LDY Instructors
Leah Wiegand
Creator of Laughing Dogs Yoga Curriculum and Program
A Michigan native, Leah received her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Michigan State University. She continued her education with Master’s work in Reading and Literacy as well as Curriculum Development. Leah spent several years teaching lower elementary school in Detroit where she developed a passion for early education in underserved communities. Having various yoga certifications, including trauma-informed training, she started a preschool yoga program in 2019. Leah quickly saw the benefits mindfulness and movement brought to young children. In 2020, the program evolved into the nonprofit corporation that is Laughing Dogs Yoga. She has continued her education in both yoga therapy and somatic healing. Leah is a mom of two boys and many pets!
Certifications:
200 hour CYT
Yoga Therapist
Certified in Somatic Healing
To learn more, read Leah’s recent VoyageATL Interview here.
Katie Ewaskiew
Katie comes to Laughing Dogs Yoga with 12 years of experience as a fitness instructor. She has specialized in yoga instruction for the past 4 years. Katie’s background includes working for several nonprofits where she focused on serving youth. Outside of her professional life, she is a proud mother of two. One of her greatest joys is sharing the wonders of yoga with children. Katie is passionate about teaching students how yoga can help them with their overall wellbeing.
Certifications: 200 hour CYT
Rachel Lynch
Rachel lives by the motto “Create your own reality.” She is a dog mom, a lover of nature, books and painting. Her passion is in helping everyone she encounters — both on and off the mat — manifest their dreams and understand themselves better. The transition from high school to college is where she fell in love with the practice of yoga. It was not until two years after graduating with her marketing degree, that she found herself searching for a deeper meaning, leading to her 200 hour teaching certification. Yoga has become much more than physical for Rachel, taking on a more spiritual role with meditation and mindfulness practices. She is truly happiest when she is inspiring others, creating and expressing her authenticity. Rachel believes that everyone has a fire burning inside of them and they should always listen and follow their passions and purpose.
Certifications: 200 hour CYT
Theresa Kelly
Theresa discovered Yoga over 20 years ago and never looked back. Her practice has given her strength, balance, and agility, both on and off the mat. Theresa believes Yoga lives within each of us, and works to create spaces for others to discover and define their own unique practices. Theresa completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training at Peach Out Power Yoga in Marietta, GA under the guidance of Alena Levine and David Melton. Theresa remains a lifelong student of Yoga and is eternally grateful for the opportunity to share with others. She considers each student to be an essential part of the class and fosters their sense of community, safety, and inclusivity.
Certifications: 200 Hour RYT