

Carolyn King

Carolyn has been a Feldenkrais® Practitioner since 1987, when she graduated from a
Professional Training Program in Toronto. She has taught weekly classes and workshops through Northern Vermont, as well as online. She also offers individual sessions at her studio in Williston.

Carolyn spent many years as a Special Education teacher in South Burlington. There, she was also a leader in the Wellness and Resilience Program, bringing Mindfulness programs to students and adults alike. She pursued advanced coursework in trauma-informed classroom environments and instruction. 

Carolyn lives in Richmond where she spends her free time hiking, skiing, gardening, and just about anything else to keep her outdoors. She has discovered that the application of Feldenkrais™ principles and movements has deepened the ease, skill and pleasure in all these endeavors and more.

Alex Devaux

Alex is a yoga teacher, energy worker, and activist. She has been practicing yoga since 2020, motivated by a sincere desire to reduce harm and suffering for all beings. 

Alex Devaux

Alex is a yoga teacher, energy worker, and activist. She has been practicing yoga since 2020, motivated by a sincere desire to reduce harm and suffering for all beings. She received her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training from Tough Love Yoga in Atlanta, GA in 2023. 

Alex teaches yoga with the intention of guiding students beyond externally imposed limitations to feel their true nature. Her classes center rest and spaciousness combined with purposeful movement, in an effort to support students in reconnecting with themselves, each other and the Earth. Alex  leads with the interdependence of our spiritual and social liberations, and sees each of our unique embodiments in this life as pathways to freedom. 

She is a certified facilitator of the Seven Homecomings Meditation by Lama Rod Owens, and is a Reiki Level II and tuning fork practitioner. She is currently working towards her 300hr Certification at Laughing River Yoga and is deeply grateful to the teachers, guides and texts that have allowed her continuous learning to unfold within the Yogic tradition.

Nicole Montanarelli

E‑RYT 500 & YACEP 500 yoga teacher and Spanda trained yoga therapist (IAYT) with a BS in Natural Health. Teaching since 15, Nicole leads fun, alignment focused classes grounded in yoga therapy, offering encouragement smiles, and a warm, supportive atmosphere.

Nicole Montanarelli

Nicole is an E-RYT 500 hour yoga teacher and a YACEP 500. She holds a BS in Natural Health and Healing and is a Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Nicole is also yoga therapist graduating from Spanda Yoga Therapy and has been practicing yoga since she was 15 years old. Nicole likes to teach classes that are fun, alignment based, focused on yoga theory and most of all full of encouragement and smiles.

Naomi Hahr

Naomi is a compassionate, tradition-minded yoga teacher with 15+ years of personal practice and a 200‑hour training from Laughing River. She offers balanced classes, energizing flows, mindful movement, breathwork and chanting. She welcomes student of all experience levels.

Naomi Hahr

Naomi is a yoga teacher residing in a beautiful, rural area of Chittenden County, in the Northwestern corner of Vermont.  After sustaining an injury in 2009, Naomi came to yoga as a way to heal physically, and quickly found that her practice contributed to healing in all aspects of her life. She has committed to regularly practicing yoga on and off the mat for over 15 years.

In 2025, Naomi completed her 200 hour teacher training at Laughing River Yoga. Her classes are influenced by the amazing teachers she has been privileged to work with, and are rooted in fundamental respect for the philosophy and history of this sacred practice. In class, expect to find a balance of energizing flows, mindful movement, slow and grounded postures, chanting and breathwork. She is delighted to lead students new to practice, and to foster deeper connection to yoga for experienced practitioners.

Outside of the studio, Naomi is an avid runner and mountain biker who skis in the winter for something to do in the cold. She lives in Milton, VT with her partner, Jesse, three dogs, and cat. She is delighted to bring joy, build community, and lead yoga for her students. Classes are rooted in mindfulness and intention, with deep respect and honor for the cultures and traditions that have brought us this practice. Namaste!

 

Avery Lavoie

Ancestral Abenaki-rooted yoga teacher, grief doula, musician, and somatic healer offering compassionate, humble classes and grief support. Trained in yoga, abhyanga massage, sound healing, somatic herbalism, and bereavement care—holding space for grief, joy, and community.

Avery Lavoie

I (she/ki) was born in the ancestral homelands of the Abenaki (People of the Dawn Land). I am grateful to learn how to be a good steward of this land. I have been dancing, moving and singing before time and joyful to offer what I am called to share in this community. I was introduced to yoga at a young age by my teacher, Diane Cohn. The practice has been integral for me to connect to nature, heal my grieving mind and body after loss and carry me through the transitions this life has gifted to me. For me, Yoga is a practice to embody compassion, speak the truth and build strength to engage in community in active ways. I am called home to yoga again and again. I am especially called to support folks through grief (and joy!). I co-facilitate animist grief ceremonies with my dear friend, Maris Harmon of Other Ways of Being and we offer those a few times per year. I am a grief doula, musician, sound healer and offer abhyanga (warm oil)  massage based in the Indian Tradition.  I offer yoga with humility, knowing that I will always be a student alongside you.  
 
*Somatic Herbalism Apprenticeship with Sawmill Herb Farm (2025)
*Grief and Bereavement Certification – University of Vermont (2025)
*Death Literacy Specialist – 2024
*Yoga Teacher Training & Enhancement Program – Laughing River Yoga (2020 & 2024)
*Abhyanga Massage Training – Williston Ayurvedic Center (2024)
*Reiki Level 3 Training (with Naomi Mitsuda) – 2022–2023
*Sound Healing Training (with Kirk Jones, PA) – 2023
*Yamas and Niyamas Year-Long Training – Ignite Yoga (with Susanna Barkataki)
*Mindful CBT Certificate – Focus on Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD
*MNDFL Mindful Intensive Training – with Rev. Angel Kyodo Williams (2022)
*Somatic Attachment Therapy Certification – Embody Lab (2023)
*Focusing Training – with Ann Weiser Cornell (2023)

Crystal Tinker

Crystal is a yoga teacher whose passion lies in creating a safe, welcoming, heart-centered sanctuary where students feel supported in turning inward. Guided by compassionate presence, her teaching style is rooted in spirituality, integrative healing, and awareness of the subtle body

Crystal Tinker

Crystal is a yoga teacher whose passion lies in creating a safe, welcoming, heart-centered sanctuary where students feel supported in turning inward. Guided by compassionate presence, her teaching style is rooted in spirituality, integrative healing, and awareness of the subtle body. Drawing from her background as a Reiki Practitioner and Abhyanga massage therapist, she weaves mindful movement, breath awareness, and nervous system regulation seamlessly into her classes, leaving students feeling nurtured, balanced, and empowered.

Chris Brooks

Chris has practiced since 2001 and has a 200-hour Ashtanga certificate. She now teaches gentle, healing classes that include acupressure and chanting. Chris values fun and openness and has led outdoor classes and taught an academic course on the eight limbs of Yoga.

Chris Brooks

Chris has practiced yoga since 2001 and completed a 200-hour Ashtanga teacher training at Yoga Vermont in 2012. She taught for two years there, has led many outdoor classes, and taught an academic course at Champlain College covering all eight limbs of yoga. Over time her practice has softened to include acupressure, gentler yoga, and chanting to soothe and heal the nervous system.

She has learned from many teachers and studios and remains open to new ideas. Chris believes yoga can heal the body—while also saying, “It’s just yoga,” so laughter and fun are welcome. You can find her on Sundays across the hall in the new gift shop, Wild at HeART.

Jennie Date

Jennie Date is a professional astrologer, long-time yoga practitioner, and committed outdoor enthusiast. She believes that emotional wellness comes from self-acceptance, diligent effort, re-learning how to inhabit the body, and unleashing creative expression.

Jennie Date

Jennie Date is a professional astrologer, long-time yoga practitioner, and committed outdoor enthusiast. An avid cyclist, skier, and wildlife observer, she draws inspiration from the natural world, as well as from the ancient wisdom traditions of astrology and yoga, and recent developments in neuroscience and psychology. Her teaching style is anchored in the desire to remind you of your innate connection to your intuition and relationship to the Earth. She believes that emotional wellness comes from self-acceptance, diligent effort, re-learning how to inhabit the body, and unleashing creative expression. Go to www.hiddenpathastrology.com to learn more about consultations, mentoring, workshops, and guided meditations, or to sign up for the weekly Moon phase newsletter.

emily Walker

Emily Walker looks forward to holding space with you at Balance Yoga and flowing with you on the mat. In her classes you can look forward to a warm, loving presence who wants to see you flowing, relaxing, and finding power within your own yoga practice. Requests always welcome.

emily Walker

Emily Walker looks forward to holding space with you at Balance Yoga and flowing with you on the mat. She completed her 200 Hour Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga teacher training with High Vibration Living in St Pete Florida in the spring of 2019. For the next five years in Pennsylvania, she taught yoga & meditation virtually and in person throughout the community. In 2024 she and her husband moved to Vermont, and she enjoys continuing to teach and practice yoga and explore the trails with her three huskies. 

In her classes you can look forward to a warm, loving presence who wants to see you flowing, relaxing, and finding power within your own yoga practice. Her favorite classes to teach are centered around a chakra theme and include pranayama, sun salutations, standing balancing poses and a long savasana. Requests always welcome.

Leigh Cole

Leigh Cole has been practicing Tai Chi and Qigong since 2013. She has studied in the
Dong family school of Tai Chi and Qigong (Yang style) since 2018.

Leigh Cole

Leigh Cole has been practicing Tai Chi and Qigong since 2013. She has studied in the
Dong family school of Tai Chi and Qigong (Yang style) since 2018. She is certified by
Teacher/Master Alex Dong to teach Tai Chi Fundamental Qigong. Her interest in Tai Chi
was sparked by experiencing and working with the powerful energy field of horses.

Erica Antell (She/Her)

In her classes, Erica guides students through grounding practices during which they can
discover strength, comfort, and confidence within their own body and mind. 

Erica Antell (She/Her)

Erica is a native Vermonter and began practicing yoga in 2008 after making the natural
transition from her background in dance. What began as an outlet for physical
movement quickly grew into a consistent mental and spiritual practice rooted in
acceptance, compassion, and empathy. Over the years, yoga has offered Erica a path
toward greater self-discovery and mindfulness, while deepening her connection to
herself and to others.

Erica completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2020 and is grateful for the
opportunity to guide students through grounding practices during which they can
discover strength, comfort, and confidence within their own body and mind. Above all,
Erica hopes to create space for students to show up for themselves with compassion
and presence, so they can carry that sense of connection into their relationships and
communities.

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