InstructorS
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Ashley Fathergill
Owner & Instructor, E-RYT 200, RYT-500
Let me start off by saying "I Love Yoga". I started taking classes 10 years ago when I was having a hard time making friends in ABQ after moving here from Ohio. I left a life that I had spent 20+ years creating and the friendships were something I missed tremendously. I went to classes regularly in an effort to meet people and ended up falling in love with the practice! Through the years I would binge on the practice and then take small breaks from it. No matter where I was in my life, I always ended up coming back to my mat. In June 2015, I decided to take a jump and enrolled in 200 hr Level 1 Ashtanga Teacher Training. After receiving my certificate I then decided in September 2015 to start YogaZo so that I could bring classes to ABQ that were friendly for every level of Yogi and not intimidating. Fast forward (through a lot of ups and downs) to the present time and YogaZo has taken a life that I couldn't have even imagined if I tried. We are a close knit community that welcomes everyone from any walk of life. Our goal of #yogagivingback has allowed us to donate over $65k and counting as well as given me the opportunity to meet a world of beautiful humans that I otherwise might not of had the chance to meet.
Certifications: 200 E-RYT, 300 RYT, CPR Certified, Continued Education in Level 1 Inversions & Level 2 Inversions
Accolades: Best Yoga Instructor in Albuquerque, Albuquerque the Magazine, Presenter at Sedona Yoga Festival
Curious about the name?
YogaZo is named after my sweet pup Zoey who unfortunately passed away in May of 2015 right before I became a certified Yoga Teacher. She was constantly by my side even through my at home practice. She was and still is my favorite down dog! When I lost her I wanted something that was so near and dear to my heart to still be a part of my day to day life, so here she is via YogaZo!
Elena Saint-Lot
Instructor, RYT 200
Elena believes that true health and joy is achieved through comprehensive care of the body, mind, and spirit. Elena leads her yoga classes with an open heart and welcomes students from all walks of life, in all stages of their practice, to join her in a mutual pursuit of balance and love. She particularly enjoys guiding fellow yogis in Yin, Yin Yang, and Vinyasa practices. Elena is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) with Yoga Alliance.
Talal Saint-Lot
Instructor, RYT 200
Talal has been an active athlete his entire life participating in organized competitive basketball, soccer, volleyball, Shotokan karate, water polo, and traithlon racing. He grew an interest in the benefits of meditation, breathing and stretching while training and was introduced to yoga by his wife, Elena. Yoga has become the centerpiece and foundation of Talal’s active lifestyle ever since he checked into his first yoga class. Talal believes that yoga is more than a personal journey through which one grows their awareness to the connection existing between the mind, body, and breath but it is also a process of transforming the self-identity and way of interacting with the world. Talal understands that humanity faces the threat of growing socioeconomic inequality, a deteriorating natural environment, and a disjointed society. He feels that he can help counteract by sharing yoga with others and contribute toward growing the universal human connection to one another, nature, and the world.
Valerie Torrez
Instructor, RYT 200
Valerie Torrez is a certified RYT-200 yoga instructor who began practicing over 20 years ago when yoga was offered to her as a PE credit in high school. Valerie has practiced many different styles of yoga over the years and completed her yoga teacher training in vinyasa-style yoga in 2014. Valerie also has additional training in Yin, Ashtanga, Hot, Prenatal, Mom and Baby, and Essential Yogas and even taught some Zoom Yoga during the pandemic! Valerie believes strongly in a holistic approach to yoga, taking into account students' mental as well as physical health during class. Valerie also likes to play with the physicality of the poses, changing up how students get in and out of poses and challenging what yoga is and can be. Additionally, Valerie is keenly aware of common alignment challenges as well as various physical limitations and can offer modifications and encouragement as needed (don't be shy, just ask if you need help!). A long-time attendee of YogaZo classes, Valerie is very excited to be sharing her practice with the YogaZo community and welcomes yogis of all stages and levels to attend.
Natalie Jung
Instructor, RYT 200
Natalie first found yoga in 2016. While she was originally drawn to the physical practice, it was the sense of calm she felt after each class that kept her coming back. After a few years of consistent practice, Natalie took the next step and completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2020. Her practice is playful and balanced. She can’t wait to meet you on the mat and share it with you!