Meet Ally:

At Central West End Yoga, we’re thrilled to spotlight Ally, one of our Yoga Sculpt teachers whose classes blend intensity, mindfulness, and great vibes. Ally’s yoga journey began in high school, but it wasn’t until college that it became her anchor, especially through challenging times like navigating grief. A learning specialist by day, she brings her passion for creating inclusive, mindful spaces into every class. Join Ally on Tuesdays at 5:15 PM to break a sweat, find your center, and leave feeling empowered and connected.

Constance: Welcome, Ally! We're so thrilled to have you as part of the Central West End Yoga family. You teach a Yoga Sculpt class on Tuesdays at 5:15 PM, and your classes have such a great vibe. I loved your playlist, and you definitely made me break a sweat which is what we're going for in our Sculpt classes. Let’s start at the beginning. Where did your yoga journey begin?

Ally: Thank you, Constance! Yoga for me began back in high school. I dabbled in some community classes here and there because my parents were into yoga, but I wasn’t deeply connected to it at the time. It wasn’t until college that yoga really clicked for me. I started attending outdoor park yoga classes—and they drew me in. I loved the vibe, the sense of community, and the consistent practice that kept me coming back week after week.

Constance: Nice. I know you’re also an educator. Can you tell us a little about your work and how it intersects with your yoga practice?

Ally: Absolutely. I’m an elementary school teacher and a learning specialist. I work with students from kindergarten through fifth grade, focusing on math and reading. My role is to help kids who either need extra support to meet their grade level or those who need more advanced material. It’s incredibly rewarding. Interestingly, I feel like my role as a yoga teacher has influenced my teaching more than the other way around. Yoga has taught me about inclusivity, mindfulness, and creating a safe space, all of which I bring into my classroom. For example, I’ve learned to cultivate a calm environment that supports children’s nervous systems—especially when they’re overstimulated or stressed. Even simple practices like a few minutes of stretching or encouraging them to notice their emotions can make a huge difference.

Constance: That’s so powerful. You’re giving them tools they can carry with them for life. Can you imagine if we had these tools growing up?

Ally: I know. "Regulated nervous system" and "overstimulated" weren't really in the vocabulary of parents and educators growing up. It's a pretty cool new development.

Constance: I love that! Now, we also hear the term “wellness” everywhere these days. What does wellness mean to you?

Ally: Wellness, to me, is a sense of being grounded, centered, and open-hearted. It’s when your body, mind, and spirit feel connected and aligned with a sense of purpose. It’s also more than just feeling good physically—it’s about finding moments of presence and connection, even when life isn’t perfect. Wellness can ripple out to the people around you, creating a positive impact in your interactions. It’s a way of embodying kindness and presence, even in challenging times; of finding what feels right for you and trusting your instincts.

Constance: That’s so well said. I know yoga has also been instrumental in your healing journey, particularly through grief. Can you share a bit about that?

Ally: Of course. I was 19 when my brother passed away. At the time, I wasn’t very into yoga, but a friend invited me to a restorative class shortly after his death. I just needed to get out of the house. I didn’t know how much I’d be able to engage, but I went, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. The class was quiet and gentle, and during savasana, the teacher happened to play some of my brother’s favorite music. It felt like a sign—a moment of connection with him. I allowed myself to cry and feel everything I was holding inside, and it was incredibly healing. From that point on, yoga became my anchor. It helped me navigate my grief, offering grounding and nourishment for my body and mind when I felt untethered. Yoga gave me a safe space to process my emotions and gradually rebuild my sense of self. It’s been a path of continuous unfolding, and I know my brother would be proud that I found something so positive in the wake of such a profound loss.

Constance: Thank you so much for sharing that. It’s such a good reminder of the healing potential of yoga. And it’s true—as teachers, we often don’t know what people are carrying when they walk into class. That’s part of why I see yoga teachers as unsung heroes in our community. What’s your perspective on that?

Ally: I couldn’t agree more. Yoga teachers hold space in such a quiet yet impactful way. The teacher from that restorative class probably doesn’t know how deeply she touched my life, but the love and care she brought to that class has stayed with me all these years. I want to pass that same energy on to others—to be that quiet support for someone else. It’s a beautiful ripple effect.

Constance: It really is. And that’s part of why I’m doing these interviews—to highlight how incredible yoga teachers are and the transformative work they do in the community. Finally, what does yoga mean to you?

Ally: Yoga is life. It’s a practice of connection, growth, and presence. It’s taught me to show up authentically, embrace challenges with grace, and find joy in the process of becoming. Yoga is my anchor and my light, and I’m so grateful to share it with others.

Constance: That’s so beautiful, Ally. Thank you for sharing your journey and for being such an integral part of our community.

Ally: Thank you, Constance. I’m honored to be here and to share this practice with everyone.