Charlee Ulmer
OWNER, 500RYT, 200ERYT
Charlee Ulmer, is a certified Ayurvedic Life Coach and 500RYT. She began practicing regularly in the Spring of 2014 and registered with Yoga Alliance in the Fall of 2014 after completing her 200 hour certification with Village Yoga & The Kunga Yoga School in Duck, North Carolina. She completed the 300 Hour Kunga Yoga Service and Leadership Certification in 2017 at Wilmington Yoga Center; with training in 5Elements Flow, Restorative Yoga, Power Vinyasa, Yoga for Seniors, Prenatal, and Kids Yoga. She received her Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coaching Certification through Katie Silcox and The Shakti School in 2019. She is currently enrolled in the second year of Ayurvedic certification to deepen her understanding on the tantric practices of Ayurveda and Yoga.
Her primary teachers include Jessica Moody, Katie Kennis, Kristin Cooper-Gulak, Noelle Whittington, and Katie Silcox. She has also had the honor of practicing and studying with Hilary Garivaltis, Rachel Brathen, Rolf Gates, Emilie Perz, and Meredith Hogan. Charlee has lead yoga classes in retreat settings in Costa Rica, India, and Hawaii with her primary teachers.
With her new role as studio owner, she strives to carry-forward the heart and soul, along with the foundational visions Village Yoga was founded upon. Her intention is to keep her classes lighthearted and fun, hoping to allow her students to find freedom in their ever-changing bodies and minds. Charlee also enjoys playing harmonium, surfing, snowboarding, traveling, spending time with friends and family!
Jessica Moody
500ERYT, Co-Founder
Jess completed her 200-hour and 300-hour Kunga Yoga Lifestyle and Teacher Trainings with Kristin Cooper and the Kunga Yoga School. She went on to complete a professional development mentorship with Kristin Cooper and Loren Gulak and has been co-leading 200-hour Kunga Yoga Teacher Trainings since 2014. Jess has been dedicated to a yogic lifestyle since 2007, and in 2013 she co-founded Village Yoga, a social entrepreneurship and yoga studio on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Jess has also taught with non-profits and in retreat settings in Mexico, Costa Rica, and India.
She has received a certificate in 5Elements Vinyasa Flow, with advanced studies under the Kunga Yoga Methodology in Power Vinyasa, Restorative & Senior Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Kids Yoga, and Yoga for PTSD and trauma sensitive populations. She has also studied with other inspirational teachers such as Kathryn Budig, Michael Johnson, Rolf Gates, Katie Silcox, Maty Ezraty, and Tiffany Cruikshank.
In 2019, after transferring ownership of Village Yoga to Charlee Ulmer, Jess continues to follow her passions professionally within socially responsible companies, and continues to be an active part of her Yoga community in Duck, North Carolina. Within her classes Jess enjoys creating a spiritually and physically progressive yoga practice that challenges her students to unlock their ultimate potentials and strive for their highest selves. When she’s not on the mat you can find her in the ocean riding waves, or searching for beach treasures with her dog, Waylon.
Katie Kennis
500-ERYT, Co-Founder
Growing up on the Outer Banks, Village Yoga C0-Founder Katie Kennis first discovered yoga in 2003 through the loving guidance of her yogini mother, Maggie. From then on she was hooked. Through a dedicated daily practice and a love of travel, Katie found herself completing a 200-hour Hatha/Vinyasa Yoga certification through School Yoga Institute on the beautiful beach of Playa Gigante, Nicaragua in 2011. Eager to share the benefits cultivated through her self-practice and to dig deeper into all aspects of a yogic lifestyle, she returned to her childhood home on the Outer Banks where in 2013 she co-founded Village Yoga, a social entrepreneurship and yoga studio.
After a sudden loss of Katie’s mother, she soon found the consistent dedication to her practice to be the driving force in her healing process. With a vision to guide others on the path to self-discovery and healing within an all inclusive environment, Katie continues to draw inspiration from the fluidity of the ocean, freedom of her travel adventures, and above all the compassion of her most influential teacher, Mom.
Since the founding of Village Yoga, Katie has completed her 500-hour certification, and a professional mentorship with Kristin Cooper-Gulak and the Kunga Yoga School, during the spring of 2015. Katie is honored to have guest taught in 200-hour teacher training programs and is a certified Kunga Yoga teacher trainer at the professional level. Through her love of travel and service, she has had the opportunity to teach on retreats in Nosara, Costa Rica and and Kerala, India.
Katie has received a 5 Elements Vinyasa Flow certification from Kristin Cooper-Gulak at the Wilmington Yoga Center with additional training in Prenatal Yoga, Yoga for PTSD and trauma sensitive populations, Kids Yoga, Yoga for Seniors and more. Katie remains forever grateful to consider Maggie Kennis and Kristin Cooper-Gulak as her primary teachers. She has also studied under such influential teachers as Kathryn Budig, Tiffany Cruikshank, Tim Miller, Leslie Kaminoff, Jason Crandell, Rolf Gates, and Maty Ezraty.
Kate Brodie
200RYT
Kate is a 200hr Kunga Yoga instructor who is committed to sharing the benefits of uniting mind, body, and spirit in a welcoming community space through the practice of yoga. Addicted to movement from a young age, Kate was a competitive gymnast and springboard diver through college. After completing her Ph.D. in Oceanography in 2010, Kate moved to the Outer Banks and began searching for a new physical activity to serve as a lifelong sport. Kate discovered yoga in 2014, and was immediately drawn to the physical discipline and concentration required for the practice—as well as the chance to hang out upside-down again. Through a dedicated daily practice, Kate began to recognize not only the physical benefits of yoga, but also the transformational power of linking movement and breath in reducing stress, increasing focus, building community, and discovering the present moment. Deciding to take her practice to the next level, Kate completed her 200 hour teaching certification with Village Yoga in August 2017 under the guidance of Katie Kennis and Jessica Moody, and is in the process of completing her 500 hour teaching certification with Yoga Medicine and Tiffany Cruikshank. Kate strives to create dynamic flows in her classes that promote functional movements and encourages students to safely explore new asanas through proper alignment and foundational strength building. When not practicing yoga or studying the coast as a research scientist at the Duck Research Pier, Kate can be found surfing, exploring with her Siberian Husky, Chloe, or hand-standing just about anywhere!
Allison Broughton
500RYT, 200ERYT
Allison came to yoga over 20 years ago for the physical practice, and stayed for the calm, clarity, and peace of mind she found there. She enrolled in her first 200-hr yoga teacher training
primarily to deepen her own practice, but after completing the program with Amalam School at Outer Banks Yoga, she couldn’t wait to share her newfound knowledge with others, and
immediately began teaching.
In 2017, Allison attended a workshop with Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy founder Michael Lee at Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville, and was inspired by the Phoenix Rising method of tuning
into the body to stay present and aware, allowing attention to temporarily shift away from the constant hum of the narrative mind and toward the present-moment experience. The method worked for her, and Allison enrolled in Phoenix Rising’s 500-hr yoga teacher training in January of 2018. She completed the program in August 2019.
Allison is a strong believer in the benefits of yoga as an adjunct to treating addiction, eating disorders, stress, and anxiety, as well as yoga’s overall benefits to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. She has trained in Yoga for 12-Step Recovery and is certified in Restorative Yoga.
Over the years, Allison has experienced first-hand the benefits of yoga and has turned to her practice time and again to stay present and grounded, even during times of change and upheaval. She is so grateful to have the opportunity to share the gift of yoga with her students, and looks forward to each and every class with tremendous joy and gratitude.
Sandy Brookeshire
Sandy was first introduced to yoga by her mother when she was a child. She began a regular practice in the 70’s while living on the west coast. It was then that her curiosity and interest grew about yogic philosophy and the teachings of the ancient yogis. After moving back east in 1985, she became a student of Swami Satchinananda and Intregal Yoga. His philosophy of “Truth is one, paths are many” remains a guiding principal in her life.
In 2010 she was first exposed to yoga nidra at a stress management conference at the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas. This method of guided meditation became a regular practice and in March 2015 Sandy began her studies with Guru Amrit Desai and was certified to teach yoga nidra at Amrit Institute in Florida. Sandy uses the principles of yoga with students to help them relax in the present moment and to contribute to their wholeness and aliveness through relaxation. The beauty of yoga nidra is that it is available to almost anyone and the benefits are numerous. Sandy believes that teaching yoga nidra is an extension of her personal spiritual disciple that enriches her life and helps others.
Denise DeCarlo
200ERYT
Denise DeCarlo (E-RYT-200) is certified in Hatha Integral Yoga, a practice that combines asana, breath-work, and meditation to achieve physical and mental stillness for inner peace and joy. She began practicing in the 1990s, certified to teach in 2002, and completed her 200 – hour certification with Vimala Ren Fields of the American Healing Arts Studio in Virginia in 2007. In addition to her yoga, she is an exercise physiologist with experience in studios, fitness, and medically-based wellness centers. Denise brings a deep knowledge of anatomy and an ability to help all students find the love and stillness in every pose.
As well as yoga, Denise is also a certified personal trainer with extensive experience helping young athletes to mature adults achieve individual goals including weight loss, strength training, and sport specific skills. She also holds an ACE Therapeutic Exercise Specialty certification that addresses cardiac and pulmonary conditions, and populations with obesity, diabetes, and pre-natal/post-natal concerns. Additionally, she is certified in Pilates, Barre Above, and Spinning.
As an educator, Denise has presented talks on stress reduction, aromatherapy, and meditation in settings ranging from large corporate trainings to small groups. Denise feels that as a teacher, one is still always a student, and strives to have the inquisitiveness of a beginner’s mind. Her desire is to bring laughter, light, and love to her students so that they can leave with a smile, walk a little lighter, and love a little stronger.
Zoe Jacobs
200RYT
Zoe Jacobs, 200RYT, received her certification in Kunga Yoga through Village Yoga on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Zoe began her yoga journey in 2013 in a therapeutic capacity to help with personal injuries, which has now grown into a deep appreciation and focus on form, anatomy and strength building. After being introduced to Acro Yoga in 2015, she quickly developed a passion for helping new students gain trust and confidence through this unique yoga practice.
Kennedy Long
200RYT
Kennedy is 200-hour RYT certified in Kunga Yoga, a style of not only teaching but living that focuses on using yoga as a path of service. She began a steady practice in 2015. Kennedy registered with Yoga Alliance in the Spring of 2017 after completing her 200 hour certification with Village Yoga & Wilmington Yoga Center in Duck, North Carolina during the Fall of 2015. Her primary teachers include Noelle Whittington, Jessica Moody, and Katie Kennis.
Since teaching Kennedy has continued her education and completed a 5 elements flow training, Yin yoga training, and a Stand up paddleboard (SUP) yoga certification. In 2019 Kennedy started a year long Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coaching program led by internationally recognized Ayurvedic Practitioner, Katie Silcox.
Kennedy dedicates herself to helping, healing and empowering others through yoga and Ayurveda. She places a strong emphasis on self love, cultivating positivity, and the elements in her classes while also inspiring students to unlock their highest self. With a strong love for the calming effects of the water and yoga; Kennedy is passionate about SUP Yoga and the joy the practice brings.
Ashley Lynaugh
200RYT
Ashley felt awakened the day she found yoga, and has been inspired ever since. It has helped transform her into the woman she is today. Since embracing yoga and forming a steady practice, she took a step to deepen her knowledge by enrolling in a 200hr certification through Village Yoga in Duck, North Carolina. She registered with Yoga Alliance in 2018 after completion, and has been teaching ever since. Ashley is certified in Kunga Yoga; this is an approach to Yoga, rather than a style. The Kunga Yoga community believes in using Yoga as a path of service. Her primary teachers include Katie Kennis and Jess Moody, and has also studied under Charlee Ulmer.
Striving for growth, she continues to learn and evolve. Ashley has completed a Yoga Nidra certification under Aiyana Athenian & Krishna Peter Perry through the ShivaShakti School of Yoga. She has earned a certification of Kunga Hands On Assisting with Noelle Whittington. She has studied Barre with Denise DeCarlo.
Ashley hopes to spread knowledge on all the 8 limbs of yoga and the power of its entirety. Her classes are built around meditation, breath awareness, and authentic movement. She welcomes all levels, and enjoys teaching a variety of styles. She created the AromaFlow which infuses essential oils and soft movement; She has developed workshops cultivating community and mindfulness. She hopes to empower all humans through her teachings, and encourages an at home practice. She values integrity, balance, compassion, and connection.
Olivia Muscatello
500RYT
In 2013 Olivia attended Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado where she studied under yogis Nataraja Kallio and Shree Devi, and master herbalist Brigitte Mars. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Eastern Arts with a concentration in Yoga, as well as completing over 1,000 hours of yoga teacher training.
Upon graduation in 2015, Olivia registered with Yoga Alliance and began her teaching career while traveling throughout Central America, and in her hometown of Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Wanting to continue her education, Olivia came to the Outer Banks in 2016 to complete the Kunga Yoga Lifestyle Program, a program dedicated to educating yogis how to use their practice as service for others. After completing the Kunga program, through Village Yoga and Wilmington Yoga Center with her teachers Jess Moody and Kristin Cooper, Olivia was offered a full time teaching position at Village Yoga, in Duck North Carolina.
Since moving to the Outer Banks, Olivia has completed her SUP Yoga teacher training, studied sacred female sexuality with Tantra guru Kim Anami, as well as deepened her training in yin yoga. In 2018 Olivia completed a year long Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coaching program led by internationally recognized Ayurvedic Practitioner Katie Silcox.
In April 2019 Olivia successfully offered her first yoga and ayurveda retreat, ‘Svastha’, and has found her passion for immersion style retreat setting offerings. You can keep and eye out for more retreats from her to come!
Inspired by her own life long healing journey, Olivia is dedicated to educating and empowering others to learn how to heal themselves through Ayurveda, mindful movement, and self-love.
Erin Price
200RYT
Erin is 200 hour Kunga Yoga and GroovyKids™ Yoga certified. She began practicing yoga in 2004, registering with Yoga Alliance after completing her Kunga Yoga Lifestyle and Teacher Training in the Fall of 2014 with Kristen Cooper, of Wilmington Yoga Center, along with Jess Moody and Katie Kennis of Village Yoga. Erin believes that yoga has the power to be a positive change in any ones life and sees yoga as a way to make positive connections. Erin’s goal is to make life changing yoga accessible for any person at any stage of life. Erin is also a Registered Occupational Therapist licensed in North Carolina, with more than 6 years of work experience in geriatrics, pediatrics and level 1 trauma rehabilitation. In 2016 Erin completed a training in Craniosacral Therapy and is currently offering sessions through Village Yoga.
Mary Syrrist
200RYT
Mary was 19 when she attempted her first yoga class in 2004. There was no new-agey music. There were no gams decked out in stretchy Lululemon; simply a teacher’s guiding voice, Tibetan singing bowls, candles, incense, and closing practice with “Om Shanti, shanti, shanti.” Thus began a lifelong journey of self discovery and Love!
After 16 years of practice in the Iyengar, Bikram, Hot Yoga, Power Yoga, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Yin traditions, Mary initially insisted her calling was to practice, not to lead. It took four children, a husband, bike racing, a near-death bike accident, and an occasional hiatus from practicing yoga in between, before she began reading Universal signs calling her to delve deeper into her own practice. She found herself questioning her life’s purpose and revisiting whether or not she should consider sharing her svadhyaya with her fellow humans!
In 2019 Mary and her tribe of 6 sold their home and most of their belongings to move from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to live life by the sea on Hatteras Island. She immediately signed up for Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training through the Amalam School of Yoga in Kitty Hawk NC and led by the experienced and devoted, Anne Howard. Training began in September, 2019 and Mary completed her training in March 2020 and directly proceeded to obtain her 200RYT.
She is deeply connected to the historical, spiritual, and philosophical roots of Yoga, which hails from India, and she aspires to bring more of these ancient aspects of the practice into her teaching in an accessible and open-to-all dynamic. She considers her first training as only the beginning of her teaching journey and foresees future training in other lineages, with a particular interest in Ashtanga and Iyengar. She hopes to focus on a holistic approach with concentrations in Ayurveda and meditation and wishes to specialize in populations of pre and post partem women, children 2-18, and yoga as support or recovery for athletes, and also for those working to recover from addictions and anxiety/depression.
Yoga is a way of life to Mary: from how one perceives and cares for oneself and others, to ones lifestyle choices and ability to ebb and flow with detachment, from the fluctuations of the mind and life’s challenges. She believes that following the 8 limbs of yoga is a journey in which the result is not the purpose, but that the little everyday steps taken to fulfil ones dharma is what leads one to live a truly mindful, peaceful, loving, and grateful Life! She passionately wishes to share the gift of Yoga with others in order to help them realize their own self-worth and potential physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually: for a better world, for peace, for Love-to achieve Moksha.
She excitedly looks forward to this yoga life journey teaching AND learning alongside her students. Love and Gratitude make Life worth living!
Maria Williamson
Maria’s enthusiasm with a healthy and active lifestyle began early on in her life. She started practicing yoga on a regular basis in 2001. After discovering yoga, she was drawn to a group fitness format of exercise. She truly enjoys the interaction with the people who come to class and helping others along their journey to wellness. Maria became AFAA Group Fitness Instructor certified in 2010 and she finished her Practical Pilates training through AFAA in 2012. She has completed certifications in Zumba Basic Steps Level 1 and 2, Zumbatomic (Zumba Kids) and Piloxing. To satisfy her desire for learning and interest in the benefits of yoga and mediation, Maria has also participated in various yoga workshops throughout the years.
When she is not exercising, you can find her running her busy restaurant with her husband and family. She loves relaxing on the beach, meditating, spending time with family and knitting! She incorporates meditation into her knitting, often working on colorful projects to help with chakra alignment and balance.
Maria’s Pilates classes are taught on all levels with a focus on mind-body connection.
Pilates will help to lengthen and stretch your muscles, while building core strength. It is an excellent form of exercise that combines de-stressing and relaxation techniques with a total body workout so you can work towards your fitness goals. Pilates can be beneficial for anyone, anywhere along their fitness journey. Ideally, this low impact style of exercise can be incorporated in your fitness routine long term, as it will help to build stability in your core which may help to prevent future injuries. Join Maria in her class to start breathing, strengthening and stretching your way to you and your body’s maximum potential!