About Your Mentors



Leeann Carey is an acclaimed yoga instructor who has taught and inspired thousands of students and teachers worldwide.  With over twenty years of teaching experience, Leeann’s deep knowledge of yoga is recognized at the local and national levels through contributions to national magazines and the news media.  In addition to working with private clients and teaching group yoga classes, Leeann has brought yoga to the workplace in creating programs for corporate clients such as Sony Pictures Entertainment, Xerox Corporation and Simple Human, Inc.Leeann has trained everyone, from championship athletes — including the 2000 World Champion Los Angeles Lakers and Eric Fonoimoana, the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Gold Medalist in Men’s Volleyball — to celebrities; from students looking for a great workout and people on the healing path from injuries or chronic health issues, to individuals pursuing personal transformation at all levels — physical, mental, and spiritual.Yoga with Leeann is unique.  Thousands of students have experienced her loving presence, her balanced approach to technical and organic instruction, and her ability to lead students through a clean and logical path of process, progression and realization.

Like a lot of yoga teachers, Ansley began teaching yoga after being a student for a few years. She wanted to bring her love of the practice and her experience as a special education teacher together. Ansley is an e-ryt 200 and primarily teaches a vinyasa style of yoga but over the years has created the space for other styles in her classes as well. She tries not to take herself too seriously and encourages students to do the same; she keeps her classes lighthearted and fun. Students may find themselves pausing in the middle of a class to hear the whys and whats of a particular pose. Ansley takes this time in a class to explain some of the finer points behind an asana or a breathing technique because she feels when it makes sense in the mind and in the body the information is absorbed more fully by the students thus fostering a deeper and perhaps more fulfilling practice.When Ansley is not teaching yoga she loves to read, cook and spend time with her family. Ansley has a Bachelors degree in Child Development from Cal State Fullerton and is also an ACE certified instructor.“I believe finding the right instructor is the key to success in yoga. I feel grateful that I met Ansley. Her patience and encouragement were vital to my continuing with yoga. Yoga seemed intimidating and almost impossible at first. Ansley created a setting that encouraged me, made me feel at ease, and made me want to continue my personal practice. Ansley is a patient and intuitive instructor both physically and mentally. Ansley creates an environment that makes everyone, regardless of their ability, feel comfortable, open and willing to explore new experiences. And her patience and encouragement were vital to my continuing with yoga.” - Kelly, California“Ansley is an excellent yoga instructor. She is aware of personal needs and limitations of each participant and tailors instruction to match these needs. I have found yoga helpful in maintaining flexibility, helping with low back pain on occasion, and overall well being. I always feel better and taller as I leave class.” - Jewell, California  

Jennifer began her fitness career teaching high impact group exercise classes. After a few years of pounding joints and stress fractures, she began to search for something else. What she found was more than a different type of exercise, she found a new lifestyle with yoga.Deciding to take her time and truly study yoga, Jennifer earned her RYT in 2009 and is close to completing her 500hr RYT focusing on yoga therapy.

“I was a good yoga teacher. But when I began studying with Leeann Carey it changed everything. Leeann helped me become a great yoga teacher.” said Jennifer.

Jennifer teaches all-levels group classes but particularly enjoys her specialty work with senior citizens and marathon runners. She considers it a privilege to have taken trainings, workshops and classes with such teachers as Leeann Carey, David Romanelli, John Friend, Ana Brett & Ravi Sing, and Max Strom.

“Jennifer created a series of personalized Yoga for Runners Classes for my marathon training group for two years in a row now, fully understanding the mind and body of crazy endurance runners and giving us the gift of cross training with a sense of healing. The thing that makes her sessions such a treasure is her ability to make all levels feel comfortable and yet achieve moments of success and peace.” “ – DJ Watson. Director Women Run Memphis, Munford, TN   

“I have had lower-back issues and chronic pain for years. Two surgeries provided temporary relief, but with Jennifer’s help I’ve learned techniques that greatly mitigate my pain. I am spending far less time immobile and am able to spend more time with my family and work.—” – Cullen James, Millington, TN

  


Developing and continuing a dedicated yoga practice changed Chrys’ life, period… It brought her into connection with her body and her breath. It opened up new relationships with others that provided a connection on a level she had never experienced before.Yoga impacted her professional life as well. Chrys became a yoga teacher, a yoga teacher’s teacher, and utilized yoga techniques in her work as a pediatric physical therapist and in her practice: BalancedBody Yoga Therapy. Chrys has had the opportunity to learn under some of the leading teachers in therapeutic yoga including Mukunda Stiles, Susie Hately Aldous, Doug Keller, and Leeann Carey. In addition to therapeutic yoga, Chrys has been honored to learn under amazing Anusara teachers; John Friend, Desiree Rumbaugh and Sienna Sherman. She has learned much from her yoga students over the years, and it has been her honor to watch the transformations occur during teacher trainings.Chrys looks forward to exploring and continuing to grow in yoga together with you!

“Chrys Kub’s teaching style is unpretentious, down to earth, and accessible. She has the rare ability to present complex information in a way that is both easy to understand and applicable to your own teaching environment. It’s an honor and a privilege to learn under someone with such a wide breadth of knowledge and comprehension regarding the subject matter, but it’s that much more of treat to study under someone who radiates pure joy while sharing their knowledge.” – Katie, WA  

“I am truly thankful I met Chrys and had the ability to train with her and even drop in to some of her local classes. She inspires and engages all of those around her. I am truly blessed for all that I learned through her.” – Didi, OH


Jules discovered yoga in college and knew it would be a part of her life forever. From her first class, there was something oddly familiar about the practice. As she kept returning to her mat, she developed a strong relationship to the poses, the philosophy, and the inquiry that nurtures a committed practice. When she chose to start teaching, she was overwhelmed with a sense that she had always known she would be a yoga teacher.While Jules loves to teach, she will always be a student of yoga first. She has studied and continues to study with a variety of teachers, in range of disciplines, and brings this blend to her classes. In between all things yoga, she is working toward a master’s degree in Kinesiology, which supports her love of anatomy and her emphasis on inquiry. To learn more about Jules please visit her website: www.julesmitchell.com or email her at: jules@leeanncareyyoga.com.“I have never felt so enthused about passing on to my students what I learned and incorporating what I learned into my own practice. Thank you so much!”Paul, California“Jules teaches from a place of deep understanding, dedication and inspiration that speaks directly to her students, encourages them to discover the multifaceted levels of the practice and enables them to connect into their own journey.” - Megan, Nevada

“There is a candle in your heart ready to be kindled. There is a void in your soul ready to be filled. You feel it, don’t you?” ~RumiFrom her deepest beginnings and spiritual grounding, Kristin was drawn to yoga. She studies with Leeann Carey and has never felt the need to look further – she has practiced with Leeann for the past 13 years.As a teacher and practitioner, Kristin sought to study with those that not only can instruct and teach but embody the philosophies of yoga in all their affairs. Kristen brings a strong desire, passion as we call it, attention, commitment and service to other students, and respect for my teachers and the teachings.Qualifications: RYT 500, 2-year course study in Tibetan Buddhism and Pranayama Workshop series

“Kristin’s classes strengthen the body and mind with detailed and clear instruction and very individual attention and sensitivity. She always seems to remember what each one of us is working on (she knows everybody’s name) in our bodies, and she helps us push our boundaries, without getting hurt in the process. She has uncovered issues I had no idea where there! Her instruction is now part of my everyday self-talk and guides how I hold my body and myself in the world.” - Marina, California

“It’s been more than a year since I joined Kristin’s class”. From all yoga classes I attend on a regular basis, I found that Kristin’s comprehensive approach to yoga coupled with her dedication to teach the yoga poses the right way, has made such a difference on my well being. I really look forward to my Sunday morning’s classes with Kristin.” – Elena, California


In addition to being a mom of 4 kids and active community volunteer, Lisa is the owner of Zen Garden Yoga in Spartanburg, SC, a training site for Leeann Carey Yoga. Lisa is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and AFAA Group Fitness as well as a SPINNING Instructor. She also has a degree in Early Childhood Education from Youngstown State University.Lisa has been practicing yoga since 1999. After becoming a certified Group Fitness instructor and Personal Trainer in 2002, she found herself attending a weekly yoga class and thought, why not teach this too? It started out as another fitness class to teach, but quickly and whole-heartedly grew into something MUCH greater! Lisa began teaching yoga in 2002 and her pursuit of becoming an RYT began. She couldn’t wait to learn more with each workshop she attended. After becoming an RYT-200 in 2006, Lisa completed the 1,000 hours of teaching required to become and E-RYT 200. She has enjoyed earning her RYT 500 with Leeann Carey Yoga.Lisa has had the privilege of learning by taking trainings, workshops and master classes with such yoga teachers as: Leeann Carey, Kofi Busia, Cyndi Lee, David Romanelli, Stephanie Keach and Rolf Gates.”Lisa’s focus on helping our class get centered and present in our bodies made me forget the “pain” of exercise. I love her classes because I always feel refreshed, toned and energized following her sessions.

“Lisa’s passion and knowledge of her discipline are evidenced by the popularity of her classes. I not only learn to take care of myself through working with her but I view my yoga time with her as fun. She is very connected with her class and highly organized. She knows the capacity of her students beforehand so that the strenuous or level corresponds perfectly with the composition of each class. Lisa is also nurturing and kind.” – Suzy, SC

“I am a novice yoga participant, but I can say that Lisa’s class was the best I have taken. It was an excellent combination of the Vinyasa and Restorative styles that was invigorating and refreshing. Her instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the poses and stretches were well-choreographed to the music she selected for the class. I highly recommend her as an instructor.” –Amy, South Carolina


Melissa has been practicing yoga since 2002, and teaching since 2005. She transitioned to teaching primarily yoga after obtaining her RYT while living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where yoga is both challenging and intensely focused. Moving back to the US, Melissa’s grown in her practice and training by earning her 500 RYT and blogging about her experiences as a student and teacher. Extending gratitude and appreciation for her gifted teachers and influences including: Leeann Carey (Restorative, California), Chrys Kub (Yoga Therapy, North Carolina), Sadhvi Abha (Kriya, India), Judith Lasater (Anatomy, California), Lance Schuler (Hatha, Australia), Stephanie Adams (mentorship, Oregon), and Mandy Eubanks (Anusara, Austin).“Thank you, Melissa. I really consider myself so very fortunate to have been able to attend your classes. I found yoga through you and I’ve learned a lot. Your classes are very precious and you are such an extraordinary person.” – Maria, TX“Along with great music, Melissa brings amazing energy that resonates through the studio in every class that she teaches. She always provides thoughtful instruction and a safe, positive environment for those of all levels of practice. Beginning yogis are encouraged and assisted, while more experienced students are challenged to deepen and expand their own personal practice. Her enthusiasm and gift for teaching make every class a unique experience and she keeps us coming back for more!” - Cindi, TX


Rose Zahnn is the founder of Healthy Habits Fitness, Yoga and Pilates Studio in California. A UCLA graduate and a fitness professional for over 20 years, Rose holds a wide variety of certifications in massage therapy, and the fitness and health fields including over 10 years leading yoga teacher trainings.In addition to being a Leeann Carey Yoga mentor, she is a Master Trainer for Balletone, and Flirty Girl Fitness and is the creator of PilatesFit, Dancelicious and the Learn to Be Lean Program. Rose enjoys sharing the joy of movement at her studio as well as through instructor trainings and workshops around the world.”Studying with Leeann has expanded and enriched my experience of yoga, both as an instructor and as a student.” said Rose.

“Rose’s teaching style is incredible- she is able to make you feel 100% comfortable with what you CAN do, at the same time inspiring you to push your limits. 2 classes are never the same, which keeps the class and workout fresh and keeps your body awake and ready for what is next. There is a deep sense of care and connection that Rose brings to every class, you can feel she is giving you more than just a yoga class. – Michelle Thomas

 “Rose has a beautiful teaching style that is one of a kind. She has an amazing energy and dedication to her yoga students. Her fun and energetic approach helps her students understand and discover their own personal potential with their yoga practice. I always leave her class with a smile on my face and a feeling of gratitude.” -Michelle Roberts
- Cindi, TX