MEET OUR TEAM
At speakeasy, we strive to teach you yoga classes that are strong, safe, inclusive, and empowering. This is the crew that will do just that!
Aaron Gehring
@tyrranosaurusastronaut
(he/him)
Schedule:
Friday 5:30PM - Strong
Who are you? Husband. Father. Daydreamer. Dabbler. This is a very difficult question!!
What’s your sign? Gemini. People seem to have strong feelings about that but I don’t really know what it means.
Why Yoga? Yoga has granted me freedom through discipline, which seems a bit ironic but its true.
Who/what inspires you? A well-decorated room. A thriving garden. A leather-bound book. Anything done well, and with love.
Favorite yoga pose: Supine twist - it just feels good
Favorite moment you’ve had in a class: Savasana on a sunny Sunday morning after Tori has killed me for an hour and fifteen minutes.
Nonnegotiable: My wife. My kid. Black coffee.
Favorite jams to move to: Mediocre EDM that goes hard. Like, I know it’s low-quality. I know the lyrics mean nothing. But if it goes hard? Man.
Personal mantra: Strength and truth
Something you’re working on with/in your yoga practice: Mental discipline throughout my daily life. Controlling my own experience.
Might catch me: Playing at the park with my boy and his hooligan friends.
Allie Haines
@agent.alexandra
(she/her)
Schedule:
Tuesday 7PM - Simple
Saturday 9:30AM - Strong + Stretch
Who are you? What a question! Well, my name is Alexandra (Allie) Danielle Haines and I am an artist, adventurer and lover of life.
What’s your sign? Virgo sun, Capricorn moon and Leo rising ✨
Why Yoga? Did you read my signs?! I am a huge overachiever and the pressure I put on myself can be overwhelming sometimes. Yoga practice and philosophy allows me to *just be*
Teaching Style: Well-rounded. Always a student first.
Who/what inspires you? I am most inspired by other artists - musicians, actors, storytellers. Courageous, honest people whose stories help us connect more deeply with our common humanity through art.
Favorite Yoga Pose (to teach and/or practice): Savasana. Duh. ✨
Favorite moment you’ve had in a class: hmm not sure…but anytime I progress in a new balancing posture makes me happy!
Nonnegotiable: this is too hard! Music, travel & trying new things ✨
Favorite jams to move to: Always and forever, the Holy Trinity - Whitney, Britney and Beyoncé.
Personal Mantra: Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Something you’re working on with/in your yoga practice: I really want to meditate every morning and I’m working on making it a habit.
Might catch me: Being a renaissance woman! I act, sing, dance, and perform professionally here in Dayton! I’m also a real estate agent with Keller Williams Advisors! I absolutely love going out to eat and to the movies with my husband, so if you see me - don’t be shy and say hello! 💕
Allison Knight
Energy Exchange Program Manager
(she/her)
Who are you? Cat enthusiast, reader, mother.
What’s your sign? Libra
Why Yoga? At first, I had an injury that kept me from my primary sports and I just needed something to do to move my body. I started coming with a friend and never looked back! I am very competitive, so yoga helps me let go of some of that pressure and just see what feels good in my body without external pressure.
Who/what inspires you? I admire the rest of the Speakeasy team so much! Showing up for them keeps me going. Cheesy but true.
Favorite Yoga Pose: I love a balancing pose like Eagle - it's either really stable and powerful, or it's super wobbly and you fall.
Favorite OR most embarrassing moment you’ve had in a class: lol ok I would never share my actual most embarrassing yoga related situation but I love pressing my sweaty back on the mat and making fart noises. I also love a crowded savasana and holding hands with the person I came to practice with.
Nonnegotiable: My kids, coffee first thing in the morning, a book within arms reach.
Favorite jams to move to: Passion Pit is probably my favorite - I also like strong female singers like Janelle Monae, Lizzo, or Kesha.
Personal Mantra: Make it work! I love leaning into a pivot and finding the way to carry on and make a situation work out in the end.
Something you’re working on in your yoga practice: Breath. Being present. Moving with intentionality.
Might catch me: At the library, towing 3 kids around downtown Dayton in a wagon, or snuggling on the couch with my cats.
Caitlin McCarty-Gehring
(she/her)
Schedule:
Friday 6AM - Strong
Who are you? I'm Caitlin!
What’s your sign? Sun: Virgo, Moon: Cancer, Ascendant: Virgo
Why yoga? I found Yoga during a very egotistical time of my life, late teens. I kept seeing pictures of those crazy inversions and thought "I can do that!" But I was also tired of being an injured athlete, and wanted to find a way to work out with low impact. I took a real class (not just looking at pictures and forcing my body to do that) in college and fell in love!
Teaching Style: I tend to lean towards adding joint mobility and stretching into my flows, so I'd say my style leans towards Strong and Stretch.
Who/what inspires you? I find inspiration in eating something delicious or watching someone becoming passionate about something they love. The small reminders of how cool life on Earth is.
Favorite yoga pose: I love teaching Utthita Hasta Padangushthasana (Standing Hand to Big Toe pose) because when someone does it in class and nails it, I can always see how proud of themselves they are when they release. They found that power in themselves, and they know it.
Most embarrassing moment you’ve had in a class: I was entering my 2nd trimester and had just joined Speakeasy. I was taking a Strong Class at the old Wayne Studio and we were going into a headstand, normally something I don't have much trouble with. But when you're pregnant, your center of balance changes. A lot. So, I went for it and totally flopped. Tori, from the front of the room, reminds the class "Maybe if you're pregnant, don't do this!" Oops.
Nonnegotiable: My son and my husband. I can make due with anything as long as I have them.
Favorite jams to move to: I love a good remix of an old song. Like 70's/80's/90's remixed today. That's the stuff.
Personal mantra: What's the worst that could happen?
Something you’re working on with your yoga practice: I've been working on incorporating pranayama into more of my everyday life. Particularly when I'm feeling like I'm getting on-edge, and need to tell myself "Dang, dude, you need to chill!"
Might catch me: Baking a cake! I love spending days making a cake out of my Milkbar cookbook.
Cassidy Kylin
@cass_moves
(she/her)
Schedule:
Monday 6AM - Strong
Wednesday 6AM - Strong
Thursday 5:30PM - Strong
Who are you? It's me, Cass :)
What’s your sign? Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Cancer, Ascendent in Sagittarius.
Why Yoga? Yoga has given me the tools to move through life in a way that makes me feel comfortable and secure in who I am.
Teaching Style: I lean into the tension. I love a strong flow that pushes students to find their edge and seek ease in the hard moments. It's in these moments where reflection and awareness come through and can offer students the space they need to connect with themselves.
Who/what inspires you? My community. Connecting with people is so important to me and drives me to be a better version of myself.
Favorite Yoga Pose: I personally love triangle pose, Trikonasana. I love teaching Crow pose because it creates strength and power inside and out.
Favorite moment you’ve had in a class: My favorite moment in class is when everyone's breath links up. I feel the energy from everyone in those moments and it pushes me to keep going even when it feels hard.
Nonnegotiable: My sister. She’s my rock. I can always count on her to be there for me and lift me up when I’m down.
Favorite jams to move to: Glass Animals always makes me move.
Personal Mantra: 10% is what happens to you, 90% is how you react to it.
Something you’re working on with/in your yoga practice: meditation and taking time to get comfortable in silence.
Might catch me: enjoying the beauties of nature, reading, or serving people food.
Christienne (Chris) Ruth
@chrisrruth
(she/her)
Schedule:
Wednesday 4PM - Simple
Thursday 4PM - Simple
Who are you? I'm a passionate wanderer and intentional life-long learner.
What’s your sign? Scorpio
Why Yoga? It started as a rehabilitation tool gradually turning into a daily practice of grounding myself and forcing myself to slow down.
Who/what inspires you? Travel and the idea of experiencing something new and different,yet the same, no matter where you go.
Favorite Yoga Pose? Any chest/heart openers
Favorite moment you’ve had in a class: My favorite moment is right before class starts (teaching or as a student) when everyone has intentionally arrived and landed to share practice together! I feel so grateful at that moment!
Nonnegotiable? My family.
Favorite jams to move to? Any 80s!
Personal Mantra? Slow down; life is a marathon, not a race.
Something you’re working on in your yoga practice: Slow down, on and off the mat.
Might catch me: Running to the next (fill in the blank), tell me to slow down! :)
Edwin Stamper
@edwinstamper13
(he/him)
Schedule:
Tuesday 12PM - Strong
Wednesday 7PM - Strong + Stretch
Who are you? Feel free to call me by my given name which is Edwin, but the rest is constantly evolving.
What’s your sign? Pisces 🐟
Why Yoga? Yoga found me and keeps teaching me all the things i need to learn. Even the things I already learned and forgot.
Who/what inspires you? I find inspiration in so many things - nature, people, experiences and art. Yet the foundation of my inspiration in life is death, each moment, each day and eventually on this physical voyage I will eventually die and I try to keep constant awareness of that.
Favorite Yoga Pose? Vrikshasana. I love the symbolism: trees stand tall through all seasons, swaying and remaining flexible but unwavering. And if they do fall (death) thats ok because death just brings a chance for a new birth.
Most embarrassing moment you’ve had in a class: While attempting crow pose I leaned my head too far forward. This caused my torso to flip over my knees and into an impromptu somersault. I crashed to the floor with a loud thud on my sweaty backside, Momentum then slid me another few feet landing me inches from the teacher. We locked eyes and I mouthed the words “im sorry” while she didn't miss a beat and kept teaching like nothing ever happened. I still laugh just thinking about it. 😂
Nonnegotiable? Rest, contemplation,meditation, journalling and recoiling back to my center. It is my most ritualistic habit.
Favorite jams to move to? I love country, bluegrass and folk. But these yoga beats have stolen my heart!
Personal Mantra? “What is preventing me from love in this moment?”
Something you’re working on with/in your yoga practice: Ahimsa, nonviolence within myself with my words, my thoughts, and actions. This is an ongoing journey.
Might catch me: Being active and riding my pedal bike on a bike path or around the city and probably chatting up a random stranger!
Erica Gad
@erica_dytyogi
(they/them)
Schedule:
Sunday 5:30PM - Long Slow + Deep
Who are you? I am me! I am a student, teacher, caregiver, and listener.
Astrological sign: taurus
Why yoga? Because too often we are not present in our bodies- yoga brings me back.
Teaching style: Playful. Familiar. Trusting my students
Who/what inspires you? The strength of this yoga community!
Favorite pose: To teach, Airplane. To Practice, side angle
Embarrassing moment you’ve had in a class: Opening to warrior 2 to someone’s face because I messed up my lefts and rights
Nonnegotiable: Fuzzy.Blankets.
Favorite jams to move to: The album “YOUNG” by Overcoats
Personal mantra: I am all mine
Currently working on: To feel powerful through all my transitions
Might catch you: Walking my pup around South Park
Jude Ward
@judas.is.kari
(she/they)
Schedule:
Monday 9AM - Simple
Wednesday 12PM - Strong
Who are you? I am the Seer. I am no one and everyone.
What’s your sign? Triple earth, baby. Taurus Sun.
Why Yoga? Because it's a forever practice. There's no arrival, it's just a journey.
Who/what inspires you? Divine femininity, Balance, people who ask questions.
Favorite Yoga Pose? Most inversions and Samastitihi.
Most embarrassing moment you’ve had in a class: I forgot what Warrior One was in front of my largest class ever. But it was Halloween night so I was probably haunted, right?
Nonnegotiable? Coffee and home - sacred space for emotional expression.
Favorite jams to move to? Whatever my mood needs! Usually moody indy and exceptional vocals like Yebba.
Personal Mantra? Trust her, she is the Seer.
Something you’re working on with/in your yoga practice: Pranayama and vocalizing mantra.
Might catch me: At a local coffee shop drinking (too much) bean brew, studying anything, writing, journaling about my latest Taro pull, thrifting, or nesting at home. You might also find me on my road bike or rock climbing. Never running though, don't look for me running anywhere.
Karina Morgan
Studio Operations Manager & Administrative Wizard
(she/her)
Who are you? A mother of two grown men and one adorable pup. A wife. A fitness enthusiast.
What’s your sign? I am actually on the cusp between Taurus and Gemini. I definitely exhibit more Gemini qualities than Taurus.
Why Yoga? For years as an adult, I wanted to learn ballet. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to find a beginners ballet class at my age. My husband had suggested/encouraged yoga for years. In 2016 I entered Speakeasy and never looked back. I instantly fell in love with yoga and it scratched my itch for a level of choreography that I had been yearning for.
Who/what inspires you? So many people it is hard to pinpoint one. It is more of what inspires me… definitely kindness; it brushes off on me.
Favorite Yoga Pose: I can easily attest to what I don’t like…. Balancing poses, but as I grow stronger I am able hold them longer which makes me like them better. My favorite???? Hips on a block (it’s magic).
Favorite or most embarrassing moment you’ve had in a class: “Happy Accidents”. When you accidently bump into your neighbor during yoga. It could be touching their toes when in warrior 3 or as you’re settling into Savasana your hands might brush. Your reaction is to blush and say you are sorry but we shouldn’t be sorry. It is another form of connection.
Nonnegotiable: My dog Josie, morning coffee, yoga/exercise, craft beer, and a sunroof.
Favorite jams to move to: TAYLOR SWIFT
Personal Mantra: You must be polite to yourself!!! This is a work in progress…..
Something you’re working on in your yoga practice: Every time I hit the mat it is about intentionality. About engaging my muscles to gain results. That is an ongoing process, never ends.
Might catch me: Home snuggling with my Josie (pup) on the couch, at a brewery with my husband/friends, or exercising…
Katie Mathews
@katieannmathews/@ordinariefare
(she/her)
Schedule:
Thursday 6AM - Strong
Friday 9AM - Simple
Who are you? I'm Katie, and I'm just happy to be here!
What’s your sign? Taurus
Why Yoga? I know that when I get on my mat, I will leave it with a greater awareness of my Self, as I am on any particular day: physically, mentally, and spiritually. It's such a powerful daily check-in. I bring everything to my mat, joys and hangups and hopes and anxieties and all, and allow the connection of breath and movement to help me process life. It has taught me to trust the wisdom of my body, to move through my life with more flow than force, and to see it all as play! I have a damn good time on my mat, even when the practice is challenging.
Who/what inspires you? My kids, they are so tapped in, so pure. And artists, or anyone creating things that connect us to others or to our own human condition in a beautiful way.
Favorite Yoga Pose: Headstand, simply because it is a potent check-in for my level of self-trust. When I am dropping into fear, in general, I struggle to trust myself in this pose. When I am living in a state of self-trust and connection, I float into the shape.
Favorite moment you’ve had in a class: The first time I jumped back into chaturanga from crow pose, I let out a full blown scream of joy in class. I might have scared a few folks, but most of the class celebrated with me :)
Nonnegotiable: 10-second hugs from people I love, a weekly day of solitude, and (excessive amounts of) coffee.
Favorite jams to move to: I love to practice to ambient or global tunes. Day-to-day, I'm bopping to whatever I'm feelin! Really into psychedelia, hip hop, and music that gets me in a flow state.
Personal Mantra: Just happy to be here! It might sound trite, but I have grown so much in my ability to be present and be grateful for where I am and who I am from moment to moment, I am really really just happy to be here, now.
Something you’re working on with/in your yoga practice: Moving at a pace that allows me to stay in touch with my intention and intuition. I have found so much strength in slowing down. Less but better.
Might catch me: Serving gluten-free and plant-forwards fare around the community, via my budding small business. Probably bopping around with my camera, feeding my photography hobby, documenting a really beautiful existence. Tending to my flower garden and my kiddos!
Krista Stevic
@kristajeann
(she/her)
Schedule:
Wednesday 5:30PM - Strong
Who are you? Big hearted, animal loving, giggling yogi.
Astrological sign: Taurus
Why yoga? Helps me feel good, mentally and physically. Helps me learn to be more in the moment, to pay attention to my body, to me.
Teaching style: I teach what I know and base it off what I would want out of a class paired with the students in that moment. I push when it’s needed and cool off when it’s time.
Who/what inspires you? My fellow teachers, but even more so, my students. As well as my personal practice.
Favorite pose: To practice, Prasarita or wide legged child’s pose, To teach, Tadasana.
Favorite moment you’ve had in a class: The first time I decided to keep my eyes closed as often as I could during a class. I felt like I was floating and really FELT each pose.
Nonnegotiable: Laughter & hugs
Favorite jams to move to: J. Cole, Rae Sremmurd, old Kanye, most 80’s
Personal mantra: “You got this” and “Let it go”
Currently working on: Going a little slower to feel each pose and make sure my alignment feels strong, to notice where I feel what I feel, and how I can use my breath.
Might catch you: Walking my dog, at a vintage shop, or jamming out at a concert.
Kyla Aida
@kylabrett
(she/her)
Schedule:
Saturday 8AM - Strong
Who are you? I’m a learner, teacher, partner, mother and friend.
What’s your sign? Gemini
Why Yoga? Yoga keeps me balanced in so many ways. And, it’s fun! Yoga is my play.
Teaching style: Motivating, challenging and reflective.
Who/what inspires you? My toddler, who lives in the present and reminds me that I need to as well.
Favorite pose: I love the challenge of Half Moon and Crow pose. When my focus and alignment is just right, I feel like I’m gracefully flying or floating. These poses often show up in the classes I teach.
Favorite moment you’ve had in a class: My favorite times in class are when everyone’s breath is in sync. This rhythm seems to make everything effortless. I make it a goal to unite everyone in breath when I teach.
Nonnegotiable: My freedom. Hugs from my loved ones. And coffee.
Favorite jams to move to: Drake and Beyoncé have a song for all of my moods.
Personal Mantra: Life happens for me, not to me.
Currently working on: Keeping my mind quiet and focused during Savasana.
Might catch me: Drinking coffee and journaling on my porch early in the morning, exploring my neighborhood park with my kiddo(s) or studying Japanese at my local library.
M'Le Leach
@mleyoga
(she/her)
Schedule:
Tuesday 4PM - Barre
Tuesday 5:30PM - Strong
Wednesday 9AM - Barre
Thursday 12PM - Barre
Thursday 7PM - Simple
Sunday 11:30AM - Simple
Who are you? M’Le (pronounced emlee. Not Emily. Thank you.)
Astrological sign: Taurus
Why yoga? It's the main form of consistency in my life. Even when my practice changes, I know I always have it to turn to.
Teaching style: Challenging, engaging, balanced with a blend of spice and sweetness.
Who/what inspires you? Rachel Brice. Tori Reynolds. The Long Game. Creativity. Vulnerability.
Favorite pose: to practice- Down dog! to teach- restorative reclined bound angle with all the props.
Most embarrassing moment you’ve had in a class: I don’t really have an answer for this one. I embarrass myself pretty regularly, to the point that I’m pretty sure it’s just part of my personality. Life wouldn’t be fun without a good dose of humor.
Nonnegotiable: Movement of any kind and any form of creativity.
Favorite jams to move to: Chill instrumental beats (whether electronic or funk or bossanova...etc). I also love everything Clozee and Rezz.
Personal mantra: I am adaptable. I am capable. I am limitless.
Currently working on: Observing my practice off of my mat.
Might catch you: Belly dancing, sewing, crocheting and cooking. I love putting simple pieces together and coming up with art.
Megan Cannon
@moonmalasbymegan / @moonlovermeg
(she/her)
Schedule:
Monday 12PM - Strong + Stretch
Saturday 11AM - Simple
Who are you? A Soul having a pretty amazing experience as a human
What’s your sign? Aquarius
Why Yoga? It started for me as a place to release stress and anxiety. It taught me how to slow down and listen to myself. I found a community as well that has forever changed me.
Teaching Style: Fun and challenging but also safe and grounded in the foundation and sacredness of yoga.
Who/what inspires you? My daughter, my husband, and anyone who is vulnerable enough to be who they are and share that with the world.
Favorite Yoga Pose: Triangle and Pigeon
Nonnegotiable: Coffee and Crystals
Favorite jams to move to: Love music and love it all but right now Lake Street Dive
Personal Mantra: This is the path, I am on the path
Something you’re working on with your yoga: The 8 limbs but specifically non attachment to the outcomes of poses or things off the mat
Might catch me: Traveling, walking my dogs, and spending time with family
Sara Ordway
@meditated_mama
(all pronouns)
Schedule:
Sunday 5:30PM - Long Slow + Deep
Who are you? I am me.
Astrological sign: Libra
Why yoga? To find the stillness within
Teaching style: Supportive. Empowering. Loving.
Who/what inspires you? Life. Nature. My teachers.
Favorite pose: Savasana
Favorite moment in a class: Favorite moment is beginning a full class with rolling ohms. Gives me all the feels!
Nonnegotiable: My family, love and meditation.
Favorite jams to move to: Funky beats, bluegrass and 80s music
Personal mantra: All of life is a practice.
Currently working on: Loving all parts of myself, especially the ones I think are unlovable.
Might catch you: Going on adventures with my husband, son and pups!
Shola Odumade
@outtheboxparadox
(she/her)
Schedule:
Monday 7PM - Simple
Tuesday 6AM - Strong
Who are you? A student of life journeying toward self-actualization
What’s your sign? Pisces
Why Yoga? It offers a comprehensive approach to life via mind/body/spirit union. The philosophy resonates deeply and empowers me. The physical elements ground me in my body and simultaneously enable me to transcend it. The benefits are infinite.
Teaching style? Authentic, accessible, and inclusive. Mindful guidance that encourages autonomous exploration, building from a solid foundation, and connection with the totality of yoga.
Who/what inspires you? Everyone and everything in one way or another. Above all, children, and their keen insight, unbridled fearlessness, and wealth of brilliance & potential. The two I birthed are my shining heroes who edify and stretch me daily.
Favorite Yoga pose: Hip openers
Favorite moment you’ve had in a class: Favorite moment teaching was the very first class I ever led—my practicum to conclude my yoga teacher training. It was a powerful culmination of a pivotal season of enlightenment.
Nonnegotiable: Freedom and inner peace
Favorite jams to move to: Movement is my most intuitive form of expression and I’m a universal music lover, so I will bop to virtually anything. Afrobeats and Dancehall grooves are guaranteed faves.
Personal mantra: Count it all joy.
Something you’re working on with your yoga practice: Consistency and discipline in practicing/embodying all 8 limbs of yoga in all aspects of my life.
Might catch me: Living abundantly, adventuring with my babies, cultivating my many passions, volunteering in various capacities, or doing one of my 5+ jobs—I work full-time in higher education, I co-own an art gallery with my wonderful partner, I’m a licensed real estate agent and professional birth & postpartum doula, and oh yeah, I teach/study yoga. Hope to see you soon!
Tori Reynolds - Owner
@torieugene
(she/her)
Schedule:
Monday 5:30PM - Strong
Thursday 9AM - Strong + Stretch
Friday 7:30AM - System
Friday 12PM - Strong
Sunday 10AM - Strong
Who are you? Hi I’m Tori! Just a hard-working human, loving partner, community caretaker, and Speakeasy founder to name a few.
Astrological sign: Libra (always seeking the balance)
Why yoga? It’s the ultimate collaboration. Mind and body. Breath and movement. It teaches us how to to be strong when we need to, but to soften where we can. Eliminates the rigidity and creates a state of flow, which can be really hard for me sometimes!
Teaching style: Challenging, empowering, and compassionate. When you’re on the mat, we’re having a conversation, and I am tuned-in to your responses.
Who/what inspires you? My family, my main squeeze, my TEAM! Really everyone has a story and valuable insight to share. We just have to be willing to ask, and more willing to listen. Inspiration is everywhere.
Favorite pose: Handstands and hamstring openers.. neither are easy for me, but both teach me a ton, and often times result in a feeling of freedom and strength.
Most embarrassing moment in a class: probably throwing out the old “downward facing dong” cue...
Nonnegotiable: Quality time. With my practice, the people I love, doing things I’m passionate about… And also peanut butter.
Favorite jams to move to: Indie ambient beats for yoga, driving, bass heavy emotional tunes for all else. If I’m in the kitchen I’m going to want to find a bossanova station.
Personal mantra: Let it land
Currently working on: Standing in my power, being less distracted.
Might catch you: Taking class at Speaekeasy! Walking Bruce + Harvey, hanging with my bff and husband Ben or frequenting a favorite downtown eatery!