The Yoga Ananda Team
Maria Merrill
Maria is a certified Baptiste Power Vinyasa Teacher, a certified Hot Yoga Teacher and a Relax and Renew trainer certified by Judith H.Lasater. She has participated in numerous programs with Baron and also assisted at Baron's 1 day workshops and Level 1 programs. Maria has been a registered Yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance since 2003 and an E-RYT since 2008. She teaches with skill and compassion focusing on intention while allowing students to find stillness within.
"I practice yoga to stay grounded and to focus my mind as well as relax and strengthen my body. When I started my practice my intention was to find balance. At that time I did not fully realize that yoga would also give me a deeper spiritual quest. Yoga has lead me on a path that is so much greater, richer and broader than I could ever have imagined. Yoga returns me to my true essence. This essence is what I wish all my students to begin to tap into."
You can reach Maria at maria.merrill@gmail.com or at the studio tel. 713-527-8280.
"I practice yoga to stay grounded and to focus my mind as well as relax and strengthen my body. When I started my practice my intention was to find balance. At that time I did not fully realize that yoga would also give me a deeper spiritual quest. Yoga has lead me on a path that is so much greater, richer and broader than I could ever have imagined. Yoga returns me to my true essence. This essence is what I wish all my students to begin to tap into."
You can reach Maria at maria.merrill@gmail.com or at the studio tel. 713-527-8280.
Meet Our Other Great Teachers
Pam B.
Pam was originally inspired by yoga because of the physical benefits, but very quickly realized that yoga brought peace and contentment into every aspect of her life. Trained as an accountant, Pam learned that being on her mat helped her to relax and let go of her perfectionist tendencies. She is dedicated to her own practice and typically practices 6 times a week.
"My mission is for students to question their own perceived limitations and to have fun." Pam teaches with humor, love and enthusiasm, sharing what she loves.
Pam completed her 200 hour training in December 2012 and is registered certified teacher with Yoga Alliance. Pam is a native Texan, born and raised in Houston. Off the mat her priorities are her family and friends.
"My mission is for students to question their own perceived limitations and to have fun." Pam teaches with humor, love and enthusiasm, sharing what she loves.
Pam completed her 200 hour training in December 2012 and is registered certified teacher with Yoga Alliance. Pam is a native Texan, born and raised in Houston. Off the mat her priorities are her family and friends.
Kim G.
Kim completed her 200 hour training in June of 2010 at Yoga Ananda and is a registered certified teacher with The Yoga Alliance.
Kim discovered the practice of yoga not only provided incredible physical benefits, but presented a pathway to the balance of mind and spirit. In realizing how powerful the effects of yoga were on her, she felt compelled to share her knowledge with others in hopes of helping people find a deeper part of themselves. Through her yoga practice she has learned to trust her intuition, be less reactive and simply let go and relax with what is. Kim guides her students toward genuine acceptance of self and surroundings and to encourage them to shine in their own authentic beauty and strength.
Kim discovered the practice of yoga not only provided incredible physical benefits, but presented a pathway to the balance of mind and spirit. In realizing how powerful the effects of yoga were on her, she felt compelled to share her knowledge with others in hopes of helping people find a deeper part of themselves. Through her yoga practice she has learned to trust her intuition, be less reactive and simply let go and relax with what is. Kim guides her students toward genuine acceptance of self and surroundings and to encourage them to shine in their own authentic beauty and strength.
Ret H.
Ret took her first Yoga class in 2009, and immediately fell in love. In 2011, she began teaching Vinyasa Yoga in her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida and is grateful to now be a part of the Yoga Ananda kula. Hoping to share the playfulness of yoga with fellow students, Ret will be "holding down the fort" when the regular teaching staff are away from the studio. Ret looks forward to seeing you on the mat!
Ret is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance since 2011.
Ret is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance since 2011.
Amie K.
Amie completed her 200 level Power Vinyasa Yoga Certification in 2012.
Coming from a diverse physical background, Amie discovered yoga and became comfortable in her own skin.
She learned to listen to her body through her asana practice and believes yoga can teach us about ourselves if we pay attention.
Amie encourages her students to gain body awareness and self-discovery through yoga. She teaches a challenging and fun practice, while advocating being true to yourself, by doing what feels good to you in your own practice. Yoga teaches us to dance through life with a little less stress and a little more balance.
When not sweating with her sweat mates, Amie enjoys running, traveling as much as possible, volunteering, looking for her next adventure, and loving her dog and nephews.
Coming from a diverse physical background, Amie discovered yoga and became comfortable in her own skin.
She learned to listen to her body through her asana practice and believes yoga can teach us about ourselves if we pay attention.
Amie encourages her students to gain body awareness and self-discovery through yoga. She teaches a challenging and fun practice, while advocating being true to yourself, by doing what feels good to you in your own practice. Yoga teaches us to dance through life with a little less stress and a little more balance.
When not sweating with her sweat mates, Amie enjoys running, traveling as much as possible, volunteering, looking for her next adventure, and loving her dog and nephews.
Jessica L.
Jessica completed her 200 hour teacher training in August of 2008 in Austin Texas. In March of 2012 Jessica participated in the "fast-track" training on the YA culture here at Yoga Ananda.. She is a RYT 200 Registered with Yoga Alliance.
In 2005 Jessica took her first yoga class out of curiosity at Yoga Vida. Being a former gymnast, she was drawn to the practice by having an understanding of the body and the physical challenge it provided.
" Yoga has given me the tools to overcome many obstacles physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yoga is amazing because it has the power to heal on so many different levels. It has empowered me to find self-expression, inner stillness, and strength. My hope as a teacher is to be of service by providing a space that allows for others to grow in their own practice. Namaste."
Jessica graduated with a bachelor's degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009.
In 2005 Jessica took her first yoga class out of curiosity at Yoga Vida. Being a former gymnast, she was drawn to the practice by having an understanding of the body and the physical challenge it provided.
" Yoga has given me the tools to overcome many obstacles physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yoga is amazing because it has the power to heal on so many different levels. It has empowered me to find self-expression, inner stillness, and strength. My hope as a teacher is to be of service by providing a space that allows for others to grow in their own practice. Namaste."
Jessica graduated with a bachelor's degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009.
Lindsay P.
Lindsay completed her 200 hour training in June of 2010 at Yoga Ananda and is a registered certified teacher with The Yoga Alliance.
Lindsay believes yoga is a way of expressing creativity, living spirituality, and facilitating healing. Her focus is being in the present moment while practicing yoga. She believes that yoga is more than just a workout, but a physical form of prayer. Lindsay teaches from a place of “anything is possible” on and off the mat. When she is off the mat Lindsay enjoys reading, painting, exploring new places, and connecting with friends and family.
Lindsay is balancing taking care of her newest member of the family and teaching when she can...
Lindsay believes yoga is a way of expressing creativity, living spirituality, and facilitating healing. Her focus is being in the present moment while practicing yoga. She believes that yoga is more than just a workout, but a physical form of prayer. Lindsay teaches from a place of “anything is possible” on and off the mat. When she is off the mat Lindsay enjoys reading, painting, exploring new places, and connecting with friends and family.
Lindsay is balancing taking care of her newest member of the family and teaching when she can...
Dinee P-B.
Dinee has been practicing yoga since 2007. She first found Bikram and fell in love with the warmth and how it made her body feel. She moved overseas and continued her practice trying different styles while continuing with Bikram. Upon her return to Houston, DInee decided to turn her love of yoga into something she could share with others.
"I became a yoga teacher to help others enjoy all the gifts yoga can give. My goal is to give each yoga student a personalized yoga experience and take them ot the next level, whatever that may be mental, physical or spiritual."
When not on her mat Dinee enjoys biking, swimming and spending time with her family and dogs. Dinee completed her training in December of 2012 and is a 200hr registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance.
"I became a yoga teacher to help others enjoy all the gifts yoga can give. My goal is to give each yoga student a personalized yoga experience and take them ot the next level, whatever that may be mental, physical or spiritual."
When not on her mat Dinee enjoys biking, swimming and spending time with her family and dogs. Dinee completed her training in December of 2012 and is a 200hr registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance.
Kelly S.
Kelly completed her 200 hour training in 2012 and is a registered Yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance.
Born in Houston and reborn daily through her asana practice, Kelly belives her unspoken prayers were answered when she discovered yoga. “My prayer for most of my adult life has been How can I live? Being truthful to the me deep inside my heart that has been asking for water. Yoga is the water, my heart the garden and I practice patiently in hopes for a flower.”
Kelly loves that yoga is different every day, that there is always some thing to learn, observe or let go of, as our natural luminosity is uncovered. Kelly is commited to her students growth and guiding them to “know thyself” through asana practice, breath, and the practice of rinsing out that which no longer serves.
When Kelly is not on the mat she enjoys gardening, time with family and playing the guitar.
Born in Houston and reborn daily through her asana practice, Kelly belives her unspoken prayers were answered when she discovered yoga. “My prayer for most of my adult life has been How can I live? Being truthful to the me deep inside my heart that has been asking for water. Yoga is the water, my heart the garden and I practice patiently in hopes for a flower.”
Kelly loves that yoga is different every day, that there is always some thing to learn, observe or let go of, as our natural luminosity is uncovered. Kelly is commited to her students growth and guiding them to “know thyself” through asana practice, breath, and the practice of rinsing out that which no longer serves.
When Kelly is not on the mat she enjoys gardening, time with family and playing the guitar.
Dana R.
Dana has enjoyed both living and traveling all over the world but her favorite place to be is in her native Texas. She grew up as a competitive athlete and has always enjoyed all different types of physical activity. Through the years she began to struggle with injuries. In early 2009 during a particularly debilitating episode of sciatica, she was introduced to Bikram Yoga and was amazed at how quickly she recovered from her injuries through regular practice. Her love affair with yoga was cemented when she was introduced to Power Vinyasa January 2012. Watching her body transform in a pain free, balanced way brought relief, mental clarity and inspiration. Out of a desire to share her experience and transformation, she enrolled in teacher training in August 2012.
Dana loves teaching yoga and believes “everyone, regardless of age or physical fitness level, should take advantage of yoga and the physical and mental empowerment the practice has to offer.”
In her spare time Dana enjoys studying about nutrition and health, traveling the world, and spending time with her family and friends. Dana completed her 200 hour RYT at Yoga Ananda in DEcember of 2012 and is a registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance.
Dana loves teaching yoga and believes “everyone, regardless of age or physical fitness level, should take advantage of yoga and the physical and mental empowerment the practice has to offer.”
In her spare time Dana enjoys studying about nutrition and health, traveling the world, and spending time with her family and friends. Dana completed her 200 hour RYT at Yoga Ananda in DEcember of 2012 and is a registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance.
Alexandra J.
Alexandra graduated from Auburn University in 2012 with a degree in Economics. She turned to yoga after missing the first cut for the Auburn football team in 2008 and realized failure can be a blessing in disguise. Alexandra manages to challenge herself daily in spite of the non-competitive essence of yoga. She loves that there is always room to grow in yoga and another pose to master.
In addition to yoga, Alexandra enjoys a good laugh, playing pranks on friends and not taking life too seriously. Alexandra completed her 200 RYT training at Yoga Ananda, a Baptiste affiliate studio in 2012. She is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance and welcomes all levels to her classes. Join Alexandra for a fun class and a great workout.
Catherine C.
Catherine first discovered yoga in 2000, and realized that with a consistent practice not only did her body become stronger and more flexible, but the balance, strength, and stillness she gained spilled over into her daily life. She has since explored a variety of styles of yoga and meditation, realizing there is something to be learned in every practice - the ancient teachings and practices are as relevant today as when they were created.
“I believe that the process of strengthening and opening the body in asana provides a space for learning about yourself – how you approach your practice is how you are in life. Recognizing your reactions, listening to and then quieting the mind all lead to an awareness of self not found in other forms of exercise. The small changes you make on your mat can lead to enormous positive change in how you relate to yourself and the people in your life.”
As a teacher Catherine shares modern day interpretations of yoga philosophy with applications to the small moments of every day life. She hopes that every student leaves her class feeling physically rinsed out and inspired to live every moment of life passionately, honorably, and fully present! Catherine is a registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance, completing her training in power vinyasa yoga in June 2012.
“I believe that the process of strengthening and opening the body in asana provides a space for learning about yourself – how you approach your practice is how you are in life. Recognizing your reactions, listening to and then quieting the mind all lead to an awareness of self not found in other forms of exercise. The small changes you make on your mat can lead to enormous positive change in how you relate to yourself and the people in your life.”
As a teacher Catherine shares modern day interpretations of yoga philosophy with applications to the small moments of every day life. She hopes that every student leaves her class feeling physically rinsed out and inspired to live every moment of life passionately, honorably, and fully present! Catherine is a registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance, completing her training in power vinyasa yoga in June 2012.
