meet the facilitators
Carla Wiessing
Founder of Yoga & Soul
Carla began exploring all aspects of yoga, both on and off the mat. In 2017, she completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) at Perennial Yoga under the guidance of Keith Borden and Megan Grace. From there, she journeyed even further into the worlds of Yoga & Ayurveda, earning her 500-hour certification with Indra Yoga .
Also in 2017, a local made a simple declaration: Lodi needed yoga. Carla took it to heart and founded Okee Yogi, which grew and transformed over the years into Kingfisher Yoga.
Continuing to let fate guide the evolution of her work, Carla created Willow Tree Wellness in 2020 and added Aesthetician to her growing list of professional titles. What started as a chiropractor’s suggestion ultimately became a journey of wellness, learning, teaching, and creating spaces for others to explore their own paths toward well-being.
Carla can be found at Kingfisher Yoga and Sweet Willow Skincare
Kim Meuller
Team lead
Grandma to six, and a safe person you can come to. Whether you have questions, concerns, or just need someone to listen—I’m here. At the festival, my role is all-encompassing. I’m here to help wherever I’m needed, and to make sure everyone feels supported, seen, and safe.
This is one of my most favorite weekends of the year. The people you meet here will leave a lasting impression. Completing my yoga teacher training changed me for the better and I am so grateful to Carla for welcoming me into the Kingfisher community. Seek me out for questions, concerns, or just to say hi. Looking forward to connecting, laughing, chatting, star gazing, tree hugging, and having a peaceful and loving time with each of you!
Kiara Flowers
Team Lead | Plant Based Chef
My name is Kiara. I'm a yoga teacher originally from Milwaukee with a background in dance and performance. Yoga became a personal anchor after six years of performing and working at Walt Disney World, leading me to complete my 200-hour training in 2018.
My teaching is shaped by my explorations into Eastern philosophy, Ayurveda, and alignment-focused hatha yoga. I've journeyed in my personal practice through vinyasa and Ashtanga, and now appreciate the balance of dynamic flow and restorative stillness in my classes. With me you can expect community connection, a gentle build, ambient music, and an invitation to explore your own inner wisdom.
This festival is such a labor of love for community and our shared practice. I am always available for a chat, space holding or questions anytime you need me!
Ali Zuba
Yoga Teacher, Somatics
C-IAYT, E-RYT, YACEP, MBA
Ali is a student of Yoga and meditation (15+ years). She is a certified Hatha Vinyasa teacher, as well as a Certified Yoga Therapist specializing in SomaYoga. Her speciality includes Somatics, neuro-muscular reeducation techniques for body and breath, and the wisdom teachings of Patanjali's Yoga and the Himalayan Tradition.
She is excited to share the teachings of Somatics and Yoga that support you in breaking through psychosomatic barriers, affirming safe space within the body, and tapping into your heart wisdom. Ali also serves as a Director of the Spiritual Life Society/Main Street Yoga Centers with locations in Madison and Oregon, WI.
Learn more at www.somalivewellbeing.com
Crystal Lea Glenn
Yoga Teacher
Crystal has a decade of nursing experience, specializing in functional medicine and women's health, but her yoga journey began by teaching at-risk youth in the Utah mountains. She helped her students find personal growth and emotional release through the practice, which inspired her own formal training in Anusara Yoga.
At Kingfisher Yoga, Crystal now fuses her nursing knowledge with her yoga background to help students strengthen their core, release tension, and find pain relief. Each class is designed to empower, release, and calm the individual, using myofascial release and a focus on props to support every body.
Donna Richter
Yoga Teacher
After 32 years as a high school teacher, Donna brought her passion for helping others learn, grow, and discover their abilities to the yoga mat. She has taught yoga for five years and combines her experience in physical education, fitness, and education to create supportive, purposeful, and approachable classes.
Donna holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with an Adapted Minor, a Master of Arts in Teaching, a 200-hour RYT certification through Yoga Alliance, and a Children’s Yoga certification.
Her hope is that every student leaves class feeling stronger, more balanced, and more connected to themselves.
Haley Jansen
Yoga Teacher
Haley completed her 200-hour Teacher Training in 2015 at Power Life Yoga in Des Moines, IA. In 2022, her family relocated to WI and she fell in love with the small town community of Lodi! Being an endurance athlete who enjoys pushing her body to its limits, Haley found yoga to be the perfect compliment to running. Yoga has not only increased her strength and flexibility, but has also improved her mental focus and resilience during physically demanding challenges. Haley loves teaching at Kingfisher and Devil’s Lake during the summer. She is passionate about helping students explore their full potential and achieve success on their mat.
“I’m looking forward to spending the weekend in nature, deepening my practice, and connecting with many beautiful souls!”
Kelsey Shea Welch
Yoga Teacher
Kelsey Welch is a Madison, WI-based yoga teacher originally from Albuquerque, NM. With a 200-hour RYT certification, specialized training in Yin Yoga and a masters degree in vocal performance,
Kelsey brings a unique fusion of breath, movement and sound to her classes.
Her background in gymnastics and mindfulness informs a practice that’s both grounded and expansive– inviting students to explore physical challenges while staying rooted in presence. Kelsey’s classes emphasize breath awareness, intentional transitions and the art of letting go, often closing with sound healing in savasana to support deep rest, integration and self-connection.
Lindsey Martin
Yoga Teacher
A Lodi native, Lindsey Martin's journey with yoga started young, watching her mother practice at home. She is now a certified teacher, with 200 hours of training in hatha-style, heart-centered yoga.
Lindsey's classes are an inclusive and safe space for every body. Each session begins with a connection to breath and community before easing into movement with an indie-acoustic soundtrack.
She encourages students to use props and ends class with a relaxing 15-minute savasana. As a mom of four she understands the challenges of finding time for self-care and is always there to hold space for you.
Mindy Abbeduto
Yoga Teacher
Mindy Abbeduto is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and the founder of Mindy Embodied, where yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, and intentional living come together.
After discovering yoga as a way to navigate stress over a decade ago, she found a practice that transformed not only her body, mind and soul, but her relationship with herself!
Morgan Hunter
Yoga Teacher, Somatic Practitioner
Morgan Hunter is a sound healer, yoga instructor, and somatic practitioner walkiing the path of healing through her work at Sat Nam Grounding in Prairie du Sac. Rooted in Sauk County yet shaped by travels and training with communities from all walks of life, Morgan’s practice is a woven tapestry of wisdom, presence, intuition, deep listening, and is ever-expanding.
For the past 15 years, Morgan has devoted herself to studying interpersonal connection. Her approach is grounded in yoga philosophy, the mind–body connection, shadow work, energy health, and Parts Work (IFS). She draws from a wide range of techniques—including frequency and energy work, acupressure, and sadhu practice—allowing each session to be uniquely responsive to the individual or group she is supporting.
A lifelong seeker, she feels honored to walk alongside others on their journeys. Beyond her work, Morgan is a devoted single mother of two radiant young souls, finding joy, inspiration, and art in the profound beauty of everyday life.
Nora Grace
Professional Hooper
Nora discovered her love for hooping at just six years old, performing in her third-grade talent show and sparking a lifelong passion for movement and performance. Hooping eventually led Nora to Wild Rumpus Circus camp in 2017, where she caught the circus bug. There, she was introduced to stilts, aerials, unicycling, juggling, and more. She continued expanding her skillset and later attended camp at Circus Smirkus, where she expanded her skills with club juggling, two-high acrobatics, unicycling, and collaborative show creation.
Now based in Wisconsin, Nora is part of a vibrant circus community rooted in rich tradition. She teaches full-time during the summers as a clownselor and coach with Wild Rumpus Circus, and spends the rest of the year sharing the joy of circus through teaching and performing wherever she goes!
Paige Bolin
Yoga Teacher
Paige brings curiosity, playfulness, and plenty of beautiful shapes to the Kingfisher Yoga practice space!
A dedicated teacher and student herself, she approaches everything with determination and kindness—whether she’s working toward graduating from pharmacy school and matching with a residency, practicing Peacock Pose, or diving into something new.
A sports lover who puts family #1, Paige finds her greatest joy spending time with the people she loves, her husband and dog, traveling, and curling up with a good book.
Sanne Kelly
Yoga Teacher
Since 2011, Sanne has studied and performed dance, Yoga, and healing arts in India, Europe, and the U.S., training with world renowned teachers. and local artists. Alchemy of Dance specializes in creating elegant and artistic performances that leave a lasting impression on our clients. We offer a wide range of performance art, movement and wellness classes all designed to meet the unique needs of our clients. Whether you're planning a corporate event, a wedding, wedding party, children's party, or festival, Alchemy of Dance is committed to providing a memorable experience. Every client has a unique vision, and we pride ourselves on our ability to tailor our services to fit your specific requirements.
Stephanie McCutchin
Yoga Teacher
Stephanie began her yoga journey in 2021 when she completed the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training and since then, her practice has evolved into a spiritual home—one where movement and breath come together.
Through her classes, Stephanie holds space for others to explore not only the body, but the spirit. She believes that yoga is not just a practice of movement, but a path of remembrance—of who we are, where we come from, and how we connect to the earth and each other.
Stephanie can be found at Sakom Massage & Wellness
Sarah Robinson
Yoga Teacher
Sarah completed her Softening of Self Yoga Teacher Training in Spring 2025, embarking on a journey to share the transformative power of yoga. Among the limbs of yoga, Sarah finds a particular resonance with Niyama—positive duties or observances. She believes that focusing on cultivating positive attitudes, personal investment, and mindful behavior is a gift we can offer ourselves every day. Sarah emphasizes the incredible power that comes from self-examination and surrendering our ego to a higher power.
Sarah is also a psychotherapist and loves to incorporate therapeutic concepts and creative expression in her offerings. Her intention is to hold space for internal examination and growth, both for herself and for practitioners who practice alongside her.
Tink
DJ | Facilitator
Tink has been DJing in dance medicine spaces for over three years all over the Midwest and East Coast. Her passion is presence. She wants to see people dropped into their bodies, playfully discovering the aliveness within. Her unique blend of house, world, and electronic music is artfully woven together to create journeys that foster heart, mind, body, and soul connection. Tink is thrilled to be back at Yoga & Soul after having recently moved to Madison. She is so grateful to be connecting to this community and looks forward to the magic we will create together!
In addition to her DJ facilitation, Tink has been hosting community gatherings and workshops since 2024 that offer participants a wide range of experiences. Some of her favorites include song circles that unite voices over specific themes and experiences that focus on supporting how we relate to each other through clear and compassionate communication. Tink has recently been accepted into Earth Keeper Wisdom School’s A Year in Ceremony program, where she will be deepening her craft as a facilitator and community space holder.
Softening of Self
2025 YTT graduates
Michelle Watson
Yoga Teacher
Since having my son 5 years ago I’ve been on a journey to find myself and to find a community that my heart has been longing for. After a giant leap of faith, I left my corporate job to become a daycare teacher and started my 200 YTT. This transition has allowed me to find myself in ways I’ve never known possible and has given me the opportunity to see how life can really be all that I want it to be. I hope you’ll join me for the morning meditations so I can share the joy and love yoga has brought into my life.
Brian Robinson
Yoga Teacher
Brian is a father, husband, and an enthusiast for moving his body in nature. He loves adventure, nature, living in the moment, and being open to new possibilities and thoughts.
Brian's yoga journey began about 4 years ago when he was introduced to a Power Flow class with Paige right here at Kingfisher Yoga (highly recommended!). He left these classes feeling reinvigorated, and grateful for a full body workout that he hadn't experienced in a while. As a bonus, it came with the loving kindness that yogic philosophy is known for.
He was slowly introduced to other forms of yoga through his wonderful wife, and began to really enjoy slower flow and restorative classes. He found the body sensations to feel so much better than the stereotypes he let himself believe about yoga. Brian resonated with Stoic philosophy and began digging into and embodying the practice about 10 years ago. His wife introduced him to the ancient yogic wisdoms, and he found so many similarities and ties to stoicism that intrigued him. At that point, Brian chose to dive deeper and attain his 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training.
Brian now looks to natural remedies that have been taught and used for thousands of years, rather than the quick fixes that he and so many others have looked to in our current times. Some of these things include natural sunlight (for circadian rhythm/sleep), ground and forest bathing (for connection to nature and Earth), contrast therapy and breathing exercises (for regulating the nervous system and dealing with hard things and unpleasant thoughts).
Ali Laseman
Yoga Teacher
For Ali, yoga is a practice of connection—an opportunity to listen more closely to body, breath, and the inner experience. She first found yoga in college, taking classes during her lunch hours as a way to bring calm and centering into her day. Over time, the practice became something she carried with her wherever she went. While traveling, she found herself seeking out local studios, often walking into a room of strangers and feeling unexpectedly at home. Yoga became something beyond movement: a way of paying attention and becoming more present.
Ali brings that same spirit to her teaching, creating room for presence, compassion, and curiosity. She invites people to slow down, explore, and notice what is present without needing to change it. She values creating an environment where people can show up as they are, without the pressure to perform or be productive.
Ali hopes you leave feeling dropped into yourself—more present, grounded, and connected, with a little more room to simply be.
Danielle Quat
Yoga Teacher
For Danielle, movement is deeply tied to emotional and physical well-being. She first stepped onto her mat in college, finding a transformational space that helped reshape and heal her relationship with exercise. Ever since, yoga has served as an anchor for her personal healing—a practice she carries into every class she takes and teaches.
As a licensed mental health professional, Danielle approaches yoga through a holistic, trauma-informed lens. She believes the mat is a place to cultivate self-compassion, regulate the nervous system, and listen to what the body needs in the present moment. Whether guiding a dynamic flow or a gentle practice, her goal is to offer an inclusive, welcoming space where students can drop into their breath and feel supported.
When she isn't teaching or on her mat, Danielle loves traveling the world, spending time outdoors, reading in quiet spots, savoring a great cup of coffee, and spending quality time with her family and her dog.
Jae Buck
Yoga Teacher
Jae is a yoga teacher and ayurvedic aesthetician devoted to guiding people into beautiful experiences within their bodies.
Her teaching is an invitation to come closer—to breath, sensation, movement, stillness, and the quiet intelligence that lives beneath thought. She approaches the body with curiosity and reverence, as something not to master, but to listen to; not something separate from the sacred, but one of the places we may encounter it.
Drawing from the rhythms of the natural world, Jae creates spaces to soften, explore, play, feel, and remember the pleasure of being fully alive.
For Jae, yoga is a practice of inhabiting this life more completely—where body becomes expression, presence becomes beauty, and practice becomes the synthesis of life and art.
Lindsey Drozd
Yoga Teacher
Lindsey has been practicing yoga for over a decade. She enjoys a variety of styles and teaches medium-paced flows focused on breath, flexibility and stability. She also enjoys reading, being outdoors, canine agility, embroidery, and much more. Originally from Alabama and the Czech Republic, she currently lives in Illinois with her cats Coppie and Biscuit Dough and dog Missy.