Wild Thing Yoga | Bend, Oregon

Helen Cloots

I started practicing yoga as a way of balancing out the craziness of life and now can't imagine going a day without it. I was initially drawn to yoga by the physical benefits of the practice but quickly found myself returning for the total sense of calm and well-being that yoga delivers. My goal is to help my students find peace and balance in their own lives through yoga. My classes focus on breath and alignment, they incorporate creative sequences and adjustments to address each student’s personal goals, and they're fun and upbeat. When I'm not at yoga you can find me outside exploring trails or playing with my cat, Splash.

Becky Jackson

I've always been active with sports like climbing, biking, hiking - and yoga has been the perfect compliment to all those activities. The physical aspect helps with my recovery, injury prevention, and strengthening. The mental aspect helps me stay in the zone when I'm scared (mostly climbing!) or trying REALLY hard (biking up hill, for example...).

I moved to Bend in February of 2019 and knew that I wanted to take my practice farther. I took the 200-hour teacher training at Wild Thing and fell even more in love with yoga and how I felt because of it, both physically and mentally. My classes focus on building strength and stability while working through difficult poses and sequences with the breath. See you on the mat!

Brooke Coletta

I fell in love with Yoga at a small San Diego studio in 2008. I was drawn to the physical practice for sure, but also there was something else that kept drawing me back to my mat! I decided that teaching was the next step on my path. For the past 4 years I have deepened my personal relationship with Yoga and am stoked every class to share a piece of my passion for the practice. I love to bring in stories of the deities, mantras, mudras, and oracle cards to help students peel away layers of the body and find a fuller breath. I am a lifelong student and my goal is to ignite your inner Yogi fire!

When I am not on my mat you can catch me hanging with my hubby and daughter Daisy outside in beautiful Bend, having dance parties in my living room, taking a chill hike, or relaxing with a glass of vino!

Dana Henninger

Yoga has allowed me to explore who I am, and what I really want and need out of life. During a particularly tough and emotional point in my life, I discovered and fell in love with yoga. It grounded me and gave me mental clarity, physical strength and confidence. Each time I come to my mat I continue to learn something new about myself. When I'm not in the yoga studio I’m traveling, hiking, soaking up the sun and spending time with the amazing people in my life. I love the energy in Bend and am so grateful to get to live in this beautiful town!

Emily Rajcic

Yoga is just another favorite outlet of mine that stokes my desire to feel strong, independent, and flexible enough to handle whatever life throws at me. I found my mat practice could happen anywhere, but best served me when grounded in a community of like-minded yogis. The feeling of a group shaking, sweating, and surrendering together is a powerful one. It's my biggest hope to share the sweaty, loving, transformational experience that is yoga to those who are willing to get under their own skin and explore the way they live their lives. I'll push you to find your inner warrior, even on the days you might feel like that part of you is lost. Whether we are yoga sculpting or vinyasa flowing, there will be some funky music, primal movement, and a lot of getting rid of your negative thoughts! When I'm not flowing on my mat, you'll will find me stoked and smiling, climbing mountain peaks, paddling into surf, and running forest trails. I can't wait to meet you!

Grace Baker

Since being introduced to yoga as a child, what started out as a school requirement, has become an integral part of my everyday life. Having been a dancer and musician throughout my young life, I have always looked for ways to express myself creatively. A few years ago, I began to realize yoga gave me an outlet to cultivate that creative energy. So in Spring of 2018 I decided to further my practice and travelled through India to become a certified teacher. I came back with not only the knowledge to teach, but the awareness that I will always be a student. I love that yoga is a lifelong evolution of mind, body, and spirit, and that we will never stop learning and discovering.

I moved to Bend soon after my certification, and was eager to share my experiences, as well as absorb everything my new home had to offer. Here, I have found not only a gorgeous place to live, but an incredible sense of community, including all of the wonderful people I’ve met through the mutual love of yoga. When I’m not teaching, you will definitely find me in outdoors, enjoying the stunning natural surroundings of Central Oregon, or you might even catch me still pursuing my love of music and performing around town! Wherever I am, you’ll probably see me with a goofy smile, because I couldn’t be happier to be here!

Halie Taylor

Yoga has been an integral part of my life for almost 10 years. What began as a casual commitment to exercise eventually became a fierce dedication to spiritual growth and a desire to help others develop a sense of well-being through practicing yoga.

As both a teacher and a student I love to explore the whole of what it means to be a yogi and I’m continually learning more about how to utilize this eightfold path to live a more meaningful and intentional life.
Above all else, I believe in the power of healing through connection in community. Outside the studio you will often find me out and about in Bend spending time with the tribe and exploring all the natural beauty Central Oregon has to offer!

Hannah Lewis

Practicing yoga has allowed me to become a more whole version of myself. It has played an essential part in my physical, mental, and spiritual growth. I love moving my body and finding new ways to challenge myself through movement. My classes focus on building a solid Vinyasa foundation, connecting with our breath through movement, and creating heat in our bodies through playful sequences. My favorite classes leave me with a new sense of strength and confidence and I hope to help all of you find this in your own bodies!

I cherish my time outdoors just as much as my time in the studio. Nature provides me the same sense of reconnection to myself and the world around me that a great yoga class does. When I am not practicing yoga, you can find me outside hiking, camping, listening to music, and exploring new places. If you ever need a friend to get outside with – I’m in!

Jen Wardyga

Hi, my name is Jen! I have lived much of my life on the East Coast in New England and now LOVE living in Bend! In addition to being a yoga teacher, I am a physical therapist with a focus in sports medicine and have a passion for helping and empowering others to pursue active and healthy lifestyles. Taking yoga beyond the mat is also extremely important to me, as my own practice of yoga has helped me to embrace life’s challenges with grace, surrender, and gratitude. While I love encouraging others to find their physical / mental / emotional edge (on or off the mat), I wholeheartedly welcome an equal balance of rest and stillness. I can’t wait to see you on your mat!

Joy Wiesen

My journey with yoga began in 2013 in Santa Barbara - I remember feeling such a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and thankfulness as I walked into the studio for the first time. After just a few classes, I knew that yoga would become an integral part of my week. I began a Sculpt Teacher Training as an avenue of deepening my practice and challenging myself in a new way. Shortly after my Yoga Sculpt TT, I enrolled in a 200hr vinyasa training to delve deeper into the anatomical and mental benefits of the practice. Over the years, I’ve grown to love the journey through the many layers of the physical, mental and communal nature of yoga. Yoga has become such an exploratory, calming, and fun piece of my everyday. I wouldn’t be where and who I am today without the beautiful people I have encountered and the internal strength I have explored through the practice of yoga.

Karissa Campbell

Hi! Long story short, I’ve been in Bend for going on 7 years. Movement has been apart of my life for a long time. I started yoga in high school at a Bikram studio in Costa Mesa and completely fell in love with the way it made me feel. I’ve now been practicing for over 14 years and I’m now sharing my love for this practice with others in the form of teaching. I truly believe in the power of yoga & meditation and it’s ability to transform our mindsets and our view of the world. I also have found it to be extremely helpful in body awareness, mobility, muscle and body control, and reducing anxiety. I can’t wait to see you in my class! Oh and PS I’m a dog mom to 3. :)

Kyle Bonfert

Yoga was the first physical activity I found that wasn't about being first or the best. It was an opportunity to tune in and be present. I came from a life of high stress, being a young buck working my way up the ranks in various kitchens, all my free time revolved around working on my culinary skills and also developing my love for rock climbing. I found yoga in 2013 by way of luck. A girl I had a crush on asked me if I wanted to attend a local yoga studio for a class and of course I couldn't say no. Using a rental mat and wearing way too many clothes I walked into the hot room and sat quietly. We chanted, started moving, breathing, sweat began to drip, and then I was introduced to the handstand and I knew something was going on and I needed more. I was hooked, started working on my practice every day, did my YTT and a few years later ended up in Central Oregon. My goal is to help you realize your true potential on and off the mat while incorporating the flexibility and strength of mind and body. When I'm not on my mat you can find me climbing at Smith Rock or taking my sweet pupper Bella for a stroll on the trails.

Leanne Schweitzer

I’m a dedicated and devoted yoga student. After spending the majority of my life practicing gymnastics I transitioned into yoga in college. I’ve been practicing yoga for over 10 years and completed my first yoga teacher training in Denver, Colorado in 2015. I moved to Bend with my husband and two cats because, as everyone knows, Oregon is an incredible place for anyone that loves snowboarding, hiking, biking, meditation, camping and music. Yoga has taught me patience, compassion, humility and self-love; and I’m really grateful to be able to share these gifts with others.

Lia Allen

I began yoga when I was 13 and started teaching in 2006 while also pursuing dance, and studying fitness and nutrition. I chef and teach nutrition to people with special dietary needs, as well as pursue my post-thru hiking dreams of running 100 miles one day. As a 500hr certified yoga teacher, I’m excited to bring knowledge about alignment and anatomy to your yoga practices with plenty of options and modifications to help individualize the experience for you! With my prenatal yoga training experience I can help any pregnant yogis with flows and modifications through each trimester. Fun, flow, strength, and flexibility are all part of what you’ll find in my classes. I also, always recommend one-on-one sessions (privates) occasionally or regularly to help expand your knowledge of poses and alignment for your body and it’s specific needs!

Petit Davina

I’m a yoga guide, adventurer, rhythm maker, dancer, writer, mother, nature-lover opening and connecting my students to a playful remembrance of the sacredness of each breath and each movement. I’ve been guiding yoga and movement for all ages, and in many environments, on and off the mat, for over 12 years. My greatest teachers are nature and children. I’m fascinated with rhythm and movement while being inspired to keep an open mind and heart as I guide flowing, fun, insightful classes.

Samantha Osborne

My journey along the path of yoga began as an attempt to relieve a little stress and heal my body from years of intensely vigorous workouts. After one class I was hooked. Over the following year I learned what it felt like to listen to my body and to actually appreciate all that it does. I truly love yoga; it has changed my life in an amazing way! I took my 200-hour teacher training in 2010 and immediately began teaching. My mission as a teacher is to share the LOVE! My goal is to provide a space for people to discover their true potential and to love every minute of their journey along the way! I'm also known to make you sweat...but in the sweetest way!

Shaina Forsyth

I’m an outdoors-loving, adventure-seeking, yoga-teaching, get-stuff-done kind of lady. My yoga practice started as a form of exercise and soon turned into a lifestyle of being intentional, curious, and playful both on and off my mat. I uprooted from my Midwest roots after high school and have spent the past several years hopping all over the West (from Montana, to Colorado, to Utah) and feel so fortunate to be at home in beautiful Bend, Oregon. I have found that my yoga practice has helped me to foster community and stay grounded throughout my many life changes. I’m so excited and humbled to be spreading the gift of yoga and engaging with other yogis.

Ticari Morrison

My yoga journey has led me on a path that continues to surprise and delight me everyday, that’s the beauty of yoga - being open to new experiences. Things I didn’t think were possible have become a reality with my practice of yoga. I believe that yoga not only has the power to transform our physical bodies, but has an even more profound impact on our mind and spirit. By taking the tools that we cultivate on the mat, we have the tools that we need to take on anything that life might bring our way.

The beauty of Bend’s mountains, lakes, rivers, trails and endless adventure possibilities drew me here; the strength and free spirited energy of the area is what makes me call it home. What a treat to practice and experience yoga with the amazing community here in Bend!

Ashley Grewe

I'm a nature-lover, yogi, entrepreneur, chef, teacher, and mom. My yoga and mindfulness practices have been instrumental in my growth as an adult by connecting me to my emotions and body and helping me to cultivate a life of gratitude. This has led to my belief in the power of yoga and mindfulness to empower children to be their best, authentic selves. I founded Obsidian Education in 2017, a company dedicated to preparing children for a life of purpose, joy, and gratitude through holistic, student-centered learning. I am grateful that through Obsidian Education, I am able to offer yoga and mindfulness classes as well as cooking and nutrition classes to the Bend community. When I'm not surrounded by children I love hiking at a reasonable pace, creating killer green smoothie recipes, and dancing ridiculously in my living room (actually, I do these things around children as well).

Autumn Adams

Yoga has been a part of my life since 2001. Teaching yoga allows me to actively share my passion for well-being and balanced living, all while actively creating a life that I love. My yoga practice keeps me centered and grateful through all of life's adventures and misadventures. My hope is to empower you to be courageous (to take those big leaps of faith), to handle life’s challenges with grace, uncover your life’s dharma (an intention that guides you in all aspects of your life) and have a whole lot of fun along the way! My vinyasa classes are playful and my yin classes are sweet and grounding. When I'm not on my mat you can find me cuddling my fur-babies, hiking nearby trails, paddle boarding, or traveling the world.

Lindsi Kay

I’m unapologetically passionate. An outspoken, energetic, movement-junkie who specializes in acrobatic yoga. I’m about 12 years in to my yoga journey, and after enjoying a regular practice for over a decade, I can see that it shines through in every movement discipline I teach. My current teaching schedule is filled with dynamic classes including aerial yoga, hoop fitness, acroyoga, arm balancing, inversions, and dance. My students span all ages and skill levels. I am also the co-founder of Slackrobats Academy (an online training platform for extreme yogis, acrobats, and slackliners) and the editor of the Slackrobats blog. I’m shamelessly addicted to travel, and have a habit of chasing the summer season around the globe. Luckily, I have a sweet and spunky golden retriever at home to help keep me grounded.

Libby Wilson

I’m a bike-riding, trail-running, mountain-climbing, adrenaline-chasing LOVER of all things yoga. I found yoga while training for my first Ironman triathlon and quickly found that not only did my practice make me a better endurance athlete, it made me a much more gentle, compassionate, intentional human being. I love teaching classes that focus on juicy, dynamic sequences that leave you feeling powerful, graceful, and ready to move mountains. Find me on the PNW trails & lakes with my husband and trusty side-kick Mischievous Mays, the Golden Retriever!

Kelly Jenkins

My yoga practice began in the basement of a YMCA more than 11 years ago. After losing a loved one yoga was just what I needed to heal emotionally and spiritually. As I deepened my practice, I realized the whole body benefit of yoga as it supported both my active lifestyle and my career. Yoga has transformed the way I view and interact with the world and those around me.

I graduated from Wild Thing Yoga's first YTT program in 2018 and am honored to teach in a community that has become a home to me. I enjoy movement that warms the body, lightens the heart and soothes the soul. When I'm not in the studio you can find me pedaling, paddling, skiing, hiking or casting flies into the Deschutes River with my dog and my husband. I can't wait to meet you!

Kyla McDermott

I moved from Boston to Bend 6 years ago to pursue my passion of mountain biking. At the time I would use yoga as another form of exercise and a way to stretch my sore muscles after long weekend of racing mountain bikes. During the summer of 2014 I began practicing 5-6 days a week and could not stop. Every time I step onto my mat I find new ways to progress my practice and become stronger physically and mentally. Teaching Yoga Sculpt allows me to take what I have learned through years of training in a gym and incorporate it into a fun new and sweaty way to practice yoga and stay fit. When I am not in the studio, I love to snowboard, mountain bike, paint and bake.

Our Teachers