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Mickenzy Hanson Owner
Hello, My name is Mickenzy Hanson, I am the owner of Lotus Yoga in Grand Forks. I am a 200 HR RYT, Yogahour certified, 300 HR ERYT, CCT Level 1-3, Zumba Certified, Buti Certified, Spin Certified, as well as a personal trainer and nutrition specialist. I am currently training to become an integrative health coach through IIN and I am so excited to bring that knowledge to our community. I founded Lotus Yoga School of Yoga in 2020 in which i lead 200 Hour Teacher Training programs as well as yoga sculpt programs. I love to expand my knowledge of all things health, wellness, yoga, and spirituality. I love to challenge my perspective and share what I have learned through the teachings. I am also studying Sanskrit (the language of the Gods + Yoga) through sanskrit studies. I have the vision for Lotus to be a Hub of mind, body and soul wellness. A safe space for transformation and realization. I hope to continue to shift my awareness and serve the communities that I am involved in so that we may all be healthy, happy and free.
I extend so much gratitude to all of my teachers and the impact that they have made in life and practice. I also extend gratitude to all of you who have given me purpose and supported the studio.
Be The Change You Wish to See in the World - GHANDI
Taylor House
Studio Coordinator
Taylor House
Studio Coordinator
Hey everyone, my name is Taylor and I am a pre-law student at UND! I was first introduced to yoga in high school, but then began to practice yoga sculpt regularly once I moved to Grand Forks for school. I completed the yoga sculpt training here at Lotus and have loved sharing the yoga experience with others! My passion for yoga derives out of my love for health and wellness in both mind and body! I am excited to continue learning, growing, and meeting all of you wonderful yogis!
Mady Wilaby
Hey there, my name is Mady Wilaby & my goal is to inspire and motivate others to be the best version of themselves.
I want people to leave my classes feeling strong and proud of what they accomplished! I look forward to growing as a leader and individual while sharing my love of yoga with others. Come sculpt with me!
Sarah Prout
Hey, hey! My name is Sarah and thought I’d introduce myself and share a little back story.
I began practicing yoga in October 2013, a few short years later in 2016 I began teaching and haven’t looked back. The first time I stepped onto the mat I had never felt my mind so quiet and so focused, I wanted more.
I attended the University of North Dakota and graduated in 2007. Shortly after, I met my really funny and really tall husband, Tom. (Fun Fact: It was Tom, that introduced me to my very first yoga class) We married in 2010 and settled in Grand Forks. We have three really cool kids who keep us on our toes – Payton, Norah and Sam (our little caboose)!
Staying active and working out has always been a significant part of my life. I thrived on being active and playing sports. You name it, I’ve played it. In fact, I’m not quite sure what I would have done if I didn’t have sports to focus on. I loved the training, dedication and commitment it took to succeed. As I grew up that love continued but life evolved and each day seemed busier than the one before. I needed balance and finding it has been one the hardest but most gratifying journeys that I’ve opened up myself to experience. As a family we have learned that supporting one another in the areas we find happiness if the best gift we can give one another.
Over the years the approach to my practice continues to evolve. It takes work, hard work and at times uncomfortable work. This practice will change you if you allow it. Push in ways you could never imagine. Quiet and humble your soul, teaching you to embrace the student within.
Shelby Lorenz
Shelby began practicing yoga at the age of 18, merely searching for a physical component to complement her weight lifting workouts. Her practice quickly grew beyond just the physical aspect. She loves to know that she can carve out time for herself to be present on her mat, and hopes she can bring the same luxury to her students. Aside from fitness, Shelby is a full time nanny, hobby photographer, and loves spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She looks forward to meeting all of the yogis at Lotus and to share this practice with them!
Shelby is a 200 hr RYT and YogaHour certified.
Savanah Perkins
Hello! My name is Savanah Perkins. I grew up in Warroad, MN & moved to East Grand Forks in 2011 where I graduated from Northland Community and Technical College. I have always been active growing up, in high school I played volleyball and ran track. When I wasn't doing that I spent a lot of time in the weightroom. Now I enjoy going to yoga, co-ed softball, golfing traveling, snowboarding, and going to the lake. My first yoga class was at Haute Yogis in 2015 & I knew immediately that I wanted to dive deeper into the practice. It wasn’t just the physical benefits for me, but the mental component as well. Yoga has helped me in countless ways. I finished my 200 hour yoga training in March 2019 & recently completed my 300 hour training in July 2020. I am excited to grow within the yoga community!
Humberto Stripling
My name is Humberto Garcia, I am originally from Mexico where I grew up before moving to Houston, TX in 2010.
I am a happy and positive person that enjoys working out, being with friends & family, dancing, reading, and am always looking for new adventures to experience. I started taking group exercise classes in 2013 which encouraged me to make a real change in my life and after great effort and dedication, I lost 56 lbs! This motivated to stay fit, healthy, and to help other people discover the beautiful aspect of fitness and to reach their goals. In 2014, I obtained my Indoor Cycling certification and have been teaching since then. I had the amazing opportunity to work at Fitness Connection, LA Fitness, and 24 Hour Fitness. I like my classes to be energetic, safe, fun, and effective! My favorite type of music is usually top 40, dance/electronic, and I also like to spice it up with some Latin music.
I went to University of Houston Clear Lake and started my bachelor's degree on Pre-Health/Physiology. I also became a National Registry Certified Emergency Medical Technician in 2016. I want to be a military doctor, so I joined the Air Force in 2017. I was stationed at the Grand Forks AFB which made me very happy because I LOVE the cold. I am currently a Physical Training Leader on base and recently obtained a Boot Camp Certification. I am really excited to be here and look forward to see you in my class! Remember that everything you believe you can do is possible.
“The act of discovering who we are will force us to accept that we can go further than we think.” - Paulo Coelho
Anna Walz
Hi my name is Anna, I am from Sauk Rapids, MN & I am currently a pre-PT student at UND! I fell in love with yoga sculpt about two years ago and wanted to further my practice as well as share my passion with others by becoming a yoga sculpt instructor. I was certified this past summer through KPower Yoga in Sartell, MN. I have always loved being active and being able to physically challenge myself and yoga sculpt does that for me! My goal as a yoga instructor is to help yogis be the best version of themselves physically and mentally!
I am so excited to be apart of the Lotus yoga Family!
Anna Walz
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Tara Kulack
Hi, my name is Tara, I was once lost and found myself through yoga. In 2012, I was postpartum, just going through the motions of my life. I went to my first yoga class and I was not expecting to fall in love with the ancient practice or more importantly fall in love with myself. I found my breath and I found freedom on my mat. As I developed through my consistent practice, I became more disciplined and mindful. I noticed a shift in my mind and my body. I am thankful for my practice and what it continues to teach me, my wonderful teachers that have guided me throughout the years and the beautiful humans I have met along the way. I am thankful for my friend Sarah for not taking NO for an answer when dragging me to my first yoga class and for my strong, healthy mind and body. As one of my yoga teachers says, "take hold of the thread, hang on and don't let go and continue to unravel."
I have been instructing various Yoga classes at Choice Health and Fitness since May 2019. I obtained my Yoga Foundations Certification through NETA in 2019. I obtained my Yoga Sculpt Certification and my 200 RYT @Lotus Yoga in 2021. I have only skimmed the surface and I am looking forward to a 300 RYT and other trainings in the future. I love sharing my love for Yoga and my love for life with others. I look forward to a lifetime of practicing, learning, inspiring others and fulfilling my passion and my life’s purpose. I am so excited to share my practice with you. One of the biggest misconceptions about Yoga, you do NOT have to be flexible to practice Yoga! You are never too young or too old or too big or too small to practice Yoga! Also, if you ever want to go to Yoga, I’m down, Dog!
Hailey Adams
My name is Hailey & I started practicing yoga for the physical benefit while in college. I have since come to appreciate my time on my mat as much more than a physical practice, buta lso a place for connection, healing, and a place to slow down. I hope to spread this love for yoga and it's benefits to help students feel strong and empowered as they leave each class. I am a 200 E-RYT and YACEP through Yoga Alliance.
I am also a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM and am certified in Yoga Barre.
Angie Byzewski
Angie Byzewski
Jenna Dietrich
Hello! My name is Jenna! I am currently a student at UND majoring in elementary Ed! I became interested in yoga when I was in high school! My interest primarily leads towards sculpt, but I would like to start practicing flow more. I view it as a way to relieve stress, grow physically and mentally, and overall it's just a fun atmosphere! I am inspired by leading a healthy lifestyle, surrounding myself with good people, and growing physically and mentally! I am excited to continue my journey at Lotus growing with myself and others!
Kari Wosick
Hi my name is Kari. I recently completed my 200hr Teacher Training at Lotus Yoga here in Grand Forks. I started practicing yoga on a whim to try something new! That was almost 4 years ago and I completely fell in love with the calm I felt after practicing. When the opportunity to train to teach came up during covid, it seemed natural to continue to expand my own practice although the thought of leading a class was totally intimidating.
I hope to share my love of yoga with fellow practitioners!
Ainsley Hoeffs
Hey, my name is Ainsley! Yoga sculpt is just as much a physical challenge as it is a mental challenge, but the reward of completing a practice is so worth it! Yoga Sculpt has brought me so much joy, and has given me a new appreciation for myself and the other students in the room with me. It has helped me find confidence in myself. Not only do I want to share my love for yoga with others, I want to help others find that confidence in themselves and teach that anyone can do hard things!
Molly Zak
Molly Zak
Hello, my name is Molly & I am so excited to be working with Lotus Yoga! I am a recent Biology graduate of UND & a soon-to-be PA student. Yoga began for me as a way to de-stress during college but has now become an integral part of both my physical and mental health. I am eager to grow as an instructor and bring an inclusive, exciting energy to each class. This yoga community has had a tremendously positive impact on my life that I love to share with others.
I am Sculpt Yoga certified and recently completed my 200 hr RYT training in May 2022.
Gretchen Melek
Gretchen Melek
My name is Gretchen and I am beyond excited to be a new instructor! Health and fitness have always been a huge part of my life and I am so happy I get to continue that. My favorite workouts are the ones that allow me to be present and make me forget any worries from the day, and personally, yoga sculpt does exactly that. The support and happiness I feel coming to classes at Lotus is something that I hope to give to others. As an instructor, I will always aim to bring an energy that makes people feel excited coming into every class, and confident & strong leaving!
I'm looking forward to this new step, and I can't wait to see you in class!
Gretchen Meagher
Gretchen Meagher
Hey Team! For the past 10 years, fitness has been a big part of my life for its physical and mental benefits. Between running, yoga, and strength training, I've really come to value what each practice brings to my life. I have recently completed the Yoga Sculpt training and am working on my 200 hour certification through Lotus. I hope that through my yoga classes, you come to appreciate the strength you possess. I also have a pet cow named Annie.
See you in class!
Kayla Voeller
Kayla Voeller
Hi friends! My name is Kayla and I'm so excited to join the Lotus Yoga Sculpt team! I fell in love with Yoga Sculpt a couple years ago when myself and my family (hubs plus two crazy but adorable kiddos) moved to the Grand Forks/EGF area. There's nothing quite like the high energy of sculpt at Lotus. Before having kids, I taught fitness classes in the Fargo area, so it's been a minute since I've taught but I'm thrilled to be back at it with a new venture of Yoga Sculpt! Come hang with me!
Larissa Zeman
Larissa Zeman
Hi, my name is Larissa. I've been married to my husband, Cody, for six years and have two littles' ages five and two. I am an accountant for MAK Construction in Grand Forks and a certified Yoga Sculpt instructor and a registered 200 hr Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga alliance. I fell in love with Yoga Sculpt after my first class. I knew Yoga Sculpt was something I needed to start working into my weekly schedule, so I knew if I could make it just once a week, I would be happy. Over the last two years, that once a week turned into twice a week, three times a week, and now just about everyday. the studio has truly turned into a second home. As an instructor, I will strive to make all clients feel as welcomed as I do, every time they walk into the studio.
Natalie Martin
Natalie Martin
Michelle Horge
Michelle Horge
Hi, my name is Michelle. I am so excited to start this new journey and so honored to join the Lotus team.
Despite being physically active for as long I can remember, it is only in the last few years that I began my yoga practice. It entered my life just when I needed it to. At a time when I felt lost and disconnected from myself. The more classes I attended, the more I realized yoga was everything I didn’t know I needed.
In wanting to deepen my knowledge and strengthen my practice in yoga, I set out to take the teacher training at Lotus. I am currently certified in yoga sculpt and graduated with my 200hr RYT in May 2022.
I’m thankful for the beauty of this practice that rewards you just for showing up, in a community that welcomes and accepts you for who you are and where you are in your practice. A place where there is always room to grow, things to be learned, and goals to work towards both physically and mentally.
As a student, I am grateful for the instructors and their classes that challenge me, teach me something new, calm my chaos, quiet the mind, and feed the soul. As an instructor, I hope to give you the thing that you show up on your mat for.
See you at the studio!!
Jamie Fiala
Jamie Fiala
Hello, my name is Jamie & I am an LMT who practices craniosacral therapy. I will complete my 200hr RYT in
May 2022 & am leading a Non-Heated Full-Body Gentle Yoga series through the spring.
Bring your curiosity & an open mind, I will see you on your mat!
Brittney Dandurand
Brittney Dandurand
Hi! My name is Brittney Dandurand. I took the my first yoga class with no expectations other than to try something new. While in svasana, in my first class I noticed it brought up a lot of emotions for me. I quickly learned that yoga was so much more than a good balanced workout. For me, coming to my mat helps me meditate, escape from the busy world around me and connect to my inner self. I’ve found a great community of people in the yoga studio space and feel so blessed to be a part of that. I recently completed my 200 hour teacher training in Scottsdale, Arizona. I am excited to share my class style of vinyasa flows and yoga philosophy with you all.
Briana Erickson
Briana Erickson
Hello, everyone! My name is Bri and I am excited to be apart of the Lotus team. I am originally from Luverne, Minnesota, but have moved up to Grand Forks to attend UND where I am a full-time Law student. I began practicing yoga when I was 13 years old, thanks to my mom who is also a yoga instructor. I quickly fell in love with the mindfulness and balance that yoga gave me. I earned my 200 hour RYT in 2019 and have been teaching ever since. I love leading all types of classes from restorative to power vinyasa and especially love creating playlists! I am also certified in restorative, yin, yoga nidra and sculpt. Namaste!
Rita Coleman
Rita Coleman
Hi everyone, my name is Rita. I am a native of Grand Forks and work as an Occupational Therapy assistant rural ND.
I began my yoga practice about 4 years ago, when looking for a different fitness outlet following a running injury.
I still love to run, but yoga has taken my heart. I completed my 200 hr RYT during the summer of 2021 at Lotus and am so excited to begin sharing the benefits of yoga with the community. As a therapist, one of my main goals is to teach good form in each posture, to prevent injury, and allow for longevity of your yoga practice.
See you on your mat!
Michelle Montgomery
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Michelle Montgomery
Hello! My name is Michelle & I have an addiction to yoga that began in 2015. Since that time, I have
completed the 200-hour RYT at Lotus Yoga and am so excited to share my passion with others. The Lotus
community has brought immense meaning and amazing friendships into my life, positively affecting
both my physical and mental health. Yoga is not a work out, it’s a work in EVERY time you step on your
mat. Hope you join me!
Alicia Dixon
Alicia Dixon
I’m Alicia, proud wife and mom of 2 daughters. We moved to Grand Forks in 2020 and was introduced to Lotus about a year ago. I’m so excited to now be able to say I am a part of this team of wonderful instructors. I’ve been enjoying yoga since I was 15 and have been 200 Hour RYT since 2020. Over the summer I was able to start teaching a class on the base on Tuesdays. I love a good flow that gets the body warm and feeling released. I encourage self- love, self-care, and bringing positivity and fun to the mat! I enjoy teaching power vinyasa, sculpt and a little more restorative. So come let your light shine at Lotus!
Ashley Shea
Ashley Shea
Hi! My name is Ashley Shea. I have been a lifelong enthusiast of health and fitness. I am so excited to be teaching sculpt at Lotus. I hope you enjoy my classes and leave feeling strong & empowered!
Corina Pabian
Corina Pabian
Hi my name is Corina Pabian and I am a senior at the University of North Dakota. I am majoring in Speech Pathology! I went to my first hot yoga class last year and instantly fell in love. I love the way it challenges me physically and mentally. I recently took the yoga sculpt teacher training at Lotus Yoga this fall and am so excited to start instructing you.
Hannah Peasland
Hannah Peasland
Hello, my name is Hannah and I am so excited to be a part of the Lotus Yoga team! I am currently a Dietetics student at UND as well as a dancer and staff member at Dance, etc!. My days can be pretty busy, so I always look forward to the peaceful time that I can spend on my mat. I began coming to Lotus in search of a new form of movement to integrate into my workout regime and sculpt has turned into so much more for me. I am looking forward to learning, growing, and sculpting with everyone!
Anna Doherty
Anna Doherty
My name is Anna Doherty, and I am so excited to be a new instructor! I am a student at UND studying Nursing and Nutrition/Dietetics. I will be teaching sculpt at the downtown studio, and I am so excited to share my practice with you all. I have found yoga to be a way for me to disconnect from the busyness and noise that life brings, and allow time to be intentional with myself. I have found yoga to be a very healing piece of my health in all aspects; mentally, emotionally, and physically. The encouragement and sense of belonging I have felt at Lotus is something that I hope I bring to others. My goal as an instructor is to give you an hour of time that benefits you, and leaves you feeling capable, confident, and accomplished. See you guys in class soon!
Baylee Lewis
Baylee Lewis
Hello! My name is Baylee Lewis and I am excited to be joining the Lotus Yoga Team. I am from Lakeville, MN studying Communications at UND. I have always been passionate about fitness, as well as activities that can help reduce anxiety and stress. I have found Yoga Sculpt Classes to be the perfect combination of the two! Looking forward to begin instructing!
Brooke Thorfinnson
Brooke Thorfinnson
My name is Brooke - all things health & wellness have been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. One of my favorite parts about teaching fitness classes is connecting with the community through movement! I love putting together challenging workouts and finding new moves to keep things fresh and exciting
Carly Larson
Carly Larson
Hi! My name is Carly Larson.
Over the years, I've taught group fitness mixed with martial arts movements, and attended yoga and many other group fitness classes as a student.
One of my favorite things about teaching is picking out an awesome playlist! I am so excited to start teaching yoga sculpt at Lotus Yoga! Can't wait to see you in class!