Meet Bek: A passionate yoga teacher at Central West End Yoga, Bek's journey into yoga mirrors many others: starting with online practices that blossomed into a love for the community and the transformative potential of yoga at a studio. After a personal turning point during a challenging period, Bek dove deeper into yoga, eventually transitioning from student to teacher. Now, she's an integral part of the team at Central West End Yoga, where her authenticity and commitment to mindful teaching shine. With an eye for energy and environment, Bek shares her wisdom on what makes a studio and teacher stand out, her experience with YogaHour teacher training, and how she integrates her personal journey into her practice.

Constance:
I’m so grateful for your time today, Bek, and for all the energy you’ve brought to Central West End Yoga so far. We’ve known each other since last year when we were both in YogaHour teacher training. It’s such a beautiful lineage to carry forward in the studio, I’m excited for YogaHour to have a presence here. So, first off, I want to hear about how your yoga journey began and what inspired you to become a teacher.

Bek:
Sure! I think like many people, I started with online yoga before I found a studio. I couldn’t afford classes at the time, so I began with Yoga With Adriene. During COVID, I went through a really difficult time, as many did. It was a time of rediscovery for me. After a while, we went to the East Coast to help my husband's family after his father passed away. With no TV or Internet—just our phones and each other—it was a very isolating period. I started streaming Adriene’s classes on my phone, and once I returned home, I promised myself I’d look for a studio.

I tried a few places around town, and one studio really stood out. The community felt so right, and the teachers were incredibly uplifting. That’s where someone first said to me, “Your practice is strong, have you thought about teaching?” That was the spark, and it was a pivotal moment for me.

Constance:
I can relate to that moment—when someone sees potential in you that you didn’t know was there. It’s such an empowering feeling. So, you were living in St. Louis at the time, right?

Bek:
Yes, this was around 2018-2019. By 2020, I found a studio I considered ‘my studio’, however, that studio closed in 2022, which led me to search for a new place. It wasn’t easy, and not every studio felt like the right fit. But I followed Erin Schulte, one of the teachers I really admire, wherever she went. 

Constance:
You’ve always had a great sense of quality teachers and spaces. What do you look for in a yoga studio and a teacher?

Bek:
I’m very particular about the energy of a space. I love spaces that are thoughtfully designed—nothing too cluttered, minimal and clean with intentionality. I have ADD, so I need an environment that helps me focus, not distract me.

But it’s more than just the physical space—it’s about the atmosphere. I want to feel like I can be my authentic self, without judgment, and to feel safe. When it comes to teachers, I resonate with those who are genuinely themselves. It’s not just what they say, but how they say it, and how they engage with the room. Erin, for example, doesn’t just use a quote or theme before class; she genuinely connects with people, making them feel seen and heard. I think that’s what builds a true yoga community. It’s okay to be human—if you’re having a bad day, just say it. That honesty makes a huge difference.

Constance:
Exactly. Teaching yoga is teaching the human experience. If you show up as you are, it makes the practice more accessible for everyone. As we mentioned, you completed your YogaHour teacher training. What aspects of this style resonate most with you, and how do you see it benefiting your students?

Bek:
I love the structure of YogaHour—it provides a framework, but there’s room for flexibility. I’m also a big fan of vinyasa, but what really resonates with me about YogaHour is that you can make the class your own. The focus is on safety and intention, ensuring that the poses feel right for your body, not just focusing on how they look.

YogaHour really emphasizes intentional movement, which aligns with my own practice. Darren’s teaching style, in particular, is a great example of how to offer variations and make space for everyone to find what works for them. In my own classes, I try to offer that same flexibility—it's not about rigidly following rules, but understanding them and knowing when to adapt.

Constance:
That’s why I love Darren too. He’s not trying to be a guru; he’s just being himself, and that authenticity is what draws people in. It’s an approach that evolves with you. Yoga, at its core, is a living practice—never static.

Bek:
Exactly. YogaHour really honors that fluidity. It’s about evolving with your practice, no matter where you are in life. That’s what I want to offer to my students—a space where they can feel free to explore and adjust the practice to suit their own needs.

Constance:
You’ve also been deeply involved in community activism. Can you share a bit about that and how it connects with your yoga teaching?

Bek:
Absolutely. I worked on the board of SASA (St. Louis Against Sexual Assault) and we partnered Safebar Network, a group focused on training bar and restaurant staff to prevent abuse and harassment. We helped them update their curriculum and got certified to train staff in both front and back-of-house positions. It’s all about being an active bystander—if you see something, say something. We also created posters with messages like “Alcohol does not equal consent,” so people had resources and knew who to turn to for help. Although I’m no longer as involved, it’s a cause that’s still ongoing and making a difference in St. Louis.

Constance:
That’s incredibly powerful work. How does this community involvement influence your teaching philosophy?

Bek:
It definitely shapes my approach. As a survivor myself, I have a heightened awareness of body language and subtle cues that indicate trauma. For example, mirrors in yoga studios can be really triggering for survivors because it feels like they’re constantly being watched. When I teach, I aim to create a space where people feel at ease—like they’re in their own living room. I also pay attention to the language I use. The words we choose matter—they set the tone for the entire class, and for people who have experienced trauma, this is even more crucial.

Constance:
It sounds like you’ve really cultivated a trauma-informed teaching approach. How do you integrate this into your classes?

Bek:
One of the biggest things I focus on is creating an environment where people feel safe and comfortable. This includes paying attention to lighting. Harsh, bright lights can be overwhelming, so I keep mine soft and ambient. The atmosphere matters, and I try to find that balance between too much light and too much darkness.

When it comes to cues, I’ve learned to soften my approach. I still lead with authority, but I aim to communicate in a more welcoming and calming way. I offer variations for poses, allowing students to choose what feels best for them. It’s about giving permission—honoring what your body needs instead of forcing yourself into a pose.

Constance:
That’s such a thoughtful and compassionate approach. Do you find that people appreciate this in your classes?

Bek:
I hope so! My goal is always to create a space where people can show up as their true selves, without judgment, and feel at home in their own skin. Whether someone is new to yoga or has been practicing for years, I want them to leave feeling like they’ve connected to something deeper. If I can help someone feel at peace with themselves, I’ve done my job.

Constance:
And finally, what’s your favorite thing about teaching yoga?

Bek:
It’s the personal connection. When I see someone truly connect to the practice—whether it’s a deep breath, a moment of clarity, or releasing something they’ve been holding onto—that’s the most fulfilling part. It’s not about perfect poses; it’s about the inner shift. If I can help someone experience that moment of peace, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. Teaching yoga is about creating space for transformation—big or small. That’s why I teach.